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ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
The Americans with Disabilites Act requires public accomodations to provide goods and services to people with
disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of general public. The goal is to afford every individual the opportunity to benefit
from our country's businesses and services, and to afford our businesses and services the opportunity to benefit from their patronage. In our case, the goal is to provide access
to every swimming pool, so that people with disabilities will have a greater opportunity to enjoy the benefits of water-based activities.
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ADA Guidelines for Public Swimming Pools
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On July 26, 2010, the US Department of Justice released updated ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Among the
updates for a number of facility types were new requirements specifically for public swimming pools. The level of accessibility depends
on the size and type of the pool. For pools under 300 linear feet in size, the ADA Standard for Accessible Design calls for one means of
access, which must be either an ADA-compliant lift, or a sloped entry. Pools with greater than 300 linear feet of pool wall must also
have a second means of access. This second means can either be another lift or ramp, or it can also be a transfer wall, a transfer
system or pool stairs.
Explore the entire text of the new requirements at the ADA website.
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Easy-to-Read summary of the requirements for swimming pools
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What is ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Enforcement of ADA laws are carried out by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Which parts of ADA are relevant for swimming pools?
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Title II: 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.
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Title III (Private Industry): Title III prohibits disability discrimination by any place of
public accommodation (commercial facilities). Examples of Title iii entities would be: Lodging, recreations, Education,
Transpor tation, Etc.
What are the swimming pool specific requirements?
Both Title ii and iii entities are required to provide "accessible means of entry for pools". Larger pools (>300 linear feet)
require at least two means of access and smaller pools (<300 linear feet) require at least one means of access.
Are there service requirements for ADA equipment?
Yes, there is a "maintenance of Accessible features" provision which states that "a public accommodation shall maintain in operable
working condition those features of facilities and equipment that are required to be readily accessible to and usable by persons
with disabilities." What are the permitted means of access?
Pool lifts and sloped entries (ramps) are the required 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.
 What are my S.R. Smith ADA compliant pool lift options?
 Are there other accessible elements that I should consider for my pool?
MAC
MAC's (Mobile Aquatic Chairs) are essential for sloped entry use and can also serve as a interfacility user transportation
device.
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RAILS
Hand rails are required for sloped entries and also
serve as a steadying influence around pool steps. |
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Where can I learn more about swimming pool accessibility?
Visit www.poollifts.com and register for accessibility updates or visit www.ADA.gov I'm interested in talking to a pool lift expert.
Call 1-877-891-7665 or email us at: am.service@amerimerc.com and we will contact you.
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| Your online Resource for Swimming Pool Supplies and Equipment,
Home and Garden Decor, Spas and Saunas Supplies, Auto
Accessories. The swimming pool professionals at AmeriMerc.com
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you need for your pool. |
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