John Nolan, founder of Aquatic Access, invented the first lift for bathtubs in 1962, and the first swimming pool lift in 1980, both powered by water pressure.
John Nolan and son David Nolan are the inventors of the earliest and most popular models of pool lifts, including those that meet or exceed the requirements for pool lifts in The Americans With Disabilities Act. Our ADA-compliant lifts exceed the requirements — with armrests, a 350-400 lb weight capacity instead of the 300 lb capacity required, and a seat belt; with optional full-support headrest and a chest belt. Water-powered lifts are the most energy-efficient and ecologically-friendly available. The water is simply “borrowed” on its way to replacing evaporation, making Aquatic Access lifts true green machines.
Water power offers a reliability that electric lifts cannot. With some of our lifts still in use after 30 years, customers tell us they appreciate the rugged durability of the designs. We also hear of the disappointment experienced by those who want to use lifts in hotel pools, only to find that those powered by batteries are often not in working condition, due to dead batteries, lack of staff training, or lack of required sometimes complex maintenance. For ease of use and no-cost operation, the dependability of your municipal water supply cannot be surpassed by any other power source for accessing the healing power of water.
No continuing costs of batteries, backups, replacements, daily and nightly charging. No danger of lithium ion batteries or electricity around water; no remotes, solar cells, actuators, contacts, brushes, motors, oils, gears, expensive electronic replacement components or extensive maintenance schedules.