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ADA Pool Lift
Laws
- Title II (Public Industry) municipal
pools, school pools, government owned pools, etc.
- Title III (Private Industry) place
of recreation, place of lodging, which addresses public
accommodations
242.2 Swimming Pools. At least two
accessible means of entry shall be provided for swimming pools.
Accessible means of entry shall be swimming pool lifts complying
with 1009.2; sloped entries complying with 1009.3; transfer
walls complying with 1009.4; transfer systems complying with
1009.5; and pool stairs complying with 1009.6. At least one
accessible means of entry provided shall comply with 1009.2 or
1009.3.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Where a swimming pool has less than
300 linear feet (91 m) of swimming pool wall, no more than one
accessible means of entry shall be required provided that the
accessible means of entry is a swimming pool lift complying with
1009.2 or sloped entry complying with 1009.3.
2. Wave action pools, leisure rivers,
sand bottom pools, and other pools where user access is limited
to one area shall not be required to provide more than one
accessible means of entry provided that the accessible means of
entry is a swimming pool lift complying with 1009.2, a sloped
entry complying with 1009.3, or a transfer system complying with
1009.5.
3. Catch pools shall not be required to
provide an accessible means of entry provided that the catch
pool edge is on an accessible route.
Advisory 242.2 Swimming Pools. Where
more than one means of access is provided into the water, it is
recommended that the means be different. Providing different
means of access will better serve the varying needs of people
with disabilities in getting into and out of a swimming pool. It
is also recommended that where two or more means of access are
provided, they not be provided in the same location in the pool.
Different locations will provide increased options for entry and
exit, especially in larger pools.
Advisory 242.2 Swimming Pools Exception
1. Pool walls at diving areas and areas along pool walls where
there is no pool entry because of landscaping or adjacent
structures are to be counted when determining the number of
accessible means of entry required.
242.3 Wading Pools. At least one
accessible means of entry shall be provided for wading pools.
Accessible means of entry shall comply with sloped entries
complying with 1009.3.
242.2 Swimming Pools. At least two
accessible means of entry shall be provided for swimming pools.
Accessible means of entry shall be swimming pool lifts complying
with 1009.2; sloped entries complying with 1009.3; transfer
walls
242.4 Spas. At least one accessible
means of entry shall be provided for spas. Accessible means of
entry shall comply with swimming pool lifts complying
with1009.2; transfer walls complying with 1009.4; or transfer
systems complying with 1009.5.
EXCEPTION: Where spas are provided in a
cluster, no more than 5 percent, but no fewer than one, spa in
each cluster shall be required to comply with 242.4.
1009 Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and
Spas
1009.1 General. Where provided, pool
lifts, sloped entries, transfer walls, transfer systems, and
pool stairs shall comply with 1009.
1009.2 Pool Lifts. Pool lifts shall
comply with 1009.2.
Advisory 1009.2 Pool Lifts. There are a
variety of seats available on pool lifts ranging from sling
seats to those that are preformed or molded. Pool lift seats
with backs will enable a larger population of persons with
disabilities to use the lift. Pool lift seats that consist of
materials that resist corrosion and provide a firm base to
transfer will be usable by a wider range of people with
disabilities. Additional options such as armrests, head rests,
seat belts, and leg support will enhance accessibility and
better accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities.
1009.2.1 Pool Lift Location. Pool lifts
shall be located where the water level does not exceed 48 inches
(1220 mm).
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where the entire pool
depth is greater than 48 inches (1220 mm), compliance with
1009.2.1 shall not be required.
2. Where multiple pool lift locations
are provided, no more than one pool lift shall be required to be
located in an area where the water level is 48 inches (1220 mm)
maximum.
1009.2.2 Seat Location. In the raised
position, the centerline of the seat shall be located over the
deck and 16 inches (405 mm) minimum from the edge of the pool.
The deck surface between the centerline of the seat and the pool
edge shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48.
Figure
1009.2.2 Pool Lift Seat Location
1009.2.3 Clear Deck Space. On the side
of the seat opposite the water, a clear deck space shall be
provided parallel with the seat. The space shall be 36 inches
(915 mm) wide minimum and shall extend forward 48 inches (1220
mm) minimum from a line located 12 inches (305 mm) behind the
rear edge of the seat. The clear deck space shall have a slope
not steeper than 1:48.
Figure
1009.2.3 Clear Deck Space at Pool Lifts
1009.2.4 Seat Height. The height of the
lift seat shall be designed to allow a stop at 16 inches (405
mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm) maximum measured from the deck
to the top of the seat surface when in the raised (load)
position.
Figure
1009.2.4 Pool Lift Seat Height
1009.2.5 Seat Width. The seat shall be
16 inches (405 mm) wide minimum.
1009.2.6 Footrests and Armrests.
Footrests shall be provided and shall move with the seat. If
provided, the armrest positioned opposite the water shall be
removable or shall fold clear of the seat when the seat is in
the raised (load) position.
EXCEPTION: Footrests shall not be
required on pool lifts provided in spas.
1009.2.7 Operation. The lift shall be
capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water
levels. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be unobstructed
when the lift is in use and shall comply with 309.4. Advisory
1009.2.7 Operation. Pool lifts must be capable of unassisted
operation from both the deck and water levels. This will permit
a person to call the pool lift when the pool lift is in the
opposite position. It is extremely important for a person who is
swimming alone to be able to call the pool lift when it is in
the up position so he or she will not be stranded in the water
for extended periods of time awaiting assistance. The
requirement for a pool lift to be independently operable does
not preclude assistance from being provided.
1009.2.8 Submerged Depth. The lift
shall be designed so that the seat will submerge to a water
depth of 18 inches (455 mm) minimum below the stationary water
level.
Figure
1009.2.8 Pool Lift Submerged Depth
1009.2.9 Lifting Capacity. Single
person pool lifts shall have a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
(136 kg) minimum and be capable of sustaining a static load of
at least one and a half times the rated load.
Advisory 1009.2.9 Lifting Capacity.
Single person pool lifts must be capable of supporting a minimum
weight of 300 pounds (136 kg) and sustaining a static load of at
least one and a half times the rated load. Pool lifts should be
provided that meet the needs of the population they serve.
Providing a pool lift with a weight capacity greater than 300
pounds (136 kg) may be advisable.
1009.3 Sloped Entries. Sloped entries
shall comply with 1009.3.
Advisory 1009.3 Sloped Entries.
Personal wheelchairs and mobility devices may not be appropriate
for submerging in water. Some may have batteries, motors, and
electrical systems that when submerged in water may cause damage
to the personal mobility device or wheelchair or may contaminate
the pool water. Providing an aquatic wheelchair made of
non-corrosive materials and designed for access into the water
will protect the water from contamination and avoid damage to
personal wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
1009.3.1 Sloped Entries. Sloped entries
shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified in 1109.3.1
through 1109.3.3.
EXCEPTION: Where sloped entries are
provided, the surfaces shall not be required to be slip
resistant.
1009.3.2 Submerged Depth. Sloped
entries shall extend to a depth of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum
and 30 inches (760 mm) maximum below the stationary water level.
Where landings are required by 405.7, at least one landing shall
be located 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 30 inches (760 mm)
maximum below the stationary water level.
EXCEPTION: In wading pools, the sloped
entry and landings, if provided, shall extend to the deepest
part of the wading pool.
Figure
1009.3.2 Sloped Entry Submerged Depth
1009.3.3 Handrails. At least two
handrails complying with 505 shall be provided on the sloped
entry. The clear width between required handrails shall be 33
inches (840 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Handrail extensions specified by
505.10.1 shall not be required at the bottom landing serving a
sloped entry.
2. Where a sloped entry is provided for
wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools, and other
pools where user access is limited to one area, the handrails
shall not be required to comply with the clear width
requirements of 1009.3.3.
3. Sloped entries in wading pools shall
not be required to provide handrails complying with 1009.3.3. If
provided, handrails on sloped entries in wading pools shall not
be required to comply with 505.
Figure
1009.3.3 Handrails for Sloped Entry
1009.4 Transfer Walls. Transfer walls
shall comply with 1009.4.
1009.4.1 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck
space of 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm)
minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at
the base of the transfer wall. Where one grab bar is provided,
the clear deck space shall be centered on the grab bar. Where
two grab bars are provided, the clear deck space shall be
centered on the clearance between the grab bars.
Figure
1009.4.1 Clear Deck Space at Transfer Walls
1009.4.2 Height. The height of the
transfer wall shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum and 19 inches
(485 mm) maximum measured from the deck.
Figure
1009.4.2 Transfer Wall Height
1009.4.3 Wall Depth and Length. The
depth of the transfer wall shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum
and 16 inches (405 mm) maximum. The length of the transfer wall
shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum and shall be centered on
the clear deck space.
Figure
1009.4.3 Depth and Length of Transfer Walls
1009.4.4 Surface. Surfaces of transfer
walls shall not be sharp and shall have rounded edges.
1009.4.5 Grab Bars. At least one grab
bar complying with 609 shall be provided on the transfer wall.
Grab bars shall be perpendicular to the pool wall and shall
extend the full depth of the transfer wall. The top of the
gripping surface shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 6 inches
(150 mm) maximum above transfer walls. Where one grab bar is
provided, clearance shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum on both
sides of the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided,
clearance between grab bars shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.
EXCEPTION: Grab bars on transfer walls
shall not be required to comply with 609.4.
Figure
1009.4.5 Grab Bars for Transfer Walls
1009.5 Transfer Systems. Transfer
systems shall comply with 1009.5.
1009.5.1 Transfer Platform. A transfer
platform shall be provided at the head of each transfer system.
Transfer platforms shall provide 19 inches (485 mm) minimum
clear depth and 24 inches (610 mm) minimum clear width.
Figure
1009.5.1 Size of Transfer Platform
1009.5.2 Transfer Space. A transfer
space of 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm)
minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at
the base of the transfer platform surface and shall be centered
along a 24 inch (610 mm) minimum side of the transfer platform.
The side of the transfer platform serving the transfer space
shall be unobstructed.
Figure
1009.5.2 Clear Deck Space at Transfer Platform
1009.5.3 Height. The height of the
transfer platform shall comply with 1009.4.2.
1009.5.4 Transfer Steps. Transfer step
height shall be 8 inches (205 mm) maximum. The surface of the
bottom tread shall extend to a water depth of 18 inches (455 mm)
minimum below the stationary water level.
Advisory 1009.5.4 Transfer Steps. Where
possible, the height of the transfer step should be minimized to
decrease the distance an individual is required to lift up or
move down to reach the next step to gain access.
Figure
1009.5.4 Transfer Steps
1009.5.5 Surface. The surface of the
transfer system shall not be sharp and shall have rounded edges.
1009.5.6 Size. Each transfer step shall
have a tread clear depth of 14 inches (355 mm) minimum and 17
inches (430 mm) maximum and shall have a tread clear width of 24
inches (610 mm) minimum.
Figure
1009.5.6 Size of Transfer Steps
1009.5.7 Grab Bars. At least one grab
bar on each transfer step and the transfer platform or a
continuous grab bar serving each transfer step and the transfer
platform shall be provided. Where a grab bar is provided on each
step, the tops of gripping surfaces shall be 4 inches (100 mm)
minimum and 6 inches (150 mm) maximum above each step and
transfer platform. Where a continuous grab bar is provided, the
top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum
and 6 inches (150 mm) maximum above the step nosing and transfer
platform. Grab bars shall comply with 609 and be located on at
least one side of the transfer system. The grab bar located at
the transfer platform shall not obstruct transfer.
EXCEPTION: Grab bars on transfer
systems shall not be required to comply with 609.4.
Figure
1009.5.7 Grab Bars
1009.6 Pool Stairs. Pool stairs shall
comply with 1009.6.
1009.6.1 Pool Stairs. Pool stairs shall
comply with 504.
EXCEPTION: Pool step riser heights
shall not be required to be 4 inches (100 mm) high minimum and 7
inches (180 mm) high maximum provided that riser heights are
uniform.
1009.6.2 Handrails. The width between
handrails shall be 20 inches (510 mm) minimum and 24 inches (610
mm) maximum. Handrail extensions required by 505.10.3 shall not
be required on pool stairs.
Questions and answers
The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the
basis of disability. On September 15, 2010, the ADA Guidelines
finalized on July 23, 2004 (ADAAG 2004) were signed into law and
now require compliance by all Title II (Public Entities) and
Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Entities) by
March 15, 2012. ADA regulations cover both public and private
facilities including pools operated by public park and
recreation districts, hotels and motels, fitness and
recreational sports clubs, country clubs, high schools and
universities, waterparks, hospitals and health care facilities.
Regulations may also apply to private residential facilities,
such as homeowners, apartment and condo associations, if these
facilities are open to the general public.
What is the deadline?
All pools and spas completed after
March 15 of 2011 must comply.
While the law mentions something called
safe harbor, or grandfathering, for facilities built to
guidelines published in 1991, this does not apply to pools, spas
and waterfeatures, because no earlier rules were available for
those elements. Therefore, none are exempt from the new
standard, and must comply by March 15, 2012.
Some areas peripheral to the pool, such
as decks, were covered by the 1991 guidelines. However,
designers must abide by one standard for an entire facility. You
can’t, for example, design the deck to the 1991 standard and the
pool to the 2010 version. So, basically, anything involving a
pool, spa or waterfeature must comply with the new law – and
must do so by March 15, 2012.
What does the new law require?
The ADA states that all public pools
must have a sloped entry or a lift. These are considered the
primary forms of access.
In addition, any commercial pool
measuring more than 300 perimeter feet (with one exception
discussed below) must have a second means of entry. This
additional method can include a lift, ramp, transfer wall (a low
wall with handles that helps people lift themselves over the
side of the pool), a transfer system (which resembles a set of
small portable stairs) or accessible pool stairs.
In those pools that require two
devices, the standard discourages against using the same method
twice. Instead, installing different forms of access will
address more diverse needs and, therefore, serve the most
people.
Pools where entry is limited to one
area, such as wave pools and lazy rivers, are only required to
have a single form of access – a lift, sloped entry or transfer
– regardless of the vessel’s size. Wading pools must have a
sloped entry. Nothing is required for catch pools, but there
needs to be a clear route through the deck to the edge.
Spas are to be outfitted with a lift,
transfer wall or transfer system. When there is a group of spas,
only 5 percent of the units are required to meet the standard,
with a minimum of one complying.
- The lift must have a solid seat of at
least sixteen inches in width, with a footrest and armrests that
can move out of the way when transferring.
- The lift will transport a minimum of
300 lbs. at the seat, and the seat will stop above the deck in
the transfer position between 16″ (min) and 19″ (max) above the
deck. The lift will submerge the seat at least 18″ below the
surface of the water to transfer into the pool. The lift will be
operable by the user from either the deck or water regardless of
the position of the chair.
If a ramp or zero-depth entry is used,
it must have a 1-to-12 slope, meaning that it takes 12 feet of
run for the elevation to change 1 foot. It must land in water
between 24- and 30 inches deep. If landings are required (as
they are for any ramp longer than 30 feet), at least one must
fall in the specified depth. Ramps can go deeper, as long as
they have that landing in the 24- to 30-inch depth. In wading
pools, the landing must end at the deepest part of the vessel.
The sloped entry must have at least two
handrails, spaced 33 to 38 inches apart. In wave pools, lazy
rivers and other elements where access is limited to one area,
the handrails don’t have to meet this requirement. Handrails are
not required in wading pools.
The 60-by-60-inch area of the deck
leading into the zero-depth entry must be nearly flat – at a
1-to-48-foot slope.
The law also includes specifications
for transfer walls and transfer systems.
Many facilities can receive a tax
credit or deduction for upgrades to meet ADA requirements. Local
governments and non-profits can’t reap this benefit, however,
because they don’t pay taxes.
Do the ADA requirements apply to all
commercial pools?
Yes and no.
Large-scale pools those in
universities, city parks and the like fall under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Justice and, therefore, must
comply. Hotels and motels also must fall within the standard.
Those at apartment and condominium
complexes and some private clubs are covered by the Fair Housing
Act, so the ADA doesn’t apply. However, if the apartment or
condo acts like a “public accommodation” by renting units out
for vacationers, or selling entry or memberships for the pool to
the public, then it does fall under the ADA.
What signifies a property as a public
accommodation? Pools under ADA Regulations fall under either:
a. Title II (municipal pools, school
pools, government owned pools, etc.)
b. Title III (place of recreation,
place of lodging), which addressees public Accommodations.
Clear cut Title III facilities include:
* Hotels and bed & breakfasts are two
clear examples of public accommodations. These establishments
are open to the public, actives rent out units when owners
and/or tenants are absent. They also advertise and take
reservations over the phone. The provision of meals and
housekeeping services are also a characteristic of a public
accommodation.
* Timeshares and vacation homes that
operate as a hotel have to comply.
Although the ADDA does not affect
private or residential property, such property can still be
considered a public accommodation if it opens its doors to the
public (nonmembers, non-residents) for use of the facilities:
* Condominiums and homeowner
associations are susceptible to having to comply with the ADAA.
A good rule of thumb when trying to determine if a pool in a
condominium or homeowner association would be considered a
public accommodation and be required to comply, is: does it “act
like a hotel,” renting out units when owners are absent,
advertising such availability?
* Private clubs, which are defined as
having a restrictive membership policy and considerable dues,
are typically not required to comply with ADA. However, if the
pool is open too non-members then they must comply. Further,
states can be more stringent if they so choose, Florida, for
example, does not exclude private clubs from ADA requirements.
More specifically, if any of the above
mentioned entities allow:
* Swim meets that allow outside members
or non-residents: they could be required to comply during those
hour’s of use where the facilities were being used by the
public. Investment off a portable pool lift would provide as a
sufficient solution to the problem at hand, could even be rented
for that tie period only.
* Pool memberships that are purchased
by non-residents: This affects some apartment complexes,
condominiums, as well as various homeowners associations. Thee
memberships would allow the public to use the available
facilities, making it a public accommodation.
The general rule is if a pool is open
to a body of people outside of the general membership or
nonresidents, the pool is considered a public accommodation
during this length of time. However, if the private club or
homeowner/condominium association member has guests visiting
them this does not require compliance. For example, if a
function such as a birthday party takes place on one of these
properties and non-members or non-residents are invited too
attend, compliance should not be required.
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