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

11B-242 Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas

11B-242.1 General.

Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas shall comply with Section 11B-242.

11B-242.2 Swimming pools.

At least two accessible means of entry shall be provided for swimming pools. Accessible means of entry shall be swimming pool lifts complying with Section 11B-1009.2; sloped entries complying with Section 11B-1009.3; transfer walls complying with Section 11B-1009.4; transfer systems complying with Section 11B-1009.5; and pool stairs complying with Section 11B-1009.6. At least one accessible means of entry provided shall comply with Section 11B-1009.2 or Section 11B-1009.3.

Advisory 11B-242.2 Swimming pools. Where more than one means of access is provided into the water, it is recommended that the means be different. Providing different means of access will better serve the varying needs of people with disabilities in getting into and out of a swimming pool. It is also recommended that where two or more means of access are provided, they not be provided in the same location in the pool. Different locations will provide increased options for entry and exit, especially in larger pools. ◼

Exceptions:

1. Where a swimming pool has less than 300 linear feet (91 m) of swimming pool wall, no more than one accessible means of entry shall be required provided that the accessible means of entry is a swimming pool lift complying with Section 11B-1009.2 or sloped entry complying with Section 11B-1009.3.

Advisory 11B-242.2 Swimming pools Exception 1. Pool walls at diving areas and areas along pool walls where there is no pool entry because of landscaping or adjacent structures are to be counted when determining the number of accessible means of entry required. ◼

2. Wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools, and other pools where user access is limited to one area shall not be required to provide more than one accessible means of entry provided that the accessible means of entry is a swimming pool lift complying with Section 11B-1009.2, a sloped entry complying with Section 11B-1009.3, or a transfer system complying with Section 11B-1009.5.

3. Catch pools shall not be required to provide an accessible means of entry provided that the catch pool edge is on an accessible route.

11B-242.3 Wading pools.

At least one accessible means of entry shall be provided for wading pools. Accessible means of entry shall comply with sloped entries complying with Section 11B-1009.3.

11B-242.4 Spas.

At least one accessible means of entry shall be provided for spas. Accessible means of entry shall comply with swimming pool lifts complying with Section 11B-1009.2; transfer walls complying with Section 11B-1009.4; or transfer systems complying with Section 11B-1009.5.

Exception: Where spas are provided in a cluster, no more than 5 percent, but no fewer than one, spa in each cluster shall be required to comply with Section 11B-242.4.