In 1980, John and Linda introduced the first independently-operable, portable, water-powered lift for swimming pool access, the Nolan Poolift™, at the International Pool & Spa Expo in Los Angeles. This was ahead of its time, as it was another 33 years before the requirement for pool lifts for public pools became the law of the land. In 1985, J.E. Nolan & Company was acquired by Sunrise Medical.
In 1987 the Nolans formed Aquatic Access Inc. and introduced a lift for hot tubs — The SpaLift™. Then came taller versions — for above-ground pools and tall rehab pools. We then offered a pool lift with a manual turn for in-ground pools and spas.