Pool
Ladders and Steps
The pool is no fun unless you can get in it and eventually, when you're as wrinkled as a raisin, you'll want to get out. What type of entry you have to your pool will depend primarily on whether it is in-ground or above ground and if there is a deck. The height of the pool wall will also play a role. Pool Ladders and steps are made of resin so they will not corrode. Some models feature stainless steel handrails. The manufacturer specifies weight limits for each model; this is usually around 250 – 300 pounds. Weight limits vary so these are important to check if body weight is an issue. Be sure the ladder or steps you choose will be safe and able to hold up anyone who might use your pool. You also want to consider what will be safest and easiest for children and the elderly to climb. We'll cover the basic pool ladders and steps below to help you decide which one is best for your pool.
Above Ground Pool Ladders
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It is important to note that above ground pool steps and ladders cannot be used in an in-ground pool. They are designed to attach to the top rail of an above ground pool and/or a wooden deck only.
For above ground pools without a deck, an A-frame ladder is used to provide access to and from the pool. This type of ladder has two sides and is placed over the pool wall. These ladders will usually be adjustable so you can match the height of your pool wall. Some will allow the outer section of the ladder to slide up and lock into place when the pool is not in use. This is a feature to consider especially if you have young children. |
If you have a deck around your above ground pool, then you would use a one-sided ladder which attaches to the deck with mounting flanges. These are also adjustable in height. The more economical version will basically look like half of the A-frame ladder mentioned above. There is also a premium model which is more like a narrow set of steps. Instead of the open-back rungs on a typical pool ladder, this one has closed backs and also side wings to prevent entrapment.
We recommend the use of a ladder pad which acts as a cushion between your pool liner and ladder. This helps to prolong the life of your liner by eliminating the chafing that occurs between the ladder and liner.
Above Ground Pool Steps
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Pool steps offer a more stylish entrance and exit than ladders. Steps also tend to be easier for the elderly and disabled to use so it's important to consider who will be using your pool. Most pool steps are designed to be attached to a deck although some models have an additional outside ladder that will work in conjunction with the steps. Please note that all of the steps we carry are designated by the manufacturer for flat bottom pools only and are not recommended for use in dished pools. You will also need to consider the height of the pool wall to make sure the steps you're considering will work. Most steps will fit a range of wall heights. |
By far, the most popular step we carry for above ground pools is the Wedding Cake, so named because the curved steps are reminiscent of the tiers of a wedding cake. Its shape makes it attractive as well as functional because the rounded steps provide a wide area for entering and exiting the pool. It features a handrail on one side. There is a removable ballast inside the top step that is filled with sand or pea gravel to weight the steps down. Deck brackets also help to stabilize the steps. If you have a cove where the pool wall meets the floor, the Wedding Cake step could rest against the cove and not sit level. The manufacturer does not recommend using this step with a pool cove. The Wedding Cake does have an optional outside ladder so it can be used for an above ground pool with no deck.
Second in popularity to the Wedding Cake step is the Royal Entrance step which has a square shape and dual handrails. It is weighted by filling a compartment behind the steps with sand or pea gravel. Flanges attach to the handrails and mount to the deck for stability. This step is recommended for pools with a cove along the bottom edge because the back of the steps will not hit the cove. The Royal Entrance step also has an optional outside ladder attachment which will allow entry and exit from the ground instead of a deck.
Lower in price than the steps mentioned above, t he Economy Biltmor Step is similar in shape to the Royal Entrance with square steps and dual PVC handrails. This step has side panels to prevent entrapment as well as perforations to allow water and chemical circulation and eliminate a dead water area where algae can grow. If you need an outside ladder, the Biltmor Step-to-Ladder Entry is a good value, combining the Economy step with the outer ladder in one package.
There are some above ground pool entry systems that elaborate on the A-frame ladder. These have two sets of steps, one for inside and one for outside the pool, and also feature a gate to close off the outer steps from young children and unwanted swimmers.
We recommend the use of a step pad which lies on the floor of the pool underneath the steps to protect your liner from friction between the steps and the liner.
In-ground Pool Ladders
Ladders for in-ground pools are usually installed in the deep end of the pool. They typically have stainless steel handrails and either plastic or steel treads which resist corrosion. The number of treads can vary from two to five. The rails are attached to anchor sockets which have to be installed in the pool deck. Ladders for pools with vinyl liners require rubber bumpers on the ends to protect the liner where the ladder meets the pool wall. Some ladders are designed to fit more closely to the wall since the local code in some areas, such as Dade County in Florida, requires this. We recommend checking on your local code requirements before purchasing and installing a ladder.
In-ground Pool Steps
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Most in-ground pools have entry steps built into the concrete or fiberglass when the pool is constructed but some do require the purchase of a separate set of steps. The step you'll need is determined by the installation location, either along a flat wall or in a corner, and the wall height. In-ground steps are usually constructed of a sturdy plastic or acrylic, and have stainless steel handrails. The handrails are designed to be permanently attached to the pool deck with flanges. Like the above ground pool steps, some of the in-ground models will also use sand or pea gravel to weigh them down. |
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