Have you heard about the new federal mandate changing the ADA to require handicapped access to all public pools and spas? It went into effect last week, generally under the radar, and suddenly people, generally the small business owner types like who would own a motel with a pool, are freaking out. Initial details are here, while a follow up story here describes how the DOJ has just issued a two month extension on compliance. Meanwhile, certain Congressmen are pushing to have the rules changed. We'll see what comes of this, but when people talk about the myriad and arbitrary regulations burdening small businesses and restricting the economy, I see what they are talking about. When you add about ten thousand dollars plus to the cost of having pool, plus added insurance for having a hazard for children in every shallow end, I would bet many hoteliers and small municipal operators will simply not build one or close their current one. Of course, most of the press completely gives this story a pass. I wonder why.