ADA Transfer Showers for Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is an ADA Transfer Shower?

  ADA Transfer showers are designed so a person in a wheelchair, who can stand up to transfer, can roll up beside the shower entrance and if needed use grab bars to transfer onto a wall mounted shower seat. The transfer showers have an inside dimension of 36" x 36" clear inside space, so that the bather can access water controls from the seated position, and reach the handheld shower head.

• What makes a Transfer Shower ADA compliant?

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

  • Inside dimension: must be 36 inches x 36 inches clear inside dimension.
  • Outside clearance: must have clearance outside of the shower of 36 inches wide minimum by 48 inches long minimum measured from the control wall.
  • Grab bars: Transfer showers must have horizontal grab bars across the control wall and the back wall to a point 18 inches from the control wall.
  • Shower seat: must have a wall secured folding or non folding seat, that can withstand a minimum of 250 lbs of vertical or horizontal force applied at any point on the seat. (§610.4). In transfer-type showers, the seat shall extend from the back wall to a point within 3 inches of the shower entry. The top of the seat must be 17 inches minimum and 19 inches maximum above the bathroom finish floor.
  • Threshold: Transfer showers have a barrier free entry, with a maximum 1/2" high threshold.
  • Controls: In Transfer showers, controls, faucet and shower spray unit must be installed on the side wall opposite the seat. Transfer 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.
• Do ADA transfer shower requirements vary by state?

  Yes, however, it is state or city specific. While ADA standards apply everywhere, your state or city might have their own rules on top of that. For example, California doesn't allow ADA transfer showers at all. They require the larger roll-in type instead. Always double-check what your local building department actually requires. What passes federal inspection might not be enough for your specific location.
  Freedom Showers offers consultation to help you choose the right ADA-compliant unit for your project’s location and code requirements.

• Is an ADA transfer shower bench different from a tub transfer bench?

  Yes, they're completely different. An ADA transfer shower bench is built into the shower and is permanently mounted. It also meets strict requirements for how high it sits, how deep it is, and how much weight it can hold. These are usually L-shaped or rectangular and are designed so someone can slide over from their wheelchair safely.
  A tub transfer bench is a portable seat that spans a bathtub wall for home use. It is not permanently installed, does not meet ADA code requirements, and is not designed for the durability needed in commercial or public settings.

• Can ADA transfer showers be used in residential projects?

  Absolutely. Even though ADA is a specification for commercial spaces, plenty of homeowners use ADA showers as well. They're great if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your shower meets strict safety standards. 

• What is the weight capacity of an ADA transfer shower seat?

  The ADA requires these seats to handle at least 250 pounds of force from any direction, meaning it can withstand someone sitting down, leaning against it, or using it for support. 

• Do ADA transfer showers require grab bars to be pre-installed?

  Yes. ADA transfer showers must have horizontal grab bars installed on both the back wall and the control wall, positioned 33-36 inches above the floor. They must be securely anchored into reinforced backing and capable of supporting at least 250 lbs of force to meet safety requirements.

• What is the maximum threshold height for an ADA transfer shower? 

  The lip can't be higher than ½ inch above the finished floor, and it needs to have a beveled edge so wheelchairs and mobility equipment can get over it easily. Some are completely flush with the floor for even easier access.

• Are all 36" x 36" showers ADA compliant? 

  No. Just because a shower is the right size doesn't mean it meets all ADA requirements. You also need grab bars in the right spots, the correct type of seat, proper clear space outside the shower, controls in the right location, and that low threshold.

• Can a transfer shower be converted into a roll-in shower?

  Roll-in showers need much more space and different floor layouts. If you need to switch from one to the other, you're looking at replacing the whole shower, not just modifying what you have.