Hoyer Lifts for Pools: Making Aquatic Rehabilitation and Leisure Truly Accessible

For individuals with mobility impairments, the buoyancy of water should naturally be a "rehabilitation partner"—it reduces joint pressure, strengthens muscle strength, improves cardiopulmonary function, and brings physical and mental relaxation. However, the seemingly simple edge of a swimming pool often becomes an insurmountable barrier. How can one safely and dignifiedly enter the water from a wheelchair? Traditional manual lifting is not only high-risk but also easily makes users feel embarrassed and helpless. It is in response to this need that pool-specific Hoyer Lifts have emerged, becoming a key bridge to achieving "aquatic accessibility".

Why Can't Standard Hoyer Lifts Be Used for Pools?

Many people mistakenly believe that indoor Hoyer Lifts can be directly pushed to the poolside for use, but this is an extremely dangerous practice. Standard lifts are made of metal and electronic components and do not have waterproof and anti-corrosion capabilities. Once they come into contact with pool water (especially chlorinated disinfected water), the following risks are highly likely to occur:

Short-circuiting of the motor or malfunction of the control system;

Rusting of metal parts, leading to reduced structural strength;

Slings becoming heavy and moldy after absorbing water, breeding bacteria;

The base slipping on wet ground, causing tipping.

Therefore, pools must use specially designed water-specific lifts.

Core Features of Pool-Specific Hoyer Lifts

Such equipment is usually called "Pool Lifts" or "Aquatic Transfer Lifts". Although their principle is similar to that of standard Hoyer systems, they have been fully upgraded in terms of materials, structure, and safety standards:

Fully Waterproof and Anti-Corrosion Materials

The main body is made of stainless steel (e.g., medical-grade 316), anodized aluminum, or high-strength engineering plastics. These materials are chlorine-resistant, salt-resistant, and UV-resistant, and will not corrode even when exposed to a humid environment for a long time.

Sealed Motor and Control System

All electronic components are completely sealed, meeting an IP68 or higher waterproof rating. They can operate safely even if splashed with water or briefly submerged.

Non-Slip Wide Seats or Slings

Most models are equipped with fixed seats (similar to wheelchairs) with safety belts; some support the use of quick-drying, antibacterial slings to ensure stable support even after entering the water.

Rotating and Telescoping Arm Design

The lifting arm can rotate 90°–180° horizontally, smoothly moving the user from the poolside to the center of the water surface before slowly lowering them into the water, preventing the body from scraping against the pool wall.

Battery-Powered Operation + Emergency Manual Lowering

Built-in rechargeable batteries eliminate the need for external power sources; at the same time, mechanical emergency devices are equipped to allow manual slow lowering even in case of power failure, ensuring safety.

Compliance with Accessibility Standards Such as ADA

In regions like the United States and the European Union, if public pools are equipped with lifts, they must meet the requirements of regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These requirements include minimum weight capacity (usually over 136 kg), operating height, rotation range, etc.

Target Users and Rehabilitation Value

Pool lifts not only serve individuals with severe physical disabilities (e.g., patients with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis) but are also widely used by:

Post-surgery rehabilitation patients: For example, those recovering from joint replacement surgery can perform low-impact training in water;

Elderly individuals with mobility issues: Using buoyancy to safely exercise balance and muscle strength;

Children with autism or sensory processing disorders: Hydrotherapy helps with emotional regulation and sensory integration.

In warm water therapy pools, when used in conjunction with lifts, patients can start aquatic exercises without pain or fear, significantly improving rehabilitation compliance and effectiveness.

Can Pool Lifts Be Installed in Home Pools?

Yes. With the popularization of accessibility concepts, the market for home pool lifts is growing. Although the price is relatively high (usually ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 RMB), it is a worthwhile health investment for families with long-term aquatic rehabilitation needs. The following points should be noted during installation:

Reserve sufficient operating space (usually a flat, hard surface of 1.5m × 1.5m);

Treat the ground with anti-slip measures and set up a drainage slope;

Clean the equipment regularly, especially rinsing off salt or chlorine residues;

Train family members on proper operation and avoid risky use by a single person.

Some high-end residential areas or community health centers have also begun to incorporate pool lifts into public supporting facilities, reflecting the concept of inclusive design.

Beyond Functionality: A Symbol of Dignity and Freedom

For many people with disabilities, being able to independently decide "I want to swim today" instead of "Can I be lifted in?" is a basic form of freedom. The significance of pool lifts goes far beyond physical transfer—it eliminates the shame of asking for help, breaks the role of "bystander", and allows people to truly become participants in life.

As one user with a spinal cord injury put it: "When the lift gently lowers me into the water, what I feel is not 'being helped', but 'being allowed to fly'."

Conclusion

The introduction of Hoyer Lifts to swimming pools is a beautiful combination of assistive technology and humanistic care. It makes the healing power of water no longer out of reach and gives everyone with physical limitations the opportunity to regain strength and peace in the blue waves. Whether in public venues or private courtyards, equipping a compliant pool lift is not just a facility upgrade, but a practical respect for the right to "equal participation"—because true accessibility begins with a pool edge that can be freely crossed.