Abstract

This document is applicable to all water slides installed at open water areas for public use or in swimming pools for public use.
This document specifies general safety requirements for water slides installed at open water areas for public use or in swimming pools for public use and specific requirements for defined types of water slides. These specific safety requirements are also applicable to undefined types as far as possible.
These requirements concern safety and the technical rules for design, calculation and testing.

Status
Published
Publication Date
28-Jul-2026
Current Stage
6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
Start Date
29-Jul-2026
Due Date
28-Sep-2026
Completion Date
29-Jul-2026

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EN 1069-1:2026 is a CEN standard for water slides installed in open water areas or swimming pools for public use. It specifies general safety requirements, specific requirements for defined water slide types, and the test methods used to check them. It is written for designers, manufacturers, installers, operators, testers, and others who need to assess whether a water slide is safe to build and use.

What does EN 1069-1:2026 specify?

EN 1069-1:2026 applies to water slides for public use in open water areas and swimming pools. It sets safety requirements and technical rules for design, calculation, and testing, and it also extends type-specific safety provisions to undefined types where that is reasonably possible.

The document is organized into 10 clauses and 4 annexes. Clauses 4 to 10 cover classification, materials and construction, design analysis, safety requirements, additional requirements by type, check and test runs, and designation and marking.

AnnexWhat it covers
Annex ASplashdown areas and their dimensions
Annex BUse of stainless steels for water slides
Annex CDesign loads, accesses, and platforms
Annex DAcceleration and speed measurements

What are the key requirements of EN 1069-1:2026?

EN 1069-1:2026 combines geometry, structural design, user safety, and verification rules. In practice, it tells a designer or operator what type of slide they have, how to size and support it, how to control landing and access risks, and what to prove by test.

Classification and special elements

Clause 4 classifies water slides into Types 1 to 7 and also identifies special elements: bowl, lateral oscillation element, uphill element, and wild river. The classification matters because later safety and dimensional requirements depend on the type, especially for slide width, curvature, maximum speed, and landing arrangements.

Materials and construction

Clause 5 requires materials and finishes to suit the intended use, the environment, and high humidity or corrosive conditions. It also requires materials to avoid promoting bacterial growth and limits certain hazardous substances, which matters when selecting plastics, coatings, or metals for wet public facilities.

For safety-critical building materials, Clause 5 points to inspection documentation, and welders must be qualified according to EN ISO 9606-1. The designer must also specify protection or inspection frequency, because corrosion control is part of the slide’s safety case, not just maintenance.

Design analysis and structural loads

Clause 6 treats water slides as structures and requires a preliminary risk analysis at design stage for every slide. That risk analysis has to consider the user group, the setting, and risks such as ejection, impact, falls, entrapment, interference between users, and hazards in the landing area.

The structural analysis uses Eurocode principles and load combinations for self-weight, water load, user load, snow, wind, temperature, impacts, and stabilization actions. This matters in practice because the slide, supports, accesses, and platforms must be designed not only for use loads but also for the environmental and operational loads that affect safety over time.

Accesses, platforms, and fall protection

Clause 7 gives detailed requirements for access routes, stairs, stepladders, platforms, handrails, barriers, slip resistance, and protection against falling. For example, platforms need barriers, access should prevent unintended entry when the slide is not operating, and the slide start area must be arranged so users are not forced forward by people coming from behind.

These provisions matter because many accidents happen before a rider even reaches the slide proper. The clause also controls surface quality, edges, entrapping openings, and start-section layout so that the user stays contained and does not hit exposed parts.

Slide path, landing, and splashdown

Clause 7 also controls the slide proper, the final part, and the landing area. The sliding path must limit instability, turning, tipping, lateral oscillation, and ejection, and acceleration on the rider has to stay within defined limits.

Landing can be by catch unit, sofa unit, surf landing, or splashdown area, depending on the slide type and speed. This matters because landing is one of the main injury points: the slide must slow the rider safely, leave enough water depth or clearance, and prevent collisions with pool walls, obstacles, or other users.

Water supply and user separation

Clause 7.12 requires the water flow rate to be defined at commissioning and protected against unauthorized interference. For some slide types, the preliminary risk analysis determines whether flow monitoring and an alarm are needed.

Clauses 7.13 and 7.14 require the slide to be arranged so users do not interfere with one another or with non-users. In practice, this means spacing, access control, and clearance zones must be designed into the facility, not left to operating rules alone.

Check, test runs, and marking

Clause 9 requires technical and physical checks, and for Types 3 to 7 and special elements it requires a practical test by at least 3 slide testers under supervision. When accelerations or speeds cannot be calculated with enough certainty, measurements are taken using Annex D or an equivalent method.

Clause 10 requires a designation system and marking on the installed slide. That helps operators identify the slide type and gives users and inspectors a visible reference for the installed equipment.

What terms does EN 1069-1:2026 define?

  • Water slide - Equipment or an installation with a sliding surface on which the user moves with water as the friction- and/or speed-reducing medium.
  • Public use - Use open to everyone or to a defined user group, not limited to the owner’s family and guests.
  • Slide proper - The part intended for sliding, distinct from the access, start, and landing areas.
  • Final part - The part of the slide proper that prepares the user for landing.
  • Catch unit - An integral part that brings the rider to a halt in the sliding position.
  • Sofa unit - An integral part that slows the rider and moves them sideways out of the path of following users.
  • Splashdown area - A pool or part of a pool where the user lands from the slide and is stopped in the water.
  • Clearance zone - Controlled space around the user on the slide proper and final part designed to prevent impact with obstacles.

Who uses EN 1069-1:2026?

EN 1069-1:2026 is used by slide designers, manufacturers, installers, operators, slide testers, and inspection bodies. It is also relevant for swimming pool owners, facility managers, and buyers who need to define or review a slide project.

In practice, designers use it for layout, loads, and risk assessment; manufacturers use it for materials, fabrication, and marking; operators use it for commissioning, inspection, and flow control; and testers use it for practical checks and test reports. It is especially relevant in public swimming pools and open-water leisure facilities where user safety depends on both the structure and the way it is operated.

What changed in EN 1069-1:2026 from the previous edition?

EN 1069-1:2026 supersedes EN 1069-1:2017+A1:2019. The stated technical changes are:

  • The scope was extended to include open water areas for public use.
  • Clause 2 on normative references was revised.
  • Clause 3 on terms and definitions was revised.
  • Clause 4 on classification was revised, with deletion of Type 2.2 and Types 8, 9, and 10, and addition of special elements.
  • Protection against falling was revised and made applicable to all types.
  • Landing device and landing area requirements were revised and reorganized.
  • Splashdown area requirements were moved and revised.
  • Clause 8 on additional safety requirements was revised, including updated dimensional requirements and figures.
  • Editorial changes were made throughout the document.

Which standards are used with EN 1069-1:2026?

ReferenceWhat it contributes
prEN 1069-2:2025Instructions for water slides, including information and documentation requirements
EN 1990Basis for structural and geotechnical design
EN 1991-1-1Imposed loads and self-weight for structures
EN 1991-1-3:2025Snow loads
EN 1991-1-4Wind actions
EN 10088-1List of stainless steels
EN 10088-2Technical delivery conditions for stainless steel sheet, plate, and strip
EN 10204:2004Types of inspection documents for safety-critical materials
EN 13451-1:2020+A1:2024General safety requirements and test methods for pool equipment
EN 13451-2Safety requirements for ladders, stepladders, and handle bends
EN 13451-3Safety requirements for inlets, outlets, and water/air-based leisure features
EN 15288-1:2018+A1:2024Safety requirements for design of public swimming pools
EN 15288-2Safety requirements for operation of public swimming pools
EN 22768-1General tolerances for linear and angular dimensions
EN ISO 9606-1Qualification testing of welders for fusion welding
EN ISO/IEC 17025Competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories

What does the EN 1069-1:2026 document contain?

EN 1069-1:2026 contains classification tables, dimensional rules, structural load rules, and type-specific safety provisions. It also includes normative annexes with splashdown area layouts, stainless steel selection guidance, and design loads for accesses and platforms.

The document gives practical test methods for checking sliding behavior, acceleration, speed, and landing safety. It also includes a test-report structure, so results can be documented in a way that supports commissioning, inspection, and conformity assessment.

Relations

Effective Date
09-Jul-2024
Effective Date
07-Oct-2026
Effective Date
07-Oct-2026
Effective Date
07-Oct-2026
Effective Date
07-Oct-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026
Effective Date
05-Aug-2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 1069-1:2026 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Water slides - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods". This standard covers: This document is applicable to all water slides installed at open water areas for public use or in swimming pools for public use. This document specifies general safety requirements for water slides installed at open water areas for public use or in swimming pools for public use and specific requirements for defined types of water slides. These specific safety requirements are also applicable to undefined types as far as possible. These requirements concern safety and the technical rules for design, calculation and testing.

This document is applicable to all water slides installed at open water areas for public use or in swimming pools for public use. This document specifies general safety requirements for water slides installed at open water areas for public use or in swimming pools for public use and specific requirements for defined types of water slides. These specific safety requirements are also applicable to undefined types as far as possible. These requirements concern safety and the technical rules for design, calculation and testing.

EN 1069-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 1069-1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1069-1:2017+A1:2019, EN 1991-1-3:2025, EN 13451-2:2015+A1:2020, EN 1991-1-1:2025, EN 1991-1-4:2026, EN 13451-3:2011+A1:2013, EN 13451-3:2022, EN 13451-3:2011+A2:2014, EN 13451-3:2022+A1:2025, EN 13451-3:2011+A3:2016, EN 17232:2020, EN 13451-3:2011. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 1069-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
01-julij-2025
Vodni tobogani - 1. del: Varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode
Water slides - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods
Wasserrutschen - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Toboggans aquatiques - Partie 1 : Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 1069-1
ICS:
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 1069-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2025
ICS 97.220.40 Will supersede EN 1069-1:2017+A1:2019
English Version
Water slides - Part 1: Safety requirements and test
methods
Toboggans aquatiques - Partie 1 : Exigences de sécurité Wasserrutschen - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische
et méthodes d'essai Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 136.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIO N

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUN G

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 1069-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification. 11
4.1 Type 1 . 11
4.1.1 Type 1.1 . 11
4.1.2 Type 1.2 . 11
4.2 Type 2 . 11
4.2.1 Type 2.1 . 11
4.3 Type 3 . 11
4.4 Type 4 . 11
4.5 Type 5 . 12
4.6 Type 6 . 12
4.6.1 Type 6.1 . 12
4.6.2 Type 6.2 . 12
4.7 Type 7 . 12
4.8 Special elements . 12
4.8.1 Bowl . 12
4.8.2 Element that allows lateral oscillation . 12
4.8.3 Uphill element . 12
4.8.4 Wild river . 12
5 Materials and construction . 12
5.1 General. 12
5.2 Selection of materials . 13
5.3 Certificates . 13
5.4 Manufacturer and installer . 13
5.5 Durability . 13
5.6 Electrical installations . 13
6 Design . 13
6.1 Design guidelines . 13
6.2 Design analysis . 14
6.2.1 General. 14
6.2.2 Preliminary risk analysis . 14
6.2.3 Construction documents . 15
6.3 Static calculations . 15
6.3.1 General. 15
6.3.2 Actions in the slide area . 16
6.3.3 Actions on access, platforms and railings . 20
6.3.4 Combination of actions and verification . 20
7 Safety requirements for water slides . 20
7.1 General. 20
7.2 Entrapment . 21
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
7.3 Surfaces . 21
7.3.1 General . 21
7.3.2 Surface of the slide proper . 21
7.4 Corners and edges . 21
7.5 Access to water slides . 21
7.5.1 General . 21
7.5.2 Stairs. 21
7.5.3 Stepladders . 21
7.5.4 Platform . 22
7.5.5 Protection against falling . 22
7.5.6 Slip resistance . 23
7.6 Start section . 24
7.7 Slide proper . 24
7.7.1 General . 24
7.7.2 Sliding path . 24
7.7.3 Maximum acceleration on a sliding person . 24
7.8 Tubes and covered sections . 25
7.9 Final part . 25
7.10 Landing device/Landing area . 25
7.10.1 General . 25
7.10.2 Catch unit . 25
7.10.3 Sofa unit . 26
7.10.4 Surf landing area . 26
7.10.5 Splashdown areas . 26
7.11 Accessories . 27
7.11.1 Covers . 27
7.11.2 Ride enhancement devices . 27
7.11.3 Other constituent parts . 27
7.12 Water supply . 29
7.12.1 General . 29
7.12.2 Water flow rate . 29
7.13 Interference between users . 29
7.14 Interference between users and non-users . 29
8 Additional safety requirements for Types 1 to 7 and special elements . 30
8.1 Slide proper . 30
8.1.1 General . 30
8.1.2 Type 1. 30
8.1.3 Type 2. 30
8.1.4 Type 3. 31
8.1.5 Type 4. 31
8.1.6 Type 5. 32
8.1.7 Type 6. 33
8.1.8 Type 7. 34
8.1.9 Requirements for special elements . 34
8.2 Splashdown area . 35
8.2.1 General and specific pools . 35
8.2.2 Requirements for landing. 36
8.3 Clearance zones . 37
9 Check and test runs . 38
9.1 General . 38
9.2 Technical and physical checks . 38
9.3 Practical test . 38
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
9.3.1 General. 38
9.3.2 Slide tester . 39
9.3.3 Sliding conditions . 39
9.3.4 Acceleration and speed measurements . 39
9.4 Test report . 39
10 Designation and marking . 40
10.1 Designation . 40
10.2 Marking . 41
Annex A (normative) Splashdown areas . 42
Annex B (normative) Use of stainless steels for water slides . 48
B.1 General. 48
B.2 Indoor swimming pools with disinfection with chlorine . 48
B.2.1 General. 48
B.2.2 Materials without regular cleaning . 48
B.2.3 Materials with regular cleaning. 48
B.2.4 Outdoor swimming pools with disinfection with chlorine . 49
B.3 Coatings and paintings . 49
Annex C (normative) Design loads, accesses and platforms . 50
C.1 Vertical imposed loads . 50
C.2 Horizontal imposed loads . 50
C.3 Stiffness . 51
C.4 Stairs . 51
Annex D (informative) Acceleration and speed measurements . 53
D.1 Test devices . 53
D.1.1 General. 53
D.1.2 Acceleration measuring device . 53
D.1.3 Maximum speed measuring device . 53
D.2 Description of the acceleration test method . 53
Bibliography . 54
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 1069-1:2025) 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 document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 1069-1:2017+A1:2019.
prEN 1069-1:2025 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
EN 1069-1:2017+A1:2019:
a) change of scope: “to all water slides for public use installed at open water areas or in swimming
pools” →”open water areas” has been added to open the scope to other water facilities;
b) Clause 2 “Normative references” has been revised;
c) Clause 3 “Terms and definitions”, has been revised;
d) Clause 4, “Classification” has been revised:
deletion of Typ2 2.2 and Type 8, Type 9, Type 10, therefore a new 4.8 “Special elements” has been
added;
e) subclause 7.5.5, “Protection against falling” has been revised; now applicable to all Types;
f) subclause 7.9.2 ”Landing device/Landing area” moved to own subclause 7.10 and has been revised;
g) “Splashdown areas” moved to subclause 7.10.5;
h) Clause 8 “Additional safety requirements for Types 1 to 7 and special elements” has been revised:
table for dimensions and falling distance/water depth of Type 1 and Type 2, cross section of Type 6
has been added; Figure 14 has been revised; Figure 15 “Difference in height” has been deleted; new
Figure 15 “Clearance dimensions” has been added;
i) the document has been editorially revised.
EN 1069, Water slides, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods
— Part 2: Instructions
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
Introduction
The market for water slides is extremely wide and specific and still developing. It is impossible to define
an all-embracing safety specification, including dimensions and design requirements as required by a
standard, without limiting the design possibilities and preventing innovative and new but safe products.
This European Standard is intended to establish safety requirements and design guidance rules to serve
anyone involved with water slides, especially designers, manufacturers, operators and users, to ensure
safe and more efficient products. Its basic approach is the consciousness that the sliding action usually
implies for the users a higher risk level than using a pool. For certain aspects of design, manufacturing,
installation, operation and use only specific guidelines, without any technical specification, are given,
which should be taken into consideration and be fulfilled in order to ensure safety for operators and
users.
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document is applicable to all water slides for public use installed at open water areas or in swimming
pools.
This document specifies general safety requirements for water slides for public use installed at open
water areas or in swimming pools and specific requirements for defined types of water slides. These
specific safety requirements are also applicable to undefined types as far as possible.
These requirements concern safety and the technical rules for design, calculation and testing.
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.
prEN 1069-2:2025, Water slides — Part 2: Instructions
EN 1990, Eurocode — Basis of structural and geotechnical design
EN 1991-1-1, Eurocode 1 — Actions on structures — Part 1-1: Specific weight of materials, self-weight of
construction works and imposed loads for buildings
EN 1991-1-3:2025, 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 10088-1, Stainless steels — Part 1: List of stainless steels
EN 10088-2, Stainless steels — Part 2: Technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate and strip of corrosion
resisting steels for general purposes
EN 10204:2004, Metallic products — Types of inspection documents
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
EN 13451-2, Swimming pool equipment — Part 2: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods
for ladders, stepladders and handle bends
EN 13451-3, Swimming pool equipment — 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
EN 15288-1:2018+A1:2024, Swimming pools for public use — Part 1: Safety requirements for design
EN 15288-2, Swimming pools for public use — Part 2: Safety requirements for operation
EN 22768-1, General tolerances — Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without individual
tolerance indications (ISO 2768-1)
EN ISO 9606-1, Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding — Part 1: Steels (ISO 9606-1)
EN ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
(ISO/IEC 17025)
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
pool/swimming pool
facility, with one or more water areas, intended for swimming, leisure or other water-based physical
activities
[SOURCE: EN 15288-1:2018+A1:2024, 3.1]
3.2
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+A1:2024, 3.5]
Note 1 to entry: Pools serving houses rented for private use are not of public use.
3.3
water slide
piece of equipment or installation with a sliding surface on which the user slides with water as a friction-
and/or speed-reducing medium; the user slides freely or with the use of a ride enhancement device
Note 1 to entry: On some water slides the user can also be pushed e.g. by a water stream.
Note 2 to entry: For classification see Clause 4.
3.4
platform
area providing access to the start section
3.5
start section
area where the user enters the slide proper and takes the sliding position
3.6
slide proper
area intended for sliding
3.7
final part
part of the slide proper designed to prepare the user for landing
3.8
landing
conclusion of sliding action
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
Note 1 to entry: Types of conclusion can be fall, surf landing into water, being slowed down and stopped in a catch
unit or sofa.
3.9
surf landing
kind of landing which implies the action of being guided from the end of the final part, independently
from its design, to intentionally surf on the water surface of the pool as a design feature
3.10
catch unit
integral part of a water slide, which brings the rider to a halt in his sliding position
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1.
EXAMPLE
Key
1 water line
Figure 1 — Example of typical catch unit
3.11
sofa unit
integral part of a water slide, which slows down the rider on the sliding surface and moves him
additionally sideways out of the sliding path of the following users
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
EXAMPLE
Key
1 water line
Figure 2 — Example of typical sofa unit
3.12
splashdown area
specific pool or area which is part of a general purpose pool, in which the user lands from the end of the
slide, and is brought to a halt in the water
3.13
water level
defined operating water surface in the landing area
3.15
tube
closed section, not necessarily circular in cross section, of a water slide, with a fully utilisable sliding
surface
3.16
cover
device to enclose an open slide, not intended for sliding
3.17
riser
extension for the slide proper, intended for sliding
3.18
wave screen
device, placed within the clearance zone, to control spilling water
3.19
ride enhancement device
device to slide on or in, designed for a particular water slide
3.20
barrier
device to restrict users from falling over, under or through it
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
3.21
average inclination
inclination x in percent (%) calculated with the formula
xh× 100 / l
( )
where
h is the height between start section and beginning of final part, in metres;
l is the developed length of the slide proper excluding the final part, in metres.
3.22
clearance zone
controlled space around the user on the slide proper and on the final part, designed to prevent the impact
of the users with obstacles
4 Classification
4.1 Type 1
4.1.1 Type 1.1
Straight slides not exceeding 1 000 mm in height from start section to water level and with an average
inclination ≤ 70 %.
NOTE This slide is typically designed for small children.
4.1.2 Type 1.2
Straight slide with an average inclination of ≤ 70 % and a height of 1 000 mm < h ≤ 3 000 mm from start
section to water level.
NOTE This slide is typically designed for children.
4.2 Type 2
4.2.1 Type 2.1
Curved single-track slide with an average inclination of ≤ 70 % and a height of ≤ 3 000 mm from start
section to water level.
NOTE This slide is typically designed for children.
4.3 Type 3
Single-track slide, with an average inclination of maximum 13 %, excluding the final part. The maximum
speed of the users shall be ≤ 8 m/s.
NOTE The average speed of the users is usually ≤ 6 m/s.
4.4 Type 4
Speed single-track slide with an average inclination between 13 % and 20 %, excluding the final part. The
maximum speed of the users shall be ≤ 14 m/s.
NOTE The average speed of the users is usually ≤ 10 m/s.
=
oSIST prEN 1069-1:2025
prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
4.5 Type 5
High-speed single-track slide with an average inclination of at least 20 %, excluding the final part. The
maximum speed of the users may be > 14 m/s.
4.6 Type 6
4.6.1 Type 6.1
Multi-track slide with separate parallel tracks, with an average inclination of maximum 13 % excluding
the final part, one beside the other over the full length. The maximum speed of the users shall be ≤ 8 m/s.
NOTE The average speed of the users is usually ≤ 6 m/s.
4.6.2 Type 6.2
Multi-track slide with separate parallel tracks, with an average inclination of between 13 % and 30 %,
excluding the final part. The maximum speed of the users shall be ≤ 14 m/s.
NOTE The average speed of the users is usually ≤ 10 m/s.
4.7 Type 7
Wide straight slide with an average inclination of 35 %. The maximum speed of the users shall be ≤ 8 m/s.
4.8 Special elements
4.8.1 Bowl
Special element within a slide where the user exits from a slide of another type into a circular bowl and
descends in a spiral path, before either free falling through a hole at the bottom into the splashdown area
or entering an additional slide.
4.8.2 Element that allows lateral oscillation
A special element where the user exits from a slide of another type into a U-shaped part allowing free
transversal oscillating sliding in direction to the end of the element.
EXAMPLE A cone or a halfpipe.
4.8.3 Uphill element
A special element where the user slides upwards, sometimes with the help of jets or a specific device.
4.8.4 Wild river
A combination of slide elements with various cross sections where the user slides, floats or swims in a
volume of water. The slide can divide in multiple tracks of other types which can congregate to a single
track.
5 Materials and construction
5.1 General
Any material may be used for the construction of water slides, supports and ride enhancement devices,
provided that it fulfils the requirements of this standard.
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prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
5.2 Selection of materials
All materials and finishes used shall be:
a) suitable for the selected use, the respective surroundings and conditions;
b) able to withstand conditions of high humidity with occasional saturation and/or corrosiveness;
c) not encouraging the growth of bacteria.
The use of stressed stainless steel which could be subjected to stress corrosion shall be avoided, unless it
can be inspected and regularly cleaned. Where stainless steel is used, the grade used shall be in
accordance with Annex B.
The materials shall not contain substances which are assigned the following Risk-phrase at
concentrations exceeding 0,1 % (see Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008):
— N317 can cause an allergic skin reaction.
NOTE Specific national regulations can apply.
5.3 Certificates
Certificates for safety critical building materials (e.g. load bearing materials) shall comply at least with
EN 10204:2004, test report “Type 2.2”.
NOTE Specific national regulations can apply.
5.4 Manufacturer and installer
The manufacturer and the installer shall ensure that persons engaged in the construction and the
installation of the water slide are competent to carry out the work, and that welders are suitably qualified
and accepted according to EN ISO 9606-1. Any assembling, modification, adjustment or alteration of parts
shall only be done by persons with appropriate experience and skills.
5.5 Durability
The designer shall specify the method of protection or frequency of inspection. All components shall be
protected to minimize degradation caused by corrosion or rot by an approved method. The quality of
protection shall depend on the use of the components. Where hollow section structural steel is used,
internal corrosion shall be considered.
5.6 Electrical installations
The relevant national and European regulations for electrical installations in and at buildings (e.g.
swimming pool, swimming pool surround) apply.
NOTE See HD 60364-7-702.
6 Design
6.1 Design guidelines
The design of a water slide, as a standard model or a one-off installation conforming to the client’s
specifications, shall consider:
— EN 15288-1, especially the preliminary risk assessment, and EN 15288-2;
— the intended user group, e.g. children, adults, users with special requirements;
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prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
— ambient conditions, e.g. indoor, outdoor.
In the design document’s possible/allowed user groups, their characteristics and limits shall be indicated.
NOTE Various risks can be involved in using a water slide, e.g. ejection from the slide, impacts, falls, burns, or
entrapment. For guidance to a risk assessment, see EN 15288-2 and EN 1069-2.
6.2 Design analysis
6.2.1 General
Water slides shall be treated as structures, Type 1 and Type 2 water slides only when applicable.
Attention is drawn to the statutory requirements e.g. with regard to means of access and means of
support.
6.2.2 Preliminary risk analysis
A preliminary risk analysis shall be performed by the designer at the design stage for every water slide,
with the purpose of identifying possible hazards and hazardous situations that could occur by its use,
paying attention to the fact that the riding of water slides can be a vigorous physical activity and the risks
associated are greater than those usually encountered in a swimming pool. The preliminary risk analysis
shall consider different user groups (e.g. adults, children, people with reduced ability). The risk analysis
shall ensure the conformity of the design to this standard.
Some typical issues to be considered are:
— type of water slide;
— intended users;
— implementation of the slide into a new swimming pool complex;
— integration of the slide into an existing facility;
— distance control (e.g. interference between users);
— access control (e.g. interference between users and non-users);
— hazards related to the slide proper including those coming from possible vandalism especially parts
freely accessible;
— hazards related to the landing;
— risky behaviours of the users;
— surroundings;
— traffic to and from the slide;
— influence of the use of the water slide on the regular operation of the whole facility.
The risks shall be assessed against the safety of user groups, especially of those with special needs.
This assessment is even more important for water slides not yet classified in this standard and shall also
consider the specific safety requirements given in Clause 8, to comply with them as far as possible.
The results of the preliminary risk assessment shall be made available to the slide tester who will perform
the practical test, see 9.3.
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prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
NOTE Specific national regulation can apply.
6.2.3 Construction documents
The construction documents shall be provided to the customer. They shall contain all documents required
for the assessment of the stability and operational safety of the water slide. The requirements for
documentation given in prEN 1069-2:2025, Clause 6 shall be observed.
The construction documents for Type 3 to Type 7 and special elements shall include as a minimum:
— type of water slide;
— declaration of conformity to this European Standard for the construction;
— full design and fabrication drawings;
— statement about intended use;
— construction method statement;
— comprehensive stress and stability analysis as required by the Eurocodes;
— description of special features of the water slide;
— description and dimensions of any clearance zones;
— specification of all materials;
— specification of electrical installation;
— any restrictions related to the users.
NOTE Type 1 and Type 2 water slides can require a simplified documentation.
6.3 Static calculations
6.3.1 General
The structural analysis of the complete slide including the supports shall be performed using the safety
concept according to Eurocode EN 1990 and associated parts using the partial factor method according
to Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3 and the combination factors according to Table 4.
Table 1 — Partial factors for Ultimate Limit combinations
Permanent actions Variable actions
unfavourable favourable Leading variable action Accompanying action
γ = 1,35 γ = 1,00 γ = 1,50 γ = 1,50
G,i G,i Q,1 Q,i
Table 2 — Partial factors for serviceability combinations
Permanent actions Variable actions
unfavourable favourable Leading variable action Accompanying action
γ = 1,00 γ = 1,00 γ = 1,00 γ = 1,00
G,i G,i Q,1 Q,i
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prEN 1069-1:2025 (E)
Table 3 — Partial factors for combinations of accidental actions
Permanent actions Variable actions
unfavourable favourable Leading variable action Accompanying action
γG,i = 1,00 γG,i = 1,00 γQ,1 = 1,00 γQ,i = 1,00

Table 4 — Combination factors ψ , ψ and ψ
0 1 2
Action ψ ψ ψ
0 1 2
Snow loads
—  Sites located at altitude > 1 000 m a.s.L 0,35 0,25 0,1
—  Sites located at altitude < 1 000 m a.s.L 0,25 0,1 0
Wind loads 0,30 0,1 0
Temperature changes 0,30 0,25 0
NOTE In some European countries, a certificate on the correct construction of the water slide by an inspection
body can be required to certify that the entire construction of the water slide and the way it is erected complies
with all relevant standards and laws.
6.3.2 Actions in the slide area
6.3.2.1 Self-weight G
k
The self-weight of each part of the slide has to be determined by an expert using calculations or tests of
the material of each part.
The self-weight is a permanent action with the duration “permanent”.
6.3.2.2 Action of water Wa
k
To determine the load of the water, the real amount of water on the slide has to be calculated considering
cross-section and slope of the slide.
If the slide is combined from sections with different slopes, each section has to be calculated separately,
e.g. for sections with a slope of < 5 % and > 20 %. If users are able to dam up
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