*New Information as of July 26, 2010  on the ADA & the pool code.  Check back here for more information. Follow me on Twitter for instant updates.

I am often asked if I sell a latch that will meet both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pool Code ( see my post on the new national pool code ).  The problem is because in most situations a door handle can not be higher than 48 inches to meet the ADA and the Pool Code requires the latch release mechanism to be no lower than 54 inches.  On the surface this seems like an obvious conflict until you dig a little deeper.  This blog entry deals with just the latching mechanism, not the approach or floor / ground surfaces.

The ADA breaks the access  to the latching mechanism into 2 sections, “Forward Reach” and “Side Reach”.  As you see from the illustration below, the Forward Reach shows the maximum height of 48 inches and the Side Reach shows a maximum of 54 inches.  This means pool safety gate latches such as the Magna Latch will meet the ADA and the Pool Code height requirements as long as the person in the wheel chair can reach the latch from the side at a 90 degree angle.  BUT (of course there is a but) the Magna Latch requires tight pinching / grasping in order to operate the latch so this disqualifies it (don’t be discouraged keep reading).

However, the ADA thought of this as well.  In a book put out by the United States Access Board (ABA), a Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities, there is an exception for barriers and fences protecting pools, spas and hot tubs.  In Chapter 4: Accessible Routes section 404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware under exception number 2 it reads, “Access gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be permitted to have operable parts of the release of latch on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground provided the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices and operated by means of a key, electronic opener, or integral combination lock.” ( http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.pdf )

I can not end this blog entry without mentioning the advisory that was at the bottom of 404.2.7 .  It states that it is best to use door hardware that can be operated with a closed fist or a loose grip because more people with disabilities can more easily use them.  Any hardware that requires simultaneous hand and finger movements require greater dexterity and are not recommended.  I agree and we need to keep working toward this goal.  Currently the best latch to keep your pool gate safe is the Magna Latch .

*New Information as of July 26, 2010  on the ADA & the pool code.  Check back here for more information. Follow me on Twitter

More Links:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• ADA Title III Regulation 28 CFR Part 36 Section 4.2.5 Forward Reach
• ADA Title III Regulation 28 CFR Part 36 Section 4.2.6 Side Reach
• United States Access Board (ABA)
• Magna Latch magnetic safety pool gate latch