While true that the ADA is not within the scope of the IBC, there are instances where one needs to access that code for direction. I think that dealing with swimming pools is just one such instance. For example, Section 1109.14.4.5 states "Where a recreational facility serves multiple buildings having Type A and/or Type B dwelling units, not less than one of each type of recreational facility shall be accessible."
The only exceptions with regard to accessibility for swimming pools or spas; is that raised diving boards or diving platforms need not be accessible. Section 1109.14.4.5.
Since the ICC A117.1 Design Standard does not have directions for providing accessibility, it is logical to the Americans with Disabilities Act for direction in providing the appropriate design.
At least two accessible means of entry must be provided for every swimming pool. Primary means must be a pool lift that is capable of being independently operated by a person with a disability or a sloped entry. Secondary means may be pool lift, sloped entry, transfer wall, transfer system, or pool stairs. ADA, Section 242.2.
• Exception: Swimming pools with less than 300 linear feet of pool wall must provide at least one accessible means of entry. That one accessible means must be by Pool lift or sloped entry.
Spas must provide at least one accessible means of entry. That means must be by pool lift, transfer wall, or transfer system. ADA, Section 242.4.
Pool lift requirements as specified in ADA, Section 1009.2.
A pool lift must be located where the water level does not exceed 48”.
In the raised position, centerline of the seat must be located over the deck and not less than 16” from the pool edge.
The deck surface must not have a slope greater than 1:48.
On the side of the seat opposite the water, a clear deck space of not less than 36” must be provided parallel to the seat of the lift.
The seat height in a raised condition must be 16” minimum and 19” maximum above the deck surface.
The seat width must be not less than 16”. Footrest for the pool lift must be provided and must move with the lift.
The lift must be capable of unassisted operation from the deck and the water levels. Controls and operating mechanisms must be unobstructed when the lift is in use. The operating controls must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Controls must not require more than five pounds of pressure to operate.
Single person lifts must be capable of lifting at least 300 pounds.
Sloped entry requirements as specified in ADA, Section 1009.3.
Sloped entry ramps must have a clear width of not less than 36” a, maximum slope of 1:12, and be slip resistant. Bear in mind that personal wheelchairs may not be suitable for submerging in water due to batteries, motors and electrical components that could be damaged.
Sloped entries must extend to a depth of not less than 24 and not more than 30” below the stationary water level to ensure buoyancy.
Handrails must be provided on both sides of the sloped entry.
Distance between handrails shall be placed with a clear space not less than 33” and not more than 38” clear between them.
A landing is required at both the top and the bottom of the sloped entry.
Landings shall be not less than 36” in width and 60” in length.
Handrail extensions are required at the top landing but not the bottom.
The top of the handrail must be 34” minimum and 38” maximum above the surface of the sloped entry.
The grip area of the handrail must have a diameter of not less than 1 ¼” and not more than 2”.
The gripping surface must be continuous along the length of the rail and unobstructed on the top and the sides
The handrail shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements with rounded edges and be non-rotating.
Clearance between the handrail and adjacent surfaces shall be not less than 1 ½”.
Big Mac
The only exceptions with regard to accessibility for swimming pools or spas; is that raised diving boards or diving platforms need not be accessible. Section 1109.14.4.5.
Since the ICC A117.1 Design Standard does not have directions for providing accessibility, it is logical to the Americans with Disabilities Act for direction in providing the appropriate design.
At least two accessible means of entry must be provided for every swimming pool. Primary means must be a pool lift that is capable of being independently operated by a person with a disability or a sloped entry. Secondary means may be pool lift, sloped entry, transfer wall, transfer system, or pool stairs. ADA, Section 242.2.
• Exception: Swimming pools with less than 300 linear feet of pool wall must provide at least one accessible means of entry. That one accessible means must be by Pool lift or sloped entry.
Spas must provide at least one accessible means of entry. That means must be by pool lift, transfer wall, or transfer system. ADA, Section 242.4.
Pool lift requirements as specified in ADA, Section 1009.2.
A pool lift must be located where the water level does not exceed 48”.
In the raised position, centerline of the seat must be located over the deck and not less than 16” from the pool edge.
The deck surface must not have a slope greater than 1:48.
On the side of the seat opposite the water, a clear deck space of not less than 36” must be provided parallel to the seat of the lift.
The seat height in a raised condition must be 16” minimum and 19” maximum above the deck surface.
The seat width must be not less than 16”. Footrest for the pool lift must be provided and must move with the lift.
The lift must be capable of unassisted operation from the deck and the water levels. Controls and operating mechanisms must be unobstructed when the lift is in use. The operating controls must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Controls must not require more than five pounds of pressure to operate.
Single person lifts must be capable of lifting at least 300 pounds.
Sloped entry requirements as specified in ADA, Section 1009.3.
Sloped entry ramps must have a clear width of not less than 36” a, maximum slope of 1:12, and be slip resistant. Bear in mind that personal wheelchairs may not be suitable for submerging in water due to batteries, motors and electrical components that could be damaged.
Sloped entries must extend to a depth of not less than 24 and not more than 30” below the stationary water level to ensure buoyancy.
Handrails must be provided on both sides of the sloped entry.
Distance between handrails shall be placed with a clear space not less than 33” and not more than 38” clear between them.
A landing is required at both the top and the bottom of the sloped entry.
Landings shall be not less than 36” in width and 60” in length.
Handrail extensions are required at the top landing but not the bottom.
The top of the handrail must be 34” minimum and 38” maximum above the surface of the sloped entry.
The grip area of the handrail must have a diameter of not less than 1 ¼” and not more than 2”.
The gripping surface must be continuous along the length of the rail and unobstructed on the top and the sides
The handrail shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements with rounded edges and be non-rotating.
Clearance between the handrail and adjacent surfaces shall be not less than 1 ½”.
Big Mac
