Owning an above ground pool can be a great experience. The only problem is that in order to step into the pool, you may need to have ladders or steps installed that can help you safely access the water. Most above ground pool ladders and steps are going to have a 5-step design, which is how you can tell them apart from in-ground pool ladders and steps. This guide will help you find the right safety steps for your family to use.
THE BEST CHART FOR ABOVE GROUND POOL LADDERS AND STEPS
Some ladders and steps for an above ground pool are designed for long-term use. Others simply don’t make the grade. How can you tell the pretenders from the contenders? From real customer reviews. These are the top-rated products to consider in this category.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Roll Guard Safety Ladder | 4.3 | $$$ |
 | Confer Above Ground Pool Ladder with 2 Sand Weights | 4.5 | $$$$ |
 | Confer 4 Step Above Ground Swimming Pool Entry Stairs | 4.7 | $$$$ |
 | Ocean Blue Mighty Step | 4.0 | $$$ |
 | Splash Pools Heavy Duty In-Pool Ladder | 4.2 | $$ |
 | Intex Pool Ladder for 36" Wall Heights | 4.5 | $ |
 | Blue Wave Simple Step | 4.0 | $$$ |
 | Main Access Easy Entry System with Dual Handrails | 4.0 | $$$ |
 | Confer InPool Step and Ladder Set | 4.4 | $$$$$+ |
 | Confer Heavy Duty A-Frame Pool Ladder/Mat | 4.3 | $$$ |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
THE FEATURES YOU WANT FOR YOUR ABOVE GROUND POOL LADDERS AND STEPS
The #1 feature that your pool’s ladders or steps should have is a non-slip surface for foot placement. When you are stepping out of the pool, your foot is obviously going to be wet. If you’re stepping down onto vinyl or plastic without any tread, there’s a good chance your foot is going to somewhere else when you begin to climb out. Look for molded textures or add-on slip-resistant surfaces for best results.
Then the design of the ladders or steps becomes your next consideration. You’ll find that there are several design options worth considering.
- A-Frame. This type of entry looks just like a stepladder. You’ll slip one end into your pool and the other end will stay on the outside. Some of the models with this design also come with a roll guard.
- Outside Steps. Some steps for an above ground pool will take you up and over the edge of the pool, but you’re on your own from there. If you choose this option, make sure the step height matches your pool height. You can choose steps with or without handrails.
- Hybrid Models. You may also have the option to pick an A-Frame entry for an above ground pool that offers steps on the outside and a ladder on the inside of the pool.
COMMON ISSUES WITH LADDERS AND STEPS AND HOW TO RESOLVE THEM
If you’re placing steps inside of your above ground pool, then many pool owners find that they want to float instead of being directly placed into the pool. You can resolve this issue by adding weight to the interior of the steps, like sand, so they stay underneath the water. Avoid using items that could puncture your liner.
Some owners may try to install the steps before they fill the pool. This isn’t a good idea because the liner of an above ground pool is not secure until the pool is at least 50% full. Wait until you fill up your pool to place your ladders or steps for best results.
WHAT ARE THE PRICES OF THE BEST ABOVE GROUND POOL LADDERS AND STEPS?
The ladders and steps for an above ground pool have a wide range of prices. Basic entry options may cost as little as $40. On the other end of the spectrum, ladders and steps that work with a pool deck may cost upwards of $250.
WHAT DO OUR REVIEWS HAVE TO SAY?
CONFER PLASTICS
We like the flexibility built into the design of this A-Frame ladder entry. It adjusts to fit pools from 48 inches tall to 56 inches tall. The ladder also has a large platform at the top so that the transition into or out of the pool can happen safely. Unlike other ladders or steps, this item also has a 300-pound weight limit for greater personal use. A lockable roll guard barrier is also included so pool access can be limited when not being used. As long as you don’t use this with an inflatable or pop-up style pool, you’ll have great results.
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OCEAN BLUE
We loved the traditional design of this set of above ground pool steps. You can use them inside or outside of the pool – the choice is yours. It supports up to 400 pounds, has curved steps for greater foot support, and handrails with texturing that gives you a sure grip. The assembly of the stairs only takes a few minutes and you have different size options available to you as well. If you’re looking for something that looks great and provides stable footing, then give these great stairs a try.
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SPLASH POOLS
This heavy duty ladder gives you a fast transition from deck to pool. It works on 48 inch pools and is adjustable up to 54 inch pools. A safety barrier is also included with the design of this ladder so you won’t have little ones running underneath it. The weight capacity is a little low at 220 pounds and the handrails must bolt directly to the deck in order for it to work. It gets the job done, but you may wish to give yourself a little extra time to get the assembly right for best results.
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INTEX
If you have a soft-sided pool and want a ladder for entry, then this is the ladder for you. It’s able to suit any soft-sided pool up to 36 inches in height. The slip-resistant steps and steel frame give you the longevity you’d expect to have without compromising personal safety. The weight capacity is 300 pounds, but the steps themselves are made from plastic, so that may be a deal-breaker for some users. We found this ladder to be useful and a good value purchase.
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MAIN ACCESS
This set of “wedding cake” above ground pool stairs assembles in just minutes. You’ll get the mounting flanges as well for easy deck installation. The stairs are corrosion-proof and sturdy, so you won’t feel like you’re going to slip when you get out of the pool. At 27 inches, the width of the steps is a little tight compared to some others that are available and the color is not a pure white, but not many products exceed our expectations – this is one of them.
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The best above ground pool ladders and steps are going to give you the sturdy and safe access to the water that you need. The right ladder or steps will also make your pool look fantastic. Choose your preferred option today so that tomorrow, when it’s time to enjoy your pool, you’ll be able to do so without worry of an accident occurring.