Biocide regulations swimming pool salt changed
Important notice: Due to updated European biocide regulations, extra care is required when selecting swimming pool salt. Only swimming pool salt with an official notification number—confirming approval by the Belgian authorities—is now permitted. These updated rules also apply to salt used for on-site chlorine generation through electrolysis.
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What are biocides?
Biocides have long been subject to strict European regulations. They are substances designed to eliminate harmful organisms and are commonly used in domestic and industrial environments. Typical examples include insecticides, algaecides, disinfectants, rodenticides, and fungicides—all falling under the biocide category.
Until recently, the regulatory framework surrounding so-called precursors—raw materials used to generate other active substances—was less clearly defined. This changed in 2014, when swimming pool salt used for in-situ chlorine production was formally brought under the scope of the Biocide Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
A new European standard for swimming pool salt
A dedicated European standard has now been introduced for swimming pool water treatment systems using electrochlorination. This standard, EN 16401, defines strict requirements for swimming pool salt, including criteria for composition, purity, moisture content, and packaging.
As a result, salts containing anti-caking agents such as E535 or E536—commonly found in vacuum salt—are no longer permitted for swimming pool applications.
