For above ground, outdoor pool owners and enthusiasts, reliable above ground pool stairs/ladders are a must. Enjoying a nice dip on a hot, sunny day is only as fun as it is safe. As well as drastically reducing the chances of injury, above ground pool stairs provide a sense of security when entering and exiting a pool.
Most, if not all of the stairs reviewed, have non-slip steps, helping swimmers avoid the horrific wet foot slip and fall.
Not all steps will be suitable for your exact type and model of the above ground pool. We’ve thoroughly analyzed stairs and ladders to create a review of the best above ground pool ladders, by comparing features such as attachment style, shape, materials, etc. Continue reading to find your perfect above ground pool ladder.
8 Best Above Ground Pool Ladders:
1.Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Steps Warm Grey – STEP-1-X
The best rated above ground pool ladder is the Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Steps. This staircase is among the sturdiest
on the list. The staircase is flexible in its fit and fits to a range of pools. The stairs do require a weight to be inserted into the bottom of the staircase to keep the stairs weighted down in the water.
- Steps accommodating 48 in. to 54 in. pools and 60 in. decks
- Dimensions: 31 in. wide x 47 in. high x 32 in. deep
- Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs
- Material: Heavy plastic
The Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Steps is a great bargain. For a generally low price, this sturdy staircase will keep entry and exit to your above ground pool easy and safe.
2. Confer Above Ground Swimming Pool Curve Step System
The next best pool stairs for above ground pools is another Confer Plastics product, the Confer Above Ground Swimming Pool Curve Step System. This system, unlike the previous Confer product, has curved steps and railings, adding another level of ease of entry/exit.
To keep these stairs weighted down, the sides of the system are filled with either sand or pea gravel.
- Molded, chemical resistant resin plastic
- System Dimensions: 58 in. wide x 47 in. high x 32 in. deep
- Step Dimensions: 27 in. wide x 11in. high x 10 in. deep
- Adjustable base pads & 24 in. oversized mounting brackets
This Confer system is more expensive than the first mentioned system, though it is a marked upgrade. With additional entry and exit space on the stairs, this model is perhaps safer than the smaller system.
3. Vinyl Works Slide-Lock A-Frame Above Ground Pool Ladder
If a cheap above ground pool ladder is what you’re looking for, the Vinyl Works Slide-Lock A-Frame Pool Ladder may be your best bet.
Unlike the previously discussed systems, this ladder system is an up and overstep system, with steps on both the inside and outside of the pool. The height is also adjustable with a slide lock system.
- Adjustable height fitting pool walls 48-56 in. high
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- No diving/no jumping embossed on stairs
- Slide Lock System: allows to slide the outside ladder up and locks to prevent access
- Ladder Stair Dimensions: 17.25 in. wide x 3.5 in. deep
Additional kits are needed for deck mounting this unique pool ladder unit. Thus far, this unit by Vinyl Works is the only one on the list to extend to both sides of the pool walls, ideal for non-decked above ground pools.
This system, even with anti-access features, is cheaper than both of the Confer Plastics products and the go-to option for cheap above ground pool ladders.
4. Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Above Ground Adjustable Pool Roll-Guard Safety Ladder
The best above ground pool step system is another Confer product, the Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Above Ground Adjustable Pool Roll-Guard Safety Ladder.
This A-frame ladder is similar to the Vinyl Works ladder except that this ladder has a small platform between the sides of it.
- Adjustable fit for pool walls 48 to 56 in. high
- Large platform step between ladder sides
- Roll-Guard: a lockable, roll-over barrier preventing access to the pool
- Step Dimensions: 18 in. wide x 5 in. deep
- Capacity: 300 lbs
This ladder system by Confer Plastics should not be used for inflatable or pop-up style above ground pools. The roll-guard feature enables around the clock safety by preventing access to the pool at the owner’s discretion. This is the option for someone looking for the best above ground pool steps at an affordable price.
5. 30″ Ocean Blue Mighty Step for Above Ground Pools
Among the best above ground pool ladders is the 30″ Ocean Blue Mighty Step for Above Ground Pools.
This unit is single sided, unlike the two ladder systems mentioned previously.
As with the Confer system mentioned previously, the sides of this unit are filled with sand to keep it weighted down on the floor of the pool.
- System Dimensions: 30 in. wide x 40 in. high x 34 in. deep
- Capacity: 400 lbs
- Textured safety steps
- Adjustable brackets for pool walls 48-54 in.
This unit is an all white plastic unit, in comparison to the grey unit from Confer Plastics. The system comes with handrails and mounting brackets for increased safety. Ideal for decked above ground pools, this system is designed for easy entry and exit to the pool.
6. BiltMor Above Ground Pool Step and Flip Up Ladder System
One of the best pool ladders for above ground pools is the BiltMor Flip Up Ladder System. This ladder system is unlike any of the previously mentioned ladder systems in that is a one-sided ladder.
There is a series of ladder steps that remains on the outside of the pool wall.
- Durable, maintenance-free polyethylene plastic
- Adjustable fit up to 54 in. high pool walls
- Flip-Up Ladder: flip up and lock ladder to prevent access
- Capacity: 350 lbs
This easy to assemble ladder is the simplest ladder system to this point on the list. With one set of four steps, this system is easy to assemble and manage. There is no in pool step or stairs with this unit, which is a slight drawback.
However, the stairs have their own safety mechanism with the ladder flip up and bring ease of access and safety to any above ground pool.This system is ideal for non-decked above ground pools.
7. Champlain Plastics Drop-in Step/Ladder for Above Ground Pool (Drop in Step)
The Champlain Plastics Drop-in Step/Ladder is a great option for those in need of pool steps for above ground pools with decks.
Manufactured by Champlain Plastics, this system is similar to the first Confer product on the list, though its design is sleeker and more of a ladder, staircase fusion than a staircase or a ladder.
- Molded, one-piece build
- Attachable handles
- Fillable weight container
- Upgradable to A-Frame
The Drop-in Step/Ladder system has a fillable weight container as most of the products on the list do. Coming in all white and with easy installation, the step/ladder system is sleek and non-bulky. Hovering around the average price point for products on this list, this option is affordable and ideal for decked pools. It can also be upgraded to an A-frame system by purchasing the additional pieces.
8. Confer Plastics Above Ground Swimming InPool Step & Ladder | Heavy Duty
For those in need of a heavy-duty, above ground pool ladder, look no further than this Confer Plastics product.
This grey colored item is similar to the Confer Staircase topping this list except that there is an additional ladder piece that creates a type of A-frame step and ladder system.
- Adjustable fit for pool walls 48 – 54 in. high
- System Dimensions: 31 in. wide x 81 in. high x 32 in. deep
- Step Dimensions: 27 in. wide x 10. in deep
- Adjustable mounting brackets
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Flip up ladder system
This unit requires filling the sides with sand or pea gravel to keep it weighted down on the floor of the pool. This unit is one of the sturdiest on the list. The ladder portion of this system also has a flip-up safety system that can be locked to prevent pool access. This system is one of the best above ground pool deck ladders available and will bring increased safety to your pool.
Tips on Choosing the Best Above Ground Pool Ladder
The following is a list of tips for dealing with and choosing the best above ground pool ladder:
- Do your research:
Doing your homework on a product, no matter what you are buying, is essential to a successful purchase. Learn the specifications of a product and make comparisons. Comparison charts are widely accessible on retail sites like Amazon, but if you can’t find one, create your own either on paper or in a program like excel.
- Ask around:
In the age of information, we often take for granted the fact that others often know a lot. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family about their experiences shopping for a pool ladder. Also, ask online communities as you can likely find an online community dedicated to just about any topic.
- Read reviews:
Although one should take reviews with a grain of salt, you can generally get an idea of the success or failure of a product by checking reviews. Who better to hear from on the subject than your peers who have purchased the exact products you are curious about?
- Relax:
Finally, just relax and take the process slow. The process of choosing a ladder system should be low-key and fun!
Things to Consider when Buying the Best Above Ground Pool Ladder
There is no definitive ‘best’ when it comes to pool ladders. Which ladder or step system is best for you is entirely dependent on the construction of your above ground pool, the safety measures required, and personal preference.
The type of pool you have installed or built affects what you will buy. Having a flat bottomed pool or not is. Knowing the specific features and attributes of your pool is an essential first step in the process of choosing a pool ladder system.
Safety is also a guiding factor in this choice. As the list details, certain systems are built with safety precautions. Some models of pool stairs and ladders have features that allow for control over access to the pool, by means of lockable, roll-over guards and flipping ladders up. In addition to the type of safety measures you wish to take with your pool, there is also personal style preference. Not all stairs are aesthetically equal and many models come in only one color.
Keying on what you want to get out of your pool and how you wish for it to look is the most important part of choosing your pool stairs.
If you are looking for starting this summer season without any issues, you need to have the best pool cover, one of those best pressure side pool cleaners and great pool heater, for keeping your pool clean and warm.
Above Ground Pool Ladder FAQs
1. Should I buy an A-frame system, staircase system, or one-sided ladder system?
If your pool has a deck attached where the stairs are to be placed, then an A-frame is out of the question and you must go with another option. Whether or not you go with a staircase model or one-sided ladder model will depend on the weight capacity and stylistic appeal you desire of your stairs.
2. Do I need a system capable of preventing access?
If you have young children or intend to have children around your pool, then it is suggested you go with a preventative access model. Otherwise, it is not fully necessary. Also, considering to buy a kiddie pool not necessary, but it will be more restful if kids will have a great kiddie pool with slides, shades and will not be tempted by an adult pool.
3. Should my system be inside or outside of the pool walls?
If you don’t have a deck, bear in mind it will be difficult to get in and out of the pool without stairs on the outside. Non-decked pools should have stairs on the outside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a staircase or ladder system for your above ground pool is almost always necessary. The type of system you decide to employ will depend on what you are looking for in terms of safety, as well as the restrictive specifications of your pool. Now that you are fully armed with information regarding above ground pool ladders, you’re ready to endure that shopping and choosing process. It’s time to make that decision and purchase a ladder system for your pool!
