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The Problem with Pool Lifts

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COMMERCIAL Series Pool LiftIt has been nine months since the deadline for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act 2010 Standards for Accessible Design for installing fixed pool lifts for swimming pools and spas. In order to be compliant, public pools are required to have an accessible means of entrance and exit, such as a pool lift or sloped entry, for those people with disabilities. Some businesses were happy to oblige with the new standards, while others weren’t. In fact, some businesses have received fines for lack of compliance.

Those businesses that have complied with the new standards are starting to wonder how safe fixed pool lifts are though. In a recent interview, Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, stated, “…We’re also finding that those pool lifts are turning out to be a safety hazard, with children playing on them,” when she was asked about the ADA requirements, which is leading the industry to wonder, are pool lifts safe?

Since hotels and businesses are having a problem with kids seeing pool lifts as toys, Lugar also said, “So I hope we have an opportunity to go back to the table. The federal government doesn’t always know best, and there may be other ways to accomplish the Americans with Disabilities Act’s goal.” What the other requirement options might be have yet to be discussed though.

If the American Hotel & Lodging Association and ADA can reach common ground on new requirements, the next issue is what will happen to the public and private industry pools that are already ADA compliant according to the 2010 standards. Will they be required to make changes to meet the new requirements or are they exempt since they have a fixed pool lift? If businesses who did comply with the January 31st deadline are required to meet new standards, there could be a large controversy. The cost of buying and installing a pool lift isn’t cheap so making businesses pay to meet new requirements might not go over well. Another problem to consider if the association and ADA ‘go back to the table’ is that the businesses that have yet to comply may continue to put it off too.

What are your thoughts on the situation, are pool lifts safe or should new requirements replace the 2010 standards?


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