Lee C

 Dear Vervialle, I am sure you can find several posts on numerous forums regarding this subject by now, but to answer your question if a cover is approved to NF P90-308 that complies and is perfectly acceptable as far as the law covering pool security in France goes. Although acceptable, it may not be suitable, as the cover has to be on the pool whenever it is left unattended if it is being used as the only security system. If for example the cover is a winter type cover requiring hook or pin fixings in the terrace, it is very impractical to have to put this cover back onto the pool when it's unattended, especially if you are just nipping out to the supermarche, even more so if the property is likely to be rented, this type of cover is only normally used to winterise the pool so an alternative form of security will be used when the pool is open for the season. If the cover is an automatic cover or barred security cover they are much easier to use and are designed to be used on a daily basis but it still relies on someone replacing it every time the pool is left unattended so not really pratical in a rental situation as ultimately the responsibility lies with the owner who is not going to be able to guarantee that the guests are going to replace the cover every time. Although the law offers four approved systems, alarms, covers, abris and fences  / (barriers) which must all comply to a different set of norms, applicable to protecting children of 5 yrs and under, any security system installed cannot replace the supervision of a responsible adult at all time and should only be seen as a safeguard. You need to weigh up the difference in cost that all options provide with the practical implications when deciding on your preferred type of security device. I know I could have just said yes, but I hope that answers your question in a little more detail.   Kind Regards   Lee C    

Hi Kathie, the cost of your pool will also depend if you intend having one installed for you or if you are going to have a go at installing yourself. There are dozens of different pool types available in France so although price is always a factor, the quality of the equipment supplied with a pool should be considered. You don't want to be stuck with something you can't get fixed if you get any problems. Water treatment is something I would suggest you think about before purchasing, there are numerous options but not all of these may be appropriate if you have particular concerns regarding your sons excema. You will find several people on this forum who can help you with this subject. The 'venetian blind' covers you refer to are AFNOR approved security devices, however it is always best to choose products which have also received homologation by the LNE (Laboritoire National d'Essai) as there are covers coming in from countries like Italy with self certification and although they may be cheaper they will not have gone through the same degree of testing as those with the LNE stamp of approval. Although I understand your concearns regarding fences, they are in my mind one of the best forms of security to have, particularly if you are not always in attendance, a security cover must be put back on the pool when it is left unattended so although it can be the only form of security device if it isn't put back on when the pool is left unattended, ultimately the responsibility lies with the proprietor. The other advantage to these types of covers is that they do the job of a summer and winter cover so in effect you get three things in one, a security device, summer and winter cover. It should be remembered that all these security devices cannot replace the vigilence and supervision of a responsible adult when it comes to keeping under fives under control and out of any danger. You can spend as much as you like on a pool, there is always something else you can add that bumps the price up but an 8 x 4 pool should cost you between 12 - 25k installed depending on your specifications. You can get an 8 x 4 pool to fit yourself from around 5k. I hope you will find something suitable, at the end of the day you will see something you like and I am sure you will find plenty to choose from, take your time and weigh up all your options, it costs nothing to look ! Best Regards   Lee C

Hi everyone, Thanks for the response, Andrew, thanks for your support, JJ, it's not a problem we can use salt or chlorine pools and change them back just as easy. Peter, that would be fine, all we need to do is get an idea of how different pools react so it may be that we will have several pools, one with an Abri, one indoor and perhaps one like yours with a cover on, we're just not quite sure yet. I will keep everyone's details so we can work out who's where and who we have available to do the tests, If anyone else interested could send me a pm with contact details I will wait until we are nearly ready to start (mid/late December ish!) and make any necessary arrangements to start the program with the pools we decide to use. Thanks again all, Best Regards   Lee C  

Hi everyone, I wonder if there is anyone out there who can help me.  I am looking for am looking for a couple of pools, preferably in dept 24 to test out a new chlorine free water treatment system. I could really do with indoor pools, spa's or pools covered with an abri but I would consider any pool that is not winterised and kept running all year that we can treat and get used to this new product. We want to be able to treat the pools and record the results for around 2 months initially, however I would be willing to treat our "Guinea Pools" for around 6 months. For those of you that know him, "Pool Guy" will be helping us out, I know he is a respected member of this community and his knowledge of water treatment is the very reason we wanted his help in "monitoring" the system for us. I don't want to write much about the system here as I am not trying to advertise anything, if you are interested in helping us try it out please send a PM with your contact details and I'll get in touch to explain everything. Many Thanks.   Lee C        

Hi Hardhat, If you go into Angouleme there is a newish supplier called Cognac Piscines who have monocoque pools, also on the indutrial estate where the large Geant supermarket is there is another firm there with a few different designs outside. I'd be pleased to help you if you decide to go down the kit pool route, often access and delivery restrict your choice of pools but if the delivering company can get right to where you want to fit it they can sometimes lift it of with a Hiab right into the hole. There is another supplier on the side of the main RN89 as you go into Bordeaux from Liborne, I don't know what they are called but if you are out and about you should have no trouble finding them. If you want to send me a PM or give me a call I can explain exactly where they are.   Sorry I can't be of more help.   Regards   Lee C

Hi everyone, I am looking for anyone interested in doing some pool maintenance or general repairs in the area of St Jean D'angely. I often get enquiries out of my area and am looking for someone to pass the odd client on to. Please reply or send me a PM if you are interested. Regards   Lee C

Hi Adrian,   I have sent you a PM, hope I can help. Regards   Lee C

Bonjour Tout la Monde, I hope I can post here, I am looking for people interested in becoming installers for a new range of swimming pools I offer in France. They are simple to fit and anyone with building or DIY experience can install them quite easily. There are no expensive tools required and most of our pools can be fitted in a week. We have a number of departments where we are needing installers, you only need to fit one pool in a month to earn enough to live on comfortably, fit more, earn more. Please email or send me a PM for more info.