Top Selling and Most Popular Pool Lifts in 2018

We have seen a rise in sales of pool lifts this year with customers ranging from private homes, luxury spas and public swimming pools. Whilst a submersible pool lift is still very much the ‘Rolls Royce’ of the industry there are other pool lifts and hoists suitable for swimming pools/hydro pools, hot tubs and spas that are becoming popular. These products range in terms of price and functionality to suit different budgets and applications.

We have seen a 72% rise in sales of pool lifts this year with customers ranging from private homes, luxury spas and public swimming pools. There have also been several news stories across the country about leisure centres improving their facilities with the addition of a submersible pool platform. This is very positive for the pool lift industry but also for the people who find pool ladders and steps difficult to manage or are disabled.

Creating a safe and dignified way to access a swimming pool or a hot tub means everyone can enjoy the therapeutic and physical benefits of water activities. Whilst a submersible pool lift is still very much the ‘Rolls Royce’ of the industry there are other pool lifts and hoists suitable for swimming pools/hydro pools, hot tubs and spas that are becoming popular.

These products range in terms of price and functionality to suit different budgets and applications. Portable pool lifts (prices starting from £5000) Portable pool lifts are generally suitable for swimming pools and hot tubs which are fully in the ground and don’t have any raised structures such as a wall or edge, although we can sometimes overcome these problems with a bespoke solution.

The big advantage of this type of product is they can safely transport a person from the changing room to the pool side, also they can be stored away when not in use. If you are looking for a cost-effective portable pool lift solution, then it’s hard to beat the Eco Pool which delivers on design and performance. It is compact, easy to move around in tight spaces and can be neatly stored away. It comes with a headrest, safety features and a removable leg support.

A simple push-button controls the up and down movement allowing the operator to smoothly lower and lift a person in and out of the water with ease. The Eco Pool Lift is manual push, has battery assisted lifting and lowering, has a maximum capacity of 136kg and an arm travel of 1260mm. If you have slightly more budget then the Blu Pod is a good option, this well-established portable pool lift has been in the market for over 10 years. The Blu Pod has simple operation and a clean modern appearance. Due to the popularity of this product the manufacturers have advanced the design to produce the Blu Pod Deluxe.

This product is more expensive than the Blue Pod but has extra features such as an automatic integrated braking system, 2 speed automatic handling and motorised lift and lower. The Blu Pod Deluxe also has a much greater lifting capacity of 150kg. For a top of the range fully motorised mobile pool lift we recommend the Panda Pod. The Panda Pod has automatic traction which means the operator can effortlessly steer the portable pool lift to the pool side without having to push. It also has an automatic integrated braking system and 2 speed automatic handling.

This product is stylish, has great functionality and has been our bestselling portable pool lift for 2018. Fixed pool lifts (prices starting from £3000) For a more permanent access solution fixed pool lifts are proving popular but one of the main reasons why customers are opting for these products is because they have a swimming pool or a hot tub with a raised wall or edge. If the pool or hot tub is above the ground a fixed pool lift or hoist is your only option.

However, fixed pool lifts can also be used for inground pools if you prefer this option. There is some fantastic fixed pool lift products on the market, but we want to highlight the F100 and F100M from the Italian manufacturers Digi Project mainly because of the ease of installation. Instead of having to drill into the ground the F100 and F100M is fixed onto a 60 x 60 x 60 cm concrete base 60x60x60 cm by means of 8 pins. Essentially the F100 and F100M are the same product, the only difference is the F100M has a motorised lift and lower.

Both of these fixed pools lift solutions have been designed to clear walls of up to 80cm. The F145/F145B also from Digi Project are great solutions to inground or above ground structures. The F145 range can be configured to suit a wide range of environments. This lift is supplied with either a hard seat, detachable transporter chair or a sling option. There is also the option of an extended boom arm which is extremely useful for walled pools or tubs or if you have a channel or gutter around the pool edge. Again, this range is easily installed by bolting onto a concrete floor or block (no drilling required). The F145 range is fast becoming the most popular fixed option due to the flexibility in design, installation, safety and budget. If you are looking for product which can clear higher walls (prices start from £4500) then consider the Super Power EZ, Spa Ultra or Spa Elite. These lifts can clear walls in from 130cm to 172cm and are supplied with a sling seat option only. For help choosing the right pool lift, try our helpful online buyers guide.