Pool Safety Ideas for Aging Baby Boomers - by Beverly Hlavka

Water is one the most refreshing and enlivening elements in the world. It can awaken our spirit and relax the body. Many homeowners are installing swimming pools in the backyard for family fun or hydrotherapy, but as we age it may become increasingly difficult for us to get in and out of the pool. Fortunately, there are now a host of options on the market to ease the entry and exit from the pool. Since water is a great aid for relief from arthritis and orthopedic problems, older individuals are using pools more and more. If you do water aerobics or just jog in place most of the strain is taken off the joints, making this a great way for the elderly to stay in shape. The baby boomers are getting older every day so this form of exercise is only going to increase. A few solutions for assisting people in and out of the pool include ramps, lifts and shallow steps that start from a raised platform on the deck. This allows the swimmer to take the steps one at a time.

A pool might include raised walls on a partially inground pool. The walls are set at chair height so the person can easily get into the water. Zero-depth entrance ramps are possible making it somewhat like a beach where you can just slowly walk into the water. It is also possible to make the ramp for easy wheelchair entrance. Special wheelchairs made out of PVC plastic are rust resistant and available so you don’t damage the regular wheelchair. A pool should offer a finish that gives traction so there are no accidents from a slippery bottom. When you reach the bottom of the pool the water level can be chest high so you feel like you are floating. Pools that are swim spas allow hydrotherapy to be done in a small space. It has been proven that swimming improves muscle strength, flexibility and circulation. If the person can get in and out of the pool with confidence they feel more independent as they are doing their daily rehabilitation or exercise.

If you are designing a pool in the backyard for a home that you plan on living in for a long time, consider all ages enjoying this pool. You may want a transfer wall on only a portion of the pool. There can be a special section just for you and your needs as aging occurs and the grandkids can still have fun in the sun, not knowing that grandma is safe in the water too. Another safety precaution would be to install a camera by the pool so you can be assured your family member is doing well if you can’t always be there with them. These aren’t suitable to allow children alone in the pool, but an adult can easily be watched from indoors. Pool rails can be added to an existing pool when just a little extra support is needed. Wheelchair lifts available for people that need the mechanics of a chair to get in and out of a pool or spa.

Lifts can cost up to $13,000 depending on the features, and some use a garden hose to hydraulically function. Water flowing from the hose raises the seat and as it drains out into the pool, the seat lowers. Special ladders are available that have two handrails and handholds to easily pull up and out of the water. The easily seen gray steps are closer together with non-slip surfaces. They adjust to different heights and do not rest or attach to the pool. If your pool already has a stainless steel ladder, you can find soft covers for the rails so they can be gripped firmly and prevent burning hands. If its special exercise equipment you need, you can find treadmills and exercise bicycles and other pieces of exercise equipment specially made for the water.

Lycra mittens aid upper body workouts when used in the water. Workout stations attached to the side of the pool allow a number of exercises to be done using the natural resistance of the water. Before purchasing any piece equipment, be sure to check the reliability of the company, warranties, service agreements and installation issues. Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen in the pool.

Beverly Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying hot tubs, Jacuzzi's, saunas, above ground pools and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.sauna-4u.com/Pool%20Supplies.htm. She gives information and tips on http://www.sauna-4u.com/above_ground_pools.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.