SIST EN 13451-1:2021/oprA1:2023

Overview

SIST EN 13451-1:2021/oprA1:2023 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies general safety requirements and test methods for swimming pool equipment installed in pools designated for public use. This standard applies to equipment classified under EN 15288-1 and EN 15288-2, focusing on ensuring user safety and reliable operation in public swimming environments. It provides guidance on minimum safety standards that manufacturers, pool operators, and installers must follow to maintain safe and compliant pool facilities.

This amendment (FprA1) updates previous clauses especially regarding slip resistance testing and removes outdated test procedures such as the Barefoot Ramp Test. Being a general standard, it supports but does not replace product-specific standards where they exist.

Key Topics

• Scope of Equipment Covered
  EN 13451-1 addresses a wide variety of swimming pool equipment for public pools including ladders, handrails, starting blocks, and other embedded or installed devices used within or around pool waters. Special attention is given to equipment surfaces where users stand or walk barefoot.

• General Safety Requirements
  The standard ensures structural safety, resistance to corrosion, and durability to provide long-term secure use in wet environments. Equipment must be designed and tested to minimize hazards such as slips, falls, or entrapment.

• Slip Resistance Testing
  A notable update introduced in this amendment references EN 16165:2021 for determining slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces. Equipment surfaces that users touch barefoot must meet specific angle requirements to ensure traction:

  • Horizontal surfaces 800-1350 mm below water: angle between 12° and 18°
  • Horizontal surfaces 0-800 mm below water: angle between 18° and 24°
  • Inclined or steps: angles of 24° or higher
    These requirements help prevent slip-related accidents in wet, poolside environments.

• Test Methods
  The standard specifies standardized testing procedures to verify compliance with safety parameters. It removes old test methods like the Barefoot Ramp Test and replaces them with modern, validated techniques, ensuring consistent and repeatable evaluation results.

Applications

SIST EN 13451-1:2021/oprA1:2023 is critical for:

• Pool Equipment Manufacturers who develop swimming pool ladders, diving boards, handrails, and other installed devices, ensuring their products meet safety expectations for public use.
• Public Pool Operators and Maintainers who must verify that installed equipment complies with current safety standards to protect users and avoid liability.
• Safety Auditors and Inspectors performing compliance checks on public swimming facilities to assess equipment conditions according to harmonized European benchmarks.
• Design Engineers integrating safe and certified equipment into new or renovated public pool projects.

This standard enhances user safety by mandating specific safety design features and reliable test methods for equipment installed inside public pools, thereby reducing accidents and promoting confidence in aquatic recreational facilities.

Related Standards

• EN 15288-1 and EN 15288-2 - Classify swimming pools and aquatic facilities for intended use, forming the context for equipment covered by EN 13451-1.
• EN 16165:2021 - Specifies methods for determining the slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, now referenced as the accepted test method for pool equipment surfaces in this amendment.
• Product-Specific Standards (EN 13451 series) - Further parts of the EN 13451 standard cover specific equipment types; where applicable, these take precedence over general provisions in part 1.
• Local and National Safety Regulations - Pool operators must also comply with country-specific safety codes in conjunction with EN standards to meet legislative requirements.

Using SIST EN 13451-1:2021/oprA1:2023 along with related standards ensures a comprehensive approach to swimming pool equipment safety, providing a framework that supports safe recreational water environments across Europe and beyond.