In 2002, Aqua Creek Products, a small but dedicated American manufacturer, was carving its niche in the pool and spa industry with innovative pool lifts designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Then, in 2010, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was updated, mandating that commercial pools be accessible to all users. This legislative change sent ripples throughout the industry, placing unprecedented demands on pool lift manufacturers. Many companies struggled to adapt, but Aqua Creek Products not only survived the challenge, they thrived, emerging as a leader in the field with a renewed commitment to accessibility advocacy. As a company, Aqua Creek took a proactive role in shaping the industry’s standards, participating in the UL Technical Panel which was responsible for developing the new pool lift standards. For those unfamiliar, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a global independent safety science testing lab that sets safety standards for consumer, commercial, and industrial products – including pool lifts. These standards ensure that pool lifts are safe, reliable, and effective in providing access to water for individuals with disabilities.
For Canadian aquatic center owners and managers who are experiencing the beginning stages of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), and knowing that it does not yet specify commercial pools, this article will serve you as a guide in understanding the importance of barrier-free aquatics and provide you with insights into the details that make a pool truly accessible.
Aquatic access: Why it’s important
Water has a unique ability to provide freedom of movement that is often impossible on land. For individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mobility challenges, being in water can be the only time they experience pain-free movement. Aquatic environments offer a sense of weightlessness that reduces stress on joints and muscles, making it possible to engage in physical activities that might otherwise be too painful or difficult.
Accessible pools can serve as therapeutic environments where individuals can engage in physical therapy, improve their health, and experience the joy of movement. Aquatic access is not just about providing a place for people to swim; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of water-based exercise and recreation – and can do so without the assistance of others. Independence is an important aspect of not only equal access, but creating equitable experiences for all users.
The lack of accessible aquatic facilities can significantly limit the quality of life for people with disabilities, making it all the more important for facility owners and pool builders to prioritize accessibility.
Uncharted waters: Planning for an accessible future
Canada’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society took a significant step forward with the introduction of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in 2019. This landmark legislation aims to eliminate barriers and ensure full participation in society for all Canadians, particularly those with disabilities. However, like many pioneering initiatives, the ACA is still in its infancy and faces the challenges that come with broad and ambitious goals.
Similar to the early days of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ACA sets a visionary target – a barrier-free Canada by 2040 – but leaves much to be interpreted and defined by individual businesses and organizations. This lack of specific guidelines can create uncertainty for commercial enterprises, including those in the pool and spa industry, as they strive to align with the new regulations.
This is where insights from the American experience, particularly the challenges and successes experienced by companies like Aqua Creek Products, can be invaluable. Having navigated the complexities of ADA compliance, Aqua Creek has not only refined its approach to accessibility but has also contributed to shaping industry standards. These lessons learned – such as the importance of clear guidelines, the need for adaptable solutions, and the value of early investment in accessible infrastructure – can serve as a blueprint for Canadian businesses as they work to create inclusive environments. By drawing on these experiences, Canadian pool and spa facilities can avoid common pitfalls, accelerate their compliance efforts, and ensure they are truly accessible to all, fulfilling the promise of the ACA and setting a new standard for inclusivity in the industry.
Key considerations for implementing pool access:
When it comes to making pools accessible, there are several key considerations that facility owners and pool builders need to keep in mind. The ADA has specific guidelines that can serve as a useful reference point for Canadian businesses that aren’t sure where to begin. These guidelines include provisions for wheelchair access, entry points, and the use of pool lifts.
Barrier-free entry:
Creating a truly accessible pool environment extends beyond just the pool itself; it requires ensuring that individuals with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, have barrier-free access throughout the entire facility. This begins in the parking lot, where accessible parking spaces must be conveniently located near the entrance. These spaces should connect to the facility via smooth, unobstructed pathways that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and free from steps or steep inclines.
Inside the facility, all entrances should feature either automatic or easy-to-open manual doors with low or no thresholds. From the entrance to the locker rooms and finally to the pool deck, accessible routes should be prioritized. Locker rooms should include accessible benches, lockers, and showers, with roll-in showers and grab bars to ensure safety and ease of use. The path to the pool should remain unobstructed, with smooth, slip-resistant surfaces leading to accessible entry points.
Access points:
The ADA requires that at least one “accessible means of entry” be provided for pools with under 300 linear feet of pool wall. Larger pools must have at least two accessible means of entry, and must be in the form of a pool lift or sloped entry (such as a ramp).
- Pool Lifts: Pool lifts are a popular choice for ensuring pool accessibility because they are less expensive to install compared to other options like ramps or zero-depth entries. They also take up less space, making them a practical choice for smaller facilities. According to ADA guidelines, pool lifts must be located where the water level does not exceed 48 inches (1.22 meters) and should be capable of unassisted operation by the user. It’s also important to ensure that the lift can support a minimum weight of 300 pounds (136 kilograms), though higher weight capacities are available and may be preferable.
- Zero-Depth Entry: Zero-depth entry, also known as a beach entry, is another option for providing pool access. This design allows individuals to gradually enter the pool without the need for steps or ladders, making it accessible to people with mobility challenges. However, zero-depth entries can be more expensive to install and require more space than pool lifts, which is why they are often found in larger public pools rather than smaller commercial facilities. It is also important to remember that wheelchair users’ everyday chairs are very costly and are usually not intended for aquatic use. So, if you plan on a ramp-entry pool, you’ll also need to provide aquatic PVC wheelchairs.
Wheelchair space:
A key aspect of pool accessibility is providing enough space for wheelchair users to navigate the area easily. The ADA specified that pool lifts be on an accessible route. Accessible routes are continuous, unobstructed paths that connect all accessible elements and spaces within a facility. According to ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), these routes must be at least 36 inches wide, with passing spaces provided where needed. The surface should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant, with a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) to ensure easy navigation. Additionally, doors along these routes should be wide enough for wheelchairs and have low or no thresholds. By following these guidelines, facility owners can create a pool environment that is both accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities.
Future-proofing your investment:
Investing in a barrier-free aquatic facility is a big undertaking; that’s why it’s important to ensure you have a robust training and maintenance program in place to maximize the return on your investment and guarantee quality access for years to come. Training staff on pool access equipment and maintenance procedures is crucial to ensuring that accessibility features, such as pool lifts, are always operational and ready for use. Proper training empowers staff to understand the importance of these tools, perform routine checks, and swiftly address any issues that may arise. Facility operations managers can integrate pool lift maintenance into daily opening and closing procedures by including checks for proper function and cleanliness as part of their routine tasks. Additionally, incorporating pool lift maintenance into quarterly and annual schedules helps ensure more in-depth inspections and repairs are conducted regularly. This proactive approach helps maintain the equipment’s reliability and longevity, ensuring that it remains in optimal working condition. By keeping staff well-informed and engaged in these maintenance routines, facilities can provide a seamless experience for users, allowing them to enjoy the pool independently and confidently, knowing their accessibility needs will be met effectively.
The barrier-free path forward:
As Canada continues to refine its accessibility guidelines under the ACA, it’s essential for pool and spa professionals to remain informed and proactive. Drawing on the experiences of American manufacturers like Aqua Creek Products, who have navigated the complexities of ADA compliance, can offer valuable insights and help Canadian businesses sidestep common challenges.
At Aqua Creek, our mission has always been to champion accessibility in aquatic environments. We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of water, and we’re committed to assisting Canadian facilities in creating inclusive spaces. By integrating accessibility from the start, pool builders and facility owners can not only meet future regulations but also provide a vital service to their communities.
The journey to fully accessible aquatic facilities is demanding, yet it presents a unique opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of individuals of all abilities. By embracing these insights and implementing comprehensive accessibility measures, Canadian pool and spa facilities have the chance to set a new standard and lead the way in creating truly barrier-free environments that welcome everyone, regardless of physical ability.
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