Enhancing swimming experience with user-centric pool access equipment

by arslan_ahmed | October 23, 2023 6:03 am

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By Marley Cunningham

The principle of user experience (UX) as it is known today is frequently associated with more modern technologies, such as websites and smartphone apps. However, it is in fact a concept that predates even the cognitive psychologist and usability engineer, Don Norman, who officially coined the term in his 1988 book The Design of Everyday Things. Dating back thousands of years, ancient Chinese philosophers believed in the use of feng shui to achieve spatial design that is harmonious with the flow of energy. Nods to user experience can even be traced back to ancient Greece with proof in the ergonomically designed tools, as well as writings from Hippocrates discussing the efficient design of a surgeon’s operating room. The end goal is the same: an enjoyable, intuitive, optimized, and user-friendly experience.

In the realm of product design, specifically pool access equipment, user experience is an indispensable design pillar that profoundly impacts the way an individual interacts with and perceives a product. Good or bad, these experiences have the power to reach beyond the product, including the impact of brand image and reputation. While there are many different types of aquatic access equipment to consider, their commonality regarding user experience is the nature of the consequences that result from poor design. For products that are specifically designed for end-users with limited mobility, the user journey must be closely examined with special care given to any potential safety concerns. This article will dive deep into the role of user experience, not only in the aquatic access products themselves, but in the way they affect one’s business in its entirety.

Understanding the primary types of access

Disability is a spectrum that comes in many forms and ability levels. Pool access equipment also comes in various forms, each serving a distinct purpose in enhancing the ease and safety of accessing the water. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)¹, primary accessible means of entry include:

Pool lifts

Often the preferred method of entry, pool lifts have seen major evolutions in design since the introduction of water-powered lifts in 1980. While this design marked a major advancement, it had its share of limitations. For example, water hoses supplying the lift posed tripping hazards, leading to the eventual remedy of running water lines beneath the pool deck.

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However, the solution resulted in a costly and permanent installation, which could potentially create challenges during repair work. Moreover, these lifts required specific water pressure (not always easy to achieve), and a portion of the lift had to remain submerged in the water, rendering it susceptible to corrosion. These factors collectively contributed to the transition away from water-powered lifts, fuelling the demand for more straightforward battery-powered alternatives. The more popular and modern battery-powered lifts seen today rest safely on the pool deck, above the waterline, and can easily be removed when necessary.

Consequently, the first battery-powered lift made its debut in 1997, several years after the enactment of the ADA, which had not yet stipulated specific requirements for pool accessibility. This initial generation of battery-powered lifts represented a substantial improvement and addressed many of the issues that plagued their water-powered predecessors. However, they still fell short in terms of esthetics, usability, and overall visual appeal on the pool deck.

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Thanks to the dedication of manufacturers who sought continual feedback from end-users, engineers, architects, and pool builders alike, great strides have since been made in the name of user experience. More attractive and approachable designs were introduced, including remote control access that allows users to independently access the water without assistance from others. More recently, the emergence of beautiful colour options on lifts with much smaller footprints are taking place of the cold, clinical-looking cranes that used to loom over the pool deck. One manufacturer also developed solar-powered lifts, which have led to reduced energy costs and lower overall battery maintenance requirements.

Zero-depth and ramp entry

A design that has become increasingly more popular in recent years, zero-depth or sloped entry pools allow users to gradually enter the water without the need for steps. It is important to note, in terms of user experience, this method is not always the most ideal for people with limited mobility.

While considered an excellent option for the aging population, and users who maintain the ability to walk, these access points can pose difficulties for wheelchair users. Modern everyday wheelchairs, which are very expensive, are not intended for use in water. So, facilities intending to use this method as their primary point of access will need to invest in aquatic access wheelchairs that are specifically designed for aquatics.

However, even with the right chair, the user journey becomes precarious when entering the water. Individuals who want to swim independently must first enter the water until they reach a sufficient depth for transferring from their chair into the pool. At this point, without assistance from others, they would be forced to abandon their wheelchair in the middle of the pool, without complete confidence it will still be there when they return.

User experience as it relates to pool access begins the moment someone enters a facility. To better understand the user journey, it is important to understand every organization, access point, and facility possesses its own distinct characteristics. As a result, each instance may require a unique solution.

Creating a positive user experience with pool access equipment

In the realm of pool access equipment design, several fundamental user experience principles are directly applicable. They can serve as a valuable tool for assessing one’s products and facilities to identify areas in need of improvement. For example:

Usability

Pool access equipment must be user-friendly and intuitive. Users should be able to understand how to use it without requiring extensive guidance or instructions. This principle ensures swimmers, regardless of their familiarity with the pool, can navigate the equipment effortlessly.

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Accessibility

A core tenet of user experience is accessibility, which emphasizes creating products that are inclusive and accommodating to individuals with diverse needs and abilities. Pool access equipment should be readily available and designed to cater to users of varying physical capacities, including those with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the pool safely and independently.

Comfort

The comfort of users is paramount. It involves factors such as the texture, grip, and ergonomics of the equipment, as well as the overall experience of using it. Comfortable pool access equipment not only reduces physical strain, but also contributes to a more enjoyable, swimming experience.

Safety

While safety may seem like a separate concern, it is intrinsically linked to user experience. Users should feel secure when using access equipment, confident that it will not cause accidents or injuries. A safe design is a fundamental aspect of a positive user experience.

Esthetics

The visual appeal of pool access equipment is not merely an esthetic concern, but also a consideration for a positive user experience. Well-designed equipment can enhance the overall ambience of the pool area, making it a more inviting and pleasant place to swim.

Businesses that prioritize and excel in providing positive user experiences not only retain existing customers but can also attract new ones through referrals and positive reviews, thereby building a loyal customer base and fostering long-term success.

Business ramifications of subpar user experience

Ultimately, in an era where user satisfaction and feedback play an integral role in shaping a brand’s identity, overlooking the importance of user experience can prove detrimental to a business’s bottom line and reputation. When pool access equipment lacks attention to user experience principles, it can result in negative situations, accidents, and discomfort for users. Inadequate design may lead to confusion, frustration, and in worst-case scenarios, injuries.

Negative user experiences can also have significant repercussions on the reputation and success of a brand or business. When customers encounter frustrating, confusing, or unsafe interactions with a product or service, they are more likely to form negative perceptions, and share their experiences with others, both in personal and on digital platforms.

In today’s interconnected world, negative reviews and word-of-mouth can spread rapidly, tarnishing the brand image and credibility. Moreover, customers who have unsatisfactory experiences are less likely to become repeat customers, leading to decreased customer loyalty and reduced revenue.

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The future of pool access equipment design

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the future of pool access equipment design holds exciting possibilities. Emerging technologies such as automation and smart design are poised to revolutionize the user experience in pool environments. Automation, such as voice-activated controls or touchless entry systems, can further enhance the ease of use and accessibility, making it even more convenient for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy the pool. These innovations not only cater to user preferences but also contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of pool access.

Modern end-users are also calling for a heightened focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. In addition to the most recent evolution of solar-powered lifts, manufacturers are increasingly exploring materials and production methods that reduce environmental impact. From using recycled
and eco-friendly materials to optimizing energy efficiency in motorized equipment, these initiatives align with the growing global awareness of environmental concerns. Sustainable design not only contributes positively to the planet but also reflects a commitment to responsible business practices, which can enhance a brand’s reputation and resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

Exploring inclusive user experiences: A timeless concept

With roots stretching as far back as the father of modern medicine himself, it is easy to see the concept of user experience is a timeless and universal principle that transcends technological eras—its ancient origins echoing its enduring importance in shaping human interactions with products and spaces. In the modern landscape of aquatic access equipment, the impact of user experience is undeniable, influencing not only the safety and ease of access, but also the facilities image and reputation.

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Understanding the different types of access, as well as the many diverse bodies of water that require access, reveals the intricate dance between design and user needs. Embracing these core principles, not only ensures a positive user experience, but also contributes to a thriving business by attracting and retaining customers, fostering loyalty, and building a rock-solid reputation. As society progresses, the marriage of innovation and environmental responsibility will not only make pools more accessible, but also more environmentally sustainable.

User experience is at the very heart of aquatic access equipment design, shaping not only the products themselves, but also the experiences and lives of those who use them. Continuing to prioritize user-centric design sets the stage for the creation of safer, more inclusive, and environmentally conscious aquatic facilities, ultimately enriching the lives of countless individuals.

Note

¹ On June 20, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in parliament. It received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, and came into force on July 11, 2019. The purpose of the ACA is to make Canada barrier-free by January 1, 2040. This involves identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility. To read more about the ACA, visit www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-canada/act-summary.html.

Author

Marley Cunningham is the marketing director at Aqua Creek Products in Missoula, Mont. She combines her passion for the outdoors with creative writing. Cunningham can be reached at mcunningham@aquacreek.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/enhancing-swimming-experience-with-user-centric-pool-access-equipment/

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