When investing in pool accessibility, it’s natural to compare options like platform hoists and pool hoists. At first glance, a platform hoist can appear to be a simple solution, but when you look beyond basic lift functionality, the Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist offers significantly more flexibility, dignity and long-term value.
The difference isn’t just about how someone gets into the water. It’s about who can use it, how confidently they can participate, and how future-proof your investment really is.
One Solution, Many Users, No Limitations
Platform hoists are typically suited to users who can transfer independently, sit upright without support, and feel confident managing their own movement. That works well for a narrow group of people.
The Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist is designed for a much broader range of abilities, including people who:
- Require full or partial support
- Have limited upper-body strength
- Use wheelchairs
- Need assisted transfers for therapy or rehabilitation
- Experience fluctuating mobility over time
By supporting multiple seating and transfer options including slings, seats and aquatic wheelchairs, the Pelican removes the “one-user” limitation that platform hoists often impose.
This means more people can use your pool.
Flexibility as Needs Change
Mobility isn’t static. What works today may not work in five years, or even five months. Platform hoists generally lock users into a single method of access. If a person’s mobility declines, or a new user group needs access, the equipment may no longer be suitable.
The Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist is inherently adaptable. It allows:
- Different users to access the pool in different ways
- Facilities to support rehabilitation, ageing users and people with disability using the same system
- Aquatic facilities to respond to changing needs without replacing equipment
Access to Multiple Environments
Many platform hoists are designed for a single fixed position and limited water environments.
The Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist is designed to support both pool and spa access, including:
- Above-ground and in-ground pools
- Hydrotherapy pools
- Spas and warm-water therapy environments
This versatility means users aren’t restricted to one experience or excluded from therapeutic benefits offered by different water types.
Dignity, Comfort, Safety and Confidence Matter
True accessibility is about more than mechanics, it’s about how someone feels using the equipment.
The Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist is designed to provide:
- Smooth, controlled transfers
- Comfortable and safe positioning
- Reduced anxiety for users and carers
- A calm, dignified experience
For people who need support, this can be the difference between feeling hesitant and feeling empowered to participate.
Better Outcomes for Carers and Staff
Manual handling risks are a major consideration in aquatic environments.
Platform hoists often still require users to manage their own transfers or rely on close assistance. The Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist:
- Reduces manual lifting
- Provides controlled, predictable movement
- Supports safer workflows for carers and staff
A Smarter Long-Term Investment
While platform hoists may appear cost-effective upfront, limitations can lead to:
- Under-utilisation
- The need for additional equipment later
- Exclusion of future users
The Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist delivers greater long-term value by:
- Supporting a wider range of users
- Reducing the likelihood of future replacement
- Maximising participation across different needs and environments
This results in a smart, long-term and future-proofed investment.
If the goal is inclusive, adaptable, dignified access that works today and into the future, the Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist offers significant value.
By removing limitations, supporting choice, and accommodating changing needs, the Pelican ensures users, and facilities, get the most out of their investment.
If you’d like help comparing options for your pool, spa or facility, Para Mobility is always happy to guide you toward the solution that delivers the best outcome for everyone involved.