Since the announcement of the new ADA standards, there has been much debate as to whether or not wading pools, or "baby pools," need to comply. Initially, we believed that wading pools did need to comply by means of a sloped entry to the deepest part of the pool. We even called the Department of Justice to confirm.
However, upon further investigation, we have revisited our opinion. According to Guidelines for the 2010 ADA Standards, existing wading pools need to comply only if it is “readily achievable.” In most cases, adding a sloped entry to the deepest part of the pool would require the entire pool to be rebuilt. Since this would becost prohibitive to do so, it is not “readily achievable.” Existing wading pools do not need to comply under these circumstances.
The governing bodies didn't exempt wading pools from the rules because they thought that their standard of requiring changes be made when they are "readily achievable" already exempted this situation. If a pool must be rebuilt to comply, it isn't "readily achievable." Therefore there was no reason to rule out the entire classification of pool. Especially because new wading pools, altered wading pools and wading pools where it is "readily achievable" still need to comply.
If you have questions about your specific pool, we recommend that you contact the Department of Justice. Their technical assistance hotline is 1.800.514.0301 and is answered by a real live person.
Hope this helps! If you have any further questions feel free to submit them to info@compliantpools.com. Spectrum Aquatics would love to help you navigate the waters.
