The first day of summer is quickly approaching and the outside thermometer attests to that fact.  As the weather becomes more summer-like, producing sweat during daily activities, and when shorts and t-shirts are still too hot to wear and a bottle or water is always within reach, this is the time when people think of cooling off in the confines of water.  Many people go to ocean beaches, some will travel to the nearest lake, and still others will float in a backyard pool.  For a large number of people who live in apartment buildings in cities and towns or those who go to the YMCA or to health clubs, or the throngs that go on summer vacations and stay in hotels, their choice of water pleasure will be public pools.

Going to a public or private facility's pool is fun and healthy for many reasons.  Many people like being around others, enjoying the interactions with peers, or playing pool games in the pool, participating in aqua-exercise activities, or just closing their eyes and floating weightless in the cool water.  Yet not everybody is easily able to enjoy the silly splashing or water exercise.  The wheelchair-bound individual or a person who may have vision problems, balance problems, or are leg-weak and use walkers or canes, will usually find it difficult to be able to safely enter or exit a public pool...until this year.

As of January 31st, 2013, a new law was put into effect in reference to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by places of public accommodation, including many private businesses, to having an accessible way for people with disabilities to enter and exit a pool.  Places and entities such as motels and hotels, recreation centers, health clubs, public country clubs, and other businesses that have swimming pools, spas, and wading pools will have to comply with the new ADA guidelines.  For further information on this subject, go to the 'Questions and Answers: Accessibility requirements for existing swimming pools at hotels, and other public accommodations'.

        

One great way to adhere to the new policy is with the ADA Compliant Pathfinder Pool Lift by Aqua Creek, the newest pool lift offered by Rehabmart.  Looking good with its sleek, reversible design and minimal moving parts, the Pathfinder Pool Lift is compact and easy to maintain.  Keeping Aqua Creek's high standards for durability and reliability, the white powder-coated stainless steel frame will support users weighing up to 300 pounds to be gently lowered into or lifted from the water. 

   

The Pathfinder Pool Lift comes with standard accessories such as a sturdy blue seat and footrest, dual flip-up armrests, a submergible remote handset and a rechargeable battery and charger. There is also an option of the upgrade pack that includes a backup battery, a headrest for extra head and neck support, an easy to use and durable chest strap which offers additional security and upper body support, a custom-made lift cover to help keep the pool lift safe, and a transport which will help move the pool lift, if needed.

The Pathfinder Pool Lift can bring smiles and laughter to many faces that normally would have had a difficult process getting in and out of the pool, or for those who may not even try to venture into a pool. Now everybody, regardless of ability, can join their family and friends and enjoy the cool and fun of swimming during the summertime.  Now, when someone shouts, "EVERYONE INTO THE POOL!" even individuals with physical challenges can safely and with dignity intact indeed get into the pool with the help of an ADA compliant pool lift.

To view other pool lifts offered by Rehabmart, please go to the Pool Lift page.

Bill Stock

Executive Editor,

Content & Social Media Services

and

Hulet Smith, OT

Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO