A buyer’s guide to the types of entry systems available for your pool
Perhaps you’ve just gotten a new pool, or you’re looking to upgrade the current entry system on your existing pool. If you’ve begun to shop around, you will notice very quickly that steps and ladders for above ground pools are available in a wide variety of styles, materials, and prices. The choices may initially feel overwhelming, so we have put together this buyer’s guide to the types of entry systems available for your pool. We will break down this guide into two categories: steps and ladders for above ground swimming pools without pool decks – and for pools with pool decks. We will review each kind of entry system available and the pros, cons, and costs. That way, you can assess which type might be best for you and make shopping much easier.POOLS WITHOUT DECKS
A-Frame Ladder
This is the most common ladder for above ground pools and often comes standard in new pool kits. A ladder with rungs is placed outside the pool, and another ladder with rungs is placed inside the pool, creating the “A” shape. Most A-Frame ladders are made of resin and attach to the top of the pool’s rails to make them stable. Typically, they can hold people who weigh up to 300 pounds.A-Frame ladders have a wide price range of about $100-$500. (Typically, pool ladders are less expensive than steps because they use less material.) Almost all A-Frames are safety ladders which means the outside rungs can be removed or pulled up so that it’s off the ground. This is done so that small children can’t use them to access the pool.
Ladder and Step Combo
These systems are unique in that they are interchangeable and allow for two different ways for pool entry. You can have the ladder on the exterior and the steps on the interior, or vice versa. These systems are typically sold in kits which involve deck to pool ladders and steps being joined together at the pool’s top rail.
Pool owners may look to a combo system for the advantages of having stairs, but at less the cost of full stair entry systems (see below). Having stairs inside a pool provides a wider area for swimmers to step on as well as handrails, both of which help older and bigger swimmers get in and out of the water. Stairs also allow for slower entry into the pool for children and can be good rest spots for them as well. These combo systems are more costly than A-frame ladders, with prices ranging from about $300-$800, but as previously mentioned, they are less expensive than full stair entry systems.
Full stair entry systems with gated enclosure
This is the ultimate entry system for an above ground pool without a deck. They feature wide, flat steps that sit on the ground and go all the way up the outside of the pool. These steps connect to a bridge piece then continue over the wall and down into the water. These steps also have hand railings (on one or both sides) on the inside and outside of the pool. These hand railings are good for those who may have a hard time climbing in and out of the pool. This is a good option for those who do not have a deck and want the easiest accessibility to their pool. Stair entry allows for ease of access to children, elderly swimmers, bigger swimmers, or those with special needs.
Being that entry to the pool is quite easy with a full stair system, safety for children is essential. This kind of system usually has a gate on the outside to prevent children from climbing the stairs when unsupervised. This gate can be locked for safety when the pool is not in use. The weight limit for these steps can be as much as 500 pounds. This is also the most expensive entry system however, ranging in cost from $500-$1,200.
POOLS WITH DECKS
In-Pool Ladder
An in-pool ladder is almost the same as an A-frame ladder except it only has rungs on the interior of the pool. In-pool ladders are used when a pool has a deck, because with a deck you’ll no longer need to step up from the ground. These ladders are usually some of the lowest priced options when it comes to pool entry systems with price ranges of about $100-$300. They are usually lightweight, easy to install, and have a slim profile. They do require more climbing strength for exiting swimmers however and may only hold weights of up to 300 pounds (depending on the model).
Walk-In Stairs & Wedding Cake Steps
Walk-In stairs and “wedding cake steps” attach to the deck and ease into the pool gradually. These systems allow the easiest entry and exit to the pool and usually have one or two handrails for safety. They are typically easy to install and hold weights up to 400 pounds (depending on the model).
Pool owners choose stair entry systems over ladders for the safety and ease of entry benefits they offer to swimmers. The wider steps and handrails allow swimmers (especially children) easy entry into shallow waters. Steps require far less climbing strength when exiting the pool, and they provide a nice resting place or sitting spot for children. Stairs are more expensive than ladders because they are made from more material, and pricing ranges from about $300-$800.
A FEW OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Now that we’ve reviewed the different options available for your pool, there are a few things you should also consider while you are selecting your new ladder or steps system.
- Make sure to get the right size that corresponds with the size of your pool. It won’t matter how sturdy it is if the bottom of your ladder doesn’t touch your pool floor, and if it’s too tall then it will be hazardous to climb on and off.
- Sturdiness is also very important. If a ladder or stairs is not sturdy it can cause injury to swimmers entering or leaving the pool.
- It can be tempting to go for the least expensive option, but you definitely want to take into account durability for this purchase. The ladder or stairs you purchase will be used every time you use your pool. Getting a durable entry system now will save unnecessary replacements and hassle in the future.
- The material make-up of the ladder or steps is another consideration you will want to think about. Many options available on the market today are made of resin which is great because it is durable, light, and low-maintenance. You can treat it with a plastic resin spray to easily keep it clean. Aluminum is just a bit more stable than resin, and you’ll only need to wash its exposed parts with diluted dish detergent—except for once every few months, when you should rub down the entire ladder with car wax. Steel ladders are often stainless or galvanized, meaning that they have a zinc coating which prevents rust for up to fifty years. Cleaning steel is low-maintenance - just rub the ladder with a mild cleaner that won’t damage the coating. But these ladders are also very heavy and very expensive.