Pool Lift Questions and Answers

ADA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Who must comply with the new 2010 ADA Standards?

A: ADA standards cover both public entities (Title II) and private (Title III) 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.

Title II prohibits disability discrimination by all public entities at the local and state levels. Examples of Title II entities would be: School Districts, Municipalities, Cities and Counties.

Title III regulates places of public accommodation, commercial facilities and private companies that offer courses and examinations related to educational and occupational certification. Examples of Title III entities would be: Lodging, Recreations, Education, Transportation, Etc.

Q: Are HOTELS required to comply?

A: Hotels do fall under the ADA standards and must comply. They are places of public accommodation and not considered housing since they are rented out for short terms.

Q: Are PRIVATE CLUBS required to comply?

A: In some cases private clubs are excluded from ADA standards. Determination is based on the control of operations, membership requirement, and the amount of fees involved. If a private club limits use of their facilities strictly to members and their guests, then the club would not be subject to ADA standards. However, if that club hosts swimming competitions or any other type of activity that opens the pool to non-members, the club would be required to follow ADA standards for their pool. Operations that have limited or no membership requirements and minimal dues also must comply with ADA standards.

Q: What are the ADA standards required with SPAS?

A: Spas must provide at least one accessible means of entry. Means must be a pool lift, transfer wall, or transfer system. Footrests are not required on pool lifts provided at spas, but are encouraged. Also, where spas are provided in a cluster, at least 5% in each cluster, or at least one spa must be accessible.

Q: When are facilities required to comply?

A: The law goes into effect March 15, 2012

Q: What are the ADA standards surrounding swimming pools?

A: Depending on the size, one or two ADA accessible methods of access are required. For pools larger than 300 linear feet there must be two accessible means of entry. Pools with less than 300 linear feet of pool wall must provide at least one accessible means of entry.

Q: What are the ADA accessible means of entry for pools and spas?

A: Pool lifts and sloped entries (ramps) are the required primary means of access for swimming pools. If a secondary means of access is required, a transfer wall, transfer system or transfer stairs can be used.

Q: Can multiple pools at a facility share a lift?

A: The standards require that each operational pool be accessible. Users should have the opportunity to choose in which pool they will swim. Sharing a lift does not satisfy the standards and may create safety issues with stranded swimmers if the lift is moved while they are in the pool.

Q: What makes a pool lift ADA compliant?

A: Your lift must:

1. Have a minimum weight capacity of 300lbs.

2. Have a solid seat at least 16” wide and a footrest. (Footrest not required with spa.)

3. Be capable of unassisted operation from the deck and the water.

4. Must not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrists to operate and not require more than 5 lbs of pressure to operate.

5. Be able to drop the seat down to submerge in the water to a depth of 18” below the stationary water level.

Q: Are pool stairs an acceptable means of access?

A: Yes, but only as a secondary means of access. There must also be a primary means of access - either a lift or a ramp. Also, the ADA has specifics on how the steps should be made. Pool steps must:

1. Have uniform riser heights and tread depths.

2. Treads should be a minimum of 11” deep.

3. Open risers are not permitted.

4. Treads shall be permitted to have a slope not steeper than 1:48.

5. The width between handrails must be 20 - 24” The ADA also recommends providing visual contrast at the leading edges of treads so they are more visible for people with low vision.

Q: What is the ADA?

A: 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 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. This includes recreation facilities, swimming pools, wading pools and spas.

Q: Are there any tax funds or grants to help make the changes?

A: The Federal government offers tax incentives for barrier removals to help with the costs. You can find more information at www.ada.gov/ taxincent.htm

Q: What are the benefits of putting in a lift?

A: Providing access to pools for people with physical disabilities or aging populations helps removes barriers to provide all people a way to experience the many health benefits of water activities. Facilities benefit through marketing that their facility is ADA compliant and that they value recreation for all people. Offering inclusive pool programs and activities provides an opportunity to supplement current practices and attract a variety of new clients.

Q: How are ADA standards enforced?

A: ADA standards are enforced both on a federal and local level.

Federal: Complaints are filed through the U.S. Department of Justice. Entities are sued for a federal civil rights violation.

Local/State: Local health departments or local/county/state governments adopt the ADA standards into their building code. These bodies can then withhold grants, funds, licenses, certificates of occupancy, building permits and certifications.

Always check your local codes before installing any type of equipment at your pool as additional requirements may be specified.