Removing a pool ladder is very easy if you have the right tools at hand. It just needs a little bit of effort, but not too much. it is a simple process of trial and error that can be followed with a bit of patience and time.
When the ladders are installed in an above ground pool or an inground pool, they are firmly fixed in their place with the help of screws and bolts, the installation is done in a way so they can be removed when needed. They are supposed to be removed timely to be cleaned properly when dirty or slippery, or if they have got corroded, they need to be replaced.
Removing a pool ladder is not too time-consuming and pretty easy to do. After removing the pool ladder whether you intend to recycle or throw it away (if it is damaged and unusable) don’t keep the ladder lying around the pool site where it could be tripped over and cause serious injuries.
Table of Contents
Prerequisite
- Remove pool covers
- Turn off the pool pump
- Remove protective mats and covers on the ladders
- Avoid using the pool for some time
- Use goggles and gloves as safety equipment
Easy Steps to Remove an Above Ground Pool Ladder
Removing above ground pool ladders is easier than inground ones as most of them are either portable or attached to the deck. Follow to steps to get your ladder out of the pool
Step 1: Drain out the water from the pool if you have a ladder attached to the deck, If you don’t want to drain out the water and waste it, then choose a day when the pool is already empty or unused, usually in winter or during the beginning of the swimming season. if you have an inflatable pool or a portable ladder you can skip this step.
Step 2: Remove the shielding plate, usually made of plastic or resin, found at the end of the frame or the handrails of the ladder. After that, you need to look for the screws underneath the removed shielding plate; unscrew them with a screwdriver until you can easily remove them with your hands.
If you face problems while removing the screw, then you might need to knock it down with the help of a rubber hammer.
Step 3: Repeat the similar steps on the other side of the ladder; after removing the screws, you have to lift the ladder gently to remove it from that spot (you might need assistance as pool ladders are usually heavy). If the ladder is fixed in the ground, repeat the steps for the bottom part. You should take a rubber-coated hammer if the ladder doesn’t come out and hit it gently.
Note: Gently hit the ladder otherwise if the ladder is made of steel it can get dents, and scratches. After hitting them gently, they should come out of the deck easily. Now, you can clean or replace the ladder as desired. Moreover, it is advised to change the corroded ladders as soon as possible because the water is not safe for the skin.
The steps are the same for a homemade DIY above ground ladder.
How to Remove an Inground Pool Ladder
The steps to remove the inground pool ladder are:
Step 1: Remove the pool cover and drain the pool if possible (Draining the pool will make your work easier).
Step 2: Slide the escutcheon plates and unfasten the screws from the brackets using a socket wrench.
Step 3: Take a screwdriver and pry off the fittings or anchors that hold it in place on both sides of the ladder’s base.
Step 4: Push on one side of the ladder to push it up out of its hole as you pry with a screwdriver on the other side.
Step 5: Once you get some space between the wall and the bottom of the ladder, use your hand to pull up on the other side and leverage it out of its hole.
How to Remove a Corroded Pool Ladder
A corroded ladder can be dangerous to climb. If left unchecked, it can cause serious injuries. Usually, ladders made of steel and aluminum, get corroded. However, if your ladder is made of any type of material other than steel or aluminum you should consult the manufacturer before attempting to remove it, as it may be more complicated than just removing the screws.
Follow these steps to remove a corroded ladder safely:
- Use a screwdriver or wrench and unscrew the bolts that are holding it in place.
- Now that the bolts are off, take off the ladder and put it in a safe place.
- Clean out all of the corrosion and rust from it using a wire brush, clean, strong steel wool pad, or steel wool soap pad
- Scrub off any remnants of rust with chlorine bleach
- Rinse with water
- Apply two coats of oil-based paint or heavy-duty Rustoleum paint.
Corroded pool ladders are a common problem for many homeowners, especially those who live in coastal areas or have a pool built on an old foundation.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for removing a rusted pool ladder, there are some fundamental tips that can help you to keep the ladder rust-free while keeping your family and visitors safe.
Tips to Keep the Pool Ladder Rust-free
Pool ladders are one of the essential features of a pool. They are crucial for people to get in and out of the pool at all times safely. You can keep your pool ladder rust-free in a variety of ways:
- Make sure that you cover the steps with a mat or towel when not in use. This will prevent them from corrosion and water damage.
- Close the ladder when not needed, even if it is only for a short period. This will prevent water from collecting on it and rusting it away.
- Keep your ladder well-oiled to avoid any friction between metal surfaces which can cause corrosion.
- Wipe down your metal surfaces daily with a clean cloth.
Why Consider Removing a Pool Ladder
Pool ladders involve a lot of important safety issues. The threat of potential accidents should never be taken lightly. If you want to eliminate the need for your pool ladder, you should consider an alternative, such as an in-deck pool lift that can be installed into the pool deck itself.
It is essential to remove a damaged or corroded pool ladder if it can’t be repaired. Improperly maintained pool ladders should also be removed at the first sign of rust or other damage. The ladders might also be removed and stored in storerooms or garages when not in use.
Conclusion
We hope after reading this article you should be able to remove your pool steps without taking the help of anyone or without calling the technicians. However, it is more complex to remove inground pool ladders, and you might need help with using tools.
