When the new ADA regulations came out, there was a lot of concern regarding the pool lift regulation. Why was that such a sticking point?
The cost of these lifts is prohibitive for many smaller establishments. The three main issues associated with the pool lift regulations were the cost of installing the units, the requirement to provide them at every pool and spa, and the requirement that they must be fixed in place during all hours of operation.
In February 2012, almost 16 months after the new regulations were published, the Department of Justice issued an interpretation that fixed lifts were required at all establishments and portable lifts were no longer compliant. This resulted in negative backlash, which eventually led to a deadline extension for the installation of pool lifts.
Answers provided by Kevin Hughes, vice president, Project & Development Services, Jones Lang LaSalle.
ADA As A "Design For All" Concept
Planning for Provisions in the New ADA
New ADA and the "Pool Lift" Regulation
