The popularity of zero-depth entry pools
Around the same time, zero-depth entry pools also became popular. It goes back to 2001, when Walt Disney World began to build and refurbish its pools to resemble beaches and lakes. While this was not necessarily done in the name of accessibility, it became a very popular design for waterparks and other high-budget pools; however, this still has its flaws.
First, zero-entry pools are expensive projects. They cannot be easily accomplished on existing pools, as the sloped entry requires more ground space than typical inground pools, and they still require aquatic access equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers specifically designed for water use. Even with an aquatic wheelchair, a user who wants to swim must first enter the water to reach a depth deep enough to transfer out of their chair and into the pool. At this point, they must abandon their wheelchair, in a precarious position, in the middle of the pool, uncertain of where it might be when they are finished swimming. While aquatic wheelchairs and walkers are an aquatic access evolution in their own right, they still do not necessarily suit all needs.
The shift in the pool industry
When the ADA expanded to include swimming pools in 2012, everything changed. After public pools and lifts alike became subject to accessibility requirements, there was a major influx of pool lifts and manufacturers, but not all of them were committed to the continual evolution and improvement of these products to better suit the needs of modern consumers. Pool owners purchased a plethora of low-quality lifts in a rush to comply, with as little investment as possible. Now, those owners face the reality of having to replace them as their poorly made components and electronics began to fail and rust over time from the lack of maintenance.
As an aftermath, there were more opinions about pool lifts than ever before. What they should look like, how to make them more efficient, how to make them smaller (or potentially totally portable), and how to make them blend in better with their surrounding esthetics. To the credit of dedicated manufacturers and advocates, much of this has already been achieved.
Focusing on pool lift esthetics
With the introduction of solar powered pool lifts in recent years, facilities with direct sunlight can lower costs with low-maintenance, energy-efficient lifts. Another notable advancement, and possibly the most popular, is the variety of colour options now available on pool lifts.
Gone are the days of antiquated, bulky equipment looming over the pool deck. In addition to the more compact and portable designs, facilities can now purchase pool lifts in almost any colour imaginable. From earthy tones, such as greys and tans, to granite textured seats, and even bold colours, such as purple and hot pink for waterparks and universities. It is exciting to imagine what the future of pool access might hold, given the advancements it has already seen in such a short amount of time.
