Top 10 Inground Pool Steps | Reviewed and Tested

Inground pools are a preferable option for a lot of families as well as commercial workplaces nowadays. After making a formidable choice of setting up the right inground pool which shall suit you best, purchasing other complementary items for the model is also a pretty mammoth task.

Ladders for inground pools are usually installed during the swimming pool construction and consist of prefabricated elements, such as concrete steps or slides or in a steel structure. In case you decide to install the stairs later, or you want to replace an old metal structure, the best solution is to go for a stair with a tubular steel frame with non-slip steps; Choose the ideal measure based on the swimming pool’s depth. 

It is preferable to fix the ladder using a system that allows its removal to be dismantled during the months when the pool is not used to cover the swimming pool and protect it from humidity and bad weather.

Ladders for inground pools generally do not require much maintenance except periodic stability checks and thorough cleaning of the entire structure.

Using pool ladders is considered somewhat out-fashioned by a specific crowd, but they can indeed ensure your safety to some extent.

If you belong among those who have planned on buying a ladder, read this article until the culmination point to learn about the best ones available in the market that could help you.

Best Inground Pool Steps

1. Saftron P-324-L3-W High Impact Inground Pool Ladder

The Saftron P-324-L3-W comes in two colors, white and gray; it has a high-impact polymer coating on the exterior and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The reinforced steel interior offers excellent strength and durability. Suitable even for fiberglass inground swimming pools.

The three-step design makes it easy to climb, and the polymer coating keeps the ladder cool in sunlight. It is a highly compatible pool ladder that requires minor maintenance and is dent-free, scratch-free, and corrosion-resistant, which can withstand harsh weather conditions and salty water. Its dimension is 60 inch x 29 inch x 2 inch. It is easy to install and prevents slippage as well. The side rail is long and making it easily accessible.

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2. Goplus 2-Step Stainless Steel Inground Swimming Pool Stairs

Best Heavy-Duty Inground Pool Ladder

This step from Goplus comes with a sturdy and practical 304 stainless steel frame that is rustproof and incredibly sturdy. It has anti-skid treads that will prevent the users from the risk of slipping while getting in and out of the pool, even on wet feet.

Installing this ladder is not a hassle as all the parts are included; thus, it takes no time to follow the instruction manual. Each portion of the ladder is well connected to form a sturdy structure. The delicate polishing also adds to the glossy appearance of the stairs.

It has a 2-step design with a spacing of 10 inches that can hold weights up to 440 pounds (Great for heavy people). The curved handrails are comfortable to hold and elevate the design of the ladder; The 2-step design might be difficult for kids.

It suits a perfectly for commercial and personal pools, i.e., it can be used in outdoor pools, indoor pools, open-air baths, and more.

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3. Blue Wave Ne122ss Stainless Steel In-Pool Ladder

This Inground pool ladder from Blue Wave is made of stainless steel and has polymer non-skid steps that provide superior grip. The steps are sturdy and wide enough for adults and children.

It has a load capacity of 275 pounds and can fit an inground pool up to 54 inches deep. The base of the steps can pivot to an angle so that it can also be used on a swimming pool with a sloped bottom.

It comes with PVC flanges in the box that can be used to mount it to a deck. (We recommend getting metal deck flanges as the plastic ones crack over time). Some users have reported that the pool liner might get scratched and torn from the base of the steps; we suggest you put a ladder mat under the steps to protect the liner from damage.

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4. Goplus Swimming Pool Ladder for In Ground Pools

This ladder from Goplus is worth all the praise; it has a simple installation process. It is one of the best fiberglass inground pool steps, made of high-quality stainless steel, making it sturdier and rustproof.

The steps are not slippery, and the ladder is sturdier and gives more stability than other ladders. The structure of the ladder is solid with a heavy-duty material. It is tough and durable, and the iron used in making the ladder is exceptional.

Unlike different ladders, it requires no drilling, has a footrest, and has a foot cover at the bottom of the ladder to protect your pool wall. Besides that, the design of the ladder handrail has an ergonomic curve that will protect your hand from injury. The 3-steps in this ladder have anti-skid pedals making it easy to climb on.

The dimension of this product is 25.2 inches x 21inch x 56.3 inches, it comes in silver color, and The maximum weight the ladder can handle is 330 pounds.

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5. Blue Wave NE1142 Aluminum In-Pool Ladder

The Blue Wave NE1142 is an inground pool ladder with an aluminum construction and a unique sleek design. The aluminum construction makes it lightweight (just 10 pounds), durable and rust-roof.

It has a weight capacity of 225 pounds and is designed to fit sloped and flat-bottomed pools up to 54 inches deep. The rugged handrails make it easy for swimmers to use the ladder.

If this ladder is a bit tall for your pool, you can cut the ends of the frame for a proper fit.

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6. Aqua Select Three Tread Stainless Steel Pool Ladder

The Aqua Select inground swimming pool ladder is relatively simple to put together, that comes with a 21-inch wide polished stainless steel frame and three plastic steps (That can be replaced if broken) with textured rubber grips. This ladder doesn’t require any grounding or bonding; if you have an old ladder, remove it and insert this in its place.

It can hold weights up to 250 pounds. It is designed so that the ladder always stays close to the pool wall; you get two rubber bumpers in the box and the ladder.

It is to be noted that it is not suitable for saltwater pools, as it will corrode rapidly in such swimming pools. However, it works effectively with chlorinated pools and has a 3-year warranty.

The stainless steel escutcheon plates and anchors need to be purchased separately. This ladder’s design ensures aquatic safety.

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7. Inter-Fab L3E049P-W 3-Step Ladder

The Inter-Fab L3E049P-W is a budget 3-step ladder with white-colored plastic treads and a 20-inch stainless steel frame. You can also go for the fancy designer model with optional steel treads.

It has a load capacity of 250 pounds. The step is 18 inches wide, is non-slippery, and provides excellent grip.

The escutcheons and the anchors are sold separately. You can install this on your deck; it has soft rubber bumpers that won’t scratch off your pool liner. You might need to get new bolts for a sturdy fit, as the ones that come with the package are not of the best quality.

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8. Aqua Select In-Ground Swimming Pool Ladder with Plastic Steps

This ladder from Aqua Select can be used in fiberglass pools. The ladder has good ratings and reviews. It is made of stainless steel and has an aluminum handrail for easy entry and exit from the pool. The steps of the ladder have non-skid plastic that will prevent slipping.

The maximum weight handled by this ladder is 250 pounds. There are 3-steps in this whole ladder. Each step is 17 inches long in height.

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9. Fibropro Stainless Steel In Ground Swimming Pool Ladder

This inground pool ladder from Fibropro has a stainless steel frame and treads with non-slip rubber pads. That provides a lot of grips, even on wet feet.

It has a three-step design that can be screwed directly on the deck without needing holes or breaking the deck.

It has all the required anchors and screws to set it up. If you have a concrete deck, you will have to use a half-inch hammer drill bit, or if you have a wooden deck, you will have to use a quarter-inch wood bit.

The polished 304 stainless steel gives it a premium look and feels.

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10. S.R. Smith VLLS-103S Elite Stainless Steel Steps

This ladder from S.R. Smith comes in three options; 2-step, 3-step, and 4-step. It is made up of stainless steel with 20-inch rails.

It has a beautifully classic polished look; you can get it with plastic or metal treads. It is one of the best-selling pool stairs for inground swimming pools.

It is to be noted that this product is not suitable for saltwater pools; it comes with rubber numbers and steel escutcheon. However, it would be best if you bought extra bronze anchors to set it up.

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Things to Consider Before Choosing an Inground Pool Ladder

Among the whole range of accessories that make your pool more functional and liveable, a ladder is among those that must be chosen with care. The most appropriate equipment is an actual entry point, a junction between the water and the outside, and an aesthetic appeal. 

Aesthetics, safety, and practicality are three things to look for in an access ladder—a means to reach the water and a place to stop and relax.

Above all, it is a safety tool that avoids dangerous maneuvers while using the pool. If the whole family uses the pool, ladders and steps are the only way to reach the water for the elderly and children.

Safety Tips

The pool stairs allow you to make your pool a safe place for everyone, young and old. To make the best use of the pool ladder, however, it is essential to observe some fundamental rules, such as:

• Place the ladder on a flat and solid surface
• Do not dive or jump from it
• Use the ladder one person at a time
• Never swim under or behind the ladder
• Do not move the ladder when the pool is in use
• Regularly check all the ladder bolts and nuts to make sure it is firmly attached and, therefore, secure
• Illuminate the ladder through lights when using the pool in the evening

Assembling a Pool Ladder

In addition to following the safety tips, it is undoubtedly necessary to correctly mount the pool ladder, whether inground or above ground. Always read the instruction manual carefully before starting the process.

1. Identify all the parts: before proceeding with the actual assembly, it is good to familiarize yourself with all the components and prepare them for assembly, trying to understand which ones must be connected, some of these may seem similar or interchangeable, so it is essential to pay attention during this preliminary phase.
2. Component assembly: following the preparation of the components, the assembly phase begins where, usually, the first step is to assemble the legs of the ladder and then the treads; then we move on to the installation of the supports and the rails and bumpers.
3. Final check-up: once the assembly has been completed, It is advisable to check that each screw is fixed correctly and test the stability of each step of the ladder by exerting downward pressure; in the case of an above ground pool stair, it is also necessary to keep in mind that the removable side of the steps must be positioned outside the pool.

It is essential to carefully follow the instructions for the ladder’s maintenance and the possible disassembly of the components.

Should I Put a Ladder in My Inground Pool?

Households with kids or elders should use ladders in their pool who might face an accident without a ladder; it is open to your choice entirely. Well, using a ladder is a safe choice, regardless of people's personal views. While many people avoid using a ladder in their pools as they believe they hamper the aesthetic look of the swimming pool, some people still prefer to use them.

How Much Weight Can an Inground Pool Ladder Hold?

The capacity to take a particular weight varies a lot among different models. However, an average estimation of the available capacity of various models can be around 150-300 pounds.

Conclusion

We hope that this article was informative and answered all your queries. This article has covered all the critical points of inground pool ladders. We hope this article will help you decide which pool ladder you should go for. Thank you so much for reading.