Pool and Patio Access in Gonzales: What I Check Before Recommending a Pool Lift
When designing a pool lift in Gonzales, LA, I start with deck space and the person using the pool, not the lift model. The transfer location, the waterline, anchor positions, and route from the house or patio all come into play and are used to determine the best options to compare to from Aqua Creek.
At 101 Mobility of Baton Rouge, I look at the entire pool route to determine the equipment. This means analyzing how someone reaches the deck, the transfer location, how the lift gets to the water, and where the equipment goes when the pool is not in use.
What I Inspect Around the Pool Before Recommending a Pool Lift in Gonzales, LA
The edge of the pool is only one aspect of the assessment.
I start with the route someone takes from the house, patio, or other accessible area to the pool lift. A pool lift does not address a challenge of getting across the deck of a pool. If a person cannot get to a transfer position, then it will not solve the challenge.
Here are the main areas that I review:
| Pool access factor | What I look at | Why it’s important |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Access | Route from house or patio to access the lift | Users still need a path to the access |
| Surface of deck | Condition and space around access | Affects fit of equipment and transfer |
| Pool edge | Shape and relation to water | Affects which lift geometry can reach the pool |
| Waterline | Position of water in relation to deck | Affects which pool geometry accommodates the lift |
| Anchor placement | Fixed lift relates to deck and water | |
| Transfer space | Designated space to the side of chair | Determines if access is as designed |
| Drainage | Movement or collection of water | Affects where equipment and the transfer area is located |
| Storage | Where equipment and accessories are stored | Lift design must fit the pool and pool access routine when no one is swimming |
This is how I analyze residential pool access in Baton Rouge, Prairieville, St. Amant, Geismar, and Plaquemine. I do not choose a lift then look for a place on the deck.
The deck and the daily routine are more important.
Fixed-Anchor vs. Portable Aqua Creek Options
One of the first equipment decisions is whether a fixed location is important and portability is needed.
A fixed-anchor pool lift maintains a constant relationship to the pool edge. This can be advantageous for a single, consistent transfer location on the deck where an appropriate anchor exists.
The planning horizon differs for a pool lift that is portable. A lift that is portable can be moved along the deck and stored when unused.
Portability of a lift does not make it always the best option. I still need to consider where it will be moved to during use, where on the deck it will be stored, who will move it, how often it will be used, and whether the configuration of the pool suits that type of lift. The same is true for fixed equipment. The choice of anchor should not be based merely on available concrete. The lift must reach the water and place the user in a position where a transfer is possible.
The best lift for the job depends on the configuration of the pool, and not just whether or not the equipment is portable.
How I Compare Lift Geometry to the User and the Deck
I can now compare Aqua Creek models once I have assessed the deck.
Aqua Creek EZ Pool Lift
The Aqua Creek EZ Pool Lift is a hydraulic assisted lift that offers rotational positioning for the user over the water.
I consider this model if the pool, the deck position, the transfer method, and the manual operation align and serve the needs of the household.
The real challenge is whether the model will fit within the constraints of the pool. The model’s installation site and the range of operation are two significant constraints.
Aqua Creek Ranger 2 Pool Lift
Aqua Creek’s Ranger 2 Pool Lift uses handset controls and operates with batteries for mobility.
When I evaluate the positioning of the Ranger 2, I consider the pool’s water level, the lift’s position relative to water, the deck transfer position, and the role flexibility of the charging position.
Powered models tend to work for one client while manual models work for another.
Aqua Creek Scout Excel
Aqua Creek’s Scout Excel is one of the other available powered pool lifts. Its design enables it to reach further than other models from lift to water.
Just reaching further doesn’t mean it is the best design.
If the deck position enables placing the lift and transfer closer to the water position, then reach with no practical advantage is wasted. I evaluate what gear would work best with what the site offers rather than selecting the model that has the longest reach.
Aqua Creek Spa Lift Elite
For raised spas or pools, I compare the Aqua Creek Spa Lift Elite.
A raised spa changes the position of the deck and modifies the wall height, wall thickness, and setback. Transfer position and lift rotation all come into the design.
One should not assume that a standard pool-lift setup and a raised-spa setup will have the same requirements.
Equipment I Don’t Hastily Install
There are instances where I would advise a pool route modification prior to a lift installation.
If the user cannot reach the proposed transfer position, a lift at that position will not alleviate the access issue.
If the space next to the lift does not have usable transfer space, I do not want to wedge equipment through the opening just because the pool lift fits.
The same holds true for a deck that creates issues with:
- Normal household traffic,
- Furniture or gates,
- Drainage,
- Access the house,
- Storage of pool equipment,
- Or how the pool is used.
A more expensive lift does not correct a bad pool route.
In some cases the position of the deck may dictate that other things such as the deck surface, drainage and the transfer area need improvement before the lift is installed.
This is the truth of a pool lift- it mitigates one transfer challenge- of going into and out of the pool; it does not answer all the challenges of going to and from the pool.
What happens After Installation?
Then we evaluate how the equipment will actually be used.
We present the controls or operating method and explain the transfer position. For battery-powered lifts, we describe the charging procedure and the location of the battery or charging equipment.
Storage is also very important.
Covers, removable components, or portable lifts require a designated storage location when not in use. I do not want equipment stored in a location that blocks the normal patio route or makes it difficult to place the lift in service.
We explain positioning of equipment in normal use and also explain what questions would indicate a service call should be made instead of continuing lift use.
101 Mobility provides service and support after the installation of accessibility equipment for the provision of maintenance and repair support.
If you are considering an Aqua Creek pool lift in Gonzales or allowing access to a pool in Prairieville, Baton Rouge, St. Amant, Geismar, or Plaquemine, schedule a free in-home consultation. We can measure the deck, evaluate the water and transfer position, assess the route around the pool, and review the lift options based on the property and the anticipated user.
FAQ: Residential Pool Lifts in Gonzales and Prairieville
What should I measure before selecting a residential pool lift?
First, measure the usable area of the deck, the distance from the proposed lift to the water, the pool edge configuration, the transfer space, and the path to the lift. These measurements assist in selecting the lift geometry and the approach to the installation.
Do all pool lifts require a permanent anchor?
No. Aqua Creek has both permanent and portable pool-lift configurations. The most appropriate configuration for your application can vary based on the pool, deck, transfer position, how frequently it will be used, and the storage plan.
What is the operating difference between the Aqua Creek EZ Pool Lift and powered Aqua Creek lifts?
The Aqua Creek EZ Pool Lift is hydraulic assist, manual operated and powered lifts are used in the Ranger 2 and Scout Excel models, for example. While I can compare the basis of operation with the deck configuration and layout of the pool and transfer, I don’t select based solely on powered vs. non-powered.
How can I decide which pool lift (Ranger 2 vs. Scout Excel) is better for my pool?
For each situation, the answer will be different. I consider the pool and deck geometry, the proposed lift location, distance from the water and setback, draft of water, location of the transfer, and the deck space and align these with the requirements of each model and determine the most appropriate lift.
Can the same pool lift be used for a raised spa?
Not necessarily. Raised spas and pools may require different reach and wall clearance. The Aqua Creek Spa Lift Elite is designed for raised spa and pool application, but the wall, deck and transfer dimensions will still need to be measured.
Where can I put a pool lift on a deck with not enough space?
I would look for an accessible place either for installation or relocation. If the route, surface, drainage, or available space on the deck does not meet the requirements for the equipment, I’d suggest addressing those issues to the best of your ability to design it your way, as it would be a gross mistake to force fit the equipment in a wrong location.
About the Author
Jonas Boutte is the owner of 101 Mobility of South Louisiana and has hands-on training from accessibility manufacturers including Bruno, Harmar, Stiltz, Staying Home, EZ-ACCESS, National Ramp, and others. He helps customers throughout Lafayette and surrounding communities evaluate stairlifts, ramps, lifts, and other accessibility solutions based on their homes, daily routes, and mobility needs.
