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

11B-1009 Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas

11B-1009.1 General.

Where provided, pool lifts, sloped entries, transfer walls, transfer systems, and pool stairs shall comply with Section 11B-1009.

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. ◼

11B-1009.3 Sloped entries.

Sloped entries shall comply with Section 11B-1009.3.

Advisory 11B-1009.3 Sloped entries. Personal wheelchairs and mobility devices may not be appropriate for submerging in water. Some may have batteries, motors, and electrical systems that when submerged in water may cause damage to the personal mobility device or wheelchair or may contaminate the pool water. Providing an aquatic wheelchair made of non-corrosive materials and designed for access into the water will protect the water from contamination and avoid damage to personal wheelchairs or other mobility aids. ◼

11B-1009.3.1 Sloped entries.

Sloped entries shall comply with Division 4 except as modified in Sections 11B-1009.3.1 through 11B-1009.3.3.

Exception: Where sloped entries are provided, the surfaces shall not be required to be slip resistant.

11B-1009.3.2 Submerged depth.

Sloped entries shall extend to a depth of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 30 inches (762 mm) maximum below the stationary water level. Where landings are required by Section 11B-405.7, at least one landing shall be located 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 30 inches (762 mm) maximum below the stationary water level.

Exception: In wading pools, the sloped entry and landings, if provided, shall extend to the deepest part of the wading pool.

FIGURE 11B-1009.3.2 SLOPED ENTRY SUBMERGED DEPTH

11B-1009.3.3 Handrails.

At least two handrails complying with Section 11B-505 shall be provided on the sloped entry. The clear width between required handrails shall be 33 inches (838 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum.

Exceptions:

1. Handrail extensions specified by Section 11B-505.10.1 shall not be required at the bottom landing serving a sloped entry.
2. Where a sloped entry is provided for wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools, and other pools where user access is limited to one area, the handrails shall not be required to comply with the clear width requirements of Section 11B-1009.3.3.
3. Sloped entries in wading pools shall not be required to provide handrails complying with Section 11B-1009.3.3. If provided, handrails on sloped entries in wading pools shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-505.

FIGURE 11B-1009.3.3 HANDRAILS FOR SLOPED ENTRY

11B-1009.4 Transfer walls.

Transfer walls shall comply with Section 11B-1009.4.

11B-1009.4.1 Clear deck space.

A clear deck space of 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the base of the transfer wall. Where one grab bar is provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the clearance between the grab bars.

(a)

(b)

FIGURE 11B-1009.4.1 CLEAR DECK SPACE AT TRANSFER WALLS

11B-1009.4.2 Height.

The height of the transfer wall shall be 16 inches (406 mm) minimum and 19 inches (483 mm) maximum measured from the deck.

FIGURE 11B-1009.4.2 TRANSFER WALL HEIGHT

11B-1009.4.3 Wall depth and length.

The depth of the transfer wall shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum and 16 inches (406 mm) maximum. The length of the transfer wall shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum and shall be centered on the clear deck space.

FIGURE 11B-1009.4.3 DEPTH AND LENGTH OF TRANSFER WALLS

11B-1009.4.4 Surface.

Surfaces of transfer walls shall not be sharp and shall have rounded edges.

11B-1009.4.5 Grab bars.

At least one grab bar complying with Section 11B-609 shall be provided on the transfer wall. Grab bars shall be perpendicular to the pool wall and shall extend the full depth of the transfer wall. The top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 inches (152 mm) maximum above transfer walls. Where one grab bar is provided, clearance shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum on both sides of the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided, clearance between grab bars shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.

Exception: Grab bars on transfer walls shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-609.4.

(a)

(b)

(c)

FIGURE 11B-1009.4.5 GRAB BARS FOR TRANSFER WALLS

11B-1009.5 Transfer systems.

Transfer systems shall comply with Section 11B-1009.5.

11B-1009.5.1 Transfer platform.

A transfer platform shall be provided at the head of each transfer system. Transfer platforms shall provide 19 inches (483 mm) minimum clear depth and 24 inches (610 mm) minimum clear width.

FIGURE 11B-1009.5.1 SIZE OF TRANSFER PLATFORM

11B-1009.5.2 Transfer space.

A transfer space of 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the base of the transfer platform surface and shall be centered along a 24 inch (610 mm) minimum side of the transfer platform. The side of the transfer platform serving the transfer space shall be unobstructed.

FIGURE 11B-1009.5.2 CLEAR DECK SPACE AT TRANSFER PLATFORM

11B-1009.5.3 Height.

The height of the transfer platform shall comply with Section 11B-1009.4.2.

11B-1009.5.4 Transfer steps.

Transfer step height shall be 8 inches (203 mm) maximum. The surface of the bottom tread shall extend to a water depth of 18 inches (457 mm) minimum below the stationary water level.

Advisory 11B-1009.5.4 Transfer steps. Where possible, the height of the transfer step should be minimized to decrease the distance an individual is required to lift up or move down to reach the next step to gain access. ◼

FIGURE 11B-1009.5.4 TRANSFER STEPS

11B-1009.5.5 Surface.

The surface of the transfer system shall not be sharp and shall have rounded edges.

11B-1009.5.6 Size.

Each transfer step shall have a tread clear depth of 14 inches (356 mm) minimum and 17 inches (432 mm) maximum and shall have a tread clear width of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.

FIGURE 11B-1009.5.6 SIZE OF TRANSFER STEPS

11B-1009.5.7 Grab bars.

At least one grab bar on each transfer step and the transfer platform or a continuous grab bar serving each transfer step and the transfer platform shall be provided. Where a grab bar is provided on each step, the tops of gripping surfaces shall be 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 inches (152 mm) maximum above each step and transfer platform. Where a continuous grab bar is provided, the top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 inches (152 mm) maximum above the step nosing and transfer platform. Grab bars shall comply with Section 11B-609 and be located on at least one side of the transfer system. The grab bar located at the transfer platform shall not obstruct transfer.

Exception: Grab bars on transfer systems shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-609.4.

(a) individual grab bars

(b) continuous grab bars

FIGURE 11B-1009.5.7 GRAB BARS

11B-1009.6 Pool stairs.

Pool stairs shall comply with Section 11B-1009.6.

11B-1009.6.1 Pool stairs.

Pool stairs shall comply with Section 11B-504.

Exception: Pool step riser heights shall not be required to be 4 inches (102 mm) high minimum and 7 inches (178 mm) high maximum provided that riser heights are uniform.

11B-1009.6.2 Handrails.

The width between handrails shall be 20 inches (508 mm) minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. Handrail extensions required by Section 11B-505.10.3 shall not be required on pool stairs.