ADA Shower Requirements: Who's Responsible
A common question by many business owners, property managers, and tenants is who is responsible for ADA shower requirements? Unless specified in a lease agreement, tenants and property owners have an equal responsibility to provide accessible showers to their customers or residents. This guide will help with understanding the current ADA requirements and what you can do to stay compliant. We recommend hiring a professional ADA inspector in order to comply with relevant laws and work towards ADA compliance.
Bathing Facility Requirements: Showers
Components of an ADA compliant bathing facility include shower or bathtubs, lavatories and mirrors, coat hooks and shelves, dispensers and receptacles, water closet and toilet compartments and turning space. For this guide, were focusing on ADA shower requirements relating to accessibility using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Make sure to check out our total ADA bathroom guide!
Roll-In Shower Compartment
Roll-in shower compartments are a vital part of any accessible bathroom. These specific ADA showers provide a layout that lets wheelchair users and all types of ability levels easier access a shower. “Roll-In” comes from the concept that a wheelchair user can just roll into the shower. The major advantage to this shower type besides convenience is the shower removes the need for a transfer seat.
Seats can still be included in a roll-in shower, but it must be foldable to provide proper manuevering clearance. In addition to the easy access an ADA shower provides, an accessible shower also includes accessible shower grab bars.
Roll-In ADA Shower Width
For ADA shower requirements, ADA roll-in showers from a side approach must provide 60″ minimum in width.
Roll-In ADA Shower Depth
ADA shower requirements for the depth of side approach showers is 30″ minimum. This allows for individuals of most ability levels to easily use the shower normally.
ADA Shower Clear Floor Space
In addition to width and depth requirements, clearance must be a level floor space with a minimum of 30″ x 60″ approaching the shower.
Alternate Roll-In Shower Compartment
Some roll-in showers have alternative setups that include a enclosed side of the shower while still maintaining a entry of 36″ wide. This is an alternative construction method that is still accessible to many types of users and requires similiar dimensions.
Alternate Roll-In ADA Shower Width
Width for compartments is required to be 60″ wide minimum while entering from the side.
Roll-In Shower Controls
In both roll-in and alternative roll-in showers, the maximum height for water controls is 48″ while maintaining 1 1/2″ space above the grab bars.
ADA Shower Requirements: Grab Bars
Using the provided diagrams, one can see the complexity in ADA shower requirements. This is why it is important to work with a licensed CASp of ADA inspector to ensure you’re in compliance and providing proper shower access in your property/bathroom.
As shown in the photo for ADA shower requirements, shower grab bars must be 6″ spaced away from the wall, side grab bars to be 48″ in length minimum. Additionally, shower grab bars must measure 33″-36″ to the top of the grab bar surface.
ADA Shower Controls & Enclosures
In standard ADA roll-in showers without a seat all controls and faucets can be located on any wall. The ADA shower requirements say shower controls must be located a minimum of 1 1/2″ above grab bars and within appropriate reach ranges. Additionally, shower enclosures must not obstruct the faucets, controls, or spray units.
Roll-In Shower With Compartment Folding Seat
For roll-in showers with foldable seats, there are some additional ADA shower requirements. These shower rules state shower controls must be located on a wall adjacent to foldable seat. The controls must not exceed 27″ in distance from the wall housing the foldable seat. This ensure the controls are close enough to the bench. Another detail to remember, foldable benches must be located a minimum of 17″ and maximum of 19″.
ADA Shower Requirements: Thresholds
A very simple yet overlooked area of ADA accessible showers is the threshold. ADA shower requirements state, thresholds must allow access for wheeled mobility aids. This requires a threshold height of 1/2″ maximum when properly beveled. Additionally, shower floors can slope to drains at a maximum slope ration of 1:48. Don’t mistake these with ramp thresholds. You can learn more about those here!
Transfer ADA Shower Requirements
ADA transfer shower requirements say absolute dimensions of 36″ x 36″ is required. These specific showers are made for transfer on to a bench and have absolute dimensions.
The clearance required approaching the transfer shower is as follows: On seat wall, the wall must extend at least 12″ from the seat. Additionally there is a required floor space of 36″ x 48″ minimum. These dimensinos allow for easy transfer into the shower. If you need help reaching ADA shower requirements, do not hesitate to reach out.
Shower Spray Heads
Hand held shower spray heads must be used in a fixed position and is required in all accessible showers and bathtubs. Water temperature must be limited to 120 degrees F. The unit must be in reach with a maximum height of 48″ to the usable part. The hose must be at least 59″ long and additional shower heads can be provided at any height.
