EN 13451-1:2020+A1:2024

Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in pools for public use

This document specifies general safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in swimming pools for public use as classified in EN 15288-1 and EN 15288-2.
Where specific standards exist, this general standard is not expected to be used alone.
Special care is expected to be taken in applying this general standard alone to equipment for which no product specific standard has yet been published.

Schwimmbadgeräte - Teil 1: Allgemeine sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für in öffentlichen Schwimmbädern installierte Schwimmbadgeräte

Dieses Dokument legt allgemeine sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für Geräte fest, die in nach EN 15288 1 und EN 15288 2 klassifizierten öffentlich genutzten Schwimmbädern aufgestellt werden.
Wenn besondere Normen vorhanden sind, wird nicht erwartet, dass diese allgemeine Norm allein verwendet wird.
Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wird erwartet, wenn allein diese allgemeine Norm auf Geräte angewendet wird, für die noch keine produktspezifische Norm veröffentlicht wurde.

Équipement de piscine - Partie 1 : Exigences générales de sécurité et méthodes d’essai pour les équipements installés dans des piscines à usage public

Le présent document spécifie des exigences générales de sécurité et méthodes d’essai pour les équipements installés dans des piscines à usage public telles que classifiées dans l’EN 15288-1 et l’EN 15288-2.
Lorsqu’il existe des normes spécifiques, la présente norme générale ne doit pas être utilisée seule.
Il convient de prendre les précautions nécessaires lors de l’application de la présente norme générale seule pour les équipements pour lesquels aucune norme spécifique à ces produits n’a encore été publiée.

Oprema za plavalne bazene - 1. del: Splošne varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode za opremo, vgrajeno v javne plavalne bazene

Ta dokument določa splošne varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode za opremo, vgrajeno v javne plavalne bazene, v skladu z razvrstitvijo v standardih EN 15288-1 in EN 15288-2.
Ta splošni standard naj se ne bi uporabljal samostojno, kadar obstajajo posebni standardi.
Kadar se ta splošni standard uporablja samostojno za opremo, za katero še ni objavljen standard za izdelek, se pričakuje posebna previdnost.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Aug-2024
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 136 - Sports, playground and other recreational equipment
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 136/WG 8 - Swimming pool equipment
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 14-Aug-2024
• Due Date: 11-Feb-2025
• Completion Date: 14-Aug-2024
• Ref Project: SIST EN 13451-1:2021+A1:2024 - Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in pools for public use

Relations

• Merged From: EN 13451-1:2020/FprA1 - Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in pools for public use
• Effective Date: 26-Jun-2024
• Merged From: EN 13451-1:2020 - Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in pools for public use
• Effective Date: 26-Jun-2024

Overview

EN 13451-1:2020+A1:2024 - published by CEN - is the European general standard for safety requirements and test methods for swimming pool equipment installed in pools for public use (as classified in EN 15288‑1 and EN 15288‑2). It defines general design, material, testing and information obligations for items in and around pool basins. Where product‑specific standards exist (Parts 2–11 of EN 13451), this general standard is not intended to be used alone.

Key Topics

• Scope and definitions - what constitutes “swimming pool equipment” for public pools.
• Structural integrity - design principles, load considerations and verification methods (calculation and physical testing) to ensure durable, safe structures.
• Material selection - corrosion and durability considerations; alignment with Eurocode principles for steel.
• Handrails, barriers and safety barriers - dimensional, strength and grip/ grasp requirements.
• Entrapment, crushing and shearing - limits, permissible openings and test methods to prevent head/limb/hair entrapment.
• Protrusions, edges and corners - requirements to reduce risk of impact and snagging.
• Surfaces and slip resistance - surface finish, materials and slip resistance considerations for wet areas.
• Fittings and removable protection devices - secure installation, retention and safety of ancillary components.
• Test methods and reporting - procedures for structural and safety testing, pass/fail criteria and test report content.
• Instruction, maintenance and marking - installation, operation, inspection guidance and marking requirements for safe use.

Practical applications and who uses it

This standard is a practical reference for:

• Manufacturers of ladders, inlets/outlets, starting platforms, diving equipment, moveable floors, pool fittings and other pool items to demonstrate compliance with European safety expectations.
• Designers and structural engineers specifying load cases, materials and anchorings in accordance with Eurocode references cited in the standard.
• Pool operators, facility managers and safety inspectors for evaluating installed equipment, planning maintenance and ensuring safe public operation.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting the normative tests described in the annexes and issuing conformity reports.
• Architects and specifiers integrating compliant equipment into public pool projects.

Related standards

• EN 15288‑1 / EN 15288‑2 (classification and safety of public pools)
• EN 13451 series (Parts 2,3,4,5,6,7,10,11) - product‑specific safety requirements
• Eurocodes (EN 1990, EN 1991, EN 1993), ISO 12100 and other normative references cited in the standard.

EN 13451‑1:2020+A1:2024 is essential for ensuring safe, durable and testable pool equipment in public aquatic facilities - use it alongside product‑specific EN parts and national implementation rules.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2024
Oprema za plavalne bazene - 1. del: Splošne varnostne zahteve in preskusne
metode za opremo, vgrajeno v javne plavalne bazene
Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for
equipment installed in pools for public use
Schwimmbadgeräte - Teil 1: Allgemeine sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und
Prüfverfahren für in öffentlichen Schwimmbädern installierte Schwimmbadgeräte
Équipement de piscine - Partie 1 : Exigences générales de sécurité et méthodes d’essai
pour les équipements installés dans des piscines à usage public
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13451-1:2020+A1:2024
ICS:
97.220.10 Športni objekti Sports facilities
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13451-1:2020+A1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2024
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.220.10 Supersedes EN 13451-1:2020
English Version
Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety
requirements and test methods for equipment installed in
pools for public use
Équipement de piscine - Partie 1 : Exigences générales Schwimmbadgeräte - Teil 1: Allgemeine
de sécurité et méthodes d'essai pour les équipements sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und
installés dans des piscines à usage public Prüfverfahren für in öffentlichen Schwimmbädern
installierte Schwimmbadgeräte
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 September 2020 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 14 July
2024.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13451-1:2020+A1:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Safety requirements . 10
4.1 Structural integrity . 10
4.1.1 General. 10
4.1.2 Materials . 11
4.2 Minimum space . 11
4.3 Handrails, barriers, safety barriers . 11
4.3.1 Handrails. 11
4.3.2 Barriers . 11
4.3.3 Safety barriers . 12
4.3.4 Grip. 13
4.3.5 Grasp . 13
4.3.6 Finger hold . 13
4.4 Surfaces . 13
4.4.1 Surface finishing . 13
4.4.2 Surface materials . 13
4.5 Protrusions . 14
4.6 Edges and corners . 15
4.7 Entrapment, crushing and shearing points . 15
4.7.1 General. 15
4.7.2 Permissible openings . 15
4.7.3 Protections and grids . 15
4.7.4 Moving parts . 16
4.7.5 Slits . 16
4.7.6 Entrapment of hair . 16
4.8 Slip resistance . 16
4.9 Fittings . 17
4.10 Removable protection devices . 17
4.11 Alteration of existing equipment . 17
5 Test methods . 17
5.1 General. 17
5.2 Test report . 17
6 Instruction and information . 18
6.1 Installation . 18
6.2 Technical operation . 18
6.3 Inspection and maintenance. 18
7 Marking . 19
Annex A (normative) Loads . 20
A.1 General . 20
A.2 Permanent loads . 20
A.3 Variable loads . 20
A.4 Number of users on the equipment. 23
Annex B (normative) Method of calculation of structural integrity . 25
B.1 General principles . 25
B.2 Load combinations for static analysis . 26
Annex C (normative) Physical testing of structural integrity . 27
C.1 Pass/fail criteria . 27
C.2 Test load for equipment . 27
C.3 Load application . 28
Annex D (normative) Methods of test for entrapment . 29
D.1 Head and neck entrapment . 29
D.2 Finger and toe entrapment . 30
D.3 Foot and hand entrapment . 30
Bibliography . 33
European foreword
This document (EN 13451-1:2020+A1:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136
“Sports, playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by
DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2025, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by February 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes !EN 13451-1:2020".
This document includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 14 July 2024.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags !".
Compared to EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, the following changes have been made:
a) definition “swimming pool equipment” revised;
b) term “public use” added;
c) requirements for structural integrity specified;
d) material selection, in particular steel, aligned with EUROCODE and former Annex F deleted;
e) requirements for safety barriers revised;
f) requirements for protrusions and their test methods revised;
g) requirements for fittings specified;
!deleted text"
h) editorial revision of the standard.
EN 13451, Swimming pool equipment, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in pools for public use;
— Part 2: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for ladders, stepladders and handle
bends;
— Part 3: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for inlets and outlets and water/air
based water leisure features installed in pools for public use;
— Part 4: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for starting platforms;
— Part 5: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for lane lines and dividing line;
— Part 6: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for turning boards;
— Part 7: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for water polo goals;
— Part 10: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for diving platforms, diving
springboards and associated equipment;
— Part 11: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for moveable pool floors and
moveable bulkheads.
!Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website."
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Introduction
This document could also be applicable to other equipment installed in pools for public use not
specified in Parts 2 to 11, provided the safety requirements are fulfilled.
There can be additional requirements for purposes such as competition swimming and advice should
be sought from the governing body of the sport in question.
1 Scope
This document specifies general safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in
swimming pools for public use as classified in EN 15288-1 and EN 15288-2.
Where specific standards exist, this general standard is not expected to be used alone.
Special care is expected to be taken in applying this general standard alone to equipment for which no
product specific standard has yet been published.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1990, Eurocode — Basis of structural design
EN 1991-1-2, Eurocode 1: Actions on structures — Part 1-2: General actions — Actions on structures
exposed to fire
EN 1991-1-3, Eurocode 1 — Actions on structures — Part 1-3: General actions — Snow loads
EN 1991-1-4, Eurocode 1: Actions on structures — Part 1-4: General actions — Wind actions
EN 1991-1-5, Eurocode 1: Actions on structures — Part 1-5: General actions — Thermal actions
EN 1993-1-4, Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures — Part 1-4: General rules — Supplementary rules
for stainless steels
EN 15288-1:2018, Swimming pools for public use — Part 1: Safety requirements for design
!EN 16165:2021, Determination of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces — Methods of evaluation"
EN ISO 12100, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
(ISO 12100)
ISO 5725-2, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 2: Basic
method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard measurement method
ISO 5725-5, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 5: Alternative
methods for the determination of the precision of a standard measurement method
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15288-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
swimming pool equipment
item in and/or around a pool basin, accessible by users of the swimming pool, designated:
— to operate the pool basin and its functionally adjoining areas; and/or
— to use the pool basin and its functionally adjoining areas
Note 1 to entry: These items can be part of the swimming pool technology (e.g. water inlets or outlets), to assist
the users (e.g. ladders), or for competitive and training use (e.g. starting platforms), or for leisure (e.g. fountains).
3.2
crushing hazard
place where parts of the equipment can move against each other, or against a fixed area so that persons,
or parts of their body, can be crushed
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.11]
3.3
shearing point
place where part of the equipment can move past a fixed or other moving part, or past a fixed area so
that persons, or parts of their body, can be cut
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.12]
3.4
grip
holding of the hand round the entire circumference of a support
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1.

Figure 1 — Grip
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.16]
3.5
grasp
holding of the hand round part of the circumference of a support
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

Figure 2 — Grasp
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.17]
3.6
finger hold
holding which is found with hand, at least with the finger head by hooking in
3.7
entrapment
hazard presented by the situation in which a body, or part of a body, the hair or clothing can become
trapped
Note 1 to entry: Entrapment hazard can arise from situations where the body, its parts, etc. get trapped, but also
from situations where the body of the user has no complete freedom to emerge from the water, e.g. when
swimming underneath a stepladder.
3.8
edge
line being formed by two surfaces of something solid which meet one another
3.9
corner
point being formed by two or more edges which meet one another
3.10
minimum space
smallest space required for the safe installation and use of the equipment
3.11
minimum zone for use
minimum space required for anyone who could come into contact with equipment
3.12
protrusion
object, or a portion of an object, that stands or protrudes in/into the minimum zone for use
Note 1 to entry: A protrusion typically has a width of < 200 mm and height of < 75 mm.
3.13
handrail
rail intended to assist the user to balance
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.22]
3.14
barrier
means of segregation to prevent movement or access
3.15
safety barrier
barrier designed to prevent users from falling over, through or beneath
3.16
slit
small longitudinal opening with a width < 8 mm
3.17
grid
component to cover an overflow channel or an opening, designed to allow the passage of water
3.18
public use
use of an installation open to everyone or to a defined group of users, not designated solely for the
owner's/proprietor's/operator's family and guests independently from paying an entrance fee
[SOURCE: EN 15288-1:2018, 3.5]
4 Safety requirements
4.1 Structural integrity
4.1.1 General
Structural integrity, including stability, of the equipment shall be assessed for the reasonably
foreseeable types of load they may be subjected to by one of the following:
a) calculation, carried out in accordance with Annex A and Annex B;
b) physical testing, in accordance with Annex C; or
c) a combination of a) and b).
When calculations are carried out in accordance with Annex B, limit states as defined in B.1 shall not be
exceeded at combinations of loads as given in B.2.
Each structure shall resist both the permanent and variable loads acting on equipment and parts of
equipment.
No allowance for accidental loads, i.e. loads produced by fire, collision by vehicles or earthquake has to
be made for swimming pool equipment.
The loads associated with fatigue are much smaller than the loads in combination with the appropriate
load factors when calculated according to B.2. Therefore, swimming pool equipment need not be
verified for fatigue.
Structural parts shall resist the worst case loading condition.
Equipment or piece of equipment made by components shall be safe in any working position.
4.1.2 Materials
4.1.2.1 General
Any material may be used provided it is fit for purpose, also considering the particular characteristics of
the swimming pool environment (e.g. oxidizing atmosphere, humidity, ageing).
Where stainless steel is used, see 4.1.2.2, and where plastic material is used, see 4.1.2.3.
When required, risk assessment shall be developed according to EN ISO 12100.
4.1.2.2 Use of stainless steel
For the selection and use of stainless steel with safety critical load bearing function in the swimming
pool atmosphere, EN 1993-1-4 applies.
The coating of stainless steel surfaces is not sufficient protection against corrosion and never justifies
the selection of a less corrosion-proof material.
4.1.2.3 Use of plastic
Wherever the risk assessment identifies possible hazards for users in case of progressive degradation of
plastic components, appropriate actions shall be taken (e.g. stating a maximum life span, necessity of
periodical inspection).
Wherever the design risk assessment identifies the possibility of fracture or failure due to degradation,
the component shall be subject to continuing risk assessment.
NOTE For a possible ageing test see NF T54-405.
4.2 Minimum space
The manufacturer/supplier shall indicate the minimum space needed for the installation, operation and
use of their equipment.
4.3 Handrails, barriers, safety barriers
4.3.1 Handrails
Handrails for general use shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 100 mm above the foot
position. Handrails designed for children only shall be not less than 600 mm and not more than 850 mm
above the foot position.
4.3.2 Barriers
The design of the barriers shall not encourage the users to stand or sit on them and shall prevent
climbing.
Barriers may be in form of gratings, full faced panels or walls.
The design should consider the visual needs connected with the use of the facility.
4.3.3 Safety barriers
The design of safety barriers shall not encourage the users to stand or sit on them and shall prevent
climbing.
Safety barriers may be in form of gratings, full faced panels or walls.
The design should consider the visual needs connected with the use of the facility.
Safety barriers shall be used to prevent users from falling from heights > 600 mm, except in situations
where a risk assessment shows that a safety barrier is not necessary.
Gaps shall have a width ≤ 110 mm and shall be designed to avoid entrapment (see 4.7.2). Where two or
more safety barriers are used in combination (e.g. ladder, stair and platform) the safety barrier shall be
designed to give continuous protection.
Safety barriers shall have a height ≥ 1 000 mm, measured from the highest point on which a person can
stand within 1 000 mm from the barriers themselves, see Figure 3.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 highest standing point
2 platform
3 safety barrier within 1 000 mm from a higher standpoint
4 safety barrier outside 1 000 mm from a higher standpoint
3, 4 different possibilities for placing barriers
X height of highest point on which a person can stand
Figure 3 — Height of the safety barriers
4.3.4 Grip
The cross section of any component designed to be gripped shall have in any direction, when measured
across its centre, a dimension not less than 16 mm and not more than 50 mm.
4.3.5 Grasp
The thickness of any component designed to be grasped shall have a width not exceeding 60 mm.
4.3.6 Finger hold
The minimum space for clutching shall be at least 15 mm high and at least 20 mm wide. For an example,
see Figure 4.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 4 — Finger hold
4.4 Surfaces
4.4.1 Surface finishing
The surface finishing in the minimum zone for use shall not present any risk of injury. Special attention
shall be paid to:
— the finishing of welds;
— the risk of splintering.
4.4.2 Surface materials
The materials in contact with the water shall have no detrimental effect on its quality and shall be fit for
purpose.
4.5 Protrusions
NOTE Protrusions are a hazard of impac
...