5/27/2012 – The Justice Department today released a new technical assistance document, “Questions & Answers: Accessibility Requirements for Existing Pools at Hotels and Other Public Accommodations” regarding the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to swimming pools. The Department also released an updated version of its “ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Accessible Pools—Accessible Means of Entry and Exit.” The documents are also available in PDF format at ADA.gov.
Both documents were issued as part of the Department’s ongoing technical assistance efforts to assist businesses in understanding their obligations under the ADA. These documents address common questions about accessibility requirements for existing pools. The documents also explain that, for existing pools, the Department will not enforce the fixed elements provisions in the 2010 Standards against those owners of existing pools who purchased otherwise-compliant portable lifts prior to March 15, 2012, as long as those owners keep the lifts in position for use at the pool and operational during all times that the pool is open to guests.
Relatedly, the Department recently extended the compliance date for existing pools to Jan. 31, 2013.
Those interested in finding out more about these documents or the obligations of public accommodations under the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA Website at www.ada.gov.