Public pools will be closing up come January, 2013 if they don't have at least two accessible means of entry into the pool for handicapped individuals, according to the new ADA law, Revised Requirements for Accessible Means of Entry and Exit for Accessible Pools.  According to the new ADA rule which has been extended until January 31st, 2013, Title II pools which include municipal pools, school pools and government owned pools will be affected as well as Title III pools, such as private industry places like recreation (YMCA, YWCA, etc.) and places of lodging (hotels/motels). The exact wording is, "At least two accessible means of entry need to be provided for swimming pools, including pool lifts complying with 1009.2; sloped entries complying with 1009.3; transfer walls complying with 1009.4; transfer systems complying with1009.5; and pool stairs complying with 1009.6. At least one accessible means of entry provided shall comply with 1009.2 or 1009.3".

Rehabmart is able to help meet this demand by offering ADA-compliant pool lifts from the Global Lift Corporation.  Global Lift brings a century of combined industry and manufacturing experience from their Michigan home to create high quality, commercial grade pool access lifts.  Dedicated to following strict quality guidelines and using the finest materials, Global Lift Corp. ADA-compliant aquatic lifts offer unique features and unsurpassed functionality which allows safer pool access for all people who enjoy aquatic exercising or just plain having fun in pools and spas.

The following lifts are but a few ADA-compliant pool lifts that Rehabmart has to offer from Global Lift Corp.

  From library.rehabmart.com
The Global Proformance Series Pool Lift is a fixed pool lift that is available with or without a concrete anchor.  This pool lift can be used for nearly any standard pool or spa.  Working this lift is very easy with its hand-controlled two-button control with one button having a 'down' arrow and the other an 'up' arrow.  Unlike other pool lifts, the rider doesn't have to wait until the completion to the bottom of the cycle to get off the lift.  This lift can be stopped anywhere in the cycle when the rider is comfortable to exit into the water.  There is also an emergency return system that can be used to rescue a stranded rider in an event of problems with the actuator or battery.

The frame is UV-resistant and constructed with heavy-duty powder-coated steel and comes with an anti-pinch linkage system which holds the seat level, thus eliminating pinch points.  This lift has a 375 pound weight capacity and comes with arm rests, a foot rest, and a seatbelt.

   From library.rehabmart.com



The Global Commerical Series Pool Lift is similar to the Proformance series but has the option of being either a fixed pool unit or a portable lift with the portability kit (see video below). Additional safety is enhanced when this pool lift is not in use, as the system can be locked with a simple turn of a key.  The commercial series lift comes with an anti-pinch linkage, keeping the user safe and comfortable during their ride in and out of the pool and it is compatible with choices of the Retro fit, Tri-Point drop-in, or the Tri-Point anchoring system.  This pool lift also comes with the emergency return system and has a 375 pound weight capacity.


   From library.rehabmart.com


The Global Rotational Series 450R Pool Lift can fit quite a variety of standard pools and spas.  The lift arm can extend up to 35 inches, being able to clear an 18 inch obstacle or wall.  The lift can rotate up to 90 degrees both to the left or right which is a nice advantage if it is located between multiple pools or spas.  The Rotational Series lift also has a key lock-out system which will prevent others from using it when they shouldn't be.  As with the other pool lifts, this lift is constructed with heavy-duty steel that is powder-coated and UV-resistant, and has a weight capacity of 450 pounds.

All of these pool lifts are ADA-compliant to the new laws and also offer the opportunity for pool owners to invite more guests to safely and easily use their pools and spas.  Nobody should be left out of being able to enjoy the fun, relaxation, and health benefits of a pool or spa and Global Pool Lifts can now invite everybody to take advantage of a cool dip or swim on a hot summer day or to spend some exercise time in a therapeutic aquatic environment. Now there are no worries and no hassles for any body of any abilities to get in the pool, have fun, and splash around like a happy fish.


Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO