How to Choose a Pool Lift for the Home

 

For someone that is physically challenged, spending time in water is not just relaxing and enjoyable, it may also be therapeutic and healthy for them. Using pool lifts can help someone with mobility issues in and out of the water more readily and easily and in some cases, it can mean allowing them to do this on their own.

 

There are many choices when it comes to pool lifts and not understanding those choices can mean choosing the wrong lift for the user. Like wheelchairs and shower seats, there is a wide variety in these products meant for those with mobility issues and understanding those differences as they apply to everyone is important. The wrong pool lifts can be inconvenient and even dangerous depending upon the person using it and their mobility issues.

 

Your decision may also depend upon other needs, as an example, portable pool lifts may also be used in a home to transport the patient from a bed to their chair. It is still imperative that a patient and everyone assisting him or her understand the proper use and care of these pieces of equipment so that the patient is safe when being transported. This will ensure they enjoy themselves while in the water and that the pool lifts are used properly.

 

One of the first things to decide is if you want a portable pool lift or permanent pool lift. If you do not want a pool lift to be anchored a portable pool lift is the option for you. Portable lifts require no physical installation or anchoring to the pool deck since stability is provided by a counterweight system. Since permanent lifts are attached to the deck, they typically have a higher lifting capacity.

 

One thing to always remember is pool lifts should be placed along the pools edge in a location that allows for a minimum submerged depth of 18 feet below the stationary water line and where the waters total depth does not exceed 48 feet.

 

Another important question is if you want a manual or automatic pool lift. Manual or automatic pool lifts are also chosen depending upon the individual that will use them. If they have mobility in their upper bodies and are much stronger, manual gears may work. For many the motorized pool lifts are necessary and the only functional options for them. Since most residential pools have simple gutter designs, almost any type of lift would be compatible.

 

Depending on the individuals needs there are different options in the type of chair you can choose from. For those who do not need as much support a sling-like chair may be what works best. For those that need full support we would recommend finding a chair featuring armrests, leg and neck support, and a belting system.

 

After figuring out what type of pool lift you need next you can decide on the style and color. Pool lifts don’t have to be bright blue anymore, there is so many options for you to choose from now.

 

If you need support in the pool itself, we also offer multiple types of aquatic wheelchairs than you can use in and out of the water!

 

Don’t need a pool lift but need help getting into your pool, we have a large selection of pool handrails and ladders to help you get into your pool easily! Shop Pool Supply Unlimited today for all your pool supply needs.