ADA Information

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. On September 15, 2010, the ADA Guidelines finalized on July 23, 2004 (ADAAG 2004) was signed into law and now requires compliance by all Title II (Public Entities) and Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Entities).

As this is a federal requirement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, the Swimming Pool and Spa Program is unable to interpret the requirements and does not have any responsibility for direct enforcement of the ADA. We will not be directly checking for ADA compliance in our plan reviews or inspections.

Per our understanding, the ADA regulations cover both public and private facilities that may include pools operated by public park and recreation districts, hotels and motels, fitness and recreational sports clubs, country clubs, high schools and universities, waterparks, hospitals and health care facilities. Regulations may also apply to private residential facilities, such as homeowners, apartment and condo associations, if these facilities are open to the general public.

If you have specific questions relating to the application of the ADA requirement to your facility, the Swimming Pool and Spa Program would recommend that you consult with your attorney.

For more information visit http://www.ada.gov.

• Access Board Accessibility Guidelines
• 2010 ADA Standards 
• IDPH Service Animals and Pools Memo 

Technical assistance on the guidelines for swimming pools, wading pools, and spas is available from the Access Board at (800)-514-0301 or email ta@access-board.gov.