What is BS EN 15288‑1 about?
BS EN 15288‑1 is the first part of the multi-series international standard that discusses the safety aspects of the swimming pool for public use.
BS EN 15288‑1 specifies safety requirements relevant to certain aspects of the design and construction of the classified swimming pool for public use.
BS EN 15288‑1 provides 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.
BS EN 15288‑1 gives requirements that are applicable to all new classified pools and, as appropriate, to specific refurbishments of classified existing pools.
Note 1: BS EN 15288‑1 has limited application to classified pools which consist of segregated areas of rivers, lakes, or the sea but, it should be followed where relevant.
Note 2: BS EN 15288‑1 is not applicable to domestic swimming pools according to EN 16582 (all parts).
Who is BS EN 15288‑1 for?
BS EN 15288‑1 on swimming pool for public use is useful for:
- Architects who design swimming pools
- Contractors who construct swimming pools
- Installers of aboveground swimming pools equipment
- Manufacturers of aboveground swimming pools equipment
- Retailers of aboveground swimming pools equipment
Why should you use BS EN 15288‑1?
Swimming pools may sound like fun, but if not constructed with proper attention to safety, may result in serious danger. 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 ensure that they provide users and staff with a safe facility.
BS EN 15288‑1 review and suggests four steps that are needed to be developed in order to achieve safety of a swimming pool:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Relevant planning criteria for safe and functionally correct maintenance
BS EN 15288‑1 also includes requirements, recommendations, and additional notes for the users. It is mandatory to fulfil the requirements of a safe swimming pool, in compliance with an international standard such as BS EN 15288‑1, as recommendations given in here, indicate best practices and notes give additional information and/or explanations to the users.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 15288‑1:2018 supersedes EN 15288‑1:2008+A1:2010.
The main changes compared to the previous version are as follows:
- Introduction has been revised
- Scope has been revised by excluding EN 16582 by noting, that National and/or local legislation and instructions may apply
- Definition "ramp" has been added
- New clause "safety of barefoot" area has been added by adding requirements for the finish of the wet area and the slip resistance
- New clause "Pool water distribution effectiveness" has been added to this standard and it has been revised

