Q. What are the primary components of the AquaTrek Ladders, Steps and Ramps?
A. There are four primary pieces that comprise the AquaTrek pool access products.
Q. What is a riser height?
A. The riser height indicates the distance between steps. In a therapeutic situation, the better choice is to have the smallest riser height possible. We recommend the range for riser heights for a facility be from 5½" to 8½". We have been instructed by clients to manufacture Ladder and Step products with riser heights of up to 9½". This is done with reluctance and we must stress that the smaller riser heights are the ones recommended by various access agencies. A good visual reference is to note that an average soda pop can, like the one shown, is approximately five inches tall.
Q. How is the riser height calculated?
A. The calculation for a riser height is based on the distance from the pool floor to the deck surface. We request that measurements for the pool profile, which shows distance from pool floor to the deck surface, be taken at one foot intervals from the pool wall out to approximately 60 inches (5 feet) from the pool wall. During product estimations, we use the measurement of pool floor to deck surface taken at a point at least 48" from the pool wall. Take the distance from the pool floor to deck surface and do an algebraic equation that follows. Substitute your values for the letter variables shown. Please see below:
D+2=T then T/(N+1)=R.
The letter variables are:
D = the distance from pool floor to deck surface at approximately four feet from the pool wall
T = the total of adding 2 inches to the distance from pool floor to deck surface
N = the number of steps for the unit that is wanted in the pool
R = the final estimation of the riser height
An example:
A pool is 48 inches from pool floor to deck surface at the location of four feet from the pool wall.
D = 48 + 2 to make T = 50
Then divide 50 by the number of steps considered plus one.
Therefore, in this pool, an AQ-5000 AquaTrek 5-Treaded Ladder would have an approximate riser height of 8¼", whereas an AQ-5600 AquaTrek 6-Treaded Ladder or an AQ-6000 AquaTrek 6-Treaded Step would have an approximate riser height of 7".
Another example:
A pool is 42 inches from pool floor to deck surface at the location of four feet from the pool wall.
D = 42 + 2 to make T = 44
Then divide 44 by the number of steps requested plus one.
Therefore, in this pool, an AQ-4000 AquaTrek 4-Treaded Ladder would have an approximate riser height of 8¾". An AQ-5000 AquaTrek 5-Treaded Ladder would have an approximate riser height of 7¼".
Q. Do the AquaTrek Ladders, Steps and Ramps bolt (anchor) to the pool deck and why?
A. There is only one component of the AquaTrek Ladders, Steps or Ramps that bolts to the deck surface. This item is the approach ramp and it is necessary to ensure the stability of the product while in use. Our products are capable of great weight capacity, but without an anchor, the unit would move. To be truly effective and safe, all pool access products should have an attachment to the deck surface.
Q. How does the deck anchoring system work?
A. To install an AquaTrek Ladder, Step or Ramp, two holes need to be drilled into the deck surface 2½" deep by using a one inch mason drill bit. You then use hydraulic cement to secure a bronze anchor into each hole. These bronze anchors are flush mounted, so they do not stick out above the deck surface. The bronze anchors are also the only portion of the AquaTrek Ladder, Step or Ramp that is a permanent fixture in the deck. Stainless steel bolts then go through the approach ramp of the units into those recipient bronze anchors. Some facilities leave the approach ramp on the deck when they remove the rest of the product from the pool, while others take an additional few minutes and unbolt the approach ramp from the deck surface.
Q. Is there a way to further reinforce the AquaTrek Ladders?
A. We have a heavy-duty option that can upgrade previous units or be specially ordered as a special feature for new AquaTrek Ladders. This heavy duty feature is only available for the AquaTrek Ladders, but it helps to re-enforce each tread to carry more weight. This option is also only for extreme circumstances upon request and to enhance the ladder weight capacity past 600 lbs.
Q. Does the AquaTrek Ladder, Step or Ramp work with a moveable pool floor?
A. In the instance of the AquaTrek Ramp, absolutely. In the instances of the AquaTrek Ladder or Step, the answer is absolutely, with conditions. The AquaTrek products are custom manufactured for each facility based on measurements that are provided by that facility. So, if your pool floor is at one location for the measurements that you provide to us, that is the measurements we will use to custom build your AquaTrek Ladder or Step.