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Best Ladder for Above Ground Swimming Pools

Published Jul 15th, 2020 9:11AM EDT

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Cooling off when it’s hot outside is a feat everyone tries to accomplish. Nobody wants to just sit and sweat in the sweltering heat. Searching for a body of water to jump into is something that is on so many people’s minds. If you’re lucky enough to know someone who has an above ground swimming pool or you have one yourself, you surely are looking to spend a ton of time in there during a hot day. But as we know, they may not be the easiest places to come in and out of. That’s why you’ll need to get a ladder to step into and out of the above ground pool safely. The water is contained by walls that rise up, so you’ll need a ladder that will lift you up and over that wall. Take a look at the five ladders we’ve found for your above ground pool and cool off when you’re feeling too hot.

A ladder almost anybody can use

Most Durable

For swimmers who may not have be the strongest of walkers anymore, you’re going to need steps that are sturdy and durable like the Confer Plastics Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder. This fits a deck height of up to 60″ to make getting in and out of the pool simple. Each step has a dimension of 10″ x 27″, so you won’t miss a step when you’re using it. The ladder can hold up to 400 pounds, meaning it’s ready to be used by many. It works with all above ground pools with flat bottoms and it takes almost no time in install. Each step snaps together and you can keep the stairs from floating by putting up to 10 pounds into the four openings. It allows circulation behind it to keep the pool water filtering and moving.

Key Features:

  • Fits deck heights of up to 60″
  • Can hold up to 400 pounds
  • Each step is 10″ x 27″
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Take steps away when storing

Best with Removable Steps

Working with different kinds of pools, the Intex Deluxe Pool Ladder with Removable Steps is easy to use. This can fit both 48″ walls and 52″ walls, because you can remove steps if you need it to fit a different size pool. There is a barrier that allows you to differentiate between two areas. The steps are removable, so you can fold them up and take them away when you’re getting ready to store it. These snap and lock into place, so you don’t have to worry about them moving.

Key Features:

  • Can fit both 48″ and 52″ walls
  • Barrier allows you to differentiate between two areas
  • Snap and lock into place
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For lower above ground pools

Best for Lower Pools

The Bestway 58334E Ladder will help you get in and out of lower pools. This has double-sided steps and the ladder allows swimmers to go into or come out of a pool simply and safely. Each step is heavy-duty and slip-resistant, so it is expected that your feet are wet when you are using them. They are plastic for a better grip. This is 36″ in height, so it’ll work for pools that height or lower. The pool ladder’s frame is made from durable, galvanized and rust-resistant metal.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty and slip-resistant
  • 36″ in height
  • Made from durable, galvanized and rust-resistant metal
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For above ground pools connected to decks

Best Deck Pool Ladder

Reaching up to 81″ in height, the Swim Time Above Ground Swimming Pool Step to Deck makes it easier to get into your pool. For houses that have a pool built into your deck, you’ll need a way to descend into the water. This measures 81″ x 32″ x 32.5″ and each step is 10″ x 27″. You will have to assemble all of the steps into the ladder and the silver metal pole is easy to hold onto. Each step is durable and sturdy to make your trip into the water simple.

Key Features:

  • Reaches up to 81″
  • Assembly required
  • Durable and sturdy
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For foam under your feet

Best Structural Foam Steps

The Main Access 200200 Easy Incline Above Ground in Pool Swimming Pool Ladder Stair Entry System is a solid choice. This is an adjustable pool ladder that can be used between 48″ and 54″. The bottom step is 9.5″ deep and the top step is 6.5″ deep while the steps in between decrease gradually. Made of high impact, corrosion-proof structural foam, this is built to last for years. This has large graduated treads and strong adjustable handrails for durability and safety. Assembly is easy.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable pool ladder
  • Steps decrease gradually
  • Made of high impact, corrosion-proof structural foam
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Chris Hachey Commerce Editor

Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles.

When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog.