Pool lifts allow people with disabilities to get in and out of a swimming pool or spa with ease. They are widely used to facilitate movement into aquatic spas available in some hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. They can also be used in homes.
Why are Pool Lifts so Important?
Water is therapeutic, especially for people who are confined to wheelchairs, in that it:
- Improves balance
- Promotes weight loss
- Increases speed of rehabilitation after accidents or surgeries
- Reduces joint pains
- Increases body strength
- Prevents pressure sores
- Provides relaxation
Considerations to Make when Purchasing a Pool Lift
When choosing a pool lift for your swimming pool you should consider the following factors:
- The type of pool
- The size of the pool
- Weight limit
- Extra features to accommodate the pool’s characteristics
- Your budget
Pool lifts designed for large commercial pools may not be suitable for smaller pools. The former are usually bulky and large, so they may not be aesthetically appealing for home use.
Portable Pool Lifts
These pool lifts are usually made with casters and are battery powered because they can be used in many different places. They are never permanently installed in one place.
Permanent Pool Lifts
These pool lifts are usually fixed permanently on the pool deck. They can be powered manually, with a battery, or with a hydraulic pump.
The pool lift that you decide to buy should meet the safety standards set by the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA). Water is dangerous, even when it is being used for therapy, so it is very important to minimize the risk of a pool accident as much as possible.
Popular Pool Lifts
Ranger Pool Lift
This pool lift is from a company known as Aqua Creek. It is an economical pool lift for smaller budgets, home use, and small commercial use. Despite its low price, it’s durable and reliable. It is designed with a compact size that makes it ideal for use in residential areas.
The Ranger’s maximum weight limit is 350 pounds, and it can be used independently by a senior without the help of a caregiver. This pool lift accommodates pool decks with different configurations and can transfer users both to the left and to the right. It should not be used in spas that lack a broad deck.
The Ranger comes with a stainless steel frame that is durable and firm. The chair and footrest are covered with durable polyethylene, and its safety features include a safety belt and loop closure. The remote is water-proof.
Features
- Meets ADA compliance requirements
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds
- Has a white powder-coat finish
- Has foldable armrests
- Has a water resistant handset
- Has a rechargeable wall-mount battery
The Global Rotational Series 450A
This pool lift is designed for both commercial and residential use. It has several unique features, such as the anti-pinch linkage system that holds the seat in position to prevent pinching. This pool lift was designed maximum comfort and safety in mind, and as such it is compliant with ADA requirements and it has a secure belting system to prevent falls.
The Global Rotational Series can rotate to a full ninety degrees, making it easy for the user to move in and out of the pool lift. The body is made from heavy duty stainless steel which is resistant to corrosion. This makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Features
- ADA compliant pool lift
- Made from stainless steel
- Battery operated
- Can be used in outdoor pools
- Rotates left and right up to ninety degrees
- Has a lifetime structural warranty
- 450-pound weight limit
Other high-quality pool lifts include Astralpool, Aqua Creek, and the EZ Pool lift.