Ada Pool Regulations Options

[Dano2960]

We installed both lifts this summer. The 2nd one was slow getting here, due to more being ordered than planned. We all originally thought we just had to have one available for both pool and spa. Then the clarification came out that one was needed at each point.

And, as anticipated, neither one has been used.

[docj]

Actually, that is exactly what they are talking about.

Regulations are here (see section 1009.3) ADA standards

Interesting advisory in the regs: 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.

Although most of the discussion here has been about retro-fitting existing pools for access, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that many modern public pools are being designed and built with zero-depth entry, that is, you simply walk into them without stepping down. Although such pools are not automatically ruled to be accessible, since the slope, depth and other issues have to be considered, they do provide a design approach with fewer inherent issues.

[Lindsay Richards]

Seems to me that the sloped entry (1" drop per foot would be a very expensive waste of money). Not surprised that your lifts have not been used. That is not surprising to me at all. This whole thing has been a huge waste of money. Many of my friends in the small lodging business are taking the position of just not complying and seeing if they can get away with it. If they get caught, then they will just close the pools. A big negative for so many people so a few lawyers can get rich suing small business folks who are struggling in this bad economy.