New ADA Guidelines were signed into law on September 15th, 2010, which require recreational facilities, wading pools, swimming pools and spas to provide accessible entry and exit for these facilities to people with disabilities. Covering both public entities (Title II) and private facilities (Title III), the ADA standards include pools operated by public park and recreation districts, motels and hotels, country clubs, fitness and recreational sports clubs, water parks, hospitals and health care facilities, high schools and universities. Compliance with these new laws is already in effect for facilities built after March 15th, 2012, and the deadline for compliance for all other facilities is quickly approaching on January 31st, 2013.

Beside the importance of complying with the new laws, providing access to the largest minority group in America with over 200 billion in spending power makes sense for a facility's bottom line. By removing barriers to people with disabilities, a facility creates an opportunity to recoup the costs of their modifications very quickly by marketing the fact that their facility is ADA compliant, which in turn will drive more business to their doors. Fortunately for facilities everywhere affected by the new ADA guidelines, Rehabmart now offers a broad array of state-of-the-art and ADA compliant pool and spa lifts, ramps and ladders designed by Spectrum Aquatics.

As a member of organizations such as USA Swimming, the Medical Fitness Association, and the American Institute of Architects, Spectrum Aquatics is a highly regarded manufacturer within the pool and spa industry. Incorporating the highest quality craftsmanship into every product, all of their lifts' superstructures and components are passivated and electropolished to enhance corrosion resistance in harsh pool environments. Spectrum is the only pool and spa lift manufacturer to passivate their products, making them less vulnerable to water, air or other environmental factors. Their ADA compliant pool and spa products include lifts that are battery powered, water powered, manually powered and radio frequency controlled, along with ADA compliant ramps and ladders. The following products are just a small sampling of the Spectrum Aquatics products available at Rehabmart:

  

The ADA compliant Traveler II Pool Lift offers a weight capacity of 500 pounds and can be used beside any in-ground or above-ground spa or pool. A wide variety of standard features set this adjustable lift way above the competition and include a battery and charger, stability bar, transfer assist bar, padded headrest, armrests with non-slip grip, an adjustable and swing-out footrest, and seatbelt. The wide, comfortable and spacious seat provides excellent lumbar support and easier transfer capabilities. Two watertight remote controls enable this lift to be self-operable from both the deck and the water, and this quiet and stable lift is both rotationally and vertically powered with a 360-degree continuous power rotation.

  


For use at in-ground pools or spas, the ADA compliant Gallatin Water-Powered Pool Lift is a great choice for a lift completely powered by hydraulics. For pools who have not had a water-powered lift before, a water box and pressure system are available to help boost the water pressure required to operate this lift. With a weight capacity of 400 pounds, the Gallatin additionally offers a padded headrest, flip-up armrests, nonslip footrests, seatbelt and a large seat to offer a more safe and comfortable transfer for every user. Operation is provided both from the deck or from the water. The pressure booster system features a .5 horsepower motor, a 6-gallon tank capacity, and a maximum working pressure of 100 psi.
 




  


A perfect choice for spas is the ADA compliant Summit Therapy Spa Lift, specifically designed for use with above-ground spas and pools. To prevent water contact, the rechargeable battery and control box are mounted away from the water, eliminating damage. The aptly named Summit rotates 360-degrees and can clear a wall height of 64 inches and width of 24 inches, and features a working weight capacity of 500 pounds. A wide, comfortable seat, padded headrest, flip-up armrests, nonslip footrests, hanging transfer bar and seatbelt all combine to ensure user comfort and easier transfers.

  


The ADA Compliant Therapy Ladder improves access to your facility's pool, and is a good secondary means of entry for a pool that already has a lift. Available with a choice of 3, 4, 5 or 6 nonslip surface steps, this ladder is custom-designed to fit your unique pool. Polyethylene netting between the risers and on the sides of the ladder help the users from becoming stuck.

  
Another great secondary access option for pools that already have a lift is the ADA compliant Kalispell Pool Ramp. Customized to fit your individual pool, the surface of the ramp has a powder-coated non-slip surface with a sand-like texture, and is reinforced by fiberglass T-bars for additional safety and durability. Wheels allow the ramp to be easily moved and stored away when desired. This ramp allows a weight capacity of 400 pounds.

Additional documentation for these products is available on the Rehabmart website, including deck configuration forms, pool floor measurement forms, schematics and required ADA Compliancy Checklists. Field measurements are required for all of these products and can be submitted by fax or email. It is also highly recommended by the manufacturer that these pool and spa lifts, ramps and ladders be installed by professionals to ensure ADA compliance and safety for all users. January 31st, 2013, will be here before you know it...is your facility ready to comply with these new laws?

Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO