The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, specifically the standards related to pools and spas, have been in effect for over a year now. The standards require public swimming pools with 300 linear feet of pool wall or more have at least two means of accessible entry. One of the two entry points must be a slopped entry or a pool lift while the other can be pool stairs, or a transfer wall or system. The 2010 standards require that spas have at least one means of entry, which can be a transfer wall or system, or a pool lift.

While the standards are clear about the number of access points a pool and spa require, there is still a problem that the law does not address. Although public pools and spas are required to have a handicap accessible lift, they are not required to advertise the pool lift. Since pools and spas can legally have a fixed portable pool lift, meaning it is wheeled up to the pool and locked into the ground, it might be tucked away and not visible at all times. In instances such as this, a pool lift sign can be very handy. So while pool lift signs aren’t required, they are beneficial.

There are a variety of pool lift signs available, such as the one below.

Since the law went into effect, those who complied have voiced some concerns regarding the safety of having a pool lift. Many public pool owners believe that having a pool lift isn’t safe because young children see it as a toy instead of a helping aide. For this we suggest a sign similar to the picture below.