What Is an ADA-Compliant Shower?

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, more commonly referred to as the ADA, is a civil rights law stipulating that any public or commercial building must comply with certain requirements and be accessible to those with disabilities. Standard bathing systems typically feature some sort of tub/shower combination and aren’t exactly easy to use for people with disabilities or mobility issues. An ADA-compliant shower is built to accommodate these needs, usually featuring low thresholds, wide openings, grab bars, and built-in seating.

Types of ADA-Compliant Showers

There are actually different types of ADA-compliant showers, with two of the most common versions being transfer and roll-in showers. Transfer showers measure at least 36-inches wide and are designed to easily accommodate transfer from a wheelchair to a bathing seat. Roll-in showers are accurately named, as they are about 60-inches wide and designed to allow bathers to roll their wheelchairs into the shower stall. No matter what the type is, in order for a shower to be ADA-complaint it must have:

 

• A threshold height that is no more than half an inch high
• Grab bars in specific locations
• A shower seat that is fixed to the wall and spans the width of the shower
• A height-adjustable shower head with a hose at least 59-inches long

Can I Add an ADA-Compliant Shower to My Home?

It’s certainly helpful for ADA-complaint showers to be required in public and commercial buildings. And while you can find these showers in places like hotels, you may be wondering if it’s possible to add one of them to your home. Finding ADA-compliant showers can be a bit challenging, but there are a number of accessible showers available—and you might find this to be the better option. Since your home is your own private residence, you don’t need to follow specific guidelines or have an ADA-compliant shower. You can choose an accessible shower that still has many of the same features like a low entry threshold and grab bars, but is personalized with more custom components to better suit your bathing needs.

Turn to MaxHome for An Accessible Shower

At MaxHome, we know how important it is for people to continue bathing safely in their homes and also have their bathrooms match their unique design preferences. For these reasons and more, we expertly install walk-in showers that are designed with ultra-low entry thresholds. You’ll be able to add various safety components to your new shower, including grab bars, foot pedestals, built-in seating, and more. Plus, you’ll have a range of gorgeous wall colors and patterns to pick from, ensuring that you’ll have a shower you love looking at.

If you’re on the hunt for a shower that is safer and more modern, partner with the professionals at MaxHome. Get started by contacting us through our website or giving us a call and speaking with one of our highly knowledgeable team members.