Summer is a time for fun and recreation. Lifeguards have become an essential piece of our summer fun. With over 4,000 yearly pool injuries in the US every year, the lifeguard has become a necessary member or many recreation provider’s staff. Supporting these essential members of our summer fun, is paramount in maintaining summer safety and can be as simple as choosing the best lifeguard chair for the comfort of your lifeguard team. Providing comfortable spaces for your lifeguarding team can improve the happiness of your lifeguarding staff, and ultimately, improve the safety and enjoyment of the families that spend their time at your pool or recreational area.
While there are many options on the market, the best lifeguard chair by far is Aquatic Technology’s 3-Step Lifeguard Chair. This sturdy lifeguard chair is ideal for outdoor placement and will stand the test of time.
Best Lifeguard Chair – Aquatic Technology’s 3-Step Lifeguard Chair
- Toughest plastic guard chair on the market!
- Smooth and Comfortable Seat
Made of the highest quality plastic, this sturdy lifeguard chair will resist the wear and tear of the harshest outdoor environment. Complete with a three year warranty, this sturdy lifeguard chair offers simple comfort and support for your lifeguard team. This weather resistant low maintenance lifeguard chair resembles an Adirondack chair, with the lifeguard seat 50 inches from the ground, and has a slight backward angle. The relaxed angle of this lifeguard chair coupled with the umbrella holder and cup holder make it an ideal option for placement at the beach. Your lifeguard team will have everything it needs at its fingertips for hours of comfortable beach surveillance and enough height to maintain their view of a busy beach area.
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What are the Basic Types of Lifeguard Chairs?Buyers Guide
There are two common types of lifeguard chairs. The first is the fixed lifeguard chair which is often preferred if pool deck space is limited. This type of lifeguard stand will have a wider platform and elevated railings. The elevated railings allow distressed swimmers to cling to and pull themselves up out of the water. This chair type is also accredited by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA).
The second type of lifeguard chair is the moveable chair. Clearly, one of the advantages of this type of chair is the fact that it can be moved around the pool space. This feature makes the moevale chair ideal for swimming competitions and anytime one is seeking to film or catch photographs of activities in and around the pool
Is There More Than One Type of Movable Lifeguard Chair?
There are three distinct types of movable lifeguard stands, and each has its advantages. The first type of movable lifeguard chair has no castors or platform and tends to be less comfortable and less stable than the other types of chairs. However, this type of chair is easier to move about the pool area and more cost efficient.
The second type of movable lifeguard chair is the Conventional chair. Standing between six and eight feet in height, these chairs feature a platform with wide ladder treads. The large platform adds to the stability of the structure and allows the lifeguard to stand up safely.
The final type of movable lifeguard chair is the Station Chair or “Lookout Chair.” These chairs stand between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 feet in height and are frequently used in water parks and recreational pools.
Can I Get a Lifeguard Chair Made from Recycled Material
The answer to this is a resounding yes. If you are concerned about going green, you will be thrilled to hear that there are companies offering lifeguard chairs made from recycled plastic. Not only are these earth conscious chairs a positive environmental choice, but they can prove more durable than many metal and wood alternatives.
You will find that recycled plastic lifeguard stands resist splintering, rust, and rot that can degrade the safety of some other materials. These chairs resit water damage and can stand up to the harsh chemicals used in and around pools ultimately reducing your repair and replacement costs.
How High Should my Lifeguard Chair Be?
The answer to this important question will depend upon the way in which you will be using your lifeguard chair. Shorter lifeguard chairs will stand around 30 inches tall. These chairs are fine for small sized pools and covering small beach areas where your lifeguard isn’t required to look over throngs of swimmers.
However, you will want something with more height for medium sized pools and beach front areas that require a larger surveillance area. You will find that a lifeguard tower of considerable height is best suited for large pools and extensive beach coverage as they offer the lifeguard the option of standing upright to look over the heads of those nearby and maintain vigilant watch of those in the water.
What Angle is Best For my Lifeguard Chair?
You may have noticed that many lifeguard stands are angled such that the lifeguard is leaning back. This angling may appear to place the lifeguard in a more relaxed position to deal with the stress and demands of hours of intense observation. However, the angles of these chairs doesn’t actually support the lifeguard in doing his/her job well. Forward angled seats are more in line with the natural contours of the seated body and support the lifeguards ability to look down at the body of the water without having to shift his/her physical position.
For long hours of observation, a neutral or flat seat or a forward angles seat are superior to a more relaxed looking chair with a reclined back. These chairs will actually require the lifeguard to exert more energy to maintain a view of swimmers than either of the other two options.
How Far Should My Lifeguard Chair be From the Pool’s Edge?
Ideally, you want the back of your lifeguard’s chair as close to the edge of the pool as possible. The further the chair sits from the pool edge, the more the lifeguard’s view of that side of the pool’s floor is obstructed. To obtain a clear view down the side of the pool closest to the lifeguard chair, the lifeguard will need to lean forward if his/her chair is placed such that the edge of the pool hides the bottom from view.
The act of constantly leaning forward, or standing up to obtain a view down the side of the pool will add to the stress and physical tension your lifeguard feels over hours of observation. So, be mindful when choosing a poolside lifeguard’s chair of how steps leading to the chair and platforms surrounding the lifeguards seat may impact the lifeguard’s ability to adequately view the entire pool area with ease.
Best Lifeguard Chair Detailed Reviews
There are a wide variety of lifeguard chairs on the market. No doubt there is a perfect option to fit your specific needs. With a range of materials, sizes, and features, there is a lifeguard stand out there for every need to meet every need. Those of you looking for easily movable lifeguard chairs for indoor competitions will have much different needs from the recreation director looking for a lifeguard chair to be placed on a crowded beach area with harsh elemental exposure. Regardless of your specific needs, rest assured you will find the right lifeguard chair to meet your needs from the list below.
#1 Aquatic Technology’s 3-Step Lifeguard Chair
- Toughest plastic guard chair on the market!
- Smooth and Comfortable Seat
This sturdy lifeguard chair, made by Aquatic Technology, features three steps, an umbrella holder, and a cup holder to make those long shifts in the lifeguard chair comfortable and efficient. The smooth feel of the Aquatic Technology Marine Grade Plastic lifeguard chair, offers hours of comfort and resists splintering. This sturdy chair can withstand the elements, scratches, and mildew reducing the cost of maintenance. Your lifeguard team will stand heads above the competition in this high quality sturdy chair. Weighing only 110 pounds this quality chair can be moved when needed but is solid enough to resist frequent coastal winds and withstand the corrosive effects of salt and pool chemicals.
Made from Marine Grade Plastic, this sturdy lifeguard chair will stand the test of time. Your lifeguard team will find the smooth texture of this high quality chair comfortable for multiple hour shifts. Featuring an umbrella holder and a space for water, this splinter resistant lifeguard chair will offer your lifeguard’s a comfortable work space.
The sturdy plastic construction of this stand is covered under a three year warranty and never needs painting. The UV-stabilized plastic used to make this chair will not degrade wned when facing years of harsh sun and ocean spray. Ideal for beach placement, this chair’s durable construction is also scratch and mildew resistant reducing the need for costly maintenance. The seat of this chair is 50 inches from the ground providing for a view surveillance area. Overally, this lifeguard chair measures 43’’L X 30’’W X 70’’H and weighs 110 lbs.
#2 Aquamentor Lifeguard Chair: 40 Inches
- Eco-friendly recycled high-density polyethylene material
- Corrosion resistant - will not rot, splinter or crack
Those looking for an economical earth friendly lifeguard chair would do well do consider the Aquamentor Lifeguard Chair. This sturdy 40 inch tall polethylene chair is made from recycled high-density plastic and designed to resist discoloration, warping, and splintering that is often found in wood and lower quality plastic chairs. Featuring wheels, this rugged lifeguard chair is easy to relocate but strong enough to allow your lifeguarding staff to move about to maintain surveillance of your pool or beach area. With an umbrella holder this chair will offer lifeguard staff hours of comfort out of the harsh sun.
Constructed of recycled plastic lumber, this lifeguard chair will resist the cracking that plaques wood lifeguard chairs. This sturdy, economical, green material will also resist rotting and warping that can make wooden chairs an impractical choice for poolside or beach placement. Weighing 107 pounds this slightly back tilted Adirondack style lifeguard chair sports a pair of wheels for easy relocation.
Featuring 12 inch wide steps and a wide 24 inch seat, this lifeguard stand is sturdy enough to allow your lifeguarding team to move around and stand up to improve surveillance of the complete pool or beach area. And there is no need to worry if this 40 inch high lifeguard chair isn’t high enough to allow for surveillance of a large pool or beach space, as the manufacturer offers this same chair in a taller 72 inch model.
Note that the protruding steps leading up to the lifeguard seat may require you to locate this chair further from the pool edge than you may like. The combination of the back tilted seat angle and the fact that this lifeguard chair has steps that protrude in front of the seat itself, make this chair better suited for use on a beach than poolside where it is essential that the lifeguard be able to maintain a view of the complete bottom of the pool.
#3 Aquatic Technology’s Standard Lifeguard Chair
- Toughest plastic guard chair on the market!
- Smooth and Comfortable Seat
Constructed from Marine Grade Plastic, this sturdy simple lifeguard stand features a backward angled seat and is smooth to the touch, offering a comfortable space for your lifeguarding team. Outfitted with an umbrella holder and a space for a water bottle or drink, this UV stabilized plastic lifeguard chair allows your lifeguard team to avoid the harsh sun and keep everything within arm’s length, while resisting the harsh elements. Measuring 51 inches tall, 30 inches deep, and 29 inches wide, this quality plastic lifeguard chair is an economical choice as it resists splintering, warping, rotting, and mildew. This resilient Adirondack style chair will save you maintenance costs with years of element resistant beauty.
The Aquatic Technology Standard Lifeguard Chair is ideal for poolside. Although this tough Adirondack style lifeguard chair offers a backward angled seat for your lifeguard staff, it features no protruding steps or platform meaning that it can be placed close to the edge of your pool. Placement near the pool edge means that your lifeguarding staff will not have to strain to see the bottom of the pool from their poolside perch.
This simple high quality chair comes with a three year warranty and is resistant to damage from the harsh chemicals and conditions that beach and poolside equipment are exposed to. Weighing only 5o pounds, this high quality plastic lifeguard chair is easily moved to accommodate coverage needs. Measuring 51 inches high, 30 inches deep, and 29 inches wide, this simple, sturdy, lightweight lifeguard chair is an economical solution for many recreational needs.
If you are looking for a low cost, high quality lifeguard stand, this Standard Lifeguard Chair from Aquatic Technology is worth considering. Reviewers indicate that the cost of this chair may be more cost efficient than repairs to lifeguard chairs that are not as resistant to the hazardous chemicals and harsh environment this chair can withstand.
#4 Aquomentor Lifeguard Chair: 72 Inches
- Eco-friendly recycled high-density polyethylene material
- Corrosion resistant - will not rot, splinter or crack
Those looking for an earth friendly cost efficient lifeguard chair for a large pool or beach area would do well do consider the Aquamentor Lifeguard Chair. This sturdy 72 inch tall polethylene chair is made from recycled high-density plastic and designed to resist warping, discoloration, and splintering that is often found in wood and lower quality plastic chairs. This lifeguard chair features wheels for easy relocation around the pool or beach area. Although easily relocated, this rugged lifeguard chair is strong enough to allow your lifeguarding staff to move about and maintain surveillance of large pool or beach areas. Featuring an umbrella holder, this chair will offer lifeguard staff hours of comfort out of the harsh sun.
Constructed of recycled plastic lumber, this lifeguard chair is designed to resist cracking, splintering, and weathering plaques many wood lifeguard chairs. This sturdy, cost efficient, environmentally friendly material will also resist rotting and warping that can make wooden or low quality plastic chairs an impractical choice for poolside or beach placement. Weighing 340 pounds this slightly back tilted Adirondack style lifeguard chair sports a pair of wheels to make relocation easier.
Featuring 12 inch wide steps and a wide 24 inch seat, the sturdy construction of this lifeguard chair will allow your lifeguarding team to move around and stand up to improve surveillance of the complete pool or beach area. There is no need to worry if this 72 inch high lifeguard chair isn’t the right height for a small pool or beach space, the manufacturer offers this same chair in a taller 40 inch tall model.
Note that the protruding steps leading up to the lifeguard seat may require you to locate this chair further from the pool edge than is ideal. The combination of the back tilted seat angle and the fact that this lifeguard chair has steps that protrude in front of the seat itself, make this chair better suited for use on a beach than poolside. However, the sturdy construction or this chair does allow for standing and this may reduce the impact of having to locate your lifeguard chair back from the pool edge.
#5 South Beach Lifeguard Chair
- This extra-tall chair features a built-in footrest and is made with fade-resistant POLYWOOD recycled lumber
- POLYWOOD recycled HDPE lumber has the look of painted wood without the upkeep real wood requires; requires no painting, staining, or waterproofing
Made of fade-resistant recycled POLYWOOD lumber, this lifeguard chair is available in a variety of colors allowing you to match your poolside decor. Measuring over 56 inches in height, this chair is similar in price to other chairs of plastic construction. Those seeking to add a decorative touch to their poolside or recreational area while supporting earth conscious materials will find the South Beach Lifeguard Chair a novel option. Requiring no waterproofing, painting, or staining, this lovely Adirondack style lifeguard chair is outfitted with a single attached step and is easily assembled with the included stainless steel hard-ware.
The color options of the South Beach Lifeguard Chair alone are enough to make one stop and consider this option for a lifeguard chair. Available in thirteen colors of fade-resistant recycled POLYWOOD, this lifeguard chair is worth considering if your lifeguarding team has short shifts or your agency is highly concerned with the visual impact of their space.
Made of recycled plastic, this lifeguard chair is a good choice for maintaining low maintenance costs as the POLYWOOD construction requires no painting, staining, or sealing and is resistant to warping, splintering, rotting, mildew, and stains. Those concerned about maintenance costs will also be interested in the fact that this lifeguard chair is supported by a 12 year warranty.
The South Beach Lifeguard Chair weighs 51 pounds making it easy to relocate for coverage of a small to medium sized pool or beach area. The chair itself has a slight backward angle making it easy for lifeguarding staff to relax. However, as the attached step protrudes out in front of the chair, this piece will need to be set back from the pool edge further than some other options and offers no space to attach an umbrella. So, although this lifeguard chair is visually impressive, it may not meet with as much staff approval as some of the other chairs that we have mentioned.
Summary
The furniture you surround your recreational area with can add both visual appeal and essential safety elements. When choosing a lifeguard chair for your recreational area you will have a number of things you wish to keep in mind. Your individual needs will depend upon the length of time your lifeguarding staff are required to maintain shifts, the distance your lifeguard chair will be located from your swimming area, and the size of the area your staff are required to survey. Regardless of your needs, there is a lifeguard chair out there to meet them. Overall the best lifeguard chair is the Aquatic Technology’s 3-Step Lifeguard Chair with its smooth sturdy construction and staff friendly features.
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