ADA Roll in Shower Stalls

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is an ADA roll in shower?

  ADA Roll in showers have strict guidelines, including a minimum inside dimension of 60” x 30’’ to accommodate someone rolling into the shower in a wheelchair or rolling shower chair. They also have a flush or ultra low threshold so a rolling chair can easy be propelled or pushed into the shower, among other requirements.

• What makes a Roll in Shower ADA compliant?

  The following information is from section 608 Shower Compartments of 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

  Inside dimension: must be minimum 60 inches x 30 inches clear inside dimension. Some jurisdictions may require a minimum 60” x 36” inside dimension to allow room for a caregiver to assist.

  Outside clearance: must have clearance outside of the shower of 30 inches wide minimum by 60 inches long minimum to that nothing would impede access for someone in a wheelchair.

  Grab bars: if there is a seat installed, Rollin showers must have horizontal grab bars across the back wall and the side wall opposite the seat. Do not place grab bars above the seat. If there is no seat, there should be grab bars on all 3 walls. Many jurisdictions require a vertical grab bar at the entrance of the roll in shower.

  Shower seat: A folding seat shall be provided in roll-in type showers required in transient lodging guest rooms. Check with local jurisdiction to confirm if shower seat is required in ADA roll in Showers.

  • The top of the shower seat must be 17 inches minimum and 19 inches maximum above the bathroom finish floor. If there is no seat, there should be grab bars on all 3 walls.

  Thresholds: ADA Roll-in showers have a barrier free entry, with a maximum 1/2” high threshold.

  Controls: In ADA Roll in showers, controls, faucet and shower spray unit must be installed above the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches above the shower floor. If a shower seat is installed, the controls must be installed on he back wall, adjacent to the seat wall, located 27 inches maximum from the seat wall.

  • Advisory 608.5.2 In standard roll-in type showers without seats, the shower head and operable parts can be located on any of the three walls of the shower without adversely affecting accessibility.
  • ADA Roll in showers must have a shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches long minimum, that can be used as a fixed-position shower head and as a hand-held shower. The shower head must have an on/off control with a non-positive shut off.
• What is the ADA height for Grab bars in a shower?

  In ADA compliant showers, horizontal grab bars should be installed between 33” to 36” above the finished bathroom floor, measured to the top of the gripping surface. Grab bars should not rotate within their fittings. Grab bars should be installed properly into reinforced walls, and should withstand up to 250 lbs of force.

• What is the difference between ADA and Accessible Showers?

  All ADA showers legally need to follow official specifications outlined in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. ADA showers and bathrooms are almost always required in public buildings, commercial spaces to accommodate everyone. The requirements cover specifications like dimensions (like 60" x 30" minimum), grab bar placement, seat type, and control location. Accessible showers do not legally have to follow specific ADA code and they are often used in residential or private projects. The many have similar attributes as ADA showers, such as barrier-free thresholds for accessibility.

• Can you have a roll-in shower in a home?

  Yes. ADA roll-in showers are typically used in commercial or public settings. However, many homeowners can install them based on their specific needs, or to make their home safer for the future. The are safe and practical and can be installed according to specific ADA requirements.