Are Portable Lifts Still ADA Compliant?

Many customers have asked us if a portable lift is still ADA compliant following recent rule changes requiring all pool lifts to be anchored to the deck. The answer is yes... and no.

All "portable" lifts now include an anchoring system to secure the lift to the deck. This new anchor makes the unit ADA compliant. It is up to the owner of the lift to install this anchor and continue to use it on a daily basis as the lifts will still operate whether anchored or not. Most people purchase the more expensive portable lifts because they are planning on regularly moving them. An anchor only makes this mobility more difficult.

All current production models of ADA portable lifts are compliant with the new rules, but it is up to the owner to ensure full compliance on a daily basis. If you do not anchor the lift to the deck, it is no longer ADA compliant under the law.

Due to safety issues, we highly recommend using the anchor whenever the unit is in operation. Many pool owners are now purchasing less expensive permanent lifts as they take up less deck space and are sometimes just as easy to remove and move into storage as a more expensive portable lift.

If you purchased a portable lift prior to the rule change, many manufacturers now offer the anchors as an accessory. Please contact us if you need help obtaining an anchor kit for your lift.