DOJ Implements ADA Guidelines for Pool Lifts
The Department of Justice has refused to extend the March 15, 2012 deadline for owners of public pools to install fixed lifts for each pool they operate. Hospitality Net had several Congressmen write to DOJ to obtain clarification, and the DOJ refused to modify the guidelines or extend the deadline. The guidelines require a fixed, not portable lift, for each water element, including pool, wading pool, hot tub and spa. The Washington Examiner estimates that there are approximately 300,000 public pools that will need to install these fixed lifts, as a cost of $8,000 to $20,000 each. The Washington Examiner expects a large number of lawsuits to be filed by the various firms around the country, including in Alabama, that pursue ADA litigation on a regular basis.
Practice pointer. If you operate a public access pool, tomorrow is the deadline for installing these lifts. Hotels, Community Centers, Gyms, etc are all subject to these guidelines. I anticipate a number of lawsuits being filed in the near future to enforce these requirements.
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