4/21/2011

ADA Q & A with APSP

Per The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals®, the following is a summary of frequently asked questions regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act:

1) What is ADA?  The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The Department of Justice is the federal agency charged with enforcing the ADA.

2) What sections of ADA apply to swimming pools and spas?  Title II (Public Industry) prohibits disability discrimination by all public entities at the local and state levels. Examples include school districts, municipalities, cities and counties. Title III (Private Industry) prohibits disability discrimination by any place of public accommodation (commerical facilities). Examples include a place of recreation, a place of education, and a place of lodging.

3) What are the simming pool and spa specific requirements?  Both Title II and III entities are required to provide "accessible means of entry for pools." Larger pools (greater than 300 linear feet of pool wall) require at least two means of access and smaller pools (less than 300 linear feet of pool wall) require at least one means of access.

4) What are the permitted means of access?  Either a pool lift or sloped entry (ramp) is required for all affected swimming pools as the primary means of access. Where a second means of access is required, it may also consist of a transfer wall, transfer system, or stairs. The criteria that each of these means of access must meet can be found in chapter 10, section 1009, of the revised ADA guidelines.

5) Where can I learn more about these requirements? Contact a trusted pool professional. You can also find more information at http://www.ada.gov/ and http://www.apsp.org/