The final deadline is looming for aquatic facility operators and owners to make sure they are compliant with the new provisions to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding access for public pools and spas. Many commercial pools around the country have already upgraded to include options for those who need assistance. Public pools around the nation will need to make sure they are compliant with the new rules and regulations.
Based on the new regulations, all public accommodations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, and more must bring certain elements of their facilities into compliance with the 2010 ADA standards as of March 31, 2013, extended originally from March 15, 2012. Elements of these new compliances include that any commercial pool under 300 feet must have a sloped entry or a pool lift. Commercial pools larger than 300 linear feet need two forms of access, one of which must be a sloped entry or pool lift.
Spas, wave action pools and leisure rivers, wading pools and sand bottom pools all need one-access point. Wading pools must have a sloped entry. If you have multiple pools or bodies of water, the Patriot Portable Lift or Revolution Lift might be the perfect option to serve different areas.
Estimates have placed the number of pools that need to be brought into compliance at approximately 100,000 pools. The provision has been nicknamed "poolmageddon” since there are such a large number of pools that need to meet the requirements across the nation. The deadline has been extended on several occasions due to a backlog of orders at lift-manufacturing facilities. It looks as if the new January 31, 2013 should hold true and become a solid deadline. Owners and facility operators should make sure to get their pools compliant to avoid fines or closure.
In order to confirm your current pool lift is ADA compliant, make sure it has a lifting capacity of at least 300 pounds, a footrest that accompanies the seat into the water, except for spas. A manually cranked or manually rotated lift is not ADA compliant.
If you want more details on the complete ADA compliance regulations, please visit http://www.ada.gov/.
Pool lifts come in all different shapes, sizes and options depending on how large your pool is and if you have multiple bodies of water or just one. You can purchase a portable option like the Patriot Portable Lift or a stationary lift like the Pro Pool and Spa Lift. There are options for both in ground and above ground pools, while some lifts might be for one or the other.
Pools And Stuff has a variety of options for pool lifts, aquatic wheelchairs and accessories for all of your ADA compliance needs. Our qualified staff can help figure out the best option for your pool set up to help you meet regulations, as well as offer free shipping in the 48 states.