7 Best Above Ground Pool Ladders Reviews of 2021 | For a Safe Pool Entry

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.

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