Requirements for Swimming Pool Lifts
A variety of swimming pool lifts can be used to assist people into or out of the water. A number of requirements pertaining to lifts are important to understand before purchasing one:1. Pool lifts should facilitate unassisted operation.
Rationale: It is important to both the user and the pool staff that the lift allows the individual to use the equipment as independently as possible. This encourages independence for the user while freeing staff for other tasks.
2. There should be adequate clear space for the lift. The front and at least one side of the lift should have at least 60 x 56 inches of clear deck space.
Rationale: For individuals to independently use the lift, they must be able to negotiate the path to the lift itself.
3. The seat edge should be located in such a way that the transfer can take place a minimum of 12 inches inside the deck edge.
Rationale: It is important that the user can transfer to the lift without having to lean over the water.
4. The lift seat is to be 17 inches from the pool deck.
Rationale: It has been determined that 17 inches is the height most accommodating for the greatest number of individuals.
5. The minimum seat width is to be 19 inches.
Rationale: This allows for the user's greatest safety and comfort.
6. A footrest should be attached to the lift seat.
Rationale: A footrest allows those users with little control of their lower bodies a safe place for their legs.
7. Armrests should be on both sides of the lift seat. The armrest that is on the deck side must be movable to allow for transfers.
Rationale: This provides the user more stability as the lift is in motion.
8. Controls for the lift should be accessible from both the water level and the deck level.
Rationale: This will allow the individual to operate the lift for both entrance and exit of the pool.
9. Controls must be operable with one hand and shall not require grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
Rationale: Any of these forms of movement may limit the independent operation of the lift by some users.
10. The lift should be able to descend from 18 to 20 inches below the water surface.
Rationale: This makes the lift safe for users of various heights.
11. The lift should be designed to carry users of up to 300 pounds.
Rationale: The size range for all individuals is quite varied. The law states that the lift be rated to a minimum of 300 pounds to allow for individual differences.
This fact sheet was last updated on 12-19-2005.
The information provided in this website was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number U59/CCU522742-02 from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).