Designing Accessible Bathing Spaces
ADA Principles • Barrier-Free Design • Safe Shower Planning
Accessible bathing begins with thoughtful planning. A well-designed
bathing space considers how a person approaches, enters, transfers,
maneuvers, reaches controls, uses shower equipment and safely exits
the shower.
Explore Accessible Shower Design
Accessible Bathing
Understand the basic principles involved in planning an accessible
bathing environment.
Transfer Showers
Explore transfer-shower dimensions, entry requirements and planning
considerations.
Roll-In Showers
Understand standard and alternate roll-in shower configurations.
Grab Bars & Reinforcement
Learn why grab-bar locations and structural reinforcement should be
considered early in the project.
Shower Seating
Understand how seating considerations vary according to shower
configuration and facility type.
Controls & Shower Equipment
Review important considerations for controls and hand-held shower
spray units.
01
Start With the Person — Not the Product
Accessible bathing design begins with understanding how the space will
actually be used.
- How will the person enter the shower?
- How will the person transfer or maneuver?
- Is adequate clear floor space available?
- Can the user reach the controls and shower equipment?
- Where should grab bars and reinforcement be provided?
- Is shower seating required or appropriate?
- Can the space accommodate changing mobility needs?
Accessibility is more than removing a curb.
02
Transfer-Type Showers
A transfer-type shower is designed for a person to transfer onto a
shower seat.
Clear inside dimensions
Minimum entry width
Required clear floor space outside the shower
These dimensions are from the 2010 ADA Standards for applicable
covered facilities.
03
Standard Roll-In Showers
A standard roll-in shower is designed to allow a wheelchair or other
wheeled mobility device to enter the shower compartment.
Minimum compartment dimensions
Minimum entry width
Minimum clear floor space adjacent to the open face
The ADA Standards specify a 30″ × 60″ minimum clearance adjacent to
the open face. A lavatory may be permitted within part of this
clearance when the applicable exception is met.
A roll-in shower is not simply a shower with the curb removed.
The complete configuration must be evaluated.
04
Alternate Roll-In Showers
The ADA Standards also recognize an alternate roll-in configuration.
Minimum compartment dimensions
Minimum entry at one end of the long side
The alternate configuration has different provisions for grab bars,
controls and seating.
05
Grab Bars & Structural Reinforcement
Grab-bar requirements vary according to the shower configuration.
Transfer showers, standard roll-in showers and alternate roll-in
showers do not all use the same grab-bar arrangement.
Where grab bars are required, their location and configuration depend
on the type of shower. In residential dwelling units, wall
reinforcement may be provided to permit later installation of
compliant grab bars where permitted by the applicable requirements.
06
Shower Seating
Shower-seat requirements depend on the shower configuration, facility
type and applicable requirements.
A folding or non-folding seat is required in transfer-type shower
compartments. Folding seats are required in roll-in showers in
transient lodging guest rooms with mobility features. In residential
dwelling units, a seat is not required in a transfer-type shower when
compliant wall reinforcement is provided for future installation.
Design Sequence
Configuration → Clearances → Seat → Grab Bars → Controls
07
Shower Controls
Control placement needs to be coordinated with the shower configuration.
ADA requirements contain different provisions for transfer, standard
roll-in and alternate roll-in showers.
Control location depends on the shower configuration. ADA §608.5
contains different provisions for transfer, standard roll-in and
alternate roll-in showers. Controls, faucets and shower spray units
must also comply with the applicable operable-parts requirements.
08
Hand-Held Shower Spray Units
Under ADA §608.6, a shower spray unit with a hose at least 59 inches
(1500 mm) long must be provided where the provision applies. The unit
must be capable of use both as a fixed-position shower head and as a
hand-held shower and must have an on/off control with a non-positive
shut-off. Shower spray units must deliver water at a maximum of
120°F (49°C).
In facilities that are not medical care facilities, long-term care
facilities, transient lodging guest rooms or residential dwelling
units, a fixed shower head located no more than 48 inches above the
shower finish floor may be permitted instead of a hand-held spray unit.
Minimum hose length
Maximum water temperature delivered by the spray unit
09
Thresholds & Shower Entry
Zero threshold does not automatically mean ADA compliant.
Under ADA §608.7, thresholds in roll-in shower compartments are limited
to 1/2 inch (13 mm) maximum. In transfer-type shower compartments,
thresholds are also limited to 1/2 inch maximum and must be beveled,
rounded or vertical.
In existing facilities, a transfer-type shower may have a threshold
up to 2 inches (51 mm) maximum where providing a 1/2-inch threshold
would disturb the structural reinforcement of the floor slab.
Think Beyond the Threshold
- Finished floor elevation
- Waterproofing
- Drainage
- Shower slope
- Surrounding floor
- Approach space
- Mobility-device access
- Enclosure configuration
10
Shower Enclosures
The shower enclosure should be considered as part of the accessible
design.
Under ADA §608.8, shower enclosures cannot obstruct required use of
controls, faucets, shower spray units or transfer to a shower seat.
11
The Shower Is Only One Part of the Bathroom
An accessible shower does not automatically make the entire bathroom accessible or ADA compliant.
The surrounding bathroom may also require consideration of accessible
routes, clear floor space, maneuvering space, turning space, toilet
clearances, lavatory clearances, doors, controls and other elements.
12
Does the ADA Apply to Every Home?
No.
The ADA applies to facilities and entities covered by the law. A
private residence used exclusively as a residence is generally not
covered by Title III. However, the application of the ADA depends on
the type of facility, entity and activity involved.
Do not assume an ADA dimension is automatically a legal requirement
for every private residence.
13
Designing for Aging in Place
Accessibility planning can also be useful when a person does not
currently use a wheelchair.
- Easier shower entry
- Future grab bars
- Structural reinforcement
- Shower seating
- Hand-held shower capability
- Reachable controls
- Slip-resistant surfaces
- Adequate maneuvering space
PLAN TODAY. BE READY FOR TOMORROW.
14
Common Accessible Shower Planning Mistakes
Transfer and roll-in configurations have different requirements.
A threshold is only one component of accessibility.
Grab-bar planning should happen before the wall is finished.
Control location needs to be coordinated with the shower configuration.
The surrounding bathroom matters.
The applicable legal requirements depend on the project.
Compliance depends on the applicable requirements and the complete
installation.
15
Accessible Shower Planning Checklist
PROJECT
- Identify the facility type
- Determine whether ADA requirements apply
- Identify applicable accessibility requirements
- Review applicable codes and regulations
- Determine whether the project is new construction or an alteration
SHOWER
- Select transfer or roll-in configuration
- Verify dimensions
- Verify entry width
- Review required clearances
- Review threshold
- Plan drainage
- Plan seat where required
- Plan grab bars
- Plan structural reinforcement
- Locate controls
- Plan shower spray unit
- Review enclosure configuration
COMPLETE BATHROOM
- Review accessible route
- Review maneuvering space
- Review turning space
- Review door location
- Coordinate toilet
- Coordinate lavatory
- Review other applicable requirements
LG Showers
Accessible Shower Solutions
LG Showers provides accessible and barrier-free shower systems for a
variety of residential and commercial applications.
When evaluating a shower system, consider the specific project’s
dimensions, entry configuration, threshold, wall reinforcement,
seating requirements, grab-bar provisions, control configuration,
drainage, enclosure compatibility and installation requirements.
Important Information
This LG Showers resource is provided for general educational and
informational purposes. It is not legal, architectural, engineering,
accessibility, construction or code-compliance advice.
Accessibility requirements vary according to facility type, project
scope, applicable laws, regulations, codes and standards.
References to the Americans with Disabilities Act refer to applicable
provisions of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
ADA requirements do not automatically apply to every residential
project.
Users should consult the applicable authority having jurisdiction and
qualified professionals for project-specific requirements.
LG Showers does not represent that use of this educational resource
alone establishes compliance with any law, code or standard.
