SIST EN 15288-1:2019+A1:2024

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2024
Javni plavalni bazeni - 1. del: Varnostne zahteve za načrtovanje
Swimming pools for public use - Part 1: Safety requirements for design
Schwimmbäder für öffentliche Nutzung - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen an
Planung und Bau
Piscines à usage public - Partie 1 : Exigences de sécurité pour la conception
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15288-1:2018+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 15288-1:2018+A1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2024
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.220.10 Supersedes EN 15288-1:2018
English Version
Swimming pools for public use - Part 1: Safety
requirements for design
Piscines à usage public - Partie 1 : Exigences de Schwimmbäder für öffentliche Nutzung - Teil 1:
sécurité pour la conception Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen an Planung und
Bau
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 September 2018 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 15288-1:2018+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 Classification . 9
4.1 Swimming pool type 1 . 9
4.2 Swimming pool type 2 . 9
4.3 Swimming pool type 3 . 10
5 Safety related design factors and requirements . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Occupancy . 10
5.3 Layout . 11
5.4 Public-safety information systems . 11
5.5 Materials . 12
5.6 Safety of barefoot areas . 12
5.6.1 Finishes to wet areas. 12
5.6.2 Slip resistance . 12
5.7 General areas for bathers . 13
5.7.1 General . 13
5.7.2 Accessible pathways, floors . 13
5.7.3 Steps and ramps. 14
5.7.4 Emergency routes . 14
5.7.5 Walls, pillars and protruding structures . 14
5.7.6 Lighting, illumination and glare prevention . 15
5.7.7 Acoustic design of indoor pool buildings . 15
5.7.8 Pool hall heating and ventilation . 16
5.7.9 Heated surfaces . 17
5.8 Specific areas . 17
5.8.1 Pool surrounds . 17
5.8.2 Pool basin edge . 19
5.8.3 Pool basin . 19
5.9 Additional requirements for wave pools . 21
5.10 Pool covers . 22
5.11 First aid rooms . 22
5.12 Control points . 23
5.13 Storage rooms/areas for water treatment chemicals. 23
5.13.1 General . 23
5.13.2 Rooms for chlorination facilities using chlorine gas . 24
5.14 Plant rooms and related equipment . 24
5.14.1 General . 24
5.14.2 Filtration plant room and related equipment . 24
5.14.3 Disinfection and pH control plant room and related equipment . 25
5.14.4 Coagulation and Flocculation equipment . 25
6 Pool water distribution effectiveness . 26
Annex A (normative) Dye test . 27
A.1 General . 27
A.2 Chemicals for the dye test and dosing . 27
A.3 Preparation of the dye test . 27
A.4 Carrying out the dye test . 28
A.5 Dye test for pre-fabricated pools with integrated systems . 28
A.6 Verifying and documentation of the dye test. 28
Bibliography . 29
European foreword
This document (EN 15288-1:2018+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 15288-1:2018".
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 !".
In relation to EN 15288-1:2008+A1:2010 the following main amendments have been made:
a) introduction has been revised;
b) scope has been revised by excluding EN 16582 by noting, that National and/or local legislation and
instructions may apply;
c) normative references have been updated;
d) definition “indoor swimming pools” has been revised;
e) definition of private use has been deleted;
f) definition “ramp” has been added;
g) definition “therapeutic pool” has been revised;
h) definition “Finnish overflow” has been deleted;
i) definition “rest ledge” has been revised;
j) definition “bather” has been revised;
k) definition “bund” has been added;
l) definition “reverberation time” has been added;
m) definition “sound pressure level” has been added;
n) definition “freeboard” has been added;
o) classification Type 3 pools has been revised by excluding private use pools;
p) new clause “Occupancy” has been added;
q) water depth for the Depth indications where the pool floor profile changes abruptly has been
changed;
r) new clause “safety of barefoot” area has been added by adding requirements for the finish of the
wet area and the slip resistance;
s) requirements for steps and ramps have been revised;
t) requirements for lighting, illumination and glare prevention have been revised;
u) acoustic requirements have been revised;
v) recommendation for a certain number of means of access around the pool basin has been added;
w) additional requirements for wave pools have been added;
x) clause “Plant rooms and related equipment” has been revised;
y) new clause “Pool water distribution effectiveness” has been added to this standard and it has been
revised;
z) Annex A “Dye test” has been moved from EN 15288-2 to EN 15288-1 and it has also been revised;
aa) wording aligned with EN 15288-2;
bb) Bibliography has been updated.
This standard series EN 15288 “Swimming pools for public use” consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Safety requirements for design
— Part 2: Safety requirements for operation
!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
Design is a key factor for a safe swimming pool. All of those involved in designing new pools or
upgrading existing ones will need to give the highest priority to ensuring that they provide users and
staff with a safe facility. Four steps need to be developed in order to achieve this:
a) the layout of the pool hall (if any) and the pool basin (including its dimensions, profile and any
water features) should be designed to make the safe use and supervision of the pool achievable
without complex or costly management arrangements;
b) the layout of the ancillary areas, including changing areas, clothes storage, shower and toilet areas,
the plant room and chemical stores should be similarly designed for safe use;
c) the structural elements, materials, finishes and details, including the pool hall enclosure (if any),
pool basin and equipment and the way they are assembled should be the most appropriate to
achieving a safe-to-use physical environment;
d) relevant planning criteria for safe and functionally correct maintenance.
There are specific sources of information from which the technical design and planning standards
recommended in the design of swimming pools can be obtained. Those involved in the process of
specifying, designing and constructing pools should be familiar with these design and planning
standards and should ensure that they are given careful consideration in all pool projects.
It is also important to draw the attention of those involved in the design process to the implications of
their work for the pool operator. What might be thought of as a small change in the layout of the pool or
in the finishes specified could have a significant impact on the ability of the pool to be used safely. If that
change is ill-considered and creates a serious design flaw, the result might be an increase in accidents.
More likely, it will be an increase in the cost of operating the pool (perhaps through the employment of
additional staff) to compensate for the resulting problems.
One way of anticipating the management consequences of design decisions is to include a
qualified/competent pool operational person on the design team. This person should give advice and
guidance during the various development stages of the project.
This standard includes requirements, recommendations and notes. While compliance with
requirements is mandatory to fulfil this standard, recommendations indicate best practices and notes
give additional information and/or explanations.
1 Scope
This document specifies safety requirements relevant to certain aspects of the design and construction
of classified pools according to Clause 4. It is intended for those concerned with the design,
construction, planning and operation of classified swimming pools. It provides guidance about the risks
associated by identifying the design characteristics required for a safe environment.
The requirements of this document are applicable to all new classified pools and, as appropriate, to
specific refurbishments of classified existing pools.
This document has limited application to classified pools which consist of segregated areas of rivers,
lakes or the sea but this document should be followed where relevant.
National and/or local legislation may apply.
This document is not applicable to domestic swimming pools according to EN 16582 (all parts). Further
definitions of domestic swimming pools and/or use are given in EN 16582.
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 1838, Lighting applications — Emergency lighting
EN 12193, Light and lighting — Sports lighting
EN 13451-1, Swimming pool equipment — Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods
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 8: Additional specific safety requirements and test
methods for leisure water features
!EN 16165:2021, Determination of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces — Methods of evaluation"
EN ISO 7010, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs (ISO 7010)
HD 60364-7-702, Low-voltage electrical installations — Part 7-702: Requirements for special installations
or locations — Swimming pools and fountains
EN 60849, Sound systems for emergency purposes (IEC 60849)
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:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
pool/swimming pool
facility, with one or more water areas, intended for swimming, leisure or other water based physical
activities
3.2
indoor swimming pool
one or more constructed water areas for bathing enclosed in a building, covered by a roof (fixed or
moveable)
Note 1 to entry: A pool under a shelter is not considered an indoor swimming pool.
3.3
outdoor swimming pool
one or more constructed open-air water areas for bathing
3.4
ramp
inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of steps
3.5
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
3.6
therapeutic pool
one or more constructed water areas specifically designed to provide medical and physical care under
control of a competent person
Note 1 to entry: Pools designed for fitness and related activities are not considered therapeutic pools.
3.7
pool basin
water tank where water-related activities can take place
3.8
pool surround
walkable area around a pool basin, associated with the use of the pool basin itself
EXAMPLE Circulation areas, areas of entry and exit, etc.
Note 1 to entry: The walkable pool surround can include overflow grids.
3.9
deck level pool basin
pool basin with the water level at a similar level as the pool surround
3.10
built-in step/ladder
step/ladder which is integral to the pool basin construction
3.11
rest ledge
submerged step for users to rest on in standing position
3.12
control point
designated space or room placed at pool basin deck level or higher, designed to allow control of the
water leisure features and overview of water areas and pool surrounds
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the complexity, size, shape of pools and surrounding areas, there are more than
one control points necessary.
3.13
bather
barefoot person in a bathing costume, or in comparable conditions
3.14
bund
containment devices or structures designed to control spillages, permanent, portable or built into
equipment
EXAMPLES Drip trays, double-skinned tanks, etc.
3.15
reverberation time
RT
time, in seconds, that would be required for the sound pressure level to decrease by 60 dB after the
sound source has stopped
3.16
sound pressure level
SPL
technical value and logarithmic measure (dB) to describe the loudness of sound
3.17
freeboard
vertical distance between the water surface and the pool deck level
3.18
first aid
medical, organizational and supportive measures for sick or injured persons with simple means
including the emergency call
4 Classification
4.1 Swimming pool type 1
Pool where the water-related activities are the main business (e.g. communal pools, leisure pools,
water parks) and whose use is “public” according to 3.5.
4.2 Swimming pool type 2
Pool which is an additional service to the main business (e.g. hotel pools, campsite pools, club pools,
therapeutic pools, school pools) and whose use is “public” according to 3.5.
4.3 Swimming pool type 3
All pools of public use according to 3.5 except:
— pools type 1;
— pools type 2.
EXAMPLES Diving tower, military training pools, rescue training pools, scuba diving pools.
5 Safety related design factors and requirements
5.1 General
The requirements of Clause 5 refer to pools which are intended for public use within a classification
defined in Clause 4.
The optional application of requirements to specific types is explained in the related paragraphs. The
requirements apply as far as the selected items are present in the swimming pool.
As safe operation is influenced by safe design, the design shall take into account the facility’s use, the
activity, planned occupancy and its control. Where minimum requirements are given for different types,
the designer shall consider the kind of activity foreseen. If it is more similar to those of another type, it
should adhere to the strictest requirements.
As swimming and water-related activities carry an inherent risk (e.g. users have bare feet and wear only
bathing costumes), the need for specific design requirements shall always be considered.
Facilities designed to meet specific needs or programmes (e.g. competitions, special activities, events)
require special consideration.
Also at the design stage, the needs of the following shall be considered:
a) special users (e.g. with disabilities);
b) special installations (e.g. technologies to detect users in a potential risk of drowning, video
supervision of pool surrounds and/or other areas).
All electrical installations shall be designed and installed in accordance with HD 60364-7-702.
It may be necessary to tighten the construction tolerances of the structure and finishes within the pool
basin to meet the tolerances set out within this European Standard.
The requirements of standards for swimming pools for public use (e.g. EN 13451 (all parts), EN 1069,
etc.) and standards for products “chemicals used for treatment of swimming pool water” (e.g.
EN 15363) also apply.
5.2 Occupancy
The maximum occupancy rate at any one time shall be defined at the design stage taking into account:
a) the number of users in the water-related areas/activities, and
b) the number of users generated by other areas/activities.
In addition to considerations of physical safety, the relation between maximum design loading and the
capacity of the pool water treatment plant shall be considered. To ensure this maximum design loading
is not exceeded, a control mechanism should be provided, such as locker systems, bands, keys or
turnstiles including admission control at the point of entry to the pool facility.
5.3 Layout
The layout of a facility shall be considered in terms of the relationship between its elements and
between the elements and users.
Particular attention shall be paid to the intended circulation routes and to the likely behaviour of users.
Significant planning recommendations especially for type 1 and type 2 are:
a) segregation of the barefoot and shoe-clad areas, where reasonably practicable;
b) toilets and showers should be located at the access to the pool basins to encourage users to use
them before entering the pool basins;
c) general circulation routes should avoid dangerous areas (e.g. deep water, wave pools, areas of
potential queuing, e.g. in front of the means of access to water slides) or be suitably segregated
from them (see Table 2);
d) non-swimmers and paddling pools should be segregated and/or placed at a suitable distance from
pools with deeper water (see Table 2);
e) the layout of the pool basins should take into account the needs of an efficient supervision, entry
and exit points for the rescue and the maximum distances to the worst case locations of possible
casualties.
f) access to the pool surround should be positioned where the water is shallower, where reasonably
feasible;
g) prevention of unauthorised access to the pool facility and to restricted areas.
5.4 Public-safety information systems
A public-safety information system shall be considered. They shall be defined for the particular type
and destination of the facility and its safety needs, taking into consideration also the operator’s risk
assessment.
The public safety information system shall at least consider:
a) the function of each pool;
b) water depths of the pool;
c) emergency routes;
d) areas of unauthorized access;
e) activities with age or height restrictions.
The public-safety information system shall ensure the perception (acoustic
comprehensibility/visibility) for all people who are present at the swimming pool (for acoustic systems,
see the relevant standards).
In certain situations, the transmission of safety messages can be improved using computer-controlled
audio equipment (reassigned, emergency based announcement text).
The water depths shall be visually indicated by figures of height ≥ 70 mm and in contrasting colour,
located to be visible by all people on the pool surround intending to enter the pool basin.
The water depths should be visually indicated by figures of height ≥ 70 mm and in contrasting colour,
located to be visible by all people in the water.
Depth indications shall at least be placed:
a) at the access to pools;
b) in locations corresponding to the maximum and minimum depths;
c) in the middle of flat or uniformly sloping floors;
d) where the pool floor profile changes abruptly to a water depth > 1,35 m.
Additional information is recommended for swimming and non-swimmers areas, diving and non-diving
areas.
5.5 Materials
All materials and finishes used shall be suitable for the selected use and the respective surroundings
and conditions, and able to withstand conditions of high humidity with occasional saturation and/or
corrosiveness without encouraging the growth of bacteria.
The use of stainless steel with structural function in the swimming hall atmosphere 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 should be recommended for this use.
Materials and finishes shall be easy to clean, with chemicals when appropriate, to a level of hygiene
suitable for the location. Manufacturer's recommendations are to be considered.
5.6 Safety of barefoot areas
5.6.1 Finishes to wet areas
Surfaces of all wet areas shall be laid to avoid puddling (e.g. inclination) and accumulated water which
may cause slipping and unhygienic conditions.
The inclination in the direction of the drains shall be between 2 % and 4 %. With an inclination > 3 %
particular attention shall be paid to the slip-resistance.
If the surface is self-draining the slope shall be between 0 % and 4 % (e.g. overflow grids).
5.6.2 Slip resistance
!Surfaces, on which the user can stand or walk with bare feet and which shall be tested in accordance
with EN 16165:2021, Annex A, shall comply with Table 1.
Table 1 — Minimum angles to be obtained for specific surfaces
Surfaces Rating group and related angle
a
of slip
— in horizontal swimming pool areas from 800 mm to 1 350 mm A
water depth
12° ≤ α < 18°
barefoot
— barefoot areas (dry), individual and collective changing and
locker areas
— in horizontal swimming pool areas from 0 mm to 800 mm B
water depth
18° ≤ α < 24°
barefoot
— in up to 8° inclined swimming pool areas from 0 mm to
1 350 mm water depth
— in swimming pool surrounding areas occasionally wetted
— barefoot areas not classified in A (wet)
— shower areas
— areas with disinfectant – spray installation
— pool floors in non-swimmer areas where a wave machine is
installed
— children's/paddling pools
— built-in steps leading into the water with handrails on both
sides
— back start and turning areas of the pool walls
— in swimming pool areas which are more than 8° inclined from C
0 mm to 1 350 mm water depth
24° ≤ α
barefoot
— steps, starting platforms, treads of ladders and stepladders
— built-in access steps that are not classified under B
— wading or connecting walk-through pools
— sloping pool deck edges and copings
— ramps used as means of entry or/and exit
a
The values α refer to the test results according to EN 16165:2021.
barefoot
Suitable cleaning, in accordance with manufacturer instructions, is an important precondition to
preserve the characteristics of the slip resistance."
5.7 General areas for bathers
5.7.1 General
The subsequent requirements apply to type 1 and type 2 and are recommendations for type 3.
5.7.2 Accessible pathways, floors
Floors shall be level without any trip hazards, slip resistant and easy to clean.
Wherever possible, abrupt changes in floor level shall be avoided, particularly in barefoot areas.
Circulation routes shall be designed to ensure a free flow of users, avoiding congestion points,
constrictions and obstructions.
Service accesses should be provided separately to general circulation routes (e.g. direct access from the
outside).
To prevent puddling in the barefoot areas, floors shall have a suitable and effective drainage system.
5.7.3 Steps and ramps
5.7.3.1 Single steps
Single steps on the circulation routes shall:
a) have a height ≤ 250 mm, with the riser not open; a height ≤ 180 mm is recommended;
b) have an edge marked by a contrasting colour;
c) have a slip-resistant finish complying with 5.6 and any relevant standards/regulations.
5.7.3.2 Steps
Steps on the circulation routes and accompanying handrails shall comply with relevant
standards/regulations.
5.7.3.3 Ramps
Where ramps on the circulation routes are used, they shall:
a) be in accordance with relevant standards/regulations for accessibility;
b) have an inclination ≤ 8 %; an inclination from 5 % to 6 % is recommended;
c) have a slip-resistant finish complying with 5.6 and any relevant standards/regulations;
d) be obviously marked at the beginning and end.
And they should:
a) have a clear minimum width of 1 m;
b) have handrails on both sides of the ramp;
c) have sufficient space at the bottom and top of the ramp for manoeuvring a wheelchair, with a
minimum landing of 1,2 m.
5.7.4 Emergency routes
Design of emergency routes shall comply with relevant regulations, but also take into account the
presence of barefoot users.
5.7.5 Walls, pillars and protruding structures
Projections shall be rounded with r ≥ 3 mm or protected, and sharp edges are not permitted.
Areas of glazing shall be:
a) made of safety glass able to withstand foreseeable impacts (e.g. caused by water polo balls);
b) clearly marked to ensure they are visible to users;
c) designed to be readily cleaned and maintained.
Walls, pillars and protruding structures up to 2 m above floor level shall be smooth with a nonabrasive
finish.
5.7.6 Lighting, illumination and glare prevention
Suitable and sufficient lighting shall be provided throughout the facility during its operation, by the use
of artificial or natural light.
If natural light is used in indoor pools, orientation and effect of direct sunshine shall be considered
during the design stage.
Natural lighting and artificial illumination shall be designed to minimize reflection in the main direction
of view.
The minimum illumination level for the various areas shall comply with national occupational health
and safety regulations and/or shall be:
1) 1)
a) circulation routes 100 lx ;
b) plant rooms 100 lx;
c) changing rooms, showers, toilets 100 lx;
1) 1)2)
d) water areas in accordance with EN 12193 ;
e) emergency light in accordance with EN 1838.
It is recommended to measure the values in a) to c) according to the methodology(ies) given in
EN 12464 (all parts).
Where necessary for special illumination effects, lower illumination levels shall be allowed in the
circulation routes and above the water areas by provision of supplementary lighting in the event of an
emergency and providing suitably increased supervision is ensured.
To increase visibility, consideration shall be given to:
a) the option of underwater illumination for pools with deep water (>1,35 m);
b) illumination levels in diving pools, competition pools and stainless steel pools.
Diving pools and facilities for competitions and special events may need different illumination.
Lighting shall be reasonably uniform, to avoid shadows and other effects that disturb visibility.
The design of the illumination system shall take maintenance and repair activities into consideration.
5.7.7 Acoustic design of indoor pool buildings
5.7.7.1 General
The acoustic conditions of indoor swimming pools are strongly related to the safety of staff and to
communication, especially to emergency warnings. The determining factors are the sound pressure
level and the reverberation time. Both can be reduced by sound absorbent acoustic finishes of walls and
ceilings.
1)
Under normal conditions of use.
2)
EN 12193:2007 specifies a minimum value of 200 lx.
Inside indoor swimming pools, high sound pressure levels can be reached, up to levels higher than
85 dB(A).
EN 60849 shall be considered for any warning announcements.
5.7.7.2 Acoustic requirements
Acoustic conditions in swimming pools can be improved where the reverberation time is reduced as far
as possible. This is dependent on a number of factors including the volume of the swimming pool hall.
Reverberation time range is maximum 2,0 s. Taking into account the room volume a reverberation time
down to 0,7 s is achievable.
It is recommended to measure the reverberation time according to EN ISO 3382-2.
The reduction of the reverberation time has limited influence on the sound pressure level. A reduction
of the reverberation time of 50 % lowers the sound pressure level only by 3 dB. Due to this fact for all
measurements of noise prevention the balance between the achievable effect and the effort should be
taken into account.
5.7.7.3 Design of rooms
The sound pressure and reverberation time has a strong correlation to the size, i.e. the volume of the
room, the structure of the room and the equivalent sound absorption area.
Elliptic and circular surfaces form focus points, square ground planes form amplified natural
frequencies and should be avoided or exactly planned acoustically. Sound absorbing materials should
be placed on parallel surfaces to avoid echoes. As the water surface reflects noise directly, the acoustic
quality of the ceiling above the water surface is important. Deficits in this area can be compensated only
at great expense elsewhere, depending on the design of the indoor swimming pool.
5.7.8 Pool hall heating and ventilation
To provide a comfortable pool hall climate and to avoid possible damage to the structures, an air
treatment and heating system shall be designed for indoor pools when the natural climate does not
provide the appropriate conditions. The design of the air treatment and heating system shall take into
account:
a) the relationship between air temperature and humidity;
b) the pool water temperature;
c) the need to minimize concentration of pollutants, specifically those that are detrimental to health
and pollute the atmosphere (e.g. chloramines).
In order to protect the building construction, conditions passing below the due point inside the building
have to be avoided.
Air renewal rate of pool halls shall comply with national or local existing applicable rules if any,
including the respect of maximum volatile chloramines concentration or other pollutants in air.
Some recommended values for the air in indoor swimming pools halls are:
— air temperature: in respect to pool water temperature, between +0 K and +4 K;
— relative humidity between 40 % and 65 %;
— air speed in proximity of the users ≤ 0,10 m/s.
5.7.9 Heated surfaces
If directly heated surfaces (e.g. heated seats, heated walls, convectors) within the reach of users are
installed, their temperatures shall not exceed 40 °C.
5.8 Specific areas
5.8.1 Pool surrounds
Wherever designed, a pool surround shall grant free flow of users and the avoidance of congestion. For
this purpose, the dimensions of the pool surround should be suitably extended corresponding to
accesses, exits and features (see Figure 1).
For swimming pools types 1 and 2, the minimum width of the pool surrounds shall comply with Table 2,
therapeutic pools excluded.
For swimming pools type 3, Table 2 gives recommended values.
In Figure 1 an example of identification of dimensions of pool surrounds is given.
Table 2 — Minimum width of pool surrounds for swimming pools types 1, 2, and 3,
therapeutic pools excluded
Identification Description Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
In areas adjoining accesses of users to the pool
A 3,0 m 2,5 m 1,25 m
surround (entering direction: to the pool basin)
In areas adjoining the exits of users from the
B 2,5 m 2,0 m 1,25 m
pool basin to the pool surround
From pool edge to wall in the area of starting
C 3,0 m 2,5 m 1,25 m
blocks
From pool edge to wall in the area of diving
D 4,5 m 2,5 m 1,25 m
platforms and diving springboards
Minimum free space available for the users to
pass where installation/features (e.g. diving
E 1,25 m 1,25 m 1,25 m
platforms, diving springboards, water slides) are
a
installed
Distance between a diving/swimmers pool basin
F
and a non-swimmers pool basin/area, in absence 4,0 m 4,0 m 4,0 m
of separations
Distance between a diving pool and swimmers
F
3,0 m 3,0 m 3,0 m
pool basin/area, in absence of separations
Circulation routes around pool basins under
G
1,25 m 1,25 m 1,25 m
300 m
Other circulation routes around pool basins over
G
1,5 m 1,5 m 1,5 m
300 m
a
In case the diving installation on the pool surround creates the situation of a passage between two walls,
the minimum width shall be 1,4 m.

If the pool surround is designed for extra functions (e.g. activity areas), then the above minimum widths
should be increased correspondingly.
The pool surrounds of therapeutic pools shall be designed in accordance with the specific needs of the
therapies and of the users they are designed for. Special attention is recommended for:
a) operators to assist the users, also from outside the pool basin if this is possible (e.g. by pool
surround at a level lower than water level);
b) easy rescue of users in difficulty.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 entrance to the pool surround
2 exit from pool basin
3 swimmers pool
4 diving pool
5 non-swimmers pool
Figure 1 —Identification of minimum dimensions of pool surrounds according to Table 2
The pool surround shall also be designed to avoid contamination of the pool water by water flowing on
the floor (e.g. rain in outdoor pools; floor/gutter washing water; chemicals in washing water).
Water from the pool into the pool surround (e.g. splash or spill water) can be drained into the overflow
system or pool.
NOTE Cleaning water can be drained into the overflow system only in case, if the drain pipe is equipped with
the possibility to switch the flow to waste water drain and the water circulation is switched off.
5.8.2 Pool basin edge
5.8.2.1 Deck level pool basins
On deck level pools, the pool basin edge shall be marked by a contrasting colour.
Where an inclined type of overflow is used, its inclination shall be ≤ 10 % towards the pool basin.
The surface finish of the submersed/flooded walkable area between the pool basin edge and the
overflow channel shall comply with Rating group C according to 5.6.2.
Deck level pools shall have a gripping system, at least in the form of finger hold, at least 15 mm deep
and 20 mm wide on the pool basin edge all around the pool, see EN 13451-1. Turning boards in
competition pools are excluded.
5.8.2
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