ADA Compliance
As mandated by the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by places of public accommodation, including private businesses, such as hotels and motels, health clubs, recreation centers, public country clubs, and other businesses that have swimming pools, wading pools, and spas.
ADA Standards for Accessible Design must be applied and businesses are obliged to remove accessibility barriers in existing facilities when doing so is readily achievable. The 2010 Standards for pool lifts require lifts to be fixed and to meet additional requirements for location, size of the seat, lifting capacity, and clear floor space.
Pool Lift Maintenance
Even if you have an ADA compliant pool lift, you should still ensure your equipment in optimal working condition. How do you protect your existing pool lifts or the ones you are planning to buy?
It's as simple as a pool lift cover! Shield away weather elements and accidental damage from passerby's with a proper cover. Aqua Creek's custom design covers made from sturdy canvas are made to make your lift last. By the way, for a *limited time* we are offering a FREE POOL LIFT COVER with every Aqua Creek purchase or pool lift over $1500. Shop here.
MYTHS OR FACTS?
"I can store my lift and take them out on demand." - MYTH: Equal and independent access for people with disabilities is required by the ADA and its implementing regulations. Storing your lift at hard to reach areas during hours of operation causes additional burdens on people with disabilities. Staff may not be readily available to assist and safely set up the equipment.
"I must have a lift for each pool or spa." - MYTH/FACT: It depends if you are purchasing for a new or existing pool. In new construction, each pool or spa must provide accessible entry and exit. For existing pools, consider how frequently the pool lift is required to move between pools and whether you have adequate staff to provide assistance anytime. If you are purchasing for a public pool, keep in mind that a portable lift raises concern that the lift will be improperly located upon moving. A fixed pool lift stationed at the proper water depth might save a lot of hassle.
"There are tax credits and deductions to help me comply" - FACT: According to the ADA, "To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses. The tax credit is available to businesses that have total revenues of $1,000,000 or less in the previous tax year or 30 or fewer full-time employees. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). The tax credit can be used to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility..." Pool lift equipment is eligible!
"I need professional pool lift certification." - MYTH: It's very important to get trained on how to set up, operate and maintain the pool lift properly, however it's not difficult to learn! Staff or family members can go through a simple training on how the lift works, where it is located, and when to check if the batteries (if any) need to be recharged. We also share easy to follow along video guides on our channel!
Thinking about your next purchase?
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Source: https://www.ada.gov/