Soaking tub for small Spa TI

[JQArch]

Hi - I am working on a small spa TI, mostly massage rooms and nails/hair type of thing. The owner wants to have a soaking tub room, and I am trying to determine what accessibility features it will require. Since I am in CA I am going off of ADA and CBC 11B rules for grab bars, seat, access in front. May use fixed seat since that would reduce the bars, though maybe owner would prefer removable seat. I do see these tubs at places with no or lesser access, but I realize what you see is not what you can do. She of course does not understand why it needs to be accessible at all.

A few questions I have:

Is there any chance a single soaking tub in a small facility (approx 1200 sf) would not need to be accessible? TI is remodeling an existing spa, but is a new owner and pretty complete renovation in there. Just to confirm, since I assume it must be.

Can the 48" access (perpendicular) beside tub overlap with 60" turning radius, and then that overlap 12" max with door swing? Can the tub access overlap with door swing itself? It may need to by a couple of inches in this case or I am moving a wall.

Any problem with a clawfoot tub?

Can the bars be a few inches further from the tub, so when not needed a curtain can be run in front of them? It seems for the permanent seat plan this is OK as long as the dimensions shown work. I could see this making it harder to use them though perhaps.

I think I have room for all of that, but wanted to verify it and see if anything else stood out as needed.

Appreciate any input, thanks.

-JQ

 

[ADAguy]

If it is available to ambulatory customers it must be accessible; unless, it is a members only club (not a good thought but an alternative)

Overlaps of clear floor space are allowable up to a point (provide plan for comment)

As to claw n ball, a transfer lift would be required but reaching controls might present an issue.

 

[Msradell]

As ADAguy mentioned the soaking tub will require a list of some type to allow those with disabilities to get into it. That's probably going to be your biggest obstacle to overcome. As far as other clearances etc. go it's hard to really tell without seeing a layout of the room.

 

[JQArch]

ah, I did not think of a lift. can you point to where in the ADA Standard or CBC that would ask for it? I see the pool lift on pg 242 of 2010 ADA, but not a place listing where it needs to be applied. would likely kill the tub. I wouldn't think it gets classified as Pool or Spa, its a regular bathtub in an approx 7'x9' room and I was basing it on the bathtub requirements, but maybe those are more for residential and it would read as 'spa' being public. I can draw up a layout to post in a bit

thanks!

-JQ

 

[JBI]

Would client consider an accessible (walk-in type) tub? Or is the claw foot an existing feature they want to keep for some reason?

 

[north star]

$ = $

JQArch,

If the plan is to use the clawfoot type tub, ...then; as **Msradell** mentioned,

some type of lift will be required........This requirement will come from the

term "Equivalent Facilitation" [ `10 CBC, Section 11B, Definitions, Pg. 466 ].

The term "Spa" was not in the `10 CBC..................Also; as **ADAguy**

mentioned, ...access to the controls might be an issue.

We respectfully request a proposed layout of your TI.

As for "the owner not understanding why it needs to be accessible at all",

...the terms "Sued in to Compliance, or out of business" & Civil Rights

legislation [ i.e. - the law ] might be good, basic definitions for her.

Thanks !





$ = $

 

[ADAguy]

NS, to add to your comment; I believe this is a T-III place of business/offering services to the general public as opposed to a membership only club.

This also brings to mind mausauge parlors and Gentlemen's clubs with shower rooms and raised stages having to be accessible.

"If provided" it must be accessible ........

 

[JQArch]

Yes, will be open to general public, not a club. Here is a plan image, preliminary. I will bring in the walls around the tub and probably use a built-in tub, since will need walls to mount the bars on anyway. also will use removable seat. But, with a lift to add I think the tub will just get dropped from the program.

 

[ADAguy]

Check your latch side clearances & corridor widths. Consider using a pocket or barn door for restroom.

 

[north star]

$ x $ x $

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$ x $ x $

 

[JQArch]

Thanks, for some reason hadnt caught those push side doors yet, was looking at the diagram for door without latch/closer. Will show 12" on latch side at that front approach treatment room and at bath (for commercial is 12" sufficient at bathroom or is 18" needed? was going on pg 555 CBC 2013)

 

[ADAguy]

Doors have a push side (12") and a pull side (18" interior) you are looking at CBC 11B Section 400 aren't you?

 

[JPohling]

!2" push side only required on doors with BOTH a latch and closer.