Pool ladders can often damage the pool liner they are fixed on; they need some protective layer to keep the pool floor safe from scratches and scuff. The protective pool ladder mat protects the pool surface and provides grip to the steps so they don’t slip away.
Ladder mats are placed between the pool floor and the ladder base. They are a must-have ladder accessory, protect your pool, and are safety equipment.
Below we have shortlisted the best pool ladder liner pad available in the market. We have included the pros and cons and the distinct features that make them stand out from the rest.
Table of Contents
Best Pool Ladder Mat
- Sizes: 3
- Thickness: 2 mm
- Material: Rubber
- Sizes: 1
- Thickness: 2.5 mm
- Material: PVC
1. Swimline Hydro Tool Protective Mat
The Swimline’s hydro protective mat is made with heavy-duty vinyl and comes in blue color. It prolongs the lifespan of the ladder and pool floor and is exceptionally durable.
The textured bottom makes it super non-slippery and acts as a cushion between the liner and ladder. After placing the mat, you will instantly realize the ladder is much more stable and doesn’t slip. This mat is thick but lightweight and is available in 8 different sizes (We advise you to get a size larger than your ladder base). If the pad is too large, you can always cut it to your required size with scissors. It is the most famous liner protector with over ten thousand ratings.
2. The Bulldog Swimming Pool Step Pad
The Bulldog swimming pool ladder protective pad ensures no holes or punchers get onto the pool liner. It is made with high-quality molded and flattened rubber to ensure high friction between anything.
This product is available in four colors and three sizes, the tiny pad measures 9 x 36 inches, the medium pad measures 36 x 36 inches, and the mat measures 45 x 60 inches. This product has a No-Slip-Extra-Grip design, and the large size weighs 7 pounds.
3. Pamase Protective Swimming Pool Ladder Mat
The Pamase swimming pool ladder mat is a 2.5 mm thick mat. It is made using PVC, lasts longer than rubber mats, and can be used with all types of pools. Additionally, the extra thickness can resist more wear and tear, unlike others.
The criss-cross pattern surface design helps in increasing friction and makes the ladder more stable. It is a multipurpose mat and can also be used on wet floors to prevent slipping. It has two mats of size 9 x 35 inches in the box.
4. Poolmaster Swimming Pool Ladder Pad
The Poolmaster swimming pool ladder pad comes in blue color similar to other mats and is made with all-weather vinyl that doesn’t cause a reaction with the pool chemicals and can last for years.
One side of the pad is texture, and the other is smooth; while placing the mat, ensure the textured side is on the top to improve grip and hold.
This mat is available in three sizes, the smallest size is 9 x 24 inches, the medium size is 9 x 36 inches, and the largest size is 24 x 36 inches. Always choose the size that is appropriate for your steps.
5. Hydrotools by Swimline Pool Step Pad
The Swimline protective ladder mat comes in blue color and is made of plastic. Between the ladder base and the pool liner, it acts as a cushion and can be used with any swimming pool, whether in-ground, above ground or inflatable pools.
The product weighs about 0.6 pounds, and the dimensions are 9 x 24 inches with a thickness of 0.5 inches. It is not very thick and suitable for small ladders.
Different Types of Pads for Pool Ladders
The different types of pads for pool ladders are made from different materials, have different thicknesses, and are used for different purposes.
To avoid slipping and falling, some people use 1-inch thick solid foam. These cushions are commonly used for safety and provide some cushioning. For further protection, some people utilize pool padding with suction cups.
- Slip-resistant pads: These pads have a textured surface that prevents slippage, but they do not protect from falls.
- Non-Slip Pads: These pads have a non-slip surface and can also protect against falls.
- The floor mat comprises interlocking panels and Rubber pool mats with a gorilla feel.
Whatever pool mat you choose, make sure it has long-lasting friction to avoid slipping and accidents.
Pro Tips
Although ladders are normally designed to rest on a liner, we advise you to pay attention to the following points:
- Check that the non-slip feet resting on your liner are smooth.
- Ensure the pool is stable: it should not be on soft ground. Place a plate (of laminate, for example) under the feet on the outside.
- Regularly check the condition of your swimming pool to spot any rust traces to prevent them from coming off on your liner.
- Install a footbath at the foot of the ladder to prevent swimmers from bringing stones and dirt into the water.
Need of a Mat Under a Pool Ladder
Whether you’re installing a new pool or replacing your old pool ladder, you might be wondering if you need to get a ladder mat. Fortunately, the answer is yes! For increased safety surrounding the pool, a pad is recommended.
Pool liner protector pads are attachments that fit under your pool’s ladder to provide a safer and more comfortable surface for swimmers.
Pool ladders are often installed with a pad under them to prevent damage to the pool deck. The pads act as a protective layer between the ladder and the deck. They also help prevent water from dripping from the ladder onto the deck.
There are some benefits to having a pad under a pool ladder. For example, it can protect the bottom of the ladder from scratching or being dented by rocks when someone carries it to and from the pool. It can also provide some cushioning for people’s feet when they step off the side of the pool.
Also, The addition of paddings to the base of the ladder eliminates any friction between the ground and the bottom of the ladder.
FAQs
How Do You Protect Pool Liner From Ladder?
You can protect the pool liner from the pool ladder by placing a protective mat between the ladder and the surface of the pool liner. The mat ensures the liner is not damaged.
Is the Glue Needed for Fixing Up the Mats?
Generally, it is not advised to use glue to fix the mats. However, if the corners of the mats keep floating and folding you can glue the mat to the ladder.
Can We Use Tape for Fixing the Mats?
Yes, tape can be used to fix the mats if they don't stay intact in their place by themselves.
Conclusion
Choosing a ladder liner protective pad is a straightforward process; you have to keep the size of your ladder’s base in mind and get a mat that is larger than the base and get a mat that is thick and durable.
If you mistakenly get a too large mat, you can make it small by cutting it. The ladder mats can also be used as regular mats on wet floors or as decorative pieces.
After having a look at our buying guide, we hope you might have gotten some help and will be able to choose the best mat for your pool. You also need to keep some factors in mind, like the material and the quality.
