.
15.8.1
General. Newly designed or newly constructed and altered swimming
pools, wading pools, and spas shall comply with 15.8.
EXCEPTION: An accessible route shall
not be required to serve raised diving boards or diving platforms.
15.8.2*
Swimming Pools. At least two accessible means of entry
shall be provided for each public use and common use swimming pool. The primary
means of entry shall comply with 15.8.5
(Swimming Pool Lifts) or 15.8.6
(Sloped Entries). The secondary means of entry shall comply with one of the
following: 15.8.5
(Swimming Pool Lifts), 15.8.6
(Sloped Entries), 15.8.7
(Transfer Walls), 15.8.8
(Transfer Systems), or 15.8.9 (Pool
Stairs). Appendix
Note
EXCEPTION 1*: Where a swimming pool has
less than 300 linear feet (91 m) of swimming pool wall, at least one accessible
means of entry shall be provided and shall comply with 15.8.5
(Swimming Pool Lifts) or 15.8.6
(Sloped Entries). Appendix Note
EXCEPTION 2: Wave action pools, leisure
rivers, sand bottom pools, and other pools where user access is limited to one
area, shall provide at least one accessible means of entry that complies with 15.8.5
(Swimming Pool Lifts), 15.8.6
(Sloped Entries), or 15.8.8
(Transfer Systems).
EXCEPTION 3: Catch pools shall be
required only to be served by an accessible route that connects to the pool
edge.
15.8.3
Wading Pools. At least one accessible means of entry
complying with 15.8.6
(Sloped Entries) shall be provided for each wading pool.
15.8.4
Spas. At least one accessible means of entry complying with 15.8.5 (Swimming
Pool Lifts), 15.8.7
(Transfer Walls), or 15.8.8
(Transfer Systems) shall be provided for each spa.
EXCEPTION: Where spas are provided in a
cluster, 5 percent, but not less than one, in each cluster shall be accessible.
*
Pool Lifts. Pool lifts shall comply with 15.8.5. Appendix Note
15.8.5.1
Pool Lift Location. Pool lifts shall be located where the
water level does not exceed 48 inches (1220 mm).
EXCEPTION 1: Where the entire pool
depth is greater than 48 inches (1220 mm), 15.8.5.1 shall not apply.
EXCEPTION 2: Where multiple pool lift
locations are provided, no more than one shall be required to be located in an
area where the water level does not exceed 48 inches (1220 mm).
15.8.5.2
Seat Location. In the raised position, the centerline
of the seat shall be located over the deck and 16 inches (405 mm) minimum from
the edge of the pool. The deck surface between the centerline of the seat and
the pool edge shall have a slope not greater than 1:48 (see Fig. 68).
15.8.5.3
Clear Deck Space. On the side of the seat opposite the
water, a clear deck space shall be provided parallel with the seat. The space
shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum and shall extend forward 48 inches (1220
mm) minimum from a line located 12 inches (305mm) behind the rear edge of the
seat. The clear deck space shall have a slope not greater than 1:48 (see Fig. 69).
15.8.5.4
Seat Height. The height of the lift seat shall be
designed to allow a stop at 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm)
maximum measured from the deck to the top of the seat surface when in the
raised (load) position (see Fig. 70).
15.8.5.5
Seat Width. The seat shall be 16 inches (405 mm)
minimum wide.
15.8.5.6*
Footrests and Armrests. Footrests shall be provided and
shall move with the seat. If provided, armrests positioned opposite the water
shall be removable or shall fold clear of the seat when the seat is in the
raised (load) position. Appendix Note
EXCEPTION: Footrests shall not be
required on pool lifts provided in spas.
15.8.5.7*
Operation. The lift shall be capable of
unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. Controls and
operating mechanisms shall be unobstructed when the lift is in use and shall
comply with 4.27.4.
Appendix
Note
15.8.5.8
Submerged Depth. The lift shall be designed so that the
seat will submerge to a water depth of 18 inches (455 mm) minimum below the
stationary water level (see Fig. 71).
15.8.5.9*
Lifting Capacity. Single person pool lifts shall have a
minimum weight capacity of 300 lbs. (136 kg) and be capable of sustaining a
static load of at least one and a half times the rated load. Appendix Note
Sloped Entries. Sloped entries designed to provide access into the water shall
comply with 15.8.6.
15.8.6.1*
Sloped Entries. Sloped entries shall comply with 4.3, except as
modified below. Appendix Note
EXCEPTION: Where sloped entries are
provided, the surfaces shall not be required to be slip resistant.
15.8.6.2
Submerged Depth. Sloped entries shall extend to a depth
of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum to 30 inches (760 mm) maximum below the
stationary water level. Where landings are required by 4.8, at least
one landing shall be located 24 inches (610 mm) minimum to 30 inches (760 mm)
maximum below the stationary water level (see Fig. 72).
EXCEPTION: In wading pools, the sloped
entry and landings, if provided, shall extend to the deepest part of the wading
pool.
15.8.6.3*
Handrails. Handrails shall be provided on both
sides of the sloped entry and shall comply with 4.8.5. The
clear width between handrails shall be 33 inches (840 mm) minimum and 38 inches
(965 mm) maximum (see Fig. 73). Appendix Note
EXCEPTION 1: Handrail extensions
specified by 4.8.5
shall not be required at the bottom landing serving a sloped entry.
EXCEPTION 2: Where a sloped entry is
provided for wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools, and other
pools where user access is limited to one area, the required clear width
between handrails shall not apply.
EXCEPTION 3: The handrail requirements
of 4.8.5
and 15.8.6.3 shall not be required on sloped entries in wading pools.
Transfer walls shall comply with 15.8.7.
15.8.7.1
Clear Deck Space. A clear deck space of 60 inches (1525 mm)
minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall
be provided at the base of the transfer wall. Where one grab bar is provided,
the clear deck space shall be centered on the grab bar. Where two grab bars are
provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the clearance between the
grab bars (see Fig. 74).
The height of the transfer wall shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 19 inches
(485 mm) maximum measured from the deck (see Fig. 75).
15.8.7.3
Wall Depth and Length. The depth of the transfer wall
shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum to 16 inches (405 mm) maximum. The length
of the transfer wall shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum and shall be centered
on the clear deck space (see Fig. 76).
15.8.7.4
Surface. Surfaces of transfer walls shall not be sharp and shall
have rounded edges.
15.8.7.5
Grab Bars. At least one grab bar shall be
provided on the transfer wall. Grab bars shall be perpendicular to the pool
wall and shall extend the full depth of the transfer wall. The top of the gripping
surface shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 6 inches (150 mm) maximum above
walls. Where one grab bar is provided, clearance shall be 24 inches (610 mm)
minimum on both sides of the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided,
clearance between grab bars shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum. Grab bars
shall comply with 4.26 (see Fig. 77).
Transfer systems shall comply with 15.8.8.
15.8.8.1
Transfer Platform. A transfer platform 19 inches (485 mm)
minimum clear depth by 24 inches (610 mm) minimum clear width shall be provided
at the head of each transfer system (see Fig. 78).
15.8.8.2
Clear Deck Space. A clear deck space of 60 inches (1525
mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48
shall be provided at the base of the transfer platform surface and shall be
centered along a 24 inch (610 mm) minimum unobstructed side of the transfer
platform (see Fig. 79).
15.8.8.3
Height. The height of the transfer platform shall comply with 15.8.7.2.
15.8.8.4*
Transfer Steps. Transfer step height shall be 8 inches
(205 mm) maximum. Transfer steps shall extend to a water depth of 18 inches
(455 mm) minimum below the stationary water level (see Fig. 80). Appendix Note
15.8.8.5
Surface. The surface of the transfer system shall not be sharp and
shall have rounded edges.
15.8.8.6
Size. Each transfer step shall have a tread clear depth of 14
inches (355 mm) minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) maximum and shall have a tread
clear width of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum (see Fig. 81).
15.8.8.7*
Grab Bars. At least one grab bar on each transfer
step and the transfer platform, or a continuous grab bar serving each transfer
step and the transfer platform, shall be provided. Where provided, the top of
the gripping surface shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 6 inches (150 mm)
maximum above each step and transfer platform. Where a continuous grab bar is
provided, the top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum
and 6 inches (150 mm) maximum above the step nosing and transfer platform. Grab
bars shall comply with 4.26 and be
located on at least one side of the transfer system. The grab bar located at
the transfer platform shall not obstruct transfer (see Fig. 82). Appendix Note
Pool Stairs. Pool stairs shall comply with 15.8.9.
15.8.9.1
Pool Stairs. Pool stairs shall comply with 4.9, except as
modified below.
15.8.9.2
Handrails. The width between handrails shall be
20 inches (510 mm) minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. Handrail extensions
required by 4.9.4
shall not be required at the bottom landing serving a pool stair.
15.8.10*
Water Play Components. Where water play components are
provided, the provisions of 15.6
and 4.3
shall apply, except as modified or otherwise provided in this section. Appendix Note
EXCEPTION 1: Where the surface of the
accessible route, clear floor or ground spaces and maneuvering spaces
connecting play components is submerged, the provisions of 15.6
and 4.3 for
cross slope, running slope, and surface shall not apply.
EXCEPTION 2: Transfer systems complying
with 15.6.5
shall be permitted to be used in lieu of ramps to connect elevated play
components.
http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/figures/index.html
Pool walls at diving
areas and areas along pool walls where there is no pool entry because of
landscaping or adjacent structures should be counted when determining the
number of accessible means of entry required.
There are a variety of seats available on
pool lifts ranging from sling seats to those that are preformed or molded. Pool
lift seats with backs will enable a larger population of persons with
disabilities to use the lift. Pool lift seats that consist of materials that
resist corrosion and provide a firm base to transfer will be usable by a wider
range of people with disabilities. Additional options such as armrests, head
rests, seat belts, and leg support will enhance accessibility and better
accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities.
Footrests are encouraged
on lifts used in larger spas, where the foot well water depth is 34 inches or
greater. Providing footrests, especially ones that support the entire foot,
will facilitate safe and independent transfers by a larger population of
persons with disabilities.
Pool lifts must be capable of
unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. This will permit a
person to call the pool lift when the pool lift is in the opposite position. It
is extremely important for a person who is swimming alone to be able to call the
pool lift when it is in the up position so he or she will not be stranded in
the water for extended periods of time awaiting assistance. The requirement for
a pool lift to be independently operable does not preclude assistance from
being provided.
Single person pool lifts must be
capable of supporting a minimum weight of 300 pounds and sustaining a static
load of at least one and a half times the rated load. Pool lifts should be
provided that meet the needs of the population it is serving. Providing a pool
lift with a weight capacity greater than 300 pounds may be advisable.
Personal wheelchairs and mobility
devices may not be appropriate for submerging in water. Some may have
batteries, motors, and electrical systems that when submerged in water may
cause damage to the personal mobility device or wheelchair or may contaminate
the pool water. Providing an aquatic wheelchair made of non-corrosive materials
and designed for access into the water will protect the water from
contamination and avoid damage to personal wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Handrails on both sides of a sloped
entry provides stability to both persons with mobility impairments and persons
using wheelchairs. For safety reasons, a single handrail is permitted on sloped
entries provided at wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools, and
other pools where user access is limited to one area.
Where possible, the height of the
transfer step should be as minimal as possible. This will decrease the distance
an individual is required to lift up or move down to reach the next step to
gain access.
Pool operators have the choice of
providing a grab bar on one side of each step and transfer platform or a
continuous grab bar on one side serving each transfer step and the transfer
platform. If provided on each step, the top of the gripping surface must be 4
to 6 inches above each step. Where a continuous grab bar is provided, the top
of the gripping surface must be 4 to 6 inches above the step nosing. Each type
has its advantages. A continuous handrail allows the person that is
transferring to maintain a constant grip on the handrail while moving up or
down the transfer steps. Grab bars provided on each step provide the gripping
surface parallel to each step rather than on a diagonal.
Personal wheelchairs and
mobility devices may not be appropriate for submerging in water when accessing
play components located in water. Some may have batteries, motors, and
electrical systems that when submerged in water may cause damage to the
personal mobility device or wheelchair or may contaminate the water. Providing
an aquatic wheelchair made of non-corrosive materials and designed for access
into the water will protect the water from contamination and avoid damage to
personal wheelchairs.