Handicap Swimming Pool Access Options in Arizona

Public swimming pools are required to be accessible to the handicapped in Arizona, which follows the guidelines laid down by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Means of access need to be provided for the handicapped. The larger the pool the more means of access need to be provided.

  1. Swimming Pools with Less than 300 Lineal Feet of Pool Wall

    • Swimming pools with less than 300 lineal feet of pool wall must provide a sloped entry into the water for a wheelchair user or someone who cannot climb a ladder, or a pool lift for entry and exit from the water.

    Swimming Pools with More than 300 Lineal Feet of Pool Wall

    • Swimming pools with more than 300 lineal feet of pool wall must have at least two means of entry for the handicapped, one of which must be a sloped entry or a pool lift. The other can be sloped entry, pool lift, transfer walls (a wall along an accessible route that allows a person to leave a wheelchair and transfer onto the wall and then into a pool or spa), transfer systems (a platform and series of steps that descend into the water) or stairs.

    Pools Where Entry Is Limited to One Area

    • In pools where entry is limited to one area such as pools with wave machines or leisure rivers, a sloped entry, pool lift or transfer system must be provided for handicapped swimmers.

    Wading Pools

    • In wading pools a sloped entry must be provided.

    Spas

    • The handicap access requirement for spa entry is a choice between a pool lift, transfer wall or transfer system.