ADA Handicap Pool Lifts
Swimming pool lifts are special lifting devices used for individuals with limited mobility to easily and safely enter and exit the pool. Since 2010 the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires by law that access to aquatic environments be readily available for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities.
Whether you need ADA compliant handicap pool lifts for inground or
above ground pools, Pool Supply Unlimited has the best selection. Discover manual, hydro powered, and electronic/battery operated ADA pool lifts from industry leading brands like S.R. Smith, Global Pool Products, Spectrum Aquatics and Aqua Creek.
What Makes a Pool Lift ADA Compliant?
For a pool lift to be ADA compliant, it must meet the following requirements:
1. Meet ADA equipment service requirements
The "Maintenance of Accessible Features" provision states that “a public accommodation shall maintain in operable working condition those features of facilities and equipment that are required to be readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.” In simple terms, your accessibility equipment, be it a lift or transfer system, must be maintained to function properly.
2. Be an approved means of access
There are five approved means of access. Pool lifts and sloped entries (ramps) are the two primary means of access for bodies of water. The approved secondary means of access are transfer walls, Transfer systems and stairs. Pool lifts and sloped entries may also be used to meet secondary means of access requirements on large bodies of water.
3. Meet specific requirements for bodies of water
Both Title II and III entities are required to provide “accessible means of entry for all bodies of water”. Bodies of water 300 linear feet and under are required to provide 1 means of access of which must be a primary means (lift or sloped entry). Bodies of water greater than 300 linear feet are required to provide 2 means of access, a primary and a secondary, which can be any of the five approved means of access.
Wave pools, lazy rivers, sand bottom pools, and other pools where user access is limited to one area shall not be required to provide more than one accessible means of entry, provided that the accessible means of entry is a pool lift. We recommend checking the
Federal ADA requirements to find the most accurate information regarding your pool lift needs.
Choosing Between an Anchored or Portable Pool Lift
Anchored handicap pool lifts are permanently affixed to the deck or cement surrounding the pool, and can often hold more weight than portable lifts, though both options will support at least 300lbs.
The battery
Global Pool Products Superior Series Pool Lift, for example, will transfer up to 375lbs safely in and out of the pool, a great option for a frequent user who wishes to get in and out of the water independently. If you plan to use a pool lift on a regular basis, we recommend an anchored pool lift.
Portable handicap pool lifts like the
SR Smith PAL ADA Compliant Portable Pool Lift are ideal for spaces that cannot always support the space taken up by a pool lift. They are also ideal for busy community pools or for seasonal pools, making them available only when necessary, as a way to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
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Where Can I Read More About ADA Accessible Pool Lifts and Equipment?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Enforced by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the ADA covers a wide range of areas, including accessibility requirements for public swimming pools and similar bodies of water. ADA compliance is especially important for both Title III entities, like commercial facilities (hotels, recreational sites, schools), and Title II entities, which include public bodies such as school districts, municipalities, and state-run facilities. Both types of entities are mandated to provide accessible entry for all pools, with specific guidelines based on the pool's size.
For pools 300 linear feet or smaller, one accessible entry—either a pool lift or sloped entry—is required, while larger pools must offer two means of access, one of which must be a primary option like a lift or ramp. Approved secondary options include transfer walls, transfer systems, and stairs, though pool lifts and ramps can also fulfill this role in larger pools. Under ADA regulations, maintaining all accessibility equipment, including lifts and ramps, in proper working order is required to ensure consistent access. To learn more about swimming pool accessibility, visit
www.poollifts.com or visit
www.ADA.gov, or contact the Department of Justice at (800) 514-0301 for legal guidance or the Access Board at (800) 872-2253 for construction-related inquiries.
A Guide to ADA Pool Lift Compliance
A major element in managing public pools over the last several years has been the challenge of complying with new provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which were added in 2010. Learn more about how ADA compliance applies to you and your pool.
How to Choose a Pool Lift for the Home
Using a pool lift can help someone with mobility issues in and out of the water. There are many choices when it comes to pool lifts - Learn more about these choices so you can make the right decision for your home pool lift.
