Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires certain public and private pools to be accessible, which means including a pool lift in their design. Specifically, ADA compliance is required for Title II and Title III pool facilities.

Q: Does my pool qualify as Title II or Title III pool facility?

A: Title II covers public facilities and includes public/government parks and recreation districts, public schools and universities, municipalities, cities and counties.

Title III covers private facilities and includes places that are open to the public, think; commercial facilities like hotels, fitness clubs, sports centers, private schools and universities, waterparks, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.

Residential housing such as private residences, apartment complexes, condos or homeowner’s associations are generally not required to comply. However, these private pools must limit the use of their facilities to residents and their guests. These type of facilities will be required to comply with the law if:

• The pool or spa is open to the general public
• They generate commerce or sell memberships
• The facility receives Federal funds
• The pool is used for swimming competitions that are open to competitors from outside associations
• The facility actively rents out their units when owners are absent, using advertising, taking reservations over the phone or providing meals or housing services (vacation timeshares).

Please note that each pool within a facility requires a lift. Sharing a lift between two pools even on the same property is not in compliance.

Q: What makes a lift ADA compliant?

A: Here's what you need:

• Minimum Lifting Capacity of 300 lbs.
• Solid seat at least 16” in width
• Lift must have footrests*
• User must be able to operate, without assistance, from the deck and water
• Must not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrists to operate and not require more than 5 lbs. of force
• Seat must have the ability to submerge into the water 18” below stationary water level

*Footrests are not required for spa lifts. However, they are highly suggested.