Pool Gates

[LGreene]

On a trip to Florida this week, I saw a hardware modification on the gates surrounding 2 large pool enclosures that meets the requirement for the 54" lever height on the outside, with panic hardware mounted in the normal location (+/- 40") on the inside. Because someone could just reach over the gate and push on the panic hardware, surface bolts had been added to provide security. The surface bolt is the type that can be padlocked in the unlocked position or padlocked in the locked position. When I saw them, all of the bolts were retracted and padlocked that way. I assume that when the pool is closed for the night, they padlock the bolts in the locked position.

I can't think of another way to secure the pool after hours that is code-compliant. The risk would be if they unlocked just the main gate and left the others locked while the pool was open, but being a large pool enclosure outside with a 4' fence, it doesn't seem very high-risk.

My question for all of the AHJs out there is, would you allow this? Why or why not? Would this type of variance or accommodation be provided in writing, or just unofficially accepted? Would you require the hotel to have a written procedure that includes unlocking the surface bolts? Are there circumstances where you would require this type of hardware (latching, with lever at 54" AFF) on indoor pool doors like a hotel or recreation facility?

I know - that's more than one question, but that's how I roll. Here are some photos of the gate: I Dig Hardware / I Hate Hardware » Pool Gate Panic Hardware

 

[cda]

key lockable:::

http://www.hooverfence.com/woodfence/magna.htm

 

[north star]

$ $



Were these pools also ADA compliant, ...with all of the reach

range and maneuvering clearances, mounting heights, etc.?

FWIW, ...there IS a very high risk at hotel pools these days.

Drownings, ...falls, ...wet surfaces, ...sharp edges, it is a

veritable law suit waiting to happen each day they have it

open to the public.

In your pics., while the set up [ may not ] be ADA compliant,

...it is a cost feasible design.....Maybe magnetic locks with

hotel issued coded access cards.......Just a thought!



& &

 

[LGreene]

key lockable:::http://www.hooverfence.com/woodfence/magna.htm

That wouldn't meet the accessibility or egress requirements I don't think.

 

[LGreene]

$ $

Were these pools also ADA compliant, ...with all of the reach

range and maneuvering clearances, mounting heights, etc.?



& &

From a door/hardware standpoint they did seem to meet ADA requirements, except for the height of the lever (above 48"). When I asked the ICC about this since A117.1 has the same maximum height of 48", I was told that because of the exception in the IBC for a 54" height on the lever, it was fine for accessibility.

 

[cda]

from 2008

Does the ADA conflict with the Pool and Spa Act of 2007? | Gate Hardware for Pools

 

[elowpop]

Locking is a option. Latching is required