Earlier this spring, the Department of Justice increased the maximum civil monetary penalties that can be assessed or enforced by the Civil Rights Division, including fines levied under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The maximum fines for first time violations were raised from $55,000 to $75,000. Subsequent violations can be up to $150,000. According to a pool equipment manufacturer, this applies to the rules mandating pool lifts in public pools.

Seeking to put more teeth into the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department of Justice recently increased the maximum civil penalty for first time violations from $55,000 to $75,000; with subsequent violations carrying up to $150,000 fines.

Spectrum Aquatics???(R)???AE???? reports that the new maximums apply to pool lift regulations that became effective more than one year ago. The company relates that there have been several lawsuits filed against hotels in violation of these regulations.

In response, the pool equipment manufacturer announced that they have instituted a program to assist public pool owners with ADA compliance.

A division of Playcore, the company is currently offering special pricing on all models of ADA compliant pool lifts. Many of their lifts are available at $250 to $750 off the original price. Products must be ordered and shipped by Friday, June 27th, 2014. An additional $2000 savings is offered for bulk lift orders exceeding $50,000 - not including parts and accessories.

The manufacturer, headquartered in Missoula, Mont., states that its lifts can be retrofitted into existing anchors, including those made by other manufacturers.

More information is available at www.spectrumproducts.com.