Feb
7
Written by:
ownerblog
2/7/2012 3:33 PM
Though additional ADA standards were issued in 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice did not release a requested clarification on the pool lift standards until January 31, 2012. The Owners Association concurs with public statements made by AH&LA expressing disappointment with this interpretation, which comes just two months before the compliance date and at tremendous cost to hotels. We will closely monitor this issue as AH&LA determines next steps.
However, you need to take action immediately to protect your hotels. The clarification makes clear that pool lifts need to be available at each pool at all times when the pool is open, and only fixed lifts will be acceptable, unless a hotel can demonstrate that installing such a lift is not readily achievable.
IHG has prepared and posted on Merlin an Advisory on New DOJ Guidance on Pool Lifts. They have also secured discounted pricing through Spectrum Aquatics. The full IHG advisory is available on Merlin under the Quality Tab > Hotel Topics. For additional information about ADA, visit www.ada.gov.
6 comment(s) so far...
Re: ADA ruling on Pool Lift standards impacts bottom line
This is very dangerous idea for ADA members and any other kids in the pool area.
By Mike Patel on
2/8/2012 1:25 PM
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Re: ADA ruling on Pool Lift standards impacts bottom line
I think the fixed lift is a bad idea. I can see children playing on it and it getting broken. We have never had one request for the TDD phones in 10 years. The portable lifts at least could be kept in storage safely until needed.
By Liisa Anselmi on
2/8/2012 1:25 PM
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Re: ADA ruling on Pool Lift standards impacts bottom line
So who's liable when a child gets hurt??? Does the Justice Department exempt law suits on hotels due to their requirements and parents inability to control their child?
By Confused on
2/8/2012 2:08 PM
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Re: ADA ruling on Pool Lift standards impacts bottom line
It says we have to install a fixed lift unless we can prove otherwise. What are the steps and how do we report this to get it approved to have a portable one?
By Richard Vyse on
2/8/2012 2:10 PM
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Re: ADA ruling on Pool Lift standards impacts bottom line
This is a huge burden on the hotels. We are getting quotes ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 for these lifts. This is a huge capital expense to swallow. Our hotels are still struggling with much lower revenues due to the economy. We just do not have the cash flow to purchase such expensive equipment. Help us!
By Sungmin Park on
2/16/2012 9:32 AM
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Re: ADA ruling on Pool Lift standards impacts bottom line
The short notice ADA requirement for pool lifts presents many concerns for the hotel business. First of all, the liability issue extends beyond children playing and injuring themselves, there is also the liability of the installation, requirements for use, and what the hotel must do to insure that the user knows how to properly operate the lift in order that they do not injure themselves. Will their disability allow them to operate the lift? Will hotel personel have to be trained in the operation of the hotel? What responsibilities that were not explained by the ADA or Department of Justice will the hotels incurr with this lift?
It was also brought to my attention, that if the concrete around the pool is not thick enough, the lift will pull out, causing further problems with liability, safety and construction of the pool.
I do not think this was properly thought out and I think that the reservations the AHLA has presented to the DOJ be expanded to include what this lift will cause in our industry. Also, with this lift, I am sure we will all need a disclaimer for the guest to sign in order to use the lift, however the implementation is so no and the guidelines for service have not be set, so how do we construct the disclaimer?
By Jackie Jones on
3/16/2012 9:41 AM
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