ADA Accessibility Guidelines require compliance by March 15, 2012.
Congress passed into law the final guidelines governing access into public and commercial pools on September 15, 2010. These regulations cover pools in both public and private facilities, including pools operated by public park and recreation entities, hotels and motels, fitness clubs, country clubs, hospitals, health care/rehab facilities and schools. Apartment and condo associations are also subject to the regulations if they are open to the public. Compliance is mandated by March 15, 2012. As with the enforcement of the Virginia Graham Baker Act covering main drain grates and accidental entrapment, local health departments will close down pools for non-compliance.
The purpose of this act is to ensure access to the swimming pools or spas for individuals with disabilities by providing specific design elements in both new and renovated facilities. The approved guidelines are the minimum level of required access. Basically, there are two types of approved entries into a body of water covered by the ADA guidelines. One is a simple sloped entry, similar to the ramps we have become accustomed to seeing on all public buildings. The other is an automated (unassisted) pool lift with specified dimensions and other design characteristics, capable of supporting a minimum of 300 pounds.
For more information about the ADA legislation, you may use this link:
http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.cfm#a242
Click Here to read the specific sections concerning pool lifts.
Costs vary on the ADA approved lifts, but generally start at about $6000.00, including installation. If you have questions regarding this act or how it may affect your specific water facility, contact us and we will be happy to discuss it.
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