NCC 2022 Volume One - Building Code of Australia Class 2 to 9 buildings
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16

Specification 16 Accessible water entry/exit from swimming pools

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.

To clarify that Specification 16 provides the design and installation details for accessible water entry/exit for swimming pools. Specification 16 must be read in conjunction with D4D11.

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.

 

S16C2 provides specifications for fixed and moveable ramps, which are allowed as a method of water entry and exit by D4D11(2)(a)), in conjunction an aquatic wheelchair as described in S16C6.

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.

 

S16C3 provides specifications for zero depth entries, which are allowed as a method of water entry and exit by D4D11(2)(b), in conjunction with an aquatic wheelchair as described in S16C6. The term ‘zero depth entry’ is used to describe entry into a pool that provides a gentle gradient into the water not exceeding 1:14.

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.

 

S16C4 provides specifications for platform swimming pool lifts, which are allowed as a method of water entry and exit by D4D11(2)(c), in conjunction with an aquatic wheelchair as specified in S16C6. A platform swimming pool lift consists of a platform onto which an aquatic wheelchair is wheeled. The platform is then raised, positioned over the water and then lowered into the water.

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.
Figure S16C5a Clear swimming pool surround space for sling lift in the transfer position — Plan view
image-S16C5a-clear-swimming-pool-surround-for-sling-lift-transfer-position-plan-view.svg
Figure S16C5b Clear swimming pool surround space for sling lift in the transfer position — Sectional elevation
image-S16C5b-clear-swimming-pool-surround-for-sling-lift-transfer.svg

 

S16C5 provides specifications for sling-style swimming pool lifts, which are allowed as a method for water entry and exit by D4D11(2)(d), but which may only be the sole method of water entry for swimming pools with a perimeter of less than 70 m (D4D11(3)). A sling-style swimming pool lift is used to assist in transferring a person directly from their wheelchair. The person in the wheelchair may position themselves into the sling when detached from the lifting device. This allows the person to transfer by the poolside or in the privacy of a changing area. The sling is then attached to the lifting device and the person is transferred into the pool without their wheelchair.

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.

 

S16C6 provides specifications for aquatic wheelchairs to ensure their suitability for use for water entry and exit. An aquatic wheelchair is used in conjunction with a fixed or movable ramp, a zero depth entry and a platform swimming pool lift. An aquatic wheelchair is designed to be used and immersed in water and is usually constructed of plastic or a similar material that does not react adversely when exposed to water.