3 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
6 Hours of Research
12 Products Considered
You’ve installed your new above ground pool, bought some fun pool toys, and the weather is perfect for a dip. What could be missing? You don’t have any way to get into the pool! Now, you’re shopping around for a ladder or steps but don’t know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of the best above ground pool ladders, steps, and entry systems. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to make the right decision for your home pool, including size considerations, available features, safety tips, and, of course, our hand-picked product recommendations.
[OVERALL ABOVE GROUND POOL LADDERS] Editor's Rating: 4.6/5
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[BEST FOR THE MONEY] 2. Main Access 200200 Easy Incline Above Ground In-Pool Swimming Pool Ladder Editor's Rating: 4.4/5
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[BEST ENTRY SYSTEM FOR ABOVE GROUND POOL] Editor's Rating: 4.4/5
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What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Above Ground Pool Ladders
You might be tempted to think that just about any pool ladder will be sufficient to get you and your fellow swimmers into and out of your pool, but you would be mistaken. In fact, there are several crucial factors you must consider before purchasing your pool entry product. First, you’ll want to determine the appropriate size for your pool set up. Next, it’s important to take into account safety concerns. Then, it’s necessary to consider what materials the products are made from. Only then will you have the information needed to make your final decision: stairs/ladders or entry system?
Size Makes a Big Difference
The first considerations you’ll have when shopping for above ground pool ladders and steps are the space you have available for them and the overall size of your pool. You’ll need to ensure that the ladder or steps you choose can accommodate the height of your pool’s wall. Otherwise, you’ll be taking them right back to the post office to return them.
It’s also important that you determine beforehand how much space you have available to devote to a pool entry device. In our list below, we provide great recommendations for pool setups with both limited and expansive available space.
Consider the Safety of Pool Users, Kids and Pets
When it comes to playing in at-home swimming pools, you must never overlook the importance of safety. That is why our recommended products conform to industry safety standards, and many of them offer innovative safety features to keep you, your kids, and your pets focused on having fun in the sun without the dangers of unsafe equipment.
While the primary concern with pool ladder safety is proper installation, keep in mind these other tips to keep swimmers safe all summer long:
- Mount the ladders away from your pool cleaning vacuum.
- Don’t jump or dive off of the ladder.
- Always monitor children in the pool.
Surface and Material
Another key factor to keep in mind when shopping for above ground pool steps or ladders is the material used to construct them. Most available options are made out of some form of durable plastic suitable for use in chlorinated pools. These plastic materials are designed to withstand ongoing contact with such chemicals. Some, however, may not hold up well in saltwater pools.
Thus, it is important that you check each product before purchasing to ensure that they are constructed from materials that are designed for your particular kind of pool. Otherwise, the lifespan of your product could be compromised.
Pool Stairs or Ladders vs. Entry System
With all these considerations out of the way, you can finally get on with choosing which kind of pool entry equipment you want for your pool. There are two main categories to choose from: stairs and ladders or pool entry systems.
Stairs and ladders are fairly self-explanatory. While ladders tend to be designed with basic, unenclosed rungs attached to a frame that straddles the pool wall, stairs are often housed in some sort of enclosure to prevent slipping through the steps.
Pool entry systems, on the other hand, usually include enclosed steps and advanced security and safety features, like gates.
Best Above Ground Pool Ladder Reviews
The Confer Above Ground Swimming Pool Curve Base Steps are our top overall recommendation as they are clearly the best above ground pool steps currently on the market.
Molded from resin that is proven to withstand contact with pool chemicals like chlorine, the Confer Curve Base steps are guaranteed to offer durability and safety for all swimmers. And with its 400-pound weight capacity, we really do mean all swimmers!
Assembly is fool-proof, with no tools required—just snap the pieces together. It’s practically ready to use right out of the box. Installation doesn’t get much easier than that! The only additional step would be to optionally add ballast weight to the steps for stability.
These steps are also an excellent choice for most above ground pools due to their limited footprint. At 32”x38”, these steps will fit comfortably in almost any space. And their neutral two-tone appearance will integrate seamlessly into any backyard décor or color scheme.
Editor's Rating
4.5/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
The only “true” ladder on our list, the Main Access 200200 Easy Incline In-Pool ladder offers an outstanding value for your money.
While not as feature-rich as some of the other options we’ve listed, this ladder is a workhorse. Its simple, no-frills design makes it the perfect budget ladder for above ground pools.
Unlike some other less-expensive and somewhat less-safe choices, like the standard Intex pool ladder, the Main Access Easy Incline has an almost unnoticeable footprint.
With its very slight dimensions (23”x10”), this ladder will practically disappear at the side of your pool. So, if deck space is a concern for you, you can’t go wrong with this option. Despite its smaller size, this ladder still offers slip-proof climbing thanks to the graduated treads on the steps, which are thicker and more grippy than on other models. And it conforms to the highest industry standards for safety.
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
If the Main Access Easy Incline ladder is an excellent choice for its simplicity, small footprint, and no-nonsense design, then the Confer Entry System for Above Ground Pools is outstanding for all the opposite reasons.
Being among the best above ground pool stairs available, this pool entry system is packed with features, larger and more robust than other options, and designed with all the bells-and-whistles you could ask for.
While it simply offers too many to list here, the best aspects of this spectacular pool entry system are clearly its innovative safety features. Of these features, the most impressive and useful is the Confer Entry System’s self-enclosed gate with automatic latch closure.
These items are designed to prevent children and animals from entering the pool when they are not being watched by adults. And the included padlock will ensure even the most clever little ones won’t be able to put themselves in danger.
But it’s not just the safety features; Confer has truly thought of everything.
For instance, slats in the sides of the steps allow water to flow more freely through them, preventing algae growth from dead water. Indeed, if there is a feature you want in a pool entry system, this one is sure to have you covered.
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
It should come as no surprise that we’re featuring yet another product from this great Canadian manufacturer: the Confer Plastics Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder. Confer has a reputation for making high-quality, durable products that adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry.
Like other Confer pool ladders, this one also features a no-tool snap on assembly process, making installation a piece of cake. Despite the snap on assembly and relatively small size, this ladder can still accommodate swimmers up to 400 pounds.
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
For our last model from this reputable manufacturer, we’re recommending the Confer Plastics Above Ground InPool Step & Ladder. This item features large, 270 square inch steps, facilitating sturdy, stable entry for you and your guests.
Perhaps the feature that makes these some of the best rated above ground pool steps available is Confer’s innovative flip-up ladder treads. When set to an upright position and secured with the included padlock, kids and pets will be unable to enter the pool when they are not being monitored by an adult.
Editor's Rating
4.1/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
If you want affordable walk in steps for above ground pool, then the Splash Net Express Blue Wave Easy Pool Step should be near the top of your list.
Between the easy installation process, perforated steps for algae prevention, and included mat, you’ll certainly get an excellent value for your buck.
Most importantly, these steps adhere to strict NSPI safety standards to prevent accidents like swimmer entrapment between the steps and pool wall.
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
The Blue Wave Roll Guard A-Frame Pool Ladder is a great choice for you if you’re looking for a ladder or steps with a simple design that still includes innovative safety features.
This ladder features an innovative “roll guard” design that prevents unwanted access to the pool, while also inhibiting smaller swimmers from getting caught between the treads.
Finally, the neutral, light gray color isn’t as unsightly as some other options available.
Editor's Rating
4.5/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like