How to provide Disabled Access to Swimming Pools

Who doesn’t love jumping into a swimming pool? The freedom, the relaxation, the therapy the feeling of escape.

But access to swimming pools isn’t that easy for everybody. in this article we look at how you can provide disabled access to swimming pools so that more can enjoy the freedom, the relaxation and the therapy…

Floor mounted, mobile or overhead?

There are three main choices when selecting a hoisting solution for a pool area. Each solution has offers individual benefits and it is key that you understand these prior to making a decision. Read on to discover the advantages of each solution.

Floor mounted hoists

Floor mounted hoists such as the Oxford Dipper are fixed to the deck at the side of the pool using a socket. Floor mounted hoists are used to transfer from the pool side into the water, using either a spreader bar and sling, or a seat. usually hand operated, they can be removed when not in use, but are not mobile in the true sense of the word.

Benefits of floor mounted pool hoists

• They offer a stable transfer point
• They can be used with either a chair or a sling
• The chair can be detached and used to transport users to changing areas
• They do not require any electric or battery

Drawbacks of floor mounted pool hoists

• The reach into the pool is limited
• They are potential poolside hazard
• They cannot be used for transfer into changing areas
• They require manual pumping of the handle

Ceiling hoists for pool areas

Ceiling hoists such as the GH3 are often used successfully for pool transfers. They can be supported from the ceiling, or from the walls surrounding the pool depending on the size of eth room.

Benefits of overhead pool hoists

• They can be used to cover the whole pool – particularly good for hydrotherapy pools
• they can provide direct transfers from changing areas
• They are electrically operated so require no manual effort
• They can have a higher sWL up to 300kg

Drawbacks of overhead pool hoists

• They require support from ceiling or walls – in a large pool room this could cause issues
• They require electrics
• They are less rigid that a floor mounted pool hoist

Mobile pool hoists

Although called  mobile pool hoists, these are really semi-mobile as they cannot be moved with a user seated. They are designed to be wheeled to the poolside and then used for the transfer.

Benefits of mobile pool hoists

• They can be used in a variety of positions
• They can be put away when not in use
• They are battery operated so no manual effort is required to operate

Drawbacks of mobile pool hoists

• They are heavy to move
• They require charging
• They can only be used with a seated user
• There is a risk of user error

Contact us

For further information about any of the solutions listed above, or any  requirements you may have for disabled access to swimming pools, please contact us today on 0800 298 6000