Swimming pool inlets: tighter regulations on the way – the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approves the new requirement
In the event of a breach, ‘the facility shall be closed immediately until the obligations set out therein have been fulfilled’
Key points
Greater safety in swimming pools, following the tragedies of recent months: the Chamber of Deputies has approved, with 244 votes in favour from all political groups, the amendment to the Sports Decree concerning suction systems.
The text, tabled by the Culture Committee to replace a previous amendment by MP Laura Cavandoli (Lega) on the requirement for under-16s to wear headphones, garnered what the rapporteur Gerolamo Cangiano (FdI) described as ‘unanimous support from the groups’, with no sub-amendments being tabled.
‘Preventing suction vortices that act like suction cups’
The regulation stipulates that in public swimming pools, or private pools intended for public use – including those for communal use – the recirculation system, ‘and in particular the water intake points such as bottom grilles, inlet pipes or any other equipment used for this purpose’, must ensure ‘safety measures designed to prevent vortex-like suction effects with a suction-cup effect on any part of bathers’ bodies’.
Closure of the facility in the event of a breach
The requirement will come into force on 1 August. In the event of a breach, provision is made for ‘the immediate closure of the facility until the obligations set out therein have been fulfilled’, without prejudice to the additional obligations already laid down in current legislation on the safety, management and maintenance of swimming facilities.
The fund
For the refurbishment of public swimming pools, the Ministry of the Economy’s budget estimates provide for a fund of €4.725 million for 2026 is established, to be covered by a reduction in the allocation to the MEF’s special capital account fund within the 2026–2028 three-year budget.
