Hoyer Lifts and Swimming Pools: A Safe Gateway to Aquatic Therapy

For individuals with limited mobility, the buoyancy, resistance, and psychological benefits offered by swimming and aquatic therapy are irreplaceable. However, safely entering and exiting a swimming pool poses a significant challenge. While standard Hoyer Lifts are not designed for this purpose, pool-specific lifts—engineered for aquatic environments—make this goal achievable. This article will guide you on how to safely accomplish this.

I. Critical Warning: Why Standard Hoyer Lifts Are Not Suitable?

Using a standard floor-based Hoyer Lift near pool edges for water entry is strictly prohibited, for the following reasons:

Extreme Risk of Tipping

Pool surrounds are often slippery and may have slopes. The lift’s wheels could slip, or its base might become unbalanced due to uneven ground. hoyer lift for swimming pool If the lift tips into the pool with the user, the consequences will be catastrophic.

Lethal Risk of Electric Shock

Standard electric or hydraulic Hoyer Lifts are by no means waterproof. Even splashes of water can cause short circuits and electric shocks—a fatal hazard in a pool environment.

Equipment Corrosion and Damage

Chlorinated or saltwater will quickly corrode metal components and damage precision hydraulic or electrical systems.

Sling Issues

Standard fabric slings become extremely heavy when soaked with water. This increases the lift’s load and may cause the user to suffer from hypothermia.

II. Safe Solutions: Pool-Specific Lifts

To ensure safe water entry and exit, it is essential to use certified, pool-specific equipment. There are two main types:

1. Fixed Poolside Lifts

Description: This is the most common and reliable solution. A permanently installed vertical column is mounted at the pool edge, with a rotating boom that extends over the water surface. The boom is equipped with a waterproof seat or sling.

How It Works: The user transfers from their wheelchair to the lift’s seat at the poolside, fastens the safety belt, hoyer lift for swimming pool and is then lowered into the water via simple hydraulic or electric controls. The process is reversed for exiting the water.

Advantages:

Maximum safety: Designed specifically for pool environments with a stable structure.

Easy operation: Users can often operate it independently or with minimal assistance.

Durability: Constructed from corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel).

Considerations: Requires professional installation and regular maintenance.

2. Portable Pool Lifts

Description: A mobile device with a heavy weighted base, which can be temporarily wheeled to the pool edge for use. It is also equipped with a waterproof seat.

Advantages:

Flexibility: No permanent installation required, making it suitable for public pools, rehabilitation centers, or households that do not want permanent modifications.

Disadvantages:

While more stable than standard Hoyer Lifts, it still requires operation on completely flat and dry ground.

Usually bulkier than fixed models, making storage inconvenient.

III. Key Components: Aquatic Slings and Waterproof Seats

Even with pool-specific lifts, the parts that come into contact with the user require special design:

Aquatic/Toileting Slings

Made of quick-drying mesh material, they absorb little water and are lightweight. However, they usually need to be used in conjunction with a seat for optimal support.

Waterproof Seats

These are the preferred option. Constructed from rust-proof metal and waterproof plastic, hoyer lift for swimming pool they feature drainage holes to allow water to escape, providing the user with stable and comfortable seated support.

IV. Safe Operation Guidelines (When Using Pool-Specific Equipment)

Professional Installation and Training

Have qualified technicians perform the installation, and ensure all caregivers and users (if capable) receive comprehensive operation training.

Inspect the Equipment

Before each use, check the lift’s mechanical structure, safety belts, and control systems.

Ensure a Dry Operation Area

The wheels of portable lifts must always be moved and positioned on dry, flat ground.

Operate Slowly and Smoothly

Lower the user into the water and lift them out slowly to give them time to adapt to temperature changes.

Continuous Supervision

When the user is on the lift in the water, a caregiver who can swim must be present and closely monitor the user at all times.

Warm the User Immediately After Exiting the Water

Wrap the user in a large towel to prevent hypothermia.

V. Accessibility Regulations and Community Resources

In many countries and regions, public pools and aquatic therapy centers are legally required (e.g., by the ADA in the United States) to provide accessible entry points, and pool lifts are one of the most common solutions. If you plan to visit a public pool, you can call in advance to inquire whether they have pool lifts available.

Conclusion

While standard Hoyer Lifts enable safe indoor transfers, they must never be used for swimming pools. The only way to ensure safe water entry and exit is to invest in or use dedicated, certified pool lifts. This equipment is more than just a tool—it is a key that unlocks the door to aquatic freedom, therapy, and joy for individuals with limited mobility, allowing them to equally enjoy the countless benefits of water. When pursuing this freedom, safety must always be an uncompromisable foundation.