Holiday Inn Converting Pools to Meet ADA Standards

ST. CLOUD -- A new provision in the Americans With Disabilities Act has hotels recreation centers and schools scrambling to comply with new regulations for swimming pools.

The change requires pools to have a mechanical chair lift to move people from wheelchairs to the water.

Bonnie Rodness is the Director of Operations for the Holiday Inn Hotels in St. Cloud. She says they were aware of the changes and have ordered the lifts for their six pools but questions remain.  She says they haven't been told what sort of training will be required for the new equipment.  And,  manufacturers are bogged down with a backlog of orders so they don't expect to get the lifts until June.

The lifts cost about $2,500 apiece and that price does not include installation.

Rodness says it's a significant cost, but it's required by law and they also want to provide the best experience possible for their guests.