Specification 16 Accessible water entry/exit from swimming pools

This Specification sets out the requirements for types of accessible water entry/exit for swimming pools.

A fixed or moveable ramp must—

1. have a slip-resistant surface; and
2. have a maximum gradient of 1:14; and
3. have handrails complying with the requirements for ramps in AS 1428.1, installed on both sides of the ramp; and
4. have kerbs in accordance with the requirements for ramps in AS 1428.1; and
5. extend to a depth of not less than 900 mm and not more than 1100 mm below the stationary water level; and
6. have landings in accordance with the requirements for ramps in AS 1428.1, with a landing located at the bottom and top of each ramp and a landing must be located at a level between 900 mm and 1100 mm below the stationary water level.

A zero depth entry must have—

1. a slip-resistant surface; and
2. a maximum gradient of 1:14; and
3. a single handrail complying with the requirements for handrails in AS 1428.1, from the top of the entry point continuous to the bottom level area; and
4. a level area—
   1. 1500 mm long for the width of the zero depth entry at the entry point; and
   2. located at the bottom of the zero depth entry at a level between 900 mm and 1100 mm below the stationary water level.

A platform swimming pool lift must be—

1. capable of being operated from the swimming pool surround, within the swimming pool, and on the platform; and
2. located where the water depth is not more than 1300 mm; and
3. designed to withstand a weight capacity of not less than 160 kg and be capable of sustaining a static load of not less than 1.5 times the rated load.

A sling lift must comply with the following:

1. A sling lift must be located where the water depth is not more than 1300 mm.
2. When the sling is in the raised position and in the transfer position, the centreline of the sling must be located over the swimming pool surround and not less than 450 mm from the swimming pool edge.
3. The surface of the swimming pool surround between the centreline of the sling and the swimming pool edge must have a gradient of not more than 1:50 and must be slip-resistant.
4. A clear space must be provided on the swimming pool surround parallel with the swimming pool edge on the side remote from the water (see Figure S16C5a and Figure S16C5b) and must—
   1. be not less than 900 mm x 1300 mm; and
   2. have a gradient of not more than 1:50; and
   3. have a slip-resistant surface; and
   4. be located so that the centreline of the space is directly below the lifting point for the sling.
5. A sling lift must be capable of being operated from the swimming pool surround, within the swimming pool and from the sling.
6. A sling must be designed so that it will submerge to a water depth of not less than 500 mm below the stationary water level.
7. A sling lift must be designed to withstand a weight of not less than 136 kg and be capable of sustaining a static load not less than 1.5 times the rated load.

An aquatic wheelchair must comply with the following:

1. The height of the top surface of the seat must be not less than 430 mm.
2. The seat width must not be not less than 480 mm.
3. A footrest must be provided.
4. Armrests must be located on both sides of the seat and must be capable of being moved away from the side of the chair to allow a person to transfer on and off the seat.