Summer is just around the corner, and everyone wants to take a nice swim in the scorching heat. If you don’t have a swimming pool at your house and are planning to build one, here are some important considerations about pool stairs that you should keep in mind while building one. Pool stairs are one of the basic building blocks of the pool. They allow swimmers to get in and out of the pool safely from the ground level or through a pool deck.
Choosing the optimum pool stairs in 2025 for above-ground pools could be a headache if you have many varieties to choose from. But you don’t need to fret, as in this article, we will talk in detail about the pros and cons of our top picks to help you make a wise decision. We’ve also added a buying guide to ensure that you are investing your money in something that suits your needs. So, without further ado, let’s hop in.
With a heavy-duty plastic structure and a weight capacity of 400 pounds, the CONFER Plastics Pool Stairs can easily withstand water and chemicals. The two handrails provide ample support for swimmers entering and leaving the pool, while also providing a non-slip surface for their wet feet.
With their two-tone gray color scheme, these stairs are among the most eye-catching on the market (it’s also available in beige or blue treads). The stair’s pieces simply snap together, allowing for a toolless installation. They may also be attached to the pool surface using two flanges, making it a hassle-free installation. These factors coupled with the stairs’ load capacity and functional design make these pool stairs our best overall pick.
The Blue Wave Pool Stairs are more user-friendly because of their 10-inch-deep stairwells and broad steps and railings. To prevent swimmers from being trapped behind the stairs, pool mounts lock the steps to the pool surface, eliminating the need to use sandbags to hold them in place. The stair treads are composed of sturdy polyethylene and can support up to 350 pounds.
For families with small children, pool safety cannot be overstated. These pool stairs have a wide gate that prevents entry when the pool is not in use. In addition to the gate, this staircase has double handrails, a huge platform at the top and signs that read “no diving or leaping.” Two flanges stabilize the pool’s deck and the stairs can easily be adjusted from 48 to 56 inches in height.
Getting in and out of the pool has never been easier. There is no need to fret about the ladder tipping over or missing a step with these stairs. Each of the steps is wider than traditional pool stairs and installation is a breeze. You just have to snap the pieces together. Additionally, the design of these pool stairs ensures proper water circulation.
The surface of these stairs is specially coated so that pool chemicals don’t stick to it, and its durable frame fits onto the deck without hassle.
The Simple Step Pool Stairs uplift your pool experience by doubling up on the fun. They have wider and more comfortable steps. With easy-to-assemble parts, these mighty pool stairs are all you have been missing out on in your pool. These stairs snap together perfectly and come with a riser and side openings to ensure unobstructed water circulation.
The curved steps and scalloped sides create an eye-catching design, while the textured risers add to the grace of these beautiful steps. Additionally, mounting brackets can easily be attached to the pool or deck.
For families with young children, getting in and out of the pool can become quite an ordeal, but a rickety, cheap ladder isn’t your only option. With pool stairs, you don’t ever have to pull yourself out or hurl yourself in. A good set of pool steps can serve as a quick remedy when you want to move in or out of the pool. Here are some other benefits of having these stairs in your swimming pool.
Before you start spending money on the first thing you spot, understand the different types of pool stairs. A-frame models go well with the free-standing above-ground pools. This allows the swimmers to ascend to the pool’s edge and then allow them to descend into the pool. On the other hand, deck pool stairs work well with above-ground pools encircled by a deck.
While purchasing pool stairs, watch out for the material they’re made from and the maximum weight that they can carry. There are a lot of products in the market that are made of plastic, and because they are easy to carry and don’t weigh much, people tend to buy them. But if you want more sturdy stairs, look for products that are made of stainless steel. You must also make sure that the pool stairs you are buying can withstand the weight of every person who will use them.
If you have a good set of pool stairs, they won’t move about, float or fall since they have a broad foundation. Swimmers, including elderly ones, should be able to maintain their balance while entering and exiting the pool by using the handrails. That is why you should consider investing in pool stairs that are sturdy and stable.
Ensure that the pool stairs you are buying are compatible with the pool in your home. The stairs must be able to achieve the maximum height of the pool, and they shouldn’t fall short by even an inch. You should also ensure that the pool stairs you are interested in do not extend beyond the pool height. Most pool steps are between 48 to 50 inches tall when it comes to height. It should be noted that some pool ladders can easily be adjusted by taking some of their steps out.
Apart from the handrails, some additional security features are prevalent among pool stairs, making the whole pool experience safer. While making a purchase, look for stairs that have grips and non-slippery steps to ensure that the swimmer doesn’t slip while getting in or out of the water. Ensure that there are child protection guards to ensure that kids don’t get inside the pool when it is not being used. Most pool stairs also have handrails.
A ladder or set of steps for an above-ground pool can sustain at least 300 pounds, and some can support well over 600 pounds.
For a 52-inch pool, A-frame pool stairs should reach the 52-inch wall height. For an above-ground pool with a 52-inch wall height, the height of the first step on a set of deck pool stairs should be about 45 inches.
Using bungee cords or rope, attach hand-sized dumbbells to the bottom of the steps if you’re having trouble keeping pool stairs fixed to the pool floor. you may also purchase sand-filled pool weights designed for use with above-ground pools to weigh down the steps.