What Aerial Lifts Are Used for Outdoor Pool Construction?

Building an outdoor pool is a complex project that goes far beyond digging a hole and adding water. Aerial lifts are a critical tool throughout the pool construction process. They help crews handle elevated tasks with greater speed, precision, and safety.

Articulating Boom Lifts: Navigating Around Obstacles

Articulating boom lifts, also known as knuckle booms, are essential when your project involves working in tight backyard layouts. These lifts can reach over trees, fences, and pool enclosures. This makes them ideal for suburban or urban builds where space is limited.

Common uses in pool construction include:

• Installing overhead elements such as tension canopies, lighting rigs, or outdoor fans.
• Accessing rooftops or second-story balconies to install poolside pergolas, cabanas, or water features.
• Placing equipment behind fencing or dense landscaping, where direct access isn’t possible.

There are over 4.5 million residential inground pools in the U.S., many of which are located in backyards with fencing, landscaping, or structures that limit direct access. That makes versatile aerial lifts like articulating booms a key asset in modern pool construction.

Scissor Lifts: Stability for Elevated Poolside Structures

Scissor lifts are perfect for jobs that require stability, elevation, and a wide working platform. While they don’t provide horizontal reach, scissor lifts offer the vertical access needed for building or modifying structures near a pool.

Tasks where scissor lifts shine:

• Constructing poolside pavilions, bars, or outdoor kitchens, particularly when placing roof panels or ceiling fans.
• Mounting high railings, speakers, or lighting on commercial pool decks or hotel rooftops.
• Supporting multiple crew members working together on overhead fixtures or large, heavy installs.

According to OSHA, 85% of aerial lift accidents occur during operation, with 23% caused by tip-overs and 20% involving falls from the platform, making stable, level access essential.

Safety tip: Always use scissor lifts on flat, stable terrain. For uneven surfaces or outdoor grass, opt for rough-terrain models with reinforced tires and automatic leveling systems.

Towable Boom Lifts: Lightweight and DIY-Friendly

Towable boom lifts are excellent for short-term, flexible work on residential properties. Their light weight and tow-behind trailer design make them easy to maneuver through narrow gates or driveways. They’re especially popular among landscaping contractors and general handymen working around pool zones.

Use cases for towable lifts include:

• Trimming overhanging tree limbs to clear debris hazards and open up the pool area.
• Installing string lights, shade sails, or privacy screens above the pool deck.
• Reaching elevated walls or exterior siding for paint, stucco, or waterproofing in tight residential yards.

Pro insight: Many pool builds take place in highly restricted spaces where large booms can’t fit. Towables are a cost-effective and versatile alternative for smaller crews.

Get the Right Lift at Discount Lift Rentals

Whether it’s a resort pool or a backyard build, aerial lifts make outdoor installations quicker, safer, and more precise.

Don’t let tight access or height restrictions delay your summer builds. Rent the aerial lift you need today from Discount Lift Rentals and get expert advice and fast delivery.