ADA Tub Requirements: Grab Bars, Height & Measurements
The Americans with Disabilities act covers ADA tub requirements including grab bar requirements, clearances, controls, and bathtub seats in section §607. As a business, property manager, or property owner, you are federally required to provide accessible bathrooms and tubs. Properties in the United States are facing ADA related lawsuits. If you ensure ADA tub requirements are followed, you can avoid liability.
Removable ADA Bathtub Seat
ADA tub seats depth must be 15” minimum by 16” maximum while being positioned 17” minimum to 19” maximum in height [§607]. (just like ADA toilet seat height requirements). Removable seats are required to be provided at all accessible bathtubs or a permanent seat at the head end of the tub. These ADA tub requirements create an accessible seating area allowing use of the tub. Seats must support a force of 250 lbs minimum at any point of the seat [§607].
Removable In-Tub Seat Clearances
The clearances for bathtubs with removable seats are required to at minimum match the length of the bathtub. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires 30” inches of depth when approaching the ADA bathtub.
Bathtub with Permanent Seat
Permanent ADA tub requirements call for 15” minimum seat depth and seat height at 17” inches to 19” inches [§607]. These seats must be located at the head end of the bath tub and are made for wheelchair users to easily transfer to from their chair. The grab bar requirements differ on the rear wall. The rear wall grab bar distance from the head wall is reduced to 24” inches max on permanent seat bathtubs [§607].
Permanent Seat Bathtub Clearances
The ADA tub clearance requirements for permanent seats are different for removable ADA bathtub seats. The clearance in front of a permanent seat bathtub must extend the length of the bathtub plus 12” inches and must be at least 30” inches minimum of depth [§607]. Check out our page on ADA clearances for more information!
ADA Bathtub Grab Bar Requirements
ADA bathtub grab bars exist for safe transfers from wheelchairs or mobility devices to the in tub seat. In order to provide the highest level of access, grab bars are required on three walls of the bathtub enclosure.
Bathtub Grab Bar Length
Grab bars that are placed on the control end of a bathtub wall must extend to the front edge of the bathtub. The control end grab bars must measure 24” inches minimum in length. The side wall grab bar for ADA accessible tubs is required to be 24” inches minimum in length while keeping 12” maximum to the control wall and 24” inches maximum from the rear wall [§607].
ADA Tub Grab Bar Height
ADA tub requirements call for a grab bar height of 33” inches minimum to 36” inches maximum [§607].
How Many Grab Bars on the Back Wall?
The ADA tub requirements call for two sets of grab bars on the back wall of a bathtub enclosure. One grab bar must be mounted 8”-10” above the tub rim, and another one mounted 33”-36” [§607]. Overall, grab bar requirements can be complex, even overwhelming. We always recommend working with an ADA inspector to find out what is wrong with your grab bars and how to fix them.
ADA Tub Requirements: Bathtub Controls
If you want to follow ADA tub requirements, make sure to position your bathtub controls towards the front of the tub and below any grab bars for the best ease of use. All of these small ADA tub requirements make up an accessible bathroom, so make sure to hire a professional ADA inspector and we’ll help you get on the path to compliance.
Common Questions
ADA Bathtub Requirements FAQs
What is an ADA compliant bathtub?
An ADA compliant bathtub is a tub that follows all ADA laws and codes. Providing accessible bathtubs prevents lawsuits and ensures accessibility.
Am I required to provide an ADA tub seat?
The ADA is federal law, so as a business owner or property manager you are required to provide an accessible bathtub.
What are the ADA tub height requirements?
ADA tub height requirements call for 17” inches minimum to 19” inches maximum seat height above the finish floor.
What happens when I don’t follow ADA tub requirements?
If you don’t follow ADA tub requirements, you are not providing accessibility. This can lead to complaints over your bathtubs and can even lead to fines and lawsuits.
