ADA Requirements for Swimming Pools

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all public swimming facilities be compliant with ADA guidelines by March 12, 2012 (or the first day of pool operation, if after March 12).

What facilities must comply?

All municipal, schools, hotels and government pools must comply.  Additionally, any private facility that is open to the public, sells tickets for admission, etc. must comply.

What facilities do not have to comply?

Private swimming facilities, which are not open to the public, are not required to comply.  This includes most private swim clubs, homeowners association pools and country clubs.

There has been a question around ADA compliance for private swim facilities which host a swim team from another private swim facility for a swimming meet. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, which is in charge of enforcing the ADA, has confirmed that only swimming pools that are open to the public or hold events that are open to the public are required to comply with ADA. Furthermore, they have stated that swim teams from private facilities may compete with each other at private facilities without being considered public and being required to comply with ADA.

What is required?

For swimming facilities which must comply, the following requirements are in force:

Facilities with less than 300 feet of pool perimeter/wall must provide at least one (1) primary means of access.  Acceptable means of access are sloped entry or pool lift.

Facilities with more than 300 feet of pool perimeter/wall must provide at least two (2) means of access, one primary means and one secondary means, or two primary means of access.  

Primary means of access:

  •             Sloped entry
  •             Lift

Secondary means of access:

  •             Transfer wall
  •             Transfer system
  •             Stairs

FAQs

Are Pool Stairs an Acceptable Means of Access?

Yes, but only as a secondary means of access and steps must:

  • Have uniform riser heights and tread depths
  • Treads should be a minimum of 11” deep
  • Open risers are not permitted
  • Treads can slope, but not steeper than 1:48
  • Width between handrails must be 20” – 24”

ADA recommends visual contrast on leading edge of treads

Are Zero Depth Entries ADA Compliant?

Yes, as a primary and / or secondary access, if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have a minimum clear width of 36”
  • Have a maximum slope of 1:12
  • Be slip resistant
  • Extend to a depth 24 – 30” below stationary water level
  • Have at least one landing located 24 – 30” below stationary water level. In wading pools, sloped entry must extend to deepest part of the pool
  • Must have handrails on both sides

Do Wading Pools/Baby Pools have to have an Acceptable Means of Access?

      Yes, each must have at least one (1) primary acceptable means of access.