Monday, July 20, 2015

Product Spotlight: Aqua Creek EZ Pool Lift

When you are handicapped, have balance problems or have any other issue that prevents you from easily entering and exiting a pool, life can become frustrating. Fortunately, the EZ Pool Lift by Aqua Creek couples convenience with affordability so you can once again easily access and enjoy your home pool or spa.

Ideal for any residential application, this handicap pool lift can easily be operated manually by one attendant. It accommodates in-ground pools in addition to partially in-ground pools and spas with wall heights up to 26 inches. It offers lifting capabilities up to 400 pounds and can also make a great boat access lift!

girl using Aqua Creek EZ Manual Pool Lift with sling

The EZ Pool Lift is crafted with stainless steel and a durable UV-resistant, white powder-coating finish, so you can rest assured that this lift will remain safe and work corrosion-free for years to come. The compact EZ Lift can act as either a fixed or a portable lift, and it can easily be stored and moved so you can relocate from your pool deck to your boat deck and back again whenever you need!

From the mesh sling to the 6” concrete embedded anchor system (which is necessary if you want to secure your lift to the ground), this pool lift comes included with everything you need to operate it. Additional anchor options are available, so if you have a wooden deck or prefer an extended in-ground anchor, simply select your preference when you order! The EZ Lift features also include:

  • A durable mesh sling-style seat
  • Adjustable stainless steel chains
  • Manual hydraulically actuated ram
  • 360° manual rotation
  • A new rotation bar that allows greater ease in rotating the unit

When you’re searching for the best swimming pool hoist for your home, search no further than the Aqua Creek EZ Pool Lift. With additional options like a hard seat and a protective cover, there’s no beating this durable, affordable and easy-to-use residential pool lift. Get back to doing what you love and order yours from PHC-Online today to save and receive fast and free shipping!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Air Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users

Traveling is already stressful enough as it is – getting everything booked on time, braving the daunting line at security and even worrying about making a connecting flight are concerns that most travelers face. Especially when you’re a wheelchair user, it’s important for you to get everything arranged and organized well ahead of time so you can avoid any unnecessary hindrances and begin enjoying your vacation as soon as you step out your front door.

wheelchair user at an airport

We’ve compiled a list of helpful air travel tips for wheelchair users that are sure to make your travel plans go off without a hitch!

Book early – Booking everything from plane tickets to transportation and hotel rooms well in advance is a rule of thumb when planning a vacation, but it is especially important to do when you’re traveling with disabilities. Calling ahead ensures that your needs will be accommodated, whether it’s making your way through the airport to your gate or ensuring that the hotel you are staying in is fully wheelchair accessible. When booking your plane ticket by phone, you can request bulkhead seating at the front of the plane with enough space that makes travel more comfortable.

Equipment checkup – Before you embark on your journey, make sure that your wheelchair is in proper working order, especially if it’s electric. It is wise to find a wheelchair repair shop near your final destination in case of an emergency, but as long as you are sure your chair is in operable condition, you should be good to travel. When flying, we recommend using a carry-on bag to store any parts of your chair, like the footrests, to avoid discovering that your equipment is missing or has been damaged throughout the course of your flight.

handicapped sign on railing

Check voltage conversions – Electric outlets are different in other countries, so you’ll need to have a powerful enough converter in order to charge your chair (if you’re using an electric model). Save yourself the stress by doing some research on proper converters before you embark so you don’t end up shelling out a crazy amount of cash in a foreign land just because your chair charger blew out.

Write up assembly instructions – If your wheelchair needs to be disassembled for transport, make sure that it’s returned to you in the correct way by attaching simple assembly instructions. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, wheelchairs must be returned in their proper assembled condition, so this should make the process easier for everyone involved.

And most important of all, don’t forget to enjoy yourself when you finally make it to your destination!

If anything does happen to go wrong during your travel period, you can always talk to a Complaints Resolution Official at the airport to resolve any issues. You also have the option of filing a complaint with the airline or with the Department of Transportation concerning any access related issues. These must be filed within 45 days and 6 months, respectively, of the incident.

What are some of your tried-and-true travel hacks for wheelchair accessible travel? Let us know in the comments below!