As consumers move toward picking a hotel based upon amenities, it may cause one to wonder if they are called, ‘discriminating consumers’?  Those who travel with pet’s, generally will only stay in hotels that allow pets in the rooms; while knowing this usually comes with an additional room fee.

It’s nice to know that some of the best hotels and resorts don’t themselves discriminate against bringing a pet into the room. These hotels have an active and fair “pet friendly” policy. For example Hilton has this published on their site.  

The American’s with Disabilities Act or ADA helps protect those who feel discrimination based upon a disability. Starting on March 15, 2012, the ADA will step up enforcement of public facilities which are discriminatory when it comes to accessing swimming pools and spas.

So, does this mean that just as people pick and choose their hotel based upon pet accommodations, they may also do the same for access to the swimming pool and spa? For those facing the rigors of trying to become compliant with these new ADA standards, please know that there is more than one way to become ADA compliant.

Section 242.2 Swimming Pools, addresses the ADA standards.
At least two accessible means of entry shall be provided for swimming pools. Accessible means of entry shall be swimming pool lifts complying with 1009.2; sloped entries complying with 1009.3; transfer walls complying with 1009.4; transfer systems complying with 1009.5; and pool stairs complying with 1009.6. At least one accessible means of entry provided shall comply with 1009.2 or 1009.3.

1. Swimming Pool Lifts – Used on Outside of pool/spa, cost effective and user friendly without inhibiting the “Green” environment.
2. Sloped Entries – Protrudes into the pool/spa reducing the effective aquatic enjoyment area, retro-construction usually involved but COSTLY “portable” ramps are available
3. Transfer Walls – Costly and also takes away from the swim area, retro-construction usually required
4. Transfer Systems – Retro-construction of system is usually required, costly and takes away from the swim area
5. Pool Stairs – Retro-construction of system is usually required, costly and takes away from the swim area

The most economical, least intrusive means of brining a pool/spa up to ADA compliance is the use of a swimming pool lift. A swimming pool lift can be utilized in two ways, Fixed Mount Pool Lifts or Portable Pool Lifts.

A fixed mount pool lift can be installed into the deck by simply core drilling about a 9” diameter hole in the deck and installing the lift receiver. The lift can then be removed from the pool perimeter when it is not in use and the lift receiver has a cover to put over it when it is not in use.

A portable pool lift is just what it says. It is an ADA certified compliant pool lift on wheels, making it portable.
Our portable pool lift has a storage footprint of approximately 2’ 4” x 8’, so it can easily be placed in an access room when not in use.