2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Pools with 300+ linear ft of wall need two accessible means of entry

We check how much pool wall there is and count the accessible entry methods provided, like lifts or ramps.

Must be: A pool with 300 feet or more of wall must offer at least two accessible ways in, including a lift or sloped entry.

If it fails: Add a second accessible entry, such as a pool lift or sloped ramp, if only one exists.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.2

Pools under 300 linear ft of wall need only one accessible means of entry

We check that a smaller pool provides at least one accessible entry option, like a lift or ramp.

Must be: A pool with less than 300 feet of wall needs at least one accessible entry: a pool lift or a sloped entry.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.2 Exception 1

Single-access-area pools (wave pools, leisure rivers) need only one entry

We check that pools with only one usable entry area, like wave pools, provide an accessible entry there.

Must be: A pool where access is limited to one area only needs a single accessible entry, such as a lift or sloped entry.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.2 Exception 2

Catch pools exempt from accessible entry if edge is on accessible route

We check whether the landing pool at the bottom of a water slide has its edge on an accessible path.

Must be: A catch pool doesn't need a special accessible entry as long as its edge is reachable by an accessible path.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.2 Exception 3

Wading pools require one accessible means of entry via a sloped entry

We check that the wading pool has a gently sloped entry for accessible access.

Must be: A wading pool needs at least one accessible entry, and it must be a sloped entry.

If it fails: Add a sloped ramp entry if the wading pool currently only has steps.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.3

Spas require one accessible means of entry

We check that the spa provides an accessible way in, such as a lift or transfer wall.

Must be: A spa needs at least one accessible entry: a lift, a transfer wall, or a transfer system.

If it fails: Add a portable pool lift or transfer wall if the spa has no accessible entry option.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.4

Clustered spas: at least 5% (min one) per cluster need accessible entry

We check how many spas are grouped together and whether enough of them have accessible entry.

Must be: In a cluster of spas, at least 5 percent (but no fewer than one) must have an accessible entry.

2010 ADA Standards § 242.4 Exception

Pool lift located where water depth does not exceed 48 in (with exceptions)

We check the water depth at the spot where the pool lift is installed.

Must be: The pool lift should be placed where the water is no deeper than 48 inches, unless the whole pool is deeper than that.

If it fails: Relocate the lift to a shallower area of the pool, 48 inches deep or less.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.1

Pool lift seat, raised position, located 16 in minimum from the pool edge

We measure how far the raised lift seat sits from the edge of the pool.

Must be: In the raised position, the lift seat's center should sit at least 16 inches back from the pool edge.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.2

Deck slope between pool lift seat centerline and pool edge: 1:48 maximum

We check how steep the deck slopes between the lift seat and the pool's edge.

Must be: The deck slope in that area should be no steeper than 1 inch of drop per 48 inches of length.

If it fails: Regrade or repour the deck section near the lift to flatten the slope to 1:48 or less.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.2

Clear deck space beside pool lift seat: 36 in wide minimum

We measure the open deck space next to the pool lift seat.

Must be: There should be at least 36 inches of clear, unobstructed deck space beside the lift seat.

If it fails: Clear furniture, planters, or equipment from beside the lift to open up at least 36 inches.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.3

Clear deck space beside pool lift extends 48 in forward of seat line

We measure how far the clear deck space beside the lift extends forward, alongside the seat.

Must be: The clear deck space next to the lift should extend at least 48 inches forward from near the seat.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.3

Clear deck space at pool lift: slope 1:48 maximum

We check the slope of the deck area right next to the pool lift seat.

Must be: That deck area must be nearly flat, sloping no more than about 2% (roughly 1 inch of drop per 4 feet).

If it fails: Regrade the deck near the lift so it stays level while still draining properly.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.3

Pool lift seat height, raised position: 16-19 in above deck

We measure how high the pool lift seat sits above the deck when raised for loading.

Must be: In the raised loading position, the seat must stop between 16 and 19 inches above the deck.

If it fails: Adjust the lift's stop settings so the raised seat height falls in this range.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.4

Pool lift seat width: 16 in minimum

We measure the width of the pool lift seat.

Must be: The seat must be at least 16 inches wide.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.5

Pool lift footrests required and must move with the seat (except spas)

We check that the pool lift has footrests that move together with the seat.

Must be: The lift must include footrests that move with the seat, unless it's on a spa, where footrests aren't required.

If it fails: Add or repair footrests so they move in sync with the seat.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.6

Pool lift armrest opposite water must be removable or fold clear

We check the armrest on the side of the lift seat away from the water.

Must be: If that armrest exists, it must either come off or fold out of the way when the seat is raised.

If it fails: Replace or retrofit the armrest with a removable or folding type.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.6

Pool lift must operate unassisted from both deck and water levels

We test whether the pool lift can be operated without help from both the deck and the water.

Must be: A person must be able to call and run the lift unassisted from the deck and from in the water.

If it fails: Repair or add lift controls so both the deck and water-level controls work independently.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.7

Pool lift controls must be unobstructed and within reach range

We check that the lift's controls are clear of obstructions and within easy reach.

Must be: Controls must stay unblocked when the lift is in use and sit within the standard accessible reach range.

If it fails: Relocate or clear obstructions so controls are reachable by someone seated or in the water.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.7

Pool lift seat must submerge to at least 18 in below the stationary water level

We check how deep the lift seat lowers into the water.

Must be: The seat must be able to submerge at least 18 inches below the pool's normal water level.

If it fails: Adjust or replace the lift so it lowers to this depth.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.8

Single-person pool lift weight capacity: 300 lb minimum

We check the weight rating of the pool lift.

Must be: A single-person lift must be rated to carry at least 300 pounds.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.9

Pool lift must sustain a static load of at least 1.5x its rated load

We check the lift's structural load rating.

Must be: The lift must be built to hold at least one and a half times its rated weight without failing, as a safety margin.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.2.9

Sloped entries must comply with Chapter 4 route slope (slip-resist. exempt)

We check the slope of any sloped, ramp-style pool entry.

Must be: A sloped entry must follow the same gentle slope rules as an accessible walkway, though its surface doesn't have to be slip-resistant.

If it fails: Regrade the ramp to match accessible-route slope limits.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.3.1

Sloped entry must extend 24-30 in below stationary water level

We measure how deep the sloped entry extends into the water.

Must be: The ramp must reach a depth of 24 to 30 inches below the normal water level, or the pool's deepest point for wading pools.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.3.2

Sloped entry requires at least two handrails

We check for handrails along the sloped entry.

Must be: The sloped entry must have at least two handrails.

If it fails: Install a second handrail if only one is present.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.3.3

Clear width between sloped-entry handrails: 33-38 in

We measure the space between the two handrails on the sloped entry.

Must be: The handrails must be 33 to 38 inches apart, measured from one to the other.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.3.3

Clear deck space at base of transfer wall: 60 in x 60 in minimum

We measure the open deck space at the base of the transfer wall.

Must be: There must be a clear, unobstructed deck area at least 60 inches by 60 inches, centered on the grab bar.

If it fails: Remove furniture, planters, or equipment blocking this space, or widen the deck.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.1

Clear deck space at transfer wall: slope 1:48 maximum

We check the slope of the deck space at the base of the transfer wall.

Must be: That deck area must be nearly flat, sloping no more than about 2%.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.1

Transfer wall height: 16-19 in above the deck

We measure the height of the transfer wall above the deck.

Must be: The wall must stand 16 to 19 inches above the deck.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.2

Transfer wall depth: 12-16 in

We measure how deep, front to back, the transfer wall is.

Must be: The wall must be 12 to 16 inches deep.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.3

Transfer wall length: 60 in minimum, centered on the clear deck space

We measure the length of the transfer wall and check its position over the clear deck space.

Must be: The wall must be at least 60 inches long and centered over the required clear deck area.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.3

Transfer wall surfaces must not be sharp and must have rounded edges

We check the edges and surface of the transfer wall for sharp spots.

Must be: All edges and surfaces of the wall must be smooth and rounded, with nothing sharp.

If it fails: Sand, cap, or refinish sharp edges so they're smooth and rounded.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.4

Transfer wall requires one grab bar spanning its full depth

We check for a grab bar on the transfer wall.

Must be: At least one grab bar must run the full depth of the wall, perpendicular to the pool wall.

If it fails: Install a grab bar spanning the full depth of the transfer wall.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.5

Transfer wall grab bar gripping surface: 4-6 in above the wall

We measure how high the grab bar sits above the transfer wall.

Must be: The top of the grab bar's gripping surface must be 4 to 6 inches above the wall.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.5

Transfer wall grab bar clearance: 24 in minimum

We measure the clearance around the transfer wall's grab bar or bars.

Must be: There must be at least 24 inches of clear space on both sides of a single grab bar, or between two grab bars.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.4.5

Transfer platform clear depth: 19 in minimum

We measure the depth of the transfer platform at the head of the transfer system.

Must be: The platform must be at least 19 inches deep.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.1

Transfer platform clear width: 24 in minimum

We measure the width of the transfer platform.

Must be: The platform must be at least 24 inches wide.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.1

Transfer space at base of transfer platform: 60 in x 60 in minimum

We measure the open deck space at the base of the transfer platform.

Must be: There must be a clear area at least 60 inches by 60 inches at the platform's base, with one side left open to it.

If it fails: Clear obstructions or widen the deck so this space is available.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.2

Transfer space at transfer platform: slope 1:48 maximum

We check the slope of the deck space at the base of the transfer platform.

Must be: That area must be nearly flat, sloping no more than about 2%.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.2

Transfer platform height must match transfer-wall height (16-19 in)

We measure the height of the transfer platform above the deck.

Must be: The platform must be 16 to 19 inches above the deck, the same as a transfer wall.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.3

Transfer step height: 8 in maximum

We measure the height of each step in the transfer system.

Must be: No step may rise more than 8 inches.

If it fails: Rebuild or shim the steps so no single riser exceeds 8 inches.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.4

Transfer system bottom tread must extend 18 in below water level

We check how deep the bottom step of the transfer system reaches into the water.

Must be: The bottom step's surface must extend at least 18 inches below the normal water level.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.4

Transfer system surface must not be sharp and must have rounded edges

We check the transfer system's surfaces and edges for sharp spots.

Must be: All surfaces must be smooth, with rounded edges and nothing sharp.

If it fails: Sand or refinish any sharp edges on the steps.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.5

Transfer step tread clear depth: 14-17 in

We measure the depth of each step's tread in the transfer system.

Must be: Each step must have a tread 14 to 17 inches deep.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.6

Transfer step tread clear width: 24 in minimum

We measure the width of each step's tread.

Must be: Each step's tread must be at least 24 inches wide.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.6

Transfer system requires a grab bar at each step and the platform

We check for grab bars along the transfer system's steps and platform.

Must be: There must be a grab bar at each step and the platform, or one continuous bar, on at least one side, without blocking the platform.

If it fails: Install grab bars along the steps and platform where missing.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.7

Transfer system grab bar gripping surface: 4-6 in above step/platform

We measure how high the grab bar sits above each step and the platform.

Must be: The top of the grab bar's gripping surface must be 4 to 6 inches above each step and the platform.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.5.7

Pool stairs must comply with 504; riser height exempt if uniform

We check that the pool stairs meet standard accessible stair rules and that all the risers are the same height.

Must be: Pool stairs follow standard accessible-stair rules, but the risers can be shorter or taller than usual as long as they're all uniform.

If it fails: Rebuild uneven risers so every step height matches.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.6.1

Pool stairs: width between handrails 20-24 in

We measure the width between the handrails on the pool stairs.

Must be: The stairs must be 20 to 24 inches wide, measured handrail to handrail.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.6.2

Pool stairs are exempt from the standard 505.10.3 handrail-extension requirement

We check whether the pool stairs' handrails extend beyond the top and bottom steps.

Must be: Pool stairs don't need the extra handrail extensions normally required on accessible stairs.

2010 ADA Standards § 1009.6.2