Aquatic Access IGAT-180 AD User manual

Aquatic Access Inc.
Pool Lift Model IGAT-180
Installation Guide
Instruction Manual
®
AquaticAccess.com
1921 Production Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2110 USA
800.325.5438 502.425.5817 Fax: [phone]

Contact:
Aquatic Access Inc.
1921 Production Drive
Louisville, KY USA 40299-2110
Toll Free 800.325.5438 Phone [phone]
Fax [phone] [email protected]
Table of Contents
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Socket Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Socket Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to Install Lift. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lift Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and Maintenance.. . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection of Lift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disassembly of Lift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of Piston Seal. . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of Piston. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of Top Guide . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of Rub Block . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of Seat Shell. . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of Valve Assembly. . . . . .
Replacement of Valve Stem. . . . . . . . . .
Transporting the Lift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Addendum: Technical Specications . .
Visit us online at AquaticAccess.com!
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Aquatic Access Model IGAT-180
(IN-GROUND AUTOMATIC-TURN OF 180°)
INSTALLATION
The customer and installer are responsible for assuring the strength of the mounting for the pool
lift and for determining if grounding the unit is necessary. These installation instruction must be
followed to meet advertised lifting capacities.
SOCKET PLACEMENT
The customer or installer and Aquatic
Access mutually agree upon the socket
location. Usually, the customer provides
Aquatic Access with a drawing showing the
measurements and conguration of the deck,
coping, gutter, and pool wall. This allows
our engineers to determine the best location
for the socket. The pool lift should normally
be located where there is at least 36” of
straight vertical pool wall. The depth would
need to be greater if there is a curve instead
of a right angle at the pool bottom. The depth range of 42”– 48” (deck to pool oor) is ideal.
It is recommended that the lift be installed 48”
(minimum 36”) from inside pool corners and ladders
that could interfere with the turn of the seat. The
socket should not be placed directly on an expansion
joint, but at least 4” away from it. If unsure about the
measurements, congurations or structural integrity,
have a local contractor verify them.
If you have received the socket in advance of the lift
without instructions as to how far away from the pool
edge to install the socket, or if any questions remain,
consult with the engineers at Aquatic Access before
installing the socket.
1

SOCKET INSTALLATION
Some states and localities require the grounding
of any metal object within ve feet of the
pool edge, but this is sometimes difcult in
retrot versus new installations. Each socket
has a grounding lug on the bottom to connect
to a grounding rod. Electrolysis (staining of
the stainless steel) may result if the lift is not
properly grounded. Consult your local building
codes for grounding information.
The socket is located in the seat box and is
attached under the seat.
A 3” carbide core drill makes an excellent
clean hole in solid concrete. The center line of
the socket hole for your installation should be
_____” from the pool wall or ______” from
the edge of the deck. Drill the hole at least 8”
deep. It is necessary that the top of the socket
be ush with the deck’s surface. With the socket
positioned in the hole with the notch facing
the water, use a level to be certain the socket is
plumb and straight, and pour the anchor cement
around the socket. Place a combination square
with level full depth into the socket to assure that the socket is vertical in all directions as the
cement sets (about 15 minutes). Allow the cement to cure overnight before installing the pool lift.
WATER CONNECTIONS
The pool lift is operated by city/household water pressure with no electricity needed.
Our system is designed for most efcient operation at approximately 55-65 PSI operating (open
ow) pressure to lift 400 lb., the maximum lift capacity. Less pressure is required to lift less
weight.
There are several ways to determine your water pressure. You can purchase a 0-100 PSI Water
Pressure Gauge from your local hardware store, or you can ask your water company or re
department what the pressure is. Be aware that pressure gauges measure the static pressure of a
water line, which is higher than the open ow or operating pressure.
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If your static water pressure measurement is greater than 70 PSI, a reducer
must be used between the water sources and the lift or damage to the lift
may result. Purchase a reducer at your local plumbing supply store. Aquatic
Access Inc. is not liable or responsible for damage caused by excessive
water pressure.
Most installations will operate with a garden hose connected to a convenient faucet. However, on
new deck construction, a recessed water connection with a shut-off valve may be plumbed in and
a short appliance hose can serve as a connection. If a recessed water source is installed, when you
are facing the pool, and the lift is between you and the water, the recessed water source should be
placed to the RIGHT side of the socket, or the side opposite the turning seat.
Operating Water Pressure Weight Lifted
(Add ~10% for static water pressure measurement)
PRESSURE POUNDS KILOGRAMS
31-36 PSI 200 91
43-51 PSI 300 136
55-65 PSI 400 181
Lifting capacity was tested at lift connection on a baseline unit with operating water pressure
while lifting (open ow pressure) and under ideal mounting conditions pursuant to installation
instructions. Static water pressure measurement will be approximately 10% higher.
Installation variables may also require a higher water pressure than listed. These may include:
1. The cylinder not being installed and maintained in a vertical position,
2. The wheelbase mounting plate not adjusted to touch the pool wall to insure that the cylinder
remains vertical,
3. The post being inserted into the socket with the key not tting properly into the socket notch,
4. The T-support bracket not being tightened enough to prevent movement.
5. Options and accessories, which may increase the weight of the lift and the pressure
requirements.
Occasionally, an additional support bracket may be required for lift stability. This may reduce
the ease of portability by requiring a tool for lift removal. Contact manufacturer for more
information.
In true low water pressure situations, electric pumps are available to provide sufcient water
pressure for up to a 400 lb. lifting capacity.
3

PREPARING TO INSTALL LIFT
To assemble the lift, you will need two adjustable wrenches to tighten the nuts and bolts
provided.
In most cases, the lift ships from our factory in two cartons. The long carton contains the cylinder
assembly, the wheelbase mounting plate, and the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly is
wrapped in bubble wrap and attached to the hose with a zip tie. In the other carton, you will nd
the seat assembly, the socket, and any accessories you ordered with your lift.
LIFT ASSEMBLY
Slide the mounting arm onto the inner telescope and attach T-support bracket using the bolt
and nut supplied with the T-foot support. Additional torque on this bolt will squeeze the walls
together on the outer mounting arm telescope to eliminate looseness with the inner telescope. The
T-support bracket attaches on the side of the cylinder opposite the valve.
To attach wheel assembly, detach the wheelbase mounting plate from bottom of cylinder by
removing the two bolts. Insert the same bolts through holes in wheel assembly, wheel base
mounting plate, and base of cylinder.
If your installation includes a vinyl-liner wall pad assembly, you will nd it packed under the
seat assembly. Attach it to the ends of wheelbase mounting plate with the bolts and nuts supplied
with the vinyl-liner wall pad. When properly adjusted, the pad should be ush against the pool
wall with the cylinder vertical. Tighten bolts after adjustment.
Insert lift fully into socket and make sure the post’s tab ts into the notch in the socket. Check
adjustment of wheelbase mounting plate (and vinyl-liner wall pad, if used), making sure that it
touches the pool wall rmly. Note: the wheelbase mounting plate can be rotated 180° to achieve
a better adjustment. Remove lift to adjust. Tighten bolts after satisfactory adjustment.
Failure to maintain a tight t between the wheel base mounting plate (and vinyl-liner wall
pad, if used) against the pool wall can result in movement of the cylinder which may prevent
achievement of lifting capacities at advertised water pressures.
Re-insert lift into socket. Check for secure contact of wheelbase mounting assembly (and vinyl-
liner wall pad if used) against the pool wall and t-support bracket on deck when cylinder is
vertical.
Attach seat assembly to piston rod frame with the bolt provided. Adjust seat height by selecting
an appropriate hole on piston rod frame Tighten lock nut securely, making sure bolt has
penetrated nylon insert of lock nut. Two bolt threads should be visible past the nylon insert.
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To install the footrest, rst loosen the T-bolt under the side of the seat, and then insert the top of
the footrest tube into the holder. Slide in to desired length and turn T-bolt handle to tighten.
If the optional headrest has been ordered, follow the same procedure as footrest to install the
headrest in the headrest bracket on the seat back.
Optional seat belts are installed by sliding the belts through the upper and/or lower slots cut into
the side edges of the seat.
Attach hose and turn on the water. Raise and completely lower the seat several times to bleed off
any air trapped in the cylinder before anyone uses the lift.
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SAFETY PROCEDURES
Your IGAT model swimming pool lift is not a toy, but a tool that enables a physically challenged
individual to access water activities. It is designed with safety as a primary concern, but exercise
prudence when using the lift. With proper care and usage, your IGAT swimming pool lift will
serve many years. Here are a few tips for safe usage of your lift.
Never allow more than one person on the lift at a time.
Keep fingers, towels and loose clothing away from moving parts.
Do not hang towels or robes on lift at any time.
Do not allow people to climb on or hang from lift.
Do not allow playing or rough–housing on or around the lift.
Do not jump or dive from lift.
Turn water supply OFF and secure lift with push pin when the lift is to be left unused for
eight hours or longer.
Always run the seat up and down through several cycles after turning the water supply
on.This bleeds air out of the cylinder which could cause unexpected movement.
Be certain swimmer is settled in the seat before operating lift.
Always place swimmer’s feet on the footrest.
Never allow seat occupant’s mouth to submerge beneath the water.
Do not exceed weight and pressure limits.
Do not use lift during an electrical storm or high wind.
Always drain water from cylinder before exposing lift to temperatures below freezing.
Never use any sort of oil or petroleum-based product on the inside of the lift. It will
damage the piston.
SAFETY TIPS : Be sure to turn o the water each night, and to bleed o the air again each
time the water is turned on again.
Even when the seat occupant operates the lift, we agree with the American Red Cross
recommendation that everyone should “always swim with a buddy.”
6

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
INSPECTION OF LIFT
The lift should be inspected each day before use. Check for hose damage, loose connections, and
any corrosion or damage to any parts of the lift routinely before using the lift with a swimmer.
Perform a more thorough inspection of the lift every three months if the unit is in use all year
around. Inspect unit more frequently if unit is in highly corrosive atmosphere or has high use
such as at a public pool or therapy center.
1. Remove cylinder with inner telescoping mounting arm from outer telescope and examine
both throughly, inside and outside, for evidence of corrosion.
2. Examine bolts for corrosion or wear. Check for wear on lanyard and pushpin as well
as other parts. Check screws and hose clamps periodically to make sure they are tight.
Replace any parts that are corroded.
3. If the stainless has become discolored from chlorine and other chemicals in the pool,
clean the lift only with a soft cloth or Scotchbrite® pad. After cleaning and rinsing, apply
car wax and buff to help maintain a bright appearance. Never use steel wool to clean
the lift. Prolonged exposure to the elements may result in some discoloration and crazing
of non-metallic components.
4. When the lift is installed in a wood deck, check often for the wood for signs of wood
decay. Replace worn or damaged decking as necessary. It is the responsibility of the
owner to check the deck for structural integrity.
DISASSEMBLY OF LIFT AND REPLACEMENT OF PISTON SEAL
1. Remove seat assembly from lift and disconnect water supply. Drain water from lift.
2. Remove lift from socket.
3. Remove four bolts at top of lift. (See illustration.)
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Be sure to clean the lift’s metal surfaces frequently. Never use steel wool or other abrasives on
metal surfaces, but clean them gently with Formula 409®or a similar product. Apply a good
quality car wax and buff to a shine to protect metal surfaces from a corrosive environment.
Rev. 2/17/17

4. Pull the piston rod assembly
completely out of cylinder. Be careful not
to damage seal.
5. Remove O-ring and then seal from
bottom of piston. Clean seal and inspect
for signs of cuts, abrasions or tears.
Replace seal if damaged. If original seal is
in good condition, reinstall on piston and
then replace O-ring. Make sure O-ring is
seated rmly in groove.
6. Inspect cylinder for signs of dirt or debris. Formula 409® can be used to clean the inside
of the cylinder and seal, or you can rinse out the cylinder with clean water. It is easier to seat
the seal when the inside surface of the cylinder is damp with either Formula 409® or water.
Never use any oil or petroleum-based product inside the cylinder, as it will damage the piston
and seal.
7. Carefully slide piston rod assembly back into cylinder. Take care not to damage seal while
replacing piston rod assembly into cylinder.
8. Push piston rod assembly in until piston rests on the bottom of the cylinder.
9. Align holes in top guide with holes at top of main cylinder. Install bolts and attach
pushpin, but do not tighten bolts completely yet. (See illustration.)
10. Install lift into socket. Connect water supply. Purge air by running the lift up and down
several times.
11. When lift nears top position tighten four bolts securely. Do not over tighten bolts. This
could cause stripping of the threads in the plastic top guide.
12. Attach seat assembly.
8

REPLACEMENT OF THE PISTON AND/OR THE TOP GUIDE
1. Follow directions for Disassembly of Lift and Replacement of Piston Seal, steps 1-3.
Remove piston from end of piston rod using a rubber or plastic mallet. Go to step 5 of
this section if you are only replacing the piston and not replacing the top guide.
2. Remove old top guide and replace with new top guide. Note that the threaded holes in the
top guide are off center. The holes need to be positioned so that they are towards the top of
the lift. (See illustration.) Install spacer on piston rod. Clean spacer if it is dirty.
3. Install piston on end of piston rod using a rubber or plastic mallet. Hit bottom of
piston until piston is rmly seated. Piston should be able to rotate freely after being
attached. (See detail in illustration.)
4. Go to step 6 of Disassembly of Lift and Replacement of Piston Seal (page 7) and
continue through step 14.
REPLACEMENT OF RUB BLOCK
It is not necessary to disassemble the lift in order to replace the rub block.
1. Insert a small piece of 2”x 4” wood between piston rod and piston frame to spread apart.
See illustration.
2. Remove rub block. Install new rub block (See illustration for orientation of rub block)
and remove block of wood.
9

REPLACEMENT OF SEAT SHELL
1. Remove footrest and head rest from chair if applicable. Remove chair from lift.
2. Unscrew nuts which attach to seat frame to shell and remove shell.
3. Attach seat frame to seat shell and tighten bolts.
4. Attach seat to lift and install footrest and head rest.
REPLACEMENT OF VALVE ASSEMBLY
1. Disconnect water supply.
2. Remove hoses from the valve assembly and unscrew brass nut that secures the
valve-to-valve bracket. (See illustration above.)
3. Install new valve by reversing process above.
10

REPLACEMENT OF VALVE STEM
1. Disconnect the water supply.
2. Unscrew the brass nut that secures the valve to the valve bracket so that the valve drops down
where it can be accessed. Set the nut aside for reassembly. Hold valve so the protrusion for the
control rod is facing you.
3. Apply lithium grease (provided with replacement valve stem) to the end of the new valve stem
and replace stem in valve assembly, matching alignment of the protrusion. Make certain that the
square shaft is completely seated in the square hole. Reinsert the valve assembly into the valve
bracket and secure with the brass nut.
4. Reconnect the water supply.
TRANSPORTING THE LIFT
1. Lower the seat on your unit to the down position.
2. Turn control knob to OFF.
3. Turn off the water and disconnect the water line from the unit.
4. Lift the unit out of the socket and roll away.
5. Place socket cover over the socket in the deck.
11

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Cause Remedy
Seat bounces on descent Air in the cylinder Purge air out by running the
lift up and down two or three
times. See operating label.
Air in Cylinder Every Day Air entering hose or cylinder if
seat is left in the down position
and the water is shut off.
Purge air out by running the
lift up and down two or three
times. See operating label
Lift rises slower than normal Low Water Pressure
(Heavier than usual swimmer on
lift; defective hose, dirt in valve
could also cause)
Lift kept under pressure.
None. Fluctuations in city water
pressure are not unusual.
(Replace defective part or clean
valve)
Turn off water each night.
Waters squirts from top of
cylinder
Large amounts of water are
getting past the seal.
Often this corrects itself. If not,
then clean or replace the seal.
White, gray or brown chalky
deposit.
High pH, high total alkalinity,
high calcium content (hard)
water
Clean unit with soft cloth or
Scotchbrite® pad; apply car wax
to protect finish.
Corrosion of Metal Parts Low pH, Low total alkalinity, low
calcium content (soft) water.
Clean unit with soft cloth or
Scotchbrite® pad; apply car wax
to protect finish.
Water leakage from top of valve Seal around valve stem
defective
Replace defective part.
Chair doesn’t come up all the
way
Deposits or dirt in valve,
malfunction of valve
Clean or replace valve.
Electrolysis Improper grounding of unit Add a ground to unit.
REMINDER
Be sure to mail your unit’s Warranty Card back to Aquatic Access Inc., 1921 Production Drive,
Louisville, KY 40223-2388. Please make a note of your lift’s serial number below and store these
instructions in a safe place for future reference.
Model ________________________ Serial Number _____________________________
Date of Purchase________________ Purchased from____________________________
12

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AQUATIC ACCESS
POOL LIFT MODEL #
Serial # US Patent Number
UP DOWN
STOP
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY
VARIABLE AT 55/65 PSI/ 3.8-4.5 BAR
WATER PRESSURE NOT TO EXCEED 70 PSI/4.8 BAR
OR DAMAGE TO LIFT WILL RESULT. USE A REDUCER
BETWEEN WATER SOURCE AND LIFT IF NECESSARY.
BEFORE USE BY A SWIMMER
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
TO REMOVE POOL LIFT
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
1921 Production Drive Louisville, KY 40299-2110 USA
800.325.5438 (LIFT) 502.425.5817
AquaticAccess.com
1.Turn control knob to UP to raise seat, which will
automatically turn 180° over deck.
2. Insert safety pull-pin before loading or unloading
to prevent accidental descent.
3. Seat the swimmer, fasten seat belt,and place feet on
footrest. Swimmer’s feet must be on footrest or injury
may result.
4. Remove pull-pin and turn control knob to DOWN
to lower the swimmer into the water. Seat turns
automatically at top of travel.
5. Reverse procedure to lift swimmer.
When lift is not to be in use for 8 hours or longer, turn
off water and let seat descend, or place seat in raised
position and insert pull-pin to hold it there.Then turn
off the water and turn the control knob to the DOWN
position.When ready to use lift again, turn on water
and purge air from the cylinder and specified above
(#4 in Before Use by a Swimmer).
NOTE: Speed of seat travel and turn can be controlled
by turning control knob to less than full up or down
position. If water pressure is very high, seat may
move too quickly. Experiment to find the best settings
for your water pressure.
1. Remove seat and lower lift to full down position.
2. Turn off water at source and disconnect supply hose.
3. Lift out of socket and roll on wheel.
1. Never allow more than one person on the lift at a
time.
2. Keep fingers,towels and loose clothing away from
moving parts.
3. Do not hang towels or robes on lift at any time.
4. Do not allow people to climb on or hang from lift.
5. Do not allow playing or rough–housing on or around
the lift.
6. Do not jump or dive from lift.
7. Turn water supply OFF and secure lift with push pin
when the lift is to be left unused for eight hours or
longer.
8. Always run the seat up and down through several
cycles after turning the water supply on.This bleeds
air out of the cylinder which could cause unexpected
movement.
9. Be certain swimmer is settled in the seat before
operating lift.
10. Always place swimmer’s feet on the footrest.
11. Never allow seat occupant’s mouth to submerge
beneath the water.
12. Do not exceed weight and pressure limits.
13. Do not use lift during an electrical storm or high
wind.
14. Always drain water from cylinder before exposing
lift to temperatures below freezing.
15. Never use any sort of oil or petroleum-based
product on the inside of the lift. It will damage the
piston.
DO NOT STORE LIFT IN BELOW-FREEZING ENVIRONMENTS.
1. In seat-down position, mount lift into deck socket.
2. Turn control know to down position.
3. Connect supply hose and turn on water.
4. With water supply on,operate Pool Lift control knob
to move seat several short strokes up and completely
down. This will purge air from the system. If the seat
does not move in a smooth motion, repeat this step
until it does. Air trapped inside must be removed for
safe operation.
REV. 10/6/10
INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR LIFT WILL BE FOUND IN THIS AREA OF THE LABEL FOUND ON THE CYLINDER OF YOUR LIFT
SERIAL NUMBER
MODEL NUMBER
WEIGHT CAPACITY
This illustration is of a generic Aquatic
Access label and is here only to provide
location of pertinent numbers found on
every Aquatic Access label.
Please refer to the label attached to
your lift for important information and
instructions for your Aquatic Access lift.
You will find a label similar in style
to this one on every Aquatic Access
lift cylinder.
Please do not remove that label
from your lift.You will need the
serial number should you ever
require replacement parts for your
lift.
The label on the lift cylinder also
contains instructions for use and
safety proceduress.
Sample Label to Indicate Location of Numbers Only
Rev. 10/6/10

ADDENDUM: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Model IGAT-180
United States Patent #5,465,433
LIFTING CAPACITY 400 lb. @ 55 PSI / 181 kg@ 3.8 Bar
operating pressure (or approximately 60
PSI static pressure.
OPERATION Standard city water pressure will generally
provide plenty of pressure for normal
operation. A pump can be used to raise
pressure if necessary. However, do not use
a high volume pump. The correct pump
would provide three to five gallons (US)
per minute at 40 PSI (2.8 Bar) to 70-PSI (4.8
Bar) maximum pressure.
ROTATION Automatic 180° Turn
MATERIALS 304 & 316L Stainless, UHMW plastic,
Brass and Rubber
OVERALL SIZE HEIGHT 6’ 2.5” (1892 mm or 189.2 cm)
RANGE OF MOTION Standard lift provides 44”(1118 mm or
112 cm) vertical travel.
Custom travel can be provided.
PORTABILITY Lift can be removed and rolled away with
no tools and stored out of sight.Lift drops
into socket for use.
WARRANTY The IGAT pool lift offers a 6 year Limited
Warranty on all structural components
and a 2 year Limited Warranty on the
valve, plastic and rubber components.
Revised 1/25/17
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