Athletics, Recreation, & Fitness  |  Fall 2025

ADA Essentials for Accessible Aquatic Facilities: Why Accessibility Matters

DOWNLOAD         
Aquatic access is more than compliance—it provides freedom of movement, therapeutic benefits, and a sense of inclusion for students and staff with mobility challenges. Ensuring full access protects both student well-being and institutional reputation.

Core ADA Requirements (Since 2012)

Accessibility must extend to:

Parking & walkways

Locker rooms & restrooms

Route to the pool deck

Accessible entry into the pool

Pool Entry Rules:

Under 300 linear ft.: 1 accessible entry (lift or sloped entry).

Over 300 linear ft.: 2 accessible entries—preferably different types.

Lift Essentials:

Must be installed and operational whenever the pool is open.

Users must be able to operate from deck & water levels independently.

Clear deck space required for wheelchairs/scooters.

300 lb. minimum capacity (higher recommended).

Official Standards: Access Board ADA Guidelines, Chapter 10.

Choosing a Pool Lift: Two Main Options

Battery-Powered Lifts

Higher lifetime cost

Batteries require daily charging & frequent replacement

Electronic components prone to corrosion

Multiple moving parts that require scheduled maintenance

Increased staff labor

Water-Powered Lifts

No operating expense

Minimal maintenance: clean & inspect

Highly reliable—runs as long as the city water system does

Eco-friendly; can support LEED certification

Best Fit for Colleges:

Water-powered lifts generally offer the strongest long-term value for institutional settings with high usage and limited maintenance staffing.

Maintenance Snapshot

Battery-Powered

Charge main & backup batteries daily

Replace batteries regularly

Maintain remotes, actuators, gears, contacts, and lubricated parts

Avoid overheating—often requires staffing to move batteries in/out

Water-Powered

Turn on water each morning

Cycle lift up/down to bleed air

Then ready for all-day use—no further staff attention needed

Net-zero energy: lift water returns to pool

Common Misconceptions

“We’ll activate the lift if someone asks.”

Incorrect—ADA requires lifts to be installed and functional at all times the pool is open.

“Accessibility equipment won’t get used.”

Many students rely on warm-water movement for therapy, rehabilitation, and mobility, even if they do not disclose it.

“Any lift meets ADA requirements.”

Devices must be usable independently, have proper deck clearance, and match actual facility conditions.

DOWNLOAD         
Related Articles in Athletics, Recreation, & Fitness

How Recovery Facilities Shape Athletic Recruitment: From Cold Plunges to Hot Spas

The recruitment process for student athletes presents its own set of unique opportunities and challenges for private universities and colleges. Of course they want to see the traditional campus highlights—residential halls, dining options, lively quads that provide a sense of campus life. But most student athletes, especially those being recruited by multiple schools, are in a position to compare and contrast what each campus has to offer in terms of training facilities and support systems—and they want to know they’ll have the resources they need to excel.

Circularity in Motion: Ecore’s TRUcircularity™ Program Powers Sustainable Running Track Renewal

When St. Scholastica Academy, a private all-girls high school in Covington, La., moved forward with plans to renovate its outdoor running track, the project also became an opportunity to support a more sustainable future. Behind the scenes, Ecore activated its TRUcircularity™ program to reclaim and recycle a portion of the existing track material—demonstrating how athletic surface renovations can contribute to a truly circular economy.

Conditioning Mind and Body at the University of Miami’s Herbert Wellness Center

The University of Miami (UM) has three campuses comprising more than 400 acres in Miami-Dade County. Its main campus consists of 239 idyllic acres in Coral Gables, a suburb not far from Miami’s thriving downtown. The Coral Gables campus is home to two colleges and eight schools. In addition to its academic units, the campus offers rich experiences for arts and culture, including the Lowe Art Museum, Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, Gusman Concert Hall, and Clarke Recital Hall. As a film enthusiast, I’m particularly envious of the campus’ Cosford Cinema, which screens first-run, classic, rare, and art-house films. It is a remarkable campus that embodies standards of excellence in education and student life.

How a New Track and Field Complex Is Elevating Sports at the University of Hartford

When University of Hartford alumnus Kevin Grant, ’82, and his family decided to make a significant contribution to his alma mater, Kevin looked to his own lifelong passion: running.

Making Math Meaningful at Wilberforce University

Ramadan El Sharif, assistant professor of Mathematics at Wilberforce University, brings his passion for teaching mathematics to students at all levels and in all degree fields. He clearly communicates the importance of math literacy for a diverse array of professional roles, and he understands that part of his responsibility as an instructor is to make those connections for students while also finding innovative ways to support them in learning the skills.

Seating Solved: HOW INTERKAL HELPED A COLORADO SCHOOL REMAKE ITS ARENA— AND WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOURS

South of Denver and nestled in the heart of Colorado is where you can find Fountain-Fort Carson High School, District 8. It’s the home of the Trojans of Fountain-Fort Carson (FFC for short) and inside is where you can find the Trojan Arena, the school’s massive gymnasium arena capable of seating over 4,000 spectators. This gym holds countless events for the school and community, and when it started to show wear and tear, the team at FFCHS knew it was time to revitalize the space.
MORE
November 2025 Issue — Now Available
Subscribe for Free
Available in Print & Digital Editions