Forklift lifts pool, overturns, injures 2
News
October 31, 2022
Forklift lifts pool, overturns, injures 2

A Skytrak telehandler, also called a telescopic forklift, overturned in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, injuring two workers.

Arial photos showed the toppled 4-wheel telescopic handler, a type of forklift used to lift and move heavy objects, overturned next to a fiberglass swimming pool outside a home.

One person was transported by air, the other by land. Chris Bailey, owner of C.A. Bailey Excavating & Hauling, said he was operating the equipment during the accident. His company is subcontracted by Skyview Pools to install inground swimming pools.

“When it toppled over, it almost felt like I was airborne for 10 minutes,” Bailey said. 'I was in the air, but inside the machine holding to the steering wheel. When it hit the ground, it threw me into the roll bar and through the window.'

According to Bailey, the telehandler weighs 12,000 pounds, which is four times the weight of the swimming pool. He said it was harnessed with four nylon slings.

Baily said that one of the Skyview pool workers tried to direct the pool toward the hole where it would be installed, but it swung back in the opposite direction, downhill, pulling the telehandler to the side, where it toppled.

John Pisarek was near the scene when the incident occurred.

“I worked in the basement,”

Forklift overturned after lifting fiberglass pool. Photo credit www.wtae.com Pisarek said. “Me and my wife both work from home and suddenly I heard a loud bang, I mean it sounded like thunder. I thought maybe there’s a storm in the area. I ran outside and saw the crane and the boys on the ground and went over to help as best I could.”

By the time Pisarek got to them they were conscious and talking.

“Hope they’re both okay. Really good guys,” said Pisarek.

LATEST NEWS
CA calls for electric heaters in new pools
As California moves away from gas toward electric, what is lost and what is gained?
February 28, 2026
By Marcelle Dibrell For decades, the gas heater has been the unquestioned choice for attached spas. Turn it on, walk away, come back in about an hour,...
February 28, 2026
A recall of approximately 2,390 Sunneday and Blue Bay brand aboveground pools has been issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission due to a ...
Urgent product safety warning issued
February 28, 2026
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a Product Safety Warning urging consumers to immediately stop using certain Amber Brook pool dr...
February 28, 2026
The 2026 Western Pool & Spa Show — held February 12–14 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California — once again prov...
Stories from working pool pros like you
‘ON THE ROUTE’
February 28, 2026
Every pool pro has a story and we are telling it here. We spotlight professionals across the country, sharing everyday strengths, habits that set them...