Using a Fitness Center Does Not Have to be an Exercise in Frustration: Tips for People with Mobility and Visual Disabilities

4.6 Swimming Pools

Swimming can offer many health benefits. It can improve strength, endurance and flexibility without causing the problems dealing with gravity during weight bearing activities. The ADA Guidelines for Recreation Facilities provide standards for swimming pool accessibility and are a good resource for facilities. (See Resources in section 1 for more information.)

Here are some ways that swimming pools can be made more accessible and easier to use.

• There are at least 5 different ways to enter a pool that are accessible: you can use a lift, a sloped entry, a transfer wall, transfer steps, or accessible pool stairs. It is best to have 2 accessible ways to enter a pool, and one of the ways should be a lift.

• If the pool has a lift, find out if the lift can be operated independently (preferred) or if you will need help. Staff should have or get training on how to use the pool lift and how to check it regularly to make sure it is working.

• If you cannot use any of the pool’s entrances, talk to the staff to arrange for help to get into and out of the pool. Be prepared to teach staff how to assist you safely.

• If the accessible entrance is in the shallow end of the pool and you want to use the lap lanes, then you may have to talk with staff about how you should get into the area of the pool you want to use. Some centers will not let you swim between areas of the pool at certain times, so you need to know your options.