Pool Ladders are often overlooked when installing a new pool but are an essential feature giving a convenient and safe way to enter and exit the pool.
Your primary concern, when selecting a pool ladder, is the safety of your family and friends.
Entering and exiting swimming pools can be hazardous, especially for children and the elderly.
However, installing a suitable pool ladder reduces the risk of someone slipping or falling and injuring themselves.
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How to Choose a Pool Ladder
Firstly, determine the type of ladder that is most suitable to your type of swimming pool. Please read the next section for types of pool ladders.
Secondly, determine the size of the pool and durability of the ladder that you require.
Ladders are usually constructed from aluminum, resin or steel. Resin will be the cheapest but offer the least strength and durability. Aluminum is a good choice and affordable but can be corroded by pool chemicals. Steel ladders are the most durable but also the most expensive.
Select a ladder that fits the size and depth of your pool. If the ladder is too short it makes it difficult for swimmers to exit the water. However, it is not necessary for the ladder to reach the bottom especially in a deeper pool.
The best way to select any product is to check out real customer reviews for the product on Amazon. Amazon sell large volumes of products and collect real customer ratings and reviews.
And if a product receives too many poor reviews, Amazon remove the product from their inventory. Amazon doesn’t want to handle high rates of returned products from disappointed customers.
When a product has a high rating and good reviews from many customers you will have a high degree of comfort knowing that it’s regarded as a good product.
Types of Pool Ladders
A-Frame Ladders
A-frame ladders are suitable for above ground pools where the ladder positions over the pool wall.
These ladders have steps on both sides for easy entry and exit from the pool. It usually doesn’t matter which way round the ladder is installed and the ladder is not attached to the pool.
If you have an above ground pool you will need an A-frame ladder. The pool wall is too high to climb over and children will injure themselves entering and exiting the pool. Also you do not want to place the full weight of an adult on the pool wall as this may damage the structure.
A-frame ladders ship as a small package and require assembly before use. These ladders also easily disassemble and store during winter or when the pool in not in use.
In-pool Ladders
In-pool ladders are most suited to in-ground pools but may suit some above ground pool installations.
Attach the top of ladder to the pool surrounding (concrete, paver, fibre-glass or timber) for easy entry and exit from the pool. The bottom of the ladder usually attaches to the pool wall while some models simply rest against the pool wall on a rubber pad.
Deck Ladders
Deck ladders attach to the decking around your pool. This type of ladder suits an above ground or inground pool that has a timber deck surrounding at least a part of the pool.
These ladders are easy to install on the deck and usually come with all the necessary hardware to attach the ladder to timber.
Pool Steps
Pool Steps are an even better and safer way to enter and exit your swimming pool.
Steps allow you to walk in and out of your pool rather than climb up a ladder. You are less likely to slip or fall as you are standing on wide steps not narrow rungs. These pool steps are suitable for everyone but make it super easy for children and elderly using the pool.
Pool steps normally require assembly and are simply lowered into the side of the pool. You can attach the steps to the top if required for extra stability.
Best Pool Ladders & Steps
Intex Steel Frame Above Ground Pool Ladder
Safe and convenient access in and out of your above ground swimming pool is your number one priority. That’s why Intex created the Above Ground Pool Ladder for 52-Inch Wall Height Pools.
Don’t risk personal injury climbing in and out of your pool. This steel frame ladder makes using your pool easier and safer.
This pool ladder features double-sided, high-impact, slip resistant plastic steps for a safe platform. It has a coated steel frame to prevent corrosion and is weather-resistant.
The Intex Above Ground Pool Ladder makes your pool easy to access and safe.
SMW Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder
Deluxe Incline Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder for convenient and safe entry and exit. The extra-high strong handrails that are easily adjustable so you can customize this ladder to your pool requirements. This ladder is simple and comfortable to use all swim season long. The ladder is constructed with high impact corrosion-proof material and is quick and easy to assemble.
Specifications:
Color: White
Type: Pool Ladder
Pool Type: Above Ground Pool
Material: Polyethylene
Suitable Pool Height: 48″ – 52″
Top Step Size: 18″(W) x 9-1/2″(D)
Each Step Size: 18″(W) x 4-1/2″(D)
Number of Steps: 5
Assembly Required: Yes
Overall Dimension: 25-1/2″(W) x 30″(D) x 78″(H)
Package Contents: Pool Ladder, Hardware, Manual
Swim Time Above Ground Pool Steps
Above Ground Swimming Pool Step to deck.
Overall Dimensions = 81″ Height, 32″ Depth, 32.5″ Width
Step Dimensions = 10″ x 27″
Easy Step’s top flanges anchor securely to any deck for a firm footing.
3 year manufacturer warranty.
Assembly is required and you need about 40 pounds of sand to pour through posts to provide stability and prevent floatation.
This rugged step is made from maintenance free polyethylene and it will fit any above-ground pool up to 54” in depth. Double handrails and big slip-resistant steps make an easy exit for young and elderly swimmers alike. The Easy Step is designed to meet or exceed all NSPI standards for safety and swimmer entrapment. The unit is easy to assemble and can accommodate up to a 350-lb. swimmer.
The step is perforated to allow water and chemical circulation and eliminate a dead water area where algae can grow. The patented design allows for easy installation and removal of the ballast weight for off-season winterization.
SAFTRON 3 Step Polymer Inground Pool Ladder
Are you finished with replacing rusted, corroded ladders with steel rails that come loose and wobble?
Saftron Step Polymer Finish Inground ladders are the answer.
Saftron dent-and-scratch-proof polymer ladders are made with special processed compounds. They are extra-tough and corrosion resistant. These ladders have protection from the elements, UV rays, and pool or spa chemicals while requiring virtually no maintenance! These are great for saltwater water pools.
Saftron equipment & accessories are also guaranteed to never lose their shiny, like-new sheen for years.
The Saftron Residential Inground Pool Ladder is made of encapsulated-reinforced steel making it supremely durable.
A dent-and-scratch-proof polymer shell guarantees Saftron ladders can stand-up to saltwater and harsh pool chemicals. It is not affected by UV light and do not get hot.
Also, with Safton ladders there is no electrical grounding or bonding necessary.
SAFTRON Bend Return to Deck Polymer Pool Handrail
The one thing everyone is grateful for is this Saftron handrail to keep your pool safe .
This 3-bend swimming pool handrail will help swimmers confidently make their entrance and exit from the water with no worries of falling.
This pool stair handrail with a steel reinforced interior will stand up to any wear and tear from countless users. The polymer exterior helps resist against elements like harmful UV rays, pool chemicals, and more. Even after several years of use, this in-water railing will maintain a smooth, bright finish.
How to Stop Pool Ladders from Floating?
Ladders that do not attach to the side of the pool can float.
This is a common problem with metal pool ladders because they are hollow and made from light weight aluminum.
Many ladders have hollow compartments that fill with water or sand to weigh it down. Otherwise, you may need to attach weights to the bottom of the ladder.
Please read our article on Pool Safety