What are the swimming pool rules in France? | Suncamp (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for swimming pools in France? ›

In France, swimming shorts are not allowed to be worn in swimming pools by men. In France, men must wear clinging swimming trunks to swimming pools. And, there is a world of difference let's face it.

Available as a permanent or removable solution, if you decide to install a barrier around your pool, it must be at least 1.1m high. It must also have a self-closing and locking gate to prevent children from opening it on their own.

The French actually have two reasons for this swimming pool policy: hygiene and the environment. People often wear long swimming trunks as a pair of shorts. For example, you wear them to the beach or while walking through the city. If you then swim in the swimming pool in the same shorts, you will pollute the water.

Traditionally, French pools have strict rules on what swimmers can wear on their family holiday to France, with many declaring a firm 'non' to swimming shorts in favour of skimpy speedos and tight-fitting trunks.

Do you have to wear speedos in French swimming pools? Yes in all public French swimming pools and many campsite swimming pools there is a rule stating NO SWIMMING SHORTS and only “SPEEDO” type trunks are allowed. You are however allowed to wear Jammer type tight shorts as long as they are above the knee.

Therefore, all the long swim trunks with loads of loose material are not allowed. We are then left with swim briefs. This is the most common use in France. But there are also the square-cut trunks that are accepted since they are also tight-fitting swimwear.

A pool with no fence or barrier could be considered an "attractive nuisance," meaning something that might attract people, especially children, onto a property without permission to be there. This means you could be liable for injuries to trespassers if you have no fence or an ineffective fence.

The answer to this question is yes. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for pool owners to install a self-closing, self-latching, key lockable gate in any pool fence system.

Any property with a pool in California must have a property fence that is at least 5' tall, measured from the opposite side of the pool.

Absorbent material can break down in the water and the fibers can clog equipment. Clothing that has been dyed like t-shirts, jeans or other apparel can bleed into the water and make the chemical levels drop.

Why do France make you wear speedos? ›

Do you have to wear Speedos in French swimming pools? Generally, one does have to wear swim briefs rather than shorts when at a French swimming pool. The French claim that shorts are unhygienic, especially if they are the same ones you were wearing on your journey to the pool.

Proper Swimming Attire

In order to gain entry into the pool area, you must be clothed in proper swim attire. Clean white t-shirts may be worn over proper swim attire. Colored t-shirts will not be allowed in the pool. All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.

France is a free country, you can wear shorts in Paris anytime and anywhere, except perhaps in high-end restaurants with dress codes, or possibly religious institutions that prohibit bare legs (or shoulders). Now, just because you can wear shorts, does it mean you're stylish?

Usually, the lining is a mesh material with small holes. However, with technology advancements, more and more companies are making swim shorts and swim trunks without any lining. There is never a need to wear underwear beneath speedos (swim briefs); however, you can still be at risk of speedos being see-through.

Unless you're at the beach, a standard pair of jean or khaki shorts won't fit in with Paris fashion. Even when it's warmer out, you may instead want to wear a skirt or pair of capris instead of shorts. One reader adds, “shorts are the first major giveaway that you're a tourist.

Proper Swim Attire

Absorbent materials such as cotton can break down in the water. These fibers can clog pool filters and create the need for expensive repairs. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent materials for swimwear.

Absolutely yes! There is no physical reason you cannot swim in a sports bra. It may not be suitable for your bra, but given how supportive and low-impact water-based activities are, it is perfectly fine to jump in, sports bra and all.

Summers are generally mild and shorts aren't really needed to be comfortable on a daily basis. Outside of Paris, that's another story! I think in the southern regions where it does actually get hot, shorts are much more socially acceptable to wear in public. Obviously, many French women wear them to the beach, too.

The do's and dont's of what to wear in Paris. DON'T wear workout clothes. They have no place on the streets of Paris, and Parisians will immediately spot you as a tourist. If you want to fit in, avoid sweatpants, workout shorts and tees, and flashy sneakers.

Do Paris people wear shorts? ›

But there is one thing that most Parisian women don't wear often: shorts. I'm not saying to not wear shorts, and people visiting from around the world in the touristy areas will wear whatever, but if blending in is your goal, opt for sundresses and skirts over shorts to stay cool.

In California, residential swimming pools must have: An enclosure that isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home.

By adding pool fencing you can help ensure that children and pets don't get into the pool without your supervision. You can also ensure there are no accidents with falling into the pool when it's dark or icy or raining outside. Adding a fence around your pool will keep your backyard safe and fun for everyone!

Safety regulations

Although you might see public swimming pools as deep as 12 feet, the regulations for homeowners are much stricter. Most contractors install pools with a maximum depth of eight feet, with an average closer to six.

In France, permanently constructed pools increase property taxes because they boost a property's value. Pools are taxed by size and according to local tax rates; the average 30-square-meter pool, or roughly 323 square feet, costs the owner about 200 euros in taxes per year.

To Prevent Other Injuries

It is recommended that nobody should run near or on the pool floors. Slipping near a swimming pool can also lead the person to fall into the pool which may cause them to drown. Diving injuries can also happen especially when people are unsupervised.

To beat the heat while having fun, head to the Iles de loisirs of Paris Region. In Bois-le-Roi, Jablines-Annet, Vaires-Torcy, Cergy-Pontoise, Boucles de Seine and Val de Seine, lakes and natural swimming areas await you where you can practice your freestyle and breaststroke—unless you'd rather laze around on a raft.

Public pools in France insist on Speedos or Speedo-type trunks being worn as looser board shorts or baggy swimwear is deemed to be unhygienic and may dirty the water as it has most likely been worn out and about all day.

Most swimming pools in France are not heated and as a result of this the swimming pools are often too cold to be comfortable. Even in June, and in September/October swimming pools which are not heated may only have a temperature of 18-19 degrees.

Costs. The cost of building a pool in France is widely given as being between €15,000 and €50,000. This is for the pool, and you need to add on the cost of the surrounds, whether this is a paved area or wooden deck.

Does France use chlorine water? ›

In France, 95% of people are supplied with chlorinated tap water. Due to the presence of natural organic matter that reacts with chlorine, the concentrations of chlorination by-products (CBPs) are much higher in chlorinated water produced from surface water than from groundwater.

Street clothes (especially those made of cotton) can transport air and waterborne contaminants to the pool. Absorbent materials such as cotton can break down in the water. These fibers can clog pool filters and create the need for expensive repairs. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent materials for swimwear.