Accessible Showers for Modern Architecture

Since private apartments and residential homes don’t usually need to be ADA-compliant, accessible showers are usually a good choice for residential renovations. They share some similarities to ADA showers, like a low threshold, but accessible showers come in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet a wider range of needs for renovations.

Accessible showers are more likely to be multi-piece units to accommodate a renovation, and you can choose where to install accessories for your individual preference. Click here for more details on the difference between ADA and Accessible Showers.

ADA Showers are designed to meet Federal requirements for ADA code compliance in commercial & public buildings. The American with Disabilities Act specifies shower sizes, threshold height, clearances and accessory configurations to accommodate wheelchair users.

Freedom ADA showers are quality products that you can depend on for commercial projects in the USA that must follow the requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The information on this page on ADA Showers is found in Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities, of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

An ADA compliant shower will meet certain design criteria that make the shower accessible for anyone, including those who use a wheelchair. These criteria include: 

• a threshold height that is no more than ½” high above the finished bathroom floor. Otherwise, the curb must be flush with the bathroom floor
• an inside dimension of either 36” x 36” for Transfer Showers or minimum 60” x 30” for Roll in showers
• Grab bars in specific locations.
• A shower seat (in most cases), that is fixed to the wall and spans the width of the shower
• A pressure balanced mixing valve to prevent scalding
• A height-adjustable shower head with a minimum 59” long hose, so it can be used as a handheld or as a fixed shower head
• Enough clearance space outside the shower to allow for easy approach in a wheelchair

The ADA is a federal legislation, but state and municipal building requirements may add to ADA requirements (but never require less than the federal ADA). It is important to check with local authorities as well.

There are 3 acceptable styles of showers that are ADA compliant for commercial or public use buildings.

1. Transfer Type ADA Showers(36" x 36" inside dimension) Specially designed so that users can transfer onto a shower bench from a wheelchair parked outside the shower unit. To comply with ADA requirements, ADA Transfer Showers must be properly accessorized.
2. Standard Roll-in Type ADA Showers (minimum 60" x 30" inside dimension) Makes maneuvering in a wheelchair easy, with 60" x 30" of accessible shower space. Some jurisdictions require a 60" x 36" inside dimension so that caregivers can easily assist.
3. Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments, have a minimum inside dimension of 60” x 36”, with a minimum 36” wide entry provided at one end of the long side of the compartment. (We don't sell this style)

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.