A pool wheelchair is a chair with wheels, specially designed for use in and around water. A pool wheelchair, also known as an aquatic wheelchair or a pool access wheelchair, transports and mobilizes individuals who cannot walk due to injury, illness or disability. Along with pool lifts, these special wheelchairs provide safe and secure access to around pools, spas and showers for all individuals, regardless of ability. Many public facilities now offer pool wheelchairs for their ADA-compliant pools and beach entry points, accentuating easy access for every potential user. Rehabmart also carries all-terrain beach wheelchairs, which are slightly different.
Who Makes Pool Wheelchairs?
Rehabmart is pleased to offer a wide selection of superior quality pool wheelchairs crafted from highly respected leaders in the industry that include Aqua Creek, Innovative Products, MJM International and Rehab Systems.
What Makes Pool Wheelchairs Different from Regular Wheelchairs?
Pool access wheelchairs are constructed with specific materials that are non-corrosive, making them easier to maintain when they are consistently subjected to contact with water, humidity and direct sunlight. While most are designed with PVC piping, some models are made with specially-coated stainless steel. All of the pool wheelchairs are manufactured to be tough and durable, able to stand up to the heaviest, repeated use in public facilities. They generally feature mesh seating for more efficient drying between uses, and anti-tip designs for safer transport in wet and slippery areas. Heavy duty models accommodate bariatric user weights, while some aquatic wheelchairs also offer included and special options for safety restraints, footrests, swing-out armrests and brakes. All of our pool wheelchairs are designed to make transfers simpler and safer for all users.
Regular wheelchairs are generally not welcome in public pool areas because their usual black rubber tires can leave a lot of black marks all around the area. Because of this, more and more beach hotels and public pool facilities are providing guests with specified pool wheelchairs to utilize instead. Pool access wheelchairs help individuals to mobilize down a pool ramp or beach entry point where they can then use a pool lift to transfer into the water, or simply stay in their aquatic wheelchair in shallow water. These chairs employ specially designed tires that will not leave marks, making them a welcome mode of transport in public facilities.
Pool wheelchairs provide an easy, inexpensive method to a public facility meeting ADA compliance guidelines, and help make that facility more friendly and accessible for all users. These special wheelchairs are an ideal solution to handicapped access not only for pools and beaches, but are also perfect for showers, spas, water parks and locker rooms. Some models can also be used for aquatic therapy and water exercise.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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