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The Department of Justice recently revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) by adopting enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

According to the new legislation, facilities must provide readily accessible and usable means of entry to swimming pools, spas and wading pools for individuals with disabilities by March 15, 2012.1

Type of Facilities Impacted
The 2010 Standards sets minimum requirements – both scoping and technical -- for newly designed and constructed or altered facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.  The accessibility standards impact:

•    State and Local Government facilities (Title II)
•    Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities (Title III)

Specific Requirements for Swimming Pool Accessibility
Both Title II and III entities are required to provide “accessible means of entry for pools.”

-  Means of access
Larger pools (300 or more linear feet) require at least two means of access and smaller pools (less than 300 linear feet) require at least one means of access.2
-  Type of access
Pool lifts and sloped entries (ramps) are the primary means of access for swimming pools. Additional means of access are recognized (i.e. Transfer Walls, Transfer Systems, Stairs) but only as secondary measures. Pool lifts and sloped entries may also be used to meet secondary means of access requirements.3

Pool Lift Options
The use of ADA-compliant pool lifts can help you comply with the new Standards. Choose from portable and removable pool lifts. Also, consider the mobile aquatic chair and handrails for sloped entries. Grainger carries the full line of S.R. Smith pool equipment to help you meet these new standards.

Deadline for Compliance
By March 15, 2012, Title II and Title III facilities will need to comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. If you have not done so already, take action now and make sure you provide ADA-compliant accessibility to your swimming pools, spas and wading pools.

1, 2  Source: www.ada.gov, Guidance on the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
3      Source: www.poollifts.com

Article Courtesy of S.R. Smith