ADA Guidelines for Public Swimming Pools On July 26, 2010, the US Department of Justice released updated ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Among the updates for a number of facility types were new requirements specifically for public swimming pools. The level of accessibility depends on the size and type of the pool. For pools under 300 linear feet in size, the ADA Standard for Accessible Design calls for one means of access, which must be either an ADA-compliant lift, or a sloped entry. Pools with greater than 300 linear feet of pool wall must also have a second means of access. This second means can either be another lift or ramp, or it can also be a transfer wall, a transfer system or pool stairs. Download an easy-to-read summary of the requirements for swimming pools. Download Admiral Pools, Inc. supplies and installs a wide variety of handicapped-assessible inground swimming pool chair lifts, transfer walls, and safety rails. Click here for more information.

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Safety Act:  Don't risk your pool being shut down for non-compliance of new anti-entrapment legislation.  Effective December, 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act requires entrapment avoidance systems to be installed by CPO certified professionals on all public pools and spas.  Admiral Pools professionals are CPO Certified and experienced in legislation compliance.  Call to schedule an inspection of your pool today.  For more information on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Safety Act, please visit the following websites: CPSC Guide to Complying with the Law:  http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/vgb/poolspacomply.pdf Legislation FAQ's:  http://www.aquastarpoolproducts.com/docs/press/APSP_FAQ.pdf Pool Safety Tips:  Not only is the swimming pool a backyard summer oasis, it also brings an added level of responsibility to the owners. Swimming pools, like most forms of pleasure, need to be enjoyed with reverence and respect. Some big ‘pool rules’ include: no glass around the pool, no running on the deck, no diving into above ground pools or into the shallow end of an in ground pool (9 out of 10 diving injuries occur in 6 feet of water or less (NSPI)), and no swimming without an adult present in the pool area. Print out a ‘Pool Rules’ poster and post it where it is in clear view – a great kid version is available by clicking here.  Parents should also consider leveraging available technologies and products available to contribute towards a safe swimming environment. These include: pool and gate alarms, safety covers, and flexible fencing. A common misconception is that there is a sound such as a ‘splash’ that coincides with a child falling into a pool…the truth is, the fall is generally a silent one. The US Product and Safety Commission’s document 4359 sites detailed information and recommendations pertaining to the prevention of childhood drowning.

Other areas to consider are the condition of your pool. Questions to ask yourself include: are there any unsafe corners or contacts where someone could get cut/hurt? Is the water circulating and/or being chemically treated correctly to insure the water levels are properly maintained thus reducing the risk of bacteria/algae? Is the drain cover in tact? Does your solid cover have water on it? It only takes a few inches of water for a small child to drown…pump it off, or invest in a mesh safety cover. Lastly, but not least, are those chemicals. Insure all chemicals are out of the reach of children and pets. Store them under lock and key in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Do not mix chemicals! Chemicals can mix when using the same dispensing device…clean that scoop prior to using with the next chemical. When using the chemicals, be sure to wear safety equipment including gloves, face shield, and apron.

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