WC Duke Associates, Inc.

pool lift

2010 ADA Standards have new regulations for hotel pools and exercise rooms.

ALERT:

 

On January 31, 2013, the ADA Regulations regarding the requirement for pool lifts at public accommodations

become effective.

These regulations apply to all existing and new lodging facilities having a pool, spa, or both.  So long the installation of a lift is "readily achievable," the lodging facility is required to comply with the requirement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proactive ADA prevention approach is a critically necessary expense. You CANNOT ignore the regulation and do nothing. Doing nothing will expose you to expensive lawsuits and potential damages that are avoidable.

Just having a plan in place until you comply with the pool regulation will be an important benefit in case you receive a notice of violation from an attorney representing a person with a disability.

 

Accessible Pools

Yes, you have another set of legal compliance issues to address, but remember that the disability market is close to 20 per cent of our population.  Access to the recreational facilities that are part of your business adds up to an additional business opportunity to expand the travel and hospitality market to persons with disabilities, their families, friends, and caregivers. You also need to factor in the senior market as over 40% of adults 65 and older identify themselves as having a disability.  With the burgeoning baby boomers, the number of people 65 years and older will more than increase to 71.5 million by 2030.

Think about this, your customers with disabilities, seniors with physical limitations, and boomers who like convenience will use the swimming pools, wading pools and spas, saunas, steam rooms, play areas, and exercise machines, plus golf or tennis facilities you make accessible. Recreational opportunities has been made part of the new ADA because the disability community wanted (actually demanded) to participate in these activities but couldn’t because of lack of access. It is the next step to equality. Remember, ADA is primarily a civil rights law, not just building codes. So while you may complain about making your pool and exercise room accessible, keep in mind that denial of participation is discrimination.

This means new standards for entering and exiting pools, wading pools and spas.  These include a pool lift or sloped entry, and either a transfer wall, transfer system, or pool stairs.  You have a variety of options based on size of the pool.  A pool with over 300 linear feet of pool wall must have a minimum of two accessible means of entry. This can be either a sloped entry into the water as shown in the diagram below.

 

Or a pool lift that is capable of being independently operated by a person with a disability. Another option is pool transfer steps.

Before you embark on your upgrades, it’s vital you become an educated consumer, so you can make sure you can implement compliance at a reasonable cost. When the ADA went into effect over 20 years ago, there were vendors selling equipment at inflated prices or were claiming their product was ADA compliant when it was not. This is where a competent consultant can save you money in the long run.