Overview
EN 1069-1:2026 – Water Slides – Part 1: Safety Requirements and Test Methods is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). This standard specifies essential safety requirements and test methods for water slides installed at open water areas for public use and swimming pools accessible to the public. Its primary purpose is to promote the safe design, construction, and operation of water slides, ensuring public safety while accommodating innovation and a wide variety of slide designs.
EN 1069-1:2026 applies to all water slides for public use, covering both typical and special slide configurations. It provides guidance for designers, manufacturers, installers, operators, and owners on how to meet technical and safety requirements through suitable design, calculation, and testing processes.
Key Topics
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Scope and Applicability
EN 1069-1:2026 is applicable to water slides in recreational water facilities, including those at open water locations and swimming pools for public use. Private installations are not within its scope.
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Classification of Water Slides
The standard defines multiple types of water slides, from straight and curved single-track slides to multi-track slides, wide slides, and special elements such as bowls, wave oscillation features, uphill segments, and wild rivers.
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Design and Construction
- Specifies material selection criteria for resistance to water, humidity, corrosion, and bacterial growth.
- Requires certification for critical materials and qualified personnel for assembly (e.g., welders certified to EN ISO 9606-1).
- Covers protection against corrosion, durability, and periodic inspection requirements.
- Considers electrical installation requirements in accordance with relevant European and national regulations.
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Technical Safety Requirements
- Focuses on user safety during access (e.g., stairs, platforms, barriers for fall prevention), the sliding experience itself, and landing zones (e.g., splashdown areas, catch and sofa units).
- Mandates risk assessments at the design stage, including analysis of user groups (children, adults, individuals with special needs).
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Testing and Marking
- Provides detailed guidance on test methods-technical checks, practical test runs, and measurement of acceleration and speed.
- Outlines requirements for design designation and slide marking to ensure traceability and standard compliance.
Applications
EN 1069-1:2026 is applicable across a wide range of public water recreation facilities:
- Water Parks and Leisure Pools:
Ensures that complex, high-capacity slides meet strict safety and durability requirements.
- Municipal Swimming Pools:
Assists municipalities in providing safe recreational water slides for public enjoyment.
- Hotels and Resorts:
Enhances guest safety and satisfaction by ensuring that all installed water slides adhere to standardized safety requirements.
- Manufacturers and Installers:
Provides a framework for developing, manufacturing, and installing innovative water slide types while ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Inspection and Regulatory Bodies:
Assists in assessing and certifying water slide installations for public use.
Implementing this standard supports regulatory compliance, reduces accident risks, and fosters public confidence in recreational water facilities.
Related Standards
EN 1069-1:2026 is closely linked to a series of European and international standards in the field of water recreation and sports facilities, including:
- EN 1069-2:2026 – Water slides – Part 2: Instructions
- EN 15288-1:2018+A1:2024 – Swimming pools for public use – Safety requirements for design
- EN 15288-2 – Swimming pools for public use – Safety requirements for operation
- EN 13451 Series – Swimming pool equipment – General and specific safety requirements
- EN 10088 Series – Stainless steels
- EN 1990, EN 1991 – Eurocode structural design bases and load assumptions
- EN ISO/IEC 17025 – Competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Adopting EN 1069-1:2026 in new or refurbished water slide projects ensures harmonized safety standards and supports both regulatory and operational excellence in aquatic facilities.
Keywords: EN 1069-1:2026, water slides, safety requirements, public swimming pools, CEN standard, recreational water facilities, test methods, water slide safety, design compliance, European water slide regulations.
