6 Best Pool Safety Aids That Enhance Comfort and Mobility
Pools offer low-impact exercise for arthritis, but safety is vital. Discover 6 aids, from non-slip steps to lifts, that ease joint strain.
The warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle lapping of water—a backyard pool should be a source of joy and therapeutic movement, not a source of anxiety. For many active adults managing arthritis, the thought of navigating slippery surfaces and steep ladders can overshadow the immense benefits of aquatic exercise. Thoughtful planning and the right equipment can transform your pool back into a personal oasis, ensuring every dip is safe, comfortable, and restorative.
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Why Water Exercise Eases Arthritic Joints
The magic of water lies in its physics. Buoyancy counteracts gravity, lifting up to 90% of your body weight when you’re submerged to your neck. This dramatically reduces the compressive forces on weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and the spine, allowing for movement that might be painful or impossible on land.
Think of it as a supportive, forgiving environment. The water’s hydrostatic pressure also acts like a gentle compression sleeve around your entire body, which can help reduce swelling and improve circulation. This unique combination of support and resistance makes the pool an ideal place to maintain range of motion, build supporting muscle strength, and soothe stiff, aching joints without the jarring impact of a traditional workout.
Aqua Creek Ranger 2 Pool Lift for Safe Entry
For some, the single greatest barrier to using their pool is the entry and exit. Traditional pool ladders with narrow, vertical rungs can place immense strain on hands, shoulders, and knees. This is where a pool lift becomes a game-changer, transforming a high-risk maneuver into a safe, dignified transfer.
The Aqua Creek Ranger 2 is a robust, ADA-compliant option that puts you in complete control. It’s a battery-powered lift that you can operate independently using a waterproof remote, smoothly lowering you into the water and lifting you back out. This isn’t just about safety; it’s about preserving the energy and confidence you need for your actual workout.
Of course, a lift is a significant investment in both cost and space. Professional installation is required to anchor it securely to the pool deck, and it is a visible piece of equipment. However, for those planning to enjoy their pool for decades to come, the return on investment in terms of sustained independence and daily, pain-free access is immeasurable. It’s a powerful statement that you are prioritizing long-term wellness.
Confer Curve In-Pool Steps for Gentle Access
If a mechanical lift feels like more than you need, a high-quality set of in-pool steps offers a fantastic middle ground. Unlike steep ladders, systems like the Confer Curve In-Pool Steps provide a gradual, staircase-like entry. The wide, flat treads and gentle curve make each step feel stable and predictable, allowing you to walk into the pool with confidence.
These modular step systems are typically made from durable, resin-based materials that are easy on the feet. Most models include dual handrails, providing crucial support for both hands as you descend or ascend. This two-sided stability is essential for anyone with balance concerns or joint pain that can flare up unexpectedly.
From an installation and aesthetic standpoint, these steps have distinct advantages. They are often simple enough for a DIY installation and, because they sit inside the pool, they keep the deck area clear and uncluttered. The main tradeoff is the interior "footprint"—they do take up swimming space, which is a key consideration for smaller pools.
S.R. Smith Artisan Rails for Added Stability
Safety doesn’t stop once you’re in the water. Having secure grab points around the pool perimeter is crucial for navigating from the steps to the deep end or for stabilizing yourself during exercises. Standard, clinical-looking stainless steel rails get the job done, but they don’t always complement a thoughtfully designed backyard.
This is where modern handrails like the S.R. Smith Artisan series excel. They are designed with aesthetics in mind, featuring elegant curves and finishes like powder-coated silver, white, or taupe that can blend seamlessly with your deck and patio furniture. They prove that safety equipment doesn’t have to look institutional.
Strategically placing one or two of these rails near your entry point or along a wall used for stretching provides a constant source of support. It’s a relatively simple modification that offers a profound sense of security, allowing you to move around the pool with less fear of a slip or a moment of imbalance. Function and form can, and should, coexist.
AquaJogger Classic Belt for Buoyant Exercise
Once you’re safely in the water, the goal is to move freely. Treading water to stay upright, however, can put a surprising amount of strain on arthritic shoulder and hip joints. A buoyancy belt, like the AquaJogger Classic, solves this problem elegantly.
This simple foam belt straps around your waist, providing neutral buoyancy that suspends you vertically in deep water with zero impact. Your feet are off the pool floor, and your head is comfortably above the surface. This frees your arms and legs to perform a full range of motion exercises—like water running or leg lifts—without the need to "fight" to stay afloat. It allows you to focus 100% of your energy on the therapeutic movement itself.
TheraBand Aquatic Dumbbells for Resistance
Building and maintaining muscle is vital for supporting arthritic joints, but lifting traditional weights is often out of the question. Aquatic dumbbells, such as those from TheraBand, offer a brilliant alternative. They are not heavy; in fact, they are made of lightweight, high-density foam.
Their power comes from creating resistance against the water. When you push a foam dumbbell down, the water’s natural buoyancy pushes back up, engaging your muscles. The faster you move, the more resistance you create. This provides a completely customizable, joint-friendly strength workout for your arms, chest, back, and core, allowing you to build strength without the strain of a heavy load.
Speedo Surfwalker Pro for Sure-Footed Grip
One of the most overlooked but critical safety aids is what you wear on your feet. Pool decks and submerged steps can become incredibly slippery, and a single fall can lead to a serious injury that derails your fitness goals. Going barefoot introduces an unnecessary risk.
A quality pair of water shoes, like the Speedo Surfwalker Pro, provides an essential layer of protection. Their rubber outsoles are specifically designed with tread patterns that grip wet surfaces, from concrete and tile to vinyl pool liners. They give you a confident, sure-footed feel as you walk around the deck and navigate your pool steps, dramatically reducing the risk of a slip. As a bonus, they also protect the soles of your feet from hot or rough surfaces.
Combining Aids for a Complete Safety System
No single product creates a perfectly safe environment. The most effective approach is to layer these aids to create a comprehensive safety system tailored to your specific needs and your pool’s layout. True peace of mind comes from addressing every potential point of failure, from the moment you step onto the deck to the moment you get out.
Imagine this system in action: You walk confidently across the deck in your non-slip water shoes. You use a stylish Artisan handrail to steady yourself as you approach your Confer Curve steps, walking into the water with ease. Once inside, you fasten your AquaJogger belt and use your TheraBand dumbbells for a challenging but pain-free workout.
This isn’t about limiting your activity; it’s about enabling it. By proactively installing a thoughtful combination of aids, you remove the physical and mental barriers to using your pool. You transform it from a space that requires caution into a true tool for health, wellness, and independent living for years to come.
Your home, including your pool, should adapt to you—not the other way around. By investing in the right safety aids, you are making a deliberate choice to preserve your independence and continue enjoying the activities that bring you strength and joy. This forward-thinking approach is the very essence of aging in place with confidence and style.
