Maintaining your wheelchair

A regular maintenance plan is necessary to maintain the appearance and functionality of your pool wheelchair. This maintenance plan applies to stainless steel and aluminium wheelchairs.

Cleaning

The maintenance plan includes thorough cleaning of all wheelchair components. Insufficient cleaning leads to the build-up of chlorine and other aggressive chemicals that will exceed the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel and other materials used in the wheelchair. The required frequency of cleaning depends on the environment in which the wheelchair is used. The table below is a guide to recommended cleaning intervals for different types of pool environment.

Maintaining your wheelchair in harsh environments

Some pool environments are more corrosive to metal equipment than others. Environments considered highly corrosive include: indoor pools, salt or seawater pools, and outdoor pools in coastal areas.

In an indoor swimming pool environment, chlorine and other chemical compounds are permanently deposited on the surfaces of the wheelchair’s components, even when it is not in use.

The humidity in the air in indoor swimming pools is made up of water vapour, chlorine and other chemical compounds which settle on the wheelchair components through a cycle of condensation and evaporation. In an indoor swimming pool environment, wheelchairs must be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water every day. More thorough cleaning with mild soap (non-chlorinated, pH neutral, such as washing-up liquid) and hot water is recommended on a weekly basis. Chlorides from dissolved salts will break down the passive protective layer of stainless steels and aluminium.

Wheelchairs used in saltwater or seawater pools, and outdoor pools in coastal areas, must be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water every day. More thorough cleaning with mild soap (non-chlorinated, pH neutral, such as washing-up liquid) and hot water is recommended on a weekly basis.

Maintaining your wheelchair in mild to moderate environments

Outdoor, non-salt or seawater pools and outdoor pools in non-coastal areas are considered to have mild to moderately corrosive environments. In these environments, it is advisable to rinse the wheelchair thoroughly with fresh water every day after it has been used. More thorough cleaning with mild soap (non-chlorinated, pH neutral, washing-up liquid type) and hot water is recommended once or twice a month, depending on the particular environment. The wheelchair must be cleaned before any chemical deposits or traces of oxidation appear.

Cleaning process

Daily cleaning :

• rinse all external components thoroughly with fresh water

Weekly cleaning :

• clean all external components thoroughly with warm fresh water and mild soap
• Wipe all external components with a soft cloth dampened in hot soapy water.
• In some cases, it may be necessary to use a soft nylon brush to remove rust and stains.
• After thoroughly scrubbing all surfaces with the cleaning solution, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
• A car-type polish (wax) can be applied to maintain the wheelchair’s finish between scheduled cleanings.
• Metal components not coated with epoxy paint are more exposed to corrosion and staining. Special care must be taken when cleaning them. Using a recommended protector (see below) to clean these uncoated surfaces will minimise oxidation and maintain the appearance of these parts. For stainless steel components not coated with epoxy paint, we can recommend the use of the following products: Innosoft B570 to remove oxidation and rust stains and Innoprotect B580 for cleaning, maintenance and protection.

Do not use: chlorine-based cleaners on metal components, abrasive cleaners, steel wool. All these elements can damage the surface of the lift components and encourage oxidation.

General maintenance

The wheelchair must be inspected daily to check that no components are missing or loose, and that it is working properly.. A monthly inspection of the wheelchair will be carried out to ensure that there are no traces of corrosion affecting the structure. Where parts are protected by plastic covers, these will be removed to inspect the hidden parts of the wheelchair. If any components are excessively oxidised, contact your dealer for replacement parts.

Guide to recommended cleaning intervals for maintaining your wheelchair, depending on the environment :

Pool environment	Type of disinfectant	Corrosion factor	Cleaning and maintenance	Frequency
Outdoor, non–coastal pools	Chlorine	Mild/moderate	Fresh water rinse	Daily
			Cleaning with soap and water	Monthly
Outdoor, non–coastal pools	Salt	Moderate	Fresh water rinse	Daily
			Cleaning with soap and water	Weekly
			Remove any rust or stains with a nylon brushnylon	Monthly
Outdoor and coastal pools	Chlorine or salt	Severe	Fresh water rinse	Daily
			Cleaning with soap and water	Weekly
			Remove any rust or stains with a nylon brushnylon	Monthly
Indoor pools, all regions	Chlorine or salt	Severe	Fresh water rinse	Daily
			Cleaning with soap and water	Weekly
			Remove any rust or stains with a nylon brushnylon	Monthly

Storage

If the wheelchair is to be stored and not used for several weeks, clean, dry and protect it before storing it or stopping using it. Ideally, it should be stored in a dry area not exposed to extreme temperatures and, above all, free from chlorinated, chemical or salty products. If stored outside, it should be covered with a tarpaulin and inspected monthly to prevent any oxidation. Any noticeable oxidation means that the maintenance plan has not been followed. Following these precautions will ensure many years of satisfactory use of your wheelchair and is a condition of its warranty.