Swimming pool accessibility: An analysis of not-for-profit community recreation facilities and collegiate recreational facilities

Accessibility of fitness center swimming pools is of great importance as individuals with disabilities seek greater fitness levels and healthier lifestyles. This study assessed swimming pool facility accessibility according to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines utilizing Section L of the Accessibility Instruments Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments (AIMFREE) survey. Direct site visits were conducted for 118 swimming pools located in community-based and university-based fitness facilities across eight U.S. states. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in mean pool accessibility for facility age. Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments of the significant main effects indicated that pools built after the ADA implementation were significantly more accessible compared to those constructed before the ADA, as well as those originally built pre-ADA but renovated afterwards. These results demonstrate relative levels of ADA compliance for these collegiate and not-for-profit community recreation swimming pools and provide initial descriptive and analytical data that can impact pool accessibility.