Special Needs Swimming Pool Gives Freedom of Mobility to One Lowcountry Family
Recently a Lowcountry family had a swimming pool especially designed for their daughters. Lots of families in the Lowcountry have a swimming pool; but very few if any have had a pool specifically designed around the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their children.
Although the family's name cannot be mentioned as of yet, two of their daughters are handicapped. One daughter has been able to go swimming because she is somewhat capable of walking with assistance. Their other daugher has not been able to swim at all, because they have no way of getting her out of the pool. They've had to use life jackets and other flotation devices to allow them to move around the pool on their own while under constant adult supervision.
But with their new beach entry or zero entry pool, they will be able to roll them into the pool in a wheelchair and then float them off the chair so they can enjoy the pool. They will no longer have to physically struggle themselves to get their daughters into and out of the swimming pool. Not to mention, the girls will be able to move about more freely in the water than anywhere else.
What is a beach entry or zero entry pool?
A beach entry or zero entry pool is a swimming pool where the point of entry is without the usual steps you would see in a swimming pool. Instead of using stairs, the entry point gently slopes straight from the pool deck into the swimming pool. It is a continuous slope which allows for easy access with people using wheelchairs or any other devices that help them to get around such as walkers. Basically, you would walk into the pool just like you would the ocean... hence the phrase beach entry.
How aquatic exercise helps disabled children
A study in the November 2008 issue of “Development Medicine and Child Neurology” investigated the effectiveness and safety of an aquatic exercise program for disabled children. Researchers enrolled 16 children between the ages of 6 and 11 for a twice-per-week program for 14 weeks. In the program, children swam laps and participated in relay races; they used barbells, aquatic “noodles” and water resistance for strength training. The study found significant improvements in isometric muscle strength and motor skills. The authors concluded that children with disabilities can improve cardiovascular and respiratory endurance through aquatic exercise programs. In addition being in the water gives them the abililty to move more independently than anywhere else which helps to improve their overall emotional health. Below is a listing of just some of the ways Aquatic therapy physically helps a person:
Buoyancy - Provides assistance and support. It is used to decrease gravitational forces placed on weak limbs that are less able to bear weight. Buoyancy allows a person to move more easily with decreased stress on muscles, joints, and bones.
Heat - Aquatic therapy is provided in a heated pool, temperatures ranging from 94-96 degrees. The warm water relaxes muscles and allows for improved joint range of motion.
Hydrostatic Pressure - The water surrounding the body helps circulate blood from the legs to the heart, often reducing any swelling in the ankles and feet. Once swelling is reduced, joint tenderness may decrease and range of motion can increase.
Resistance - Allows for improvement in balance and strength in all muscle directions. On land, resistance is felt in only one direction, which leads to an over development of some muscles and under utilization of others. Resistance also increases sensory awareness.
Who can help customize special needs swimming pool designs?
According to the family a Lowcountry pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools, got very involved in the whole process. Craig Crompton that designed the pool, and Bill Ward the Project Superintendent forged a working relationship with the home-builder and the family to build a pool that according to the family is the finest, personalized special needs pool in the area. A pool where they think the final product is evidence that their family's needs have been the driving efforts behind everyone on the team to get them the swimming pool they require.


