Swimming Pool designs and ADA complaint designs do not need to be sterile and utilitarian.
ADA Compliance
Though the codes are very explicit as to the design requirements of an ADA compliant facility, a little creativeness can eliminate the sterile and utilitarian designs most frequently associated with handicapped accessible swimming pools.
Getting Creative
Beach entries and ramps are the easiest means to eliminate unsightly lifts and chairs. Beach entries look the best on natural or lagoon type of pools.
However, the slope is much less for ADA compliant ramps - 1 foot of drop for every 12 feet of length (as opposed to normal beach entry slopes of 1 in 7). This would require a minimum of 36 feet of sloped beach to reach a 3 foot depth. the code also requires that ramps over 30 feet in length at a 1 in 12 slope, have an intermediary landing. In addition to these space requirements, the ramp needs be even longer, so it can start above the waterline.
Wide beach type of entries are not required to have handrails. However, a narrow ramp for access into a pool would require handrails and curbs at ADA specified heights and widths.
If the slope is anything greater than 1 in 20, then a landing is required at the top and bottom. The pool deck and a flat area at the bottom of the ramp (pool floor) can satisfy these requirements.
However, the ramp need only terminate in 24 to 30 inches of water - enough for the bather to become bouyant.
Design Alternatives
The easiest means to provide for access without dedicating a lot of real estate to ramps or beach entries, is through the incorporation of a "transition wall." This design element raises the pool wall 16 to 19 inches above the grade.
It allows the disabled person to sit on the wall or to transfer from the wheel chair to the raised bench. From there, it is merely a matter of swinging around into the pool.
This design requires that the elevation of the pool deck drop on one side of the pool, usually not a difficult obstacle.
Visually, it is unobtrusive and a lot more pleasant to look at than a stainless steel tower and plastic chair.
Design - creating elements that work in harmony with their environment.
Paolo Benedetti
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
ADA Compliance
Though the codes are very explicit as to the design requirements of an ADA compliant facility, a little creativeness can eliminate the sterile and utilitarian designs most frequently associated with handicapped accessible swimming pools.
Getting Creative
Beach entries and ramps are the easiest means to eliminate unsightly lifts and chairs. Beach entries look the best on natural or lagoon type of pools.
However, the slope is much less for ADA compliant ramps - 1 foot of drop for every 12 feet of length (as opposed to normal beach entry slopes of 1 in 7). This would require a minimum of 36 feet of sloped beach to reach a 3 foot depth. the code also requires that ramps over 30 feet in length at a 1 in 12 slope, have an intermediary landing. In addition to these space requirements, the ramp needs be even longer, so it can start above the waterline.
Wide beach type of entries are not required to have handrails. However, a narrow ramp for access into a pool would require handrails and curbs at ADA specified heights and widths.
If the slope is anything greater than 1 in 20, then a landing is required at the top and bottom. The pool deck and a flat area at the bottom of the ramp (pool floor) can satisfy these requirements.
However, the ramp need only terminate in 24 to 30 inches of water - enough for the bather to become bouyant.
Design Alternatives
The easiest means to provide for access without dedicating a lot of real estate to ramps or beach entries, is through the incorporation of a "transition wall." This design element raises the pool wall 16 to 19 inches above the grade.
It allows the disabled person to sit on the wall or to transfer from the wheel chair to the raised bench. From there, it is merely a matter of swinging around into the pool.
This design requires that the elevation of the pool deck drop on one side of the pool, usually not a difficult obstacle.
Visually, it is unobtrusive and a lot more pleasant to look at than a stainless steel tower and plastic chair.
Design - creating elements that work in harmony with their environment.
Paolo Benedetti
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
