Getting in and out of an above ground pool can be challenging due to the pool’s raised height. Without proper steps or a ladder, it can be unsafe to access the pool. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a sturdy and safe above ground pool ladder.
Typically, the ladder that comes with the pool package may not be sturdy enough to support the weight of users, especially if they are heavy. Hence, it’s always recommended to choose sturdy and comfortable pool steps that can last long and cater to people of all ages.
This guide will help you choose the best above ground pool steps, considering the quality, size, durability, and accessibility.
- Load Capacity: 400 Pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Handrails: Yes
- Color: Gray with Blue Treads
- Load Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Material: Polyethylene
- Handrails: Inner
- Color: Gray and Warm Gray
- Load Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Handrails: No
- Color: White and Gray
Table of Contents
- Our Picks for the Best Above Ground Pool Ladders of 2023:
- Best Above-Ground Pool Ladder: Confer Curve
- Best Rated Pool Ladder: Confer 7200
- Best A-Frame Pool Ladder: Vinyl Works SLA
- Best Budget Pool Ladder: Intex Deluxe
- Best Pool Ladder for Kids: Confer Entry System
- Best Pool Ladder for Decks: Confer 6000x
- Best Value Pool Ladder: Confer Step-1
- Best Heavy Duty Pool Ladder: Blue Wave Ne1175
- Best Pool Ladder for Safety: Blue Wave Ne115
- Best Drop-in Pool Ladder: Champlain Plastics Drop-in Steps
- Buyer’s Guide
- Importance of a Pool Ladder
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
Our Picks for the Best Above Ground Pool Ladders of 2023:
- Best Above-Ground Pool Ladder: Confer Curve
- Best Rated Pool Ladder: Confer 7200
- Best A-Frame Pool Ladder: Vinyl Works SLA
- Best Budget Pool Ladder: Intex Deluxe
- Best Pool Ladder for Kids: Confer Entry System
- Best Pool Ladder for Decks: Confer 6000x
- Best Value Pool Ladder: Confer Step-1
- Best Heavy Duty Pool Ladder: Blue Wave Ne1175
- Best Pool Ladder for Safety: Blue Wave Ne115
- Best Drop-in Pool Ladder: Champlain Plastics Drop-in Steps
Best Above-Ground Pool Ladder: Confer Curve
Features:
- Easy to Assemble
- Can be Used Outside or Inside the Water
- 400 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Double Handrails
If you’re looking for a safe and durable pool ladder that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, this ladder from Confer is a great choice for having fun with your family. The Confer Curve steps are robust and made from chemical-resistant resin, which makes them perfect for use around pools or other water bodies.
The ladder features 12-inch slip-resistant treads and has a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds, making it ideal for elders, kids, pets, or adults who need extra support when entering or exiting the pool.
The ladder’s adjustable base pads and 24-inch oversized deck mounting brackets make it easy to install onto any deck surface. The gradual slope design of the ladder helps prevent cracking and sinking when the pool is refilled.
Additionally, the ladder is powder coated to prevent rusting, making it more durable and less likely to corrode. The coating also enhances the ladder’s overall appearance, giving it a more premium look.
With built-in stabilization compartments, you don’t need to purchase extra ladder weights to stabilize the ladder. Instead, you can fill the compartments with weights such as sand or pea gravel.
Overall, this ladder from Confer is an excellent choice for those who want a fun and safe pool experience with their family.
Best Rated Pool Ladder: Confer 7200
Features:
- Large Treads
- Lockable Roll Guard Barrier
- 300 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Suitable for 48-56 Inches Pool
- Curved Side Rails
The Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Safety Ladder is an excellent addition to any backyard. This ladder adjusts to fit pools ranging from 48 to 54 inches tall and can be used with all types of above-ground, in-ground, and inflatable pools.
This A-frame ladder has an extra-large 18-inch by 5-inch platform, making it easy to get in and out of the pool. The ladder also features a handy footrest and an adjustable safety handrail.
Made of high-quality materials, it can hold up to 300 pounds of weight. Its lightweight and compact form factor makes it easy to assemble and disassemble. Additionally, the ladder’s side rails can be filled with water to ensure stability, especially if it floats on the water. Be sure to use a pool ladder liner protector mat under the steps to prevent any scratching of the pool’s surface.
This ladder features a roll guard barrier, lock, and comprehensive platform. If you’re looking for a ladder with a platform, we have a detailed review of the top pool ladders available. Overall, the Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Safety Ladder is an excellent value-for-money option.
Best A-Frame Pool Ladder: Vinyl Works SLA
Features:
- Rust-resistant and Corrosion-resistant
- 300 Pound Weight Capacity
- Suitable for 48-inch to 56-inch Pools
- Aluminum Siderails
The Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder is a dual step-in pool ladder that makes accessing and exiting an above-ground pool comfortable and straightforward. It is safe and easy to install and can be used with any above-ground pool.
Made from marine-grade aluminum and PVC construction, this ladder ensures long-lasting durability. The A-frame structure ensures the stability and rigidity of the ladder.
This pool ladder is an excellent option for those who are looking for a portable and stable ladder. It has non-slip treads that provide a secure, slip-free grip.
This adjustable ladder can be used with 48-inch to 56-inch above-ground pools and can be adjusted in height from 7 feet to 8 feet. It is easy to set up and use (Follow this pdf guide for quick step-by-step installation). The ladder is designed with a two-step approach that makes getting in and out of the pool easier. The rugged vinyl construction makes it rustproof and gives it the ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
Overall, it is a stable and durable ladder that can hold 300 pounds and comes with a slide-lock design.
Best Budget Pool Ladder: Intex Deluxe
Features:
- 300 Pound Weight Capacity
- Snap and Lock Design
- Suitable for 36-42 Inch Pools
- Corrosion Resistant
The Intex Deluxe Pool Ladder is an excellent budget choice for 36 to 42-inch pools. Its snap-and-lock design makes it easy to assemble and detach for storage when not in use. The removable steps also make it convenient to adjust the height for both children and adults to access and exit the pool.
In addition, the ladder features handrails that provide extra safety and grip for users. It is also designed to be multi-purpose and can function as a regular staircase.
Constructed with a high-quality steel frame and hi-impact plastic steps, this ladder is durable and long-lasting, and will not break, crack, or fade quickly over time. Its structure is strong while still remaining lightweight. If you are interested in pool steps without a deck, you may also like this ladder’s form factor.
These steps are relatively easy to assemble and can be done by a single person without much assistance. However, they will require additional weights to hold them stable in the water due to their lightweight construction.
Best Pool Ladder for Kids: Confer Entry System
Features:
- Self-latching Gate
- Double Handrails
- 300 Pound Weight Capacity
- Suitable for 48 to 54-inch Pools
The Confer entry system is the best overall entry system for above-ground pools. It is a complete package with two steps, one for inside the pool and the other for outside the pool. These steps are easy to manage and set up and are compatible with most above-ground pools. The high-quality resin construction makes the surface slip-resistant, easy to clean, and resistant to algae growth.
Although the Confer entry system is a bit expensive, it is the best safety step for kids and adults. The package includes a self-latching gate, padlock, a platform, handrails, and an enclosure kit to connect the two stairs. The installation steps are easy and can be done by following the included installation guide.
It is a must-have upgrade for someone wanting to spend time with their kids in the pool without compromising on safety and quality. You can also prevent entry to the stairs by locking the gate. If you don’t want the kit with two steps, you can go for the Confer Step-1, which is much more affordable.
Best Pool Ladder for Decks: Confer 6000x
Features:
- 300 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Meets ANSI/APSP Barrier Standards
- Suitable for 48 to 54 Inch Pools
The Confer 6000X Heavy Duty Pool Ladder is adjustable and designed to fit above ground pools ranging from 48 to 54 inches. It’s crafted from rustproof and corrosion-resistant resin, ensuring it will last for an extended period.
This ladder can be easily attached to decks and has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. It’s ideal for different depths of metal and fiberglass pools.
The ladder features a reinforced steel frame that’s robust and can withstand heavy usage without breaking. Additionally, the ladder has a textured surface and ergonomic handrail for extra security and grip. It’s one of the highest-rated pool ladders and can be used alongside other pool steps to create a complete entry system.
The Confer 6000X Heavy Duty Pool Ladder meets ANSI/APSP barrier standards, making it safe for use both at home and in public settings. It’s an upgraded version of the Confer 6000B.
Best Value Pool Ladder: Confer Step-1
Features:
- Easy to Assemble
- 400 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Wide Steps
- Easy to Climb
The Confer Step-1 is designed to be used with any above-ground pool that has decks up to 60 inches. These heavy-duty steps can be used inside or outside the pool, and there are many possible combinations; you can use it with a standard ladder on one side or use two to create a complete pool entry system.
The wide, flat steps have a weight capacity of 400 pounds and are made of high-quality, UV-protected plastic that will not fade in the sun. These steps are easy to maintain and store.
The powder-coated finish makes them slip-resistant, and they are an excellent option for the elderly and people with disabilities, as they are designed with safety in mind. They can also be used as dog pool steps. The easy-to-grip handle, non-slip step pad, and gentle slope make it a stable and robust ladder.
This reliable ladder comes with many ladder accessories in the package, such as handrails and risers. Thanks to its snap-and-lock design, the assembly can be completed in an hour.
The steps are stable under normal conditions, but if you have a large pool or experience wobbling, you can use 40-50 pound weights to make them even sturdier.
Best Heavy Duty Pool Ladder: Blue Wave Ne1175
Features:
- Suitable for 48 to 54 Inch Pools
- 300 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Child Proof Barrier
- Non-skid Wide Treads
The NE1175 heavy-duty ladder is an excellent choice for residential pools. It can be attached to the pool deck and adjusted to fit 48 to 54-inch swimming pools.
Made of non-corrosive resin, this ladder can withstand even the roughest conditions and last for years with regular use and minimal maintenance.
With five wide non-skid treads, the Blue Wave NE1175 ladder makes climbing and exiting the pool easier. The ladder also features 22-inch handrails on both sides, making it a safe option.
This safety ladder includes a child-proof barrier that complies with all ANSI/APSP safety standards, and it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Best Pool Ladder for Safety: Blue Wave Ne115
Features:
- Large Anti-skid Treads
- 300 Pound Weight Capacity
- Suitable for 48-inch to 56-inch Pools
- Spring Loaded Gate
The Blue Wave NE115 Neptune is an adjustable A-frame entry system designed for 48 to 56-inch pools that can fit all types of above-ground swimming pools. The double handrails provide additional grip for safe entry and exit from the pool, making it an ideal entry system for those seeking a quick and easy solution.
This pool entry system is convenient, featuring two steps – one for the inside and the other for the outside. It is made of U.V-protected rugged resin, capable of supporting up to 300 pounds of weight. It is also lightweight, and easy to install and transport.
In addition, this entry system meets all national and municipal trapping regulations and can serve as a pool step for handicapped individuals to access the swimming pool. With this system, you can enjoy your pool without worrying about your family’s safety. The side wings prevent small children from getting trapped underneath the stairs, and the pool ladder comes with a gate for added safety.
The notched side wings of the Neptune system allow for better water flow and chemical distribution around the pool. The unique slide lock design of this pool ladder makes it easy to assemble and sturdy.
Best Drop-in Pool Ladder: Champlain Plastics Drop-in Steps
Features:
- Double Handrails
- 300 Pound Weight Capacity
- Suitable for 48 Inch - 54 Inch Pools
This drop-in pool step has a simple design, and the installation process is quite straightforward. It features a rust-resistant aluminum frame that is both lightweight and durable.
The step comes with a quick-release lock that keeps it attached to the pool wall when not in use. The steps themselves are made of high-quality plastic that is built to last and come with a five-year warranty against any manufacturing defects.
This innovative product has been specifically designed for use with above-ground pools. The steps have been molded from high-quality polyethylene, which makes them resistant to chemicals, sunlight, and heat.
The walk-in pool step has been designed to fit any above-ground pool with a height range of 48-54 inches. The deck flange easily slides onto the handrail poles, allowing for easy adjustment of the step size.
In addition, it is possible to transform this drop-in step into a full-entry ladder by connecting it to an outside ladder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Above Ground Pool Ladder's Purpose?
The installation of ladders in an above-ground pool is a serious safety concern. The main purpose of above ground pool ladders is to get in and exit the pool easily without much effort.
How to Get Out of the Above Ground Pool Without Using a Ladder?
The most effective method of exiting an above ground swimming pool without using a ladder is to first step on the pool's edge and then jump up and over the side. One way is to use your hands and knees to crawl up the side of the pool and then pull yourself out by grabbing onto the edge. Another way is to get another person on either side of you, with one person holding your upper body while the other grabs your legs and pulls you out. If you have a long enough pole, you can use it as support while climbing up the side of the pool.
Final Thoughts
Pool stairs can significantly enhance the value of your pool by providing safety and security while entering and exiting the water. They are designed to be durable, safe, and convenient.
A pool ladder is a critical piece of equipment for any above-ground pool, as it enables swimmers to enter the water safely and easily. If your pool ladder is broken or unstable, it can lead to severe injuries and accidents.
Out of all the above-ground steps reviewed, we have found that these models stand out as the best. We hope you have found the right ladder to suit your needs. All of these models are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and providing excellent value. As they are manufactured by leading brands, you can trust their safety features.
