Occupational Therapists are the quiet heroes of pool access decisions. While everyone else is picturing laps, leisure, and that first glorious splash, OTs are running through a mental checklist that balances function, dignity, safety, funding realities, and long-term outcomes.
When it comes to recommending pool access solutions, here’s what’s really top of mind for many Aussie OTs.
1. The person always comes first
Before equipment, before budgets, before installation drawings, it’s the individual.
OTs are thinking about:
- Functional ability (current as well as future changes)
- Transfers, trunk control, fatigue, and endurance
- Confidence in water and previous aquatic experience
- Whether the solution promotes independence or requires assistance
A good recommendation doesn’t just get someone into the pool, it supports participation, enjoyment, and a sense of control.
2. Safety is essential
Slip risks, pinch points, awkward transfers and water depth all matter.
OTs are assessing:
- Stability during transfers (wet surfaces don’t forgive mistakes)
- Controlled entry and exit speed
- Emergency egress, because plans B and C matter
- Whether the solution reduces manual handling risks for carers
If it feels sketchy in theory, it’s a no in practice.
3. The pool environment matters more than people think
Not all pools are created equal and OTs know this all too well.
Key environmental considerations include:
- Pool type (public aquatic centre, rehab pool, hotel, school, private residence)
- Edge height, gutter profiles, steps, and entry points
- Indoor vs outdoor exposure (sun, corrosion, temperature)
- Space around the pool for hoists, wheelchairs, or carers
A great product in the wrong environment is still the wrong answer.
4. Independence vs assistance (and where the balance sits)
OTs weigh up:
- Can the user operate this independently?
- If assistance is required, is it dignified and safe?
- Does this reduce reliance on carers, or increase it?
Sometimes full independence is achievable. Sometimes supported access is the right call. The goal is appropriate independence, not forced independence.
5. Longevity and adaptability
Nobody wants a solution that works beautifully… temporarily.
OTs are thinking long-term:
- Will this still suit the client if strength or mobility changes?
- Is the solution adaptable or modular?
- Can it grow with the person rather than needing replacement?
Future-proofing is a quiet but powerful part of OT reasoning.
6. Compliance, standards, and “will this pass the test?”
Especially in commercial or community settings, OTs are checking:
- Australian Standards and best-practice guidance
- Local council or facility policies
- Risk management and WHS considerations
- Whether the solution would stand up in a report, audit, or funding review
If it’s hard to justify on paper, it’s hard to recommend.
7. Funding reality (because budgets are an unavoidable reality)
Whether it’s NDIS, aged care, council funding or private purchase, OTs are realistic.
They consider:
- Value over time, not just upfront cost
- Ongoing maintenance and servicing
- Ease of justification in reports
- Whether the solution avoids future costs (injury, replacement, staff strain)
The “cheapest” option is rarely the most economical in the long run.
8. Dignity, confidence, and user experience
This one’s big, even if it doesn’t always make the spec sheet.
OTs notice:
- How the person feels using the equipment
- Whether it draws unwanted attention or feels clinical
- Ease, smoothness, and comfort of movement
- Whether it encourages regular pool use
If someone avoids the pool because the access feels awkward or embarrassing, the solution has failed, even if it ticks every other box.
Why OTs and Para Mobility speak the same language
At Para Mobility, pool access isn’t treated as a one-size-fits-all decision. The focus is on:
- Matching the right solution to the person and the pool
- Supporting independence without compromising safety
- Providing options that work in real-world Australian environments
- Making recommendations easier to justify, document, and defend
Because reliable access isn’t just about getting in the water, it’s about enabling participation, wellbeing, and joy. When OTs recommend pool access, they’re not just choosing equipment. They’re shaping experiences, confidence, health outcomes, and quality of life.
If you need advice and guidance please reach out to our team. They are full of insights and decades of experience that will help answer your questions and guide an educated solution to suit your specific requirements. Call us on
1300 444 600 or pop us a message.