Pool ladders make our life easier. They are sturdy, comfortable, simple to use, and do not need the help and support of experts. However, most above ground pool ladders have enough load capacity for an adult; sometimes, they are not enough for oversized or heavy people.
You can construct an above ground pool with suitable materials, thus not compromising its safety. But the other components, like its ladders and steps, are sometimes not so vital to support significant, heavy, or fat people in them.
Suppose you are worried and not confident enough to use the existing above ground pool stairs as they might break and cause accidents. In that case, you should immediately switch to a heavy duty strong ladder that can take hold of your weight and makes your swimming experience safe and enjoyable.
The pool ladders are easy to set up and offer safety while getting in the water. When choosing a heavy duty ladder, you should prefer the durable ones, made of high-quality materials and have a rigid frame.
After examining more than 25 models, we narrowed the list to 7 just so that it will be easy for you to choose the suitable model based on your needs. While creating this list, we considered some important factors, like the durability and sturdiness of the ladders. We have prioritized the ladders that come with more safety features as in that aspect, safety is more important than looks, and it should be convenient to install. Below is a list of ladders that you can check and decide for yourself which one to go for.
- Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds
- Suitable for: 48 to 54-inch Pools
- Handrails: Yes
- Type: Drop-in
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Suitable for: 48 to 56-inch Pools
- Handrails: Yes
- Type: A-Frame
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Suitable for: 48 to 56-inch Pools
- Handrail: Yes
- Type: A-Frame
Best Heavy Duty Pool Steps for Heavy Person
1. XtremepowerUS Safety Step Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder
The XtremepowerUS Safety pool ladder is suitable for above ground pools as well as inground pools. The sizeable bulky design makes it sturdy and helps water circulation through the sides. Made out of polyethylene, it comes in white and has more comprehensive steps that improve visibility and reduce the probability of injuries.
This ladder weighs 52 pounds and can easily hold up to 330 pounds. These pool ladders have wider steps and durable frames that are very convenient for anyone.
It has mounting brackets that can be adjusted to fit 48 to 54-inch pools and 37-inch high safety handrails. It Requires a little assistance while installing, considering the large design.
2. Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame Pool Ladder
The Vinyl Works SLA is an A-Frame above ground pool stair with a rigid and heavy-duty construction compared with other models from this brand. This model comes with double handrails and four rugged, wide treads, which ensure perfect grip for older people and children.
The stable base makes it easier to get a secure grip on the ground; This ladder also has a platform so you can stand on it quickly, even when dripping wet. The slide lock design makes it easy to set up this ladder, and you don’t need a technician or extra tools to assemble these steps. The maximum weight capacity that this ladder can withstand is 300 pounds.
These steps are made up of resin and are available in two colors.
3. Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Above Ground Pool Ladder
Confer 7200 is built of heavy-duty plastic. The steps are wide, non-slippery, and have railings that provide better grip and traction to walk in and out of a pool. It can take up to 300 pounds of weight and has two color options that are grey and white.
This is a very popular ladder among people who have kids and older people. It has multiple safety features, such as curved side rails for better grip, barriers on the side to restrict entry, and side pockets to fill in materials to help the ladder make it even more stable.
This one is the most suitable pool ladder if you have kids and elders in your house. Read the full review of the Confer 7200 pool ladder.
It is a highly rated above ground pool step meant for metal pools. Please note that these steps are not for inflatable pools, as the corners of the ladder might puncture the pool surface.
4. JDM Auto Lights Heavy Duty Swimming Pool Steps – 400 Lbs
This heavy duty pool step from JDM Auto Lights has the most weight capacity among all the other ladders on our list; it is made of high-quality plastic and has an attractive design with side openings to allow water to circulate.
It can be easily assembled by snapping the parts together. It has a robust construction with wide flat treads that are textured and slip-resistant.
It can carry up to 400 pounds of weight, and climbing and walking on the ladder is easy. It has a modern design and looks premium. These walk-in stairs are wide and comfortable for everyone to climb. The handlebar offers a good amount of grip, and as it is made of plastic, you don’t have to worry about rusting or corrosion.
5. Bestway 58337E Steel Swimming Pool Ladder
The Best Way 58337E pool ladder is a budget option for anyone who wants a simple A-frame ladder with a small deck for entering and exiting your pool. This sturdy and robust multipurpose ladder; can also be used for other activities when not used in swimming pools.
This ladder has heavy-duty plastic treads and a rust-free stainless steel structure that follows all US safety standards. Thanks to an ingenious pivot, this ladder can be inserted in deep pools with wall heights up to 52 inches. The weight capacity is 250 pounds and has a safety feature to lock the ladder upright to prevent unauthorized entry into the pool. If you want an even lightweight ladder, check out above ground pool steps without a deck.
6. Blue Torrent ACM 88633 Swimming Pool Steps
The Blue Torrent ACM 88633 is made of ABS. The fabrication lasts longer than any other ladder. This ladder is easy to install as there is no need for any anchor. The material used in making the ladder is non-slippery, which provides more confidence and grip for heavy people.
The wedding cake style ladder weighs 74 pounds and can carry up to 350 pounds. This ladder can be used by everyone elders, kids, and adults. It is made to last and has excellent strength.
7. Main Access 200100T Above Ground Pool Smart Step
The Main Access 200100T is a ladder, step combo, or you can also say it is a complete ladder system for a swimming pool. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and can adjust to fit 48-54 inch pools.
It has inclined steps and a handrail on one side. The angled steps make it easy to climb; however, these steps might not be significant for elders as they don’t have textured treads, and the handrail is not so strong. This ladder is ideal for children and adults. It is a heavy-duty structural grade ladder.
The ladder side is covered and will prevent kids from rolling or getting stuck in the water. It is designed to avoid unnecessary incidents that occur when you are with small children in the pool.
The steps are designed so that people can sit on them.
Safe Weight For Pool Steps
Generally, a pool step can carry up to 400 pounds. But it is safe to carry 250-300 pounds as they are made of heavy-duty plastic, and too much load can bend the frame and treads. It is made with heavy-duty plastic for its durability and reliability. They are heavier so that they don’t float, and it comes with water circulation through valves that make the pool ladder stable on the ground.
The pool ladders are available in various styles and materials of varying quality to suit your budget. If you don’t have a budget constraint, you can go for above ground handicap pool steps as they have more weight capacity and are more durable. Always go with the excellent build quality of the pool ladders that will offer more convenience and remain for a long time.
Things to Be Considered Before Buying a Pool Ladder
Safety Features
When choosing a ladder for above ground pool, some features like handrails, sturdy construction, non-slip steps, and gates or barriers should be present.
Weight Capacity
We should always opt for a ladder that is suitable for our weight. It depends upon how often the pool will be used and by whom it will be used. Some ladders could take weight up to 400 pounds, and those ladders will be more than sufficient for use.
Material
Most above ground pool ladders are made of plastic resin, steel, and aluminum. While most resin pool ladders are said to be more durable and require less maintenance, on the negative side, they are bulkier than their aluminum or steel counterparts.
Durability
We will never want a ladder that would fall apart after some use, so the ladder’s durability is also a significant factor to consider. So we should always choose the ladder with precaution. Anti-rust and anti-corrosion materials are always better and last longer.
Things That We Have Considered While Choosing the Products
Wider Steps
One of the essential features that heavy duty ladders should always have is wider steps. There should be enough space between the handrails so that heavy people can fit themselves on the ladder and should never have any issues while entering and exiting the pools. So the ladders mentioned here have plenty of room between the handrails so people can easily use them.
Weight Capacity of 300 Pounds and Above
Most of the ladders made for above ground pools already have a weight capacity of 300 pounds, but as we were looking for heavy duty pool ladders, all the ladders in this list have a minimum weight capacity of 300 pounds and above.
Strong and Rigid Construction
For people on a bit heavier side, the ladders they would use should also be able to take heavier weights. So the ladders should also be supportive and not made from cheap materials. You won’t find cheap pool ladders here for all these reasons.
Pro Tips
- Always purchase branded ones as their after-sales service is good.
- The less expensive one will not fit properly and will ruin the overall appearance of your pool.
- The cheaper one gets rusting easily and quickly.
- Choose ladders that are made of high-quality materials.
- Always choose the wide step one as it will be easy to climb and get out of the pool.
Conclusion
Get a safe ladder and have fun with your friends and families. Heavy-duty steps are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials. These steps will add a luxurious touch to your lifestyle.
