2022 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2023)

11B-1009.2 Pool lifts.

Pool lifts shall comply with Section 11B-1009.2.

Advisory 1009.2 Pool lifts. There are a variety of seats available on pool lift. Pool lift seats with backs enable a larger population of persons with disabilities to use the lift. Pool lift seats that consist of materials that resist corrosion and provide a firm base to transfer will be usable by a wider range of people with disabilities. Additional options such as armrests, head rests, seat belts, and leg support will enhance accessibility and better accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities. ◼

11B-1009.2.1 Pool lift location.

Pool lifts shall be located where the water level is 36 inches (914 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1009.2.1 Pool Lift Location. Pool lifts shall be located where the water level does not exceed 48 inches (1220 mm).

Exceptions:

1. Where the entire pool depth is less than 36 inches (914 mm) or greater than 48 inches (1219 mm), compliance with Section 11B-1009.2.1 shall not be required.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1. Where the entire pool depth is greater than 48 inches (1220 mm), compliance with 1009.2.1 shall not be required.

2. Where multiple pool lift locations are provided, no more than one pool lift shall be required to be located in an area where the water level is 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum.

11B-1009.2.2 Seat location.

In the raised position, the centerline of the seat shall be located over the deck and 16 inches (406 mm) minimum from the edge of the pool. The deck surface between the centerline of the seat and the pool edge shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48.

FIGURE 11B-1009.2.2 POOL LIFT SEAT LOCATION

11B-1009.2.3 Clear deck space.

On the side of the seat opposite the water, a clear deck space shall be provided parallel with the seat. The space shall be 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum and shall extend forward 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum from a line located 12 inches (305 mm) behind the rear edge of the seat. The clear deck space shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48.

FIGURE 11B-1009.2.3 CLEAR DECK SPACE AT POOL LIFTS

11B-1009.2.4 Seat.

The seat shall be rigid and shall have a back support that is at least 12 inches (305 mm) tall. The height of the lift seat shall be designed to allow a stop at 17 inches (432 mm) minimum to 19 inches (483 mm) maximum measured from the deck to the top of the seat surface when in the raised (load) position. The seat shall have a restraint for the use of the occupant with operable parts complying with Section 11B-309.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1009.2.4 Seat Height. The height of the lift seat shall be designed to allow a stop at 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm) maximum measured from the deck to the top of the seat surface when in the raised (load) position.

FIGURE 11B-1009.2.4 POOL LIFT SEAT HEIGHT ‡‡

11B-1009.2.5 Seat width.

The seat shall be 16 inches (406 mm) wide minimum.

11B-1009.2.6 Footrests and armrests.

Footrests shall be provided and shall move with the seat. The seat shall have two armrests. The armrest positioned opposite the water shall be removable or shall fold clear of the seat when the seat is in the raised (load) position.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1009.2.6 Footrests and Armrests. Footrests shall be provided and shall move with the seat. If provided, the armrest positioned opposite the water shall be removable or shall fold clear of the seat when the seat is in the raised (load) position.

Exception: Footrests shall not be required on pool lifts provided in spas.

11B-1009.2.7 Operation.

The lift shall be capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be unobstructed when the lift is in use and shall comply with Section 11B-309.4. The lift shall be stable and not permit unintended movement when a person is getting into or out of the seat.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1009.2.7 Operation. The lift shall be capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be unobstructed when the lift is in use and shall comply with 309.4.

Advisory 11B-1009.2.7 Operation. Pool lifts must be capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. This will permit a person to call the pool lift when the pool lift is in the opposite position. It is extremely important for a person who is swimming alone to be able to call the pool lift when it is in the up position so he or she will not be stranded in the water for extended periods of time awaiting assistance. The requirement for a pool lift to be independently operable does not preclude assistance from being provided. ◼

11B-1009.2.8 Submerged depth.

The lift shall be designed so that the seat will submerge to a water depth of 18 inches (457 mm) minimum below the stationary water level.

FIGURE 11B-1009.2.8 POOL LIFT SUBMERGED DEPTH

11B-1009.2.9 Lifting capacity.

Single person pool lifts shall have a weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg) minimum and be capable of sustaining a static load of at least one and a half times the rated load.

Advisory 11B-1009.2.9 Lifting capacity. Single person pool lifts must be capable of supporting a minimum weight of 300 pounds (136 kg) and sustaining a static load of at least one and a half times the rated load. Pool lifts should be provided that meet the needs of the population they serve. Providing a pool lift with a weight capacity greater than 300 pounds (136 kg) may be advisable. ◼