The obligation to create accessible community swimming pools in Spain depends mainly on the accessibility regulations in force and the requests of disabled residents. These regulations are regulated in the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their Social Inclusion (RD 01/2013) and in regional or local regulations, in addition to the Horizontal Property Law (LPH).
In addition, the Technical Building Code (CTE) establishes, in its Basic Document on Safety in Use and Accessibility (DB-SUA), the requirements for buildings to be accessible. It applies to newly constructed buildings or those undergoing significant renovation.
In summary, we can state that the adaptation of a swimming pool in a community of neighbours is compulsory by default in all new constructions or in communities that have been extensively refurbished. In older communities it is not compulsory by default but becomes so if requested by a handicapped neighbour or one over 70 years of age, and provided that the costs do not exceed the stipulated legal limit (not to exceed 12 ordinary monthly community expenses). If this limit is exceeded, it is optional, unless the community decides to assume the cost.
One of the best solutions to facilitate the accessibility of the communal pool is to install a hydraulic pool lift. Its easy installation (without the need for major works), its high resistance, minimum maintenance and its comfort and autonomous operation are factors for which many residents' associations choose ACCESS lifts (manufactured in Spain).
Accessibility pool regulations in Spain
In Spain, in accordance with the Royal Legislative Decree 1/2013, of 29 November, which approves the Revised Text of the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their Social Inclusion, it is compulsory to carry out the necessary reforms, either by installing pool lifts, ramps or other mechanical or electronic devices in the facilities, so that they comply with the basic conditions of accessibility and non-discrimination.
In addition, we also find in article 10 of the Horizontal Property Law, the obligation to carry out these reforms so that any person can use the common elements.
In addition to making swimming pools accessible, these changes must also be made in gardens and other sports areas. This regulation only affects public facilities or residents' associations. We must remember that it is the responsibility of all owners to provide the possibility to facilitate access and avoid situations of discrimination due to disability in order to ensure that all members of the community enjoy the same benefits.
The costs of refurbishments will be the responsibility of the owners of the properties as long as the annual amount involved in the works, minus public subsidies and aid, does not exceed twelve ordinary monthly payments of common costs.
How to make a community pool accessible?
To facilitate access to the pool for anyone, the community must authorise the installation of a pool lift. One of the most recommended solutions is a hydraulic pool lift with an ergonomic chair to facilitate access to the pool.
There are also other options such as building work, changing stairs for ramps (provided that the dimensions of the pool allow it), but it must be said that the safest, quickest and easiest option is the installation of a lift for people with disabilities.
The regulations described above do not establish the type of equipment or solution to be applied, it is the community who chooses this decision depending on the needs of the facilities and owners. What is mandatory is that the accessibility elements must be approved to comply with the safety, approval and autonomy characteristics.
ACCESS offers accessibility solutions for public and private swimming pools, we help to solve accessibility problems with our approved pool lifts, so that all swimming pools comply with current accessibility regulations and so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of swimming regardless of their condition.
The new ACCESS B5 model has recently become the most popular choice for homeowners' associations. Its compact structure, elegant design and more affordable price make it the ideal lift for swimming pools in homeowners' communities.
Success stories with ACCESS pool lifts in residential community swimming pools
Swimming pool of an accessible residential community in Barcelona:
Lift model: ACCESS B4
Location: Barcelona
A community of neighbours located in Barcelona has installed an ACCESS B4 lift in their communal swimming pool to facilitate access to the water, especially for one of their neighbours with reduced mobility.
Sandra can now freely enjoy the community pool. Moreover, she will be able to do so without the need for assistance thanks to the autonomy offered by the lift with its dual operation from inside and outside the pool.
Swimming pool of an accessible residential community in Barcelona:
Lift model: ACCESS B1
Location: Madrid
In 2021, the residents' association installed an ACCESS B1 hydraulic lift in their communal swimming pool to facilitate access to the water for all residents, especially adapting to the needs of two of their neighbours with mobility problems and the elderly people who also live there.