To make bathtubs ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) compliant concerns following the accessibility guidelines set by the ADA. These guidelines are listed in section 4.20 of the ADA Accessibility Guideline publication.
In general, the guidelines state that there should be a clear floor space in front of the bathtub. The size of this area depends on the location of the seat and the approach to the seat. If the seat is located in the bathtub and the approach is parallel to the bathtub, the clear floor space is to be a minimum of 30 inches wide by 60 inches long beside the bathtub. If the seat is located in the bathtub and the approach to the seat is perpendicular to the bathtub, the clear floor space required is a minimum of 48 inches wide and 60 inches long. If the seat is located at the head of the tub instead of in the tub while being parallel to the bathtub, the clear floor space required is a minimum of 30 inches wide by 75 inches long located alongside the bathtub.
The ADA Accessibility Guidelines also state the measurements required for the seat. The seat width must be 15 inches by whatever the full width of the bathtub is. The guidelines also state that a seat, either an in-tub or one located at the head of the bathtub must be provided. These seats must mount securely and must not slip when used. The guidelines go on to state that the seats and any attachments located in the bathtub must comply with the structural strength set by 4.26.3.
Grab bars, complying with 4.26.3, which is the section determining the strength required of the grab bars, are also located in the bathtub area. The location of these grab bars is determined by the location of the seat. If the seat is in the bathtub, there should be a grab bar, with a minimum of 24 inches in length measured from the outer edge of the bathtub, located at the foot of the bathtub. Two grab bars are to be located on the back wall. These grab bars are to be a minimum of 24 inches long and located a maximum of 12 inches from the foot of the bathtub and 24 inches maximum from the head of the bathtub. One of these two grab bars should be located 9 inches above the rim of the bathtub, while other grab bar should be located 33 to 36 inches above the bathroom floor. The grab bar located at the head of the bathtub should be a minimum of 12 inches in length, measured from the outer edge of the bathtub. If the seat is located at the head of the bathtub, the grab bar located at the foot of the bathtub should be a minimum of 24 inches in length, again measured from the outer edge of the bathtub. Two grab bars are required on the back wall, as before, except these grab bars are a minimum of 48 inches in length located at a maximum of 12 inches from the foot of the bathtub and with a maximum of 15 inches from the head of the bathtub. These two grab bars at 9 inches above the rim of the bathtub and the other grab bar should be located at 33 to 36 inches above the floor. None of these grab bars should rotate within their fittings.
The faucet controls, shower spray unit and bathtub enclosures are also included in these guidelines. The faucet controls and operating mechanisms must be able to be operated with one hand and should not require any tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate these controls must not exceed 5 lbf. Sprayer hoses should be at least 60 inches in length and capable of being used either as a fixed showerhead or as a hand-held showerhead. Bathtub enclosures, if provided, should not obstruct any controls or the transfer from wheelchairs onto the bathtub seats or into the bathtub and these enclosures must not have tracks mounted on the bathtub rims.
