Above Ground Pool Steps: A Buyer’s Guide

above-ground-pool-step

One of the most vital pieces of accessory equipment for your above ground pool, your step or stair system serves as a means of entering and exiting the pool, but also should be a deterrent to unauthorized use.

If you’ve been using the small, wobbly A-frame ladder that came with your pool several years ago, perhaps it’s time to step-up to a newer model. An above ground step that’s more stable and sturdy.

Modern above ground pool stairs are built for form and function. Stylish, and sturdy, advances have also been made that make it easier to lock the ladder on the outside of the pool, to keep curious children from getting into the pool.

Here’s a look at some features and benefits of our above ground pool steps.

Comparing Above Ground Ladders and Steps

Adjustable Height: For this comparison, you’ll need to know the floor to top rail measurement, taken with a rigid tape measure. Most steps are adjustable from 48″ to 56″, but some will go to 58″ or even 60″ overall heights.

Weight Capacity: Maybe not a concern for all, but if you have swimmers that are exceedingly heavy, and maybe more than one, you’ll find that pool steps have a higher weight capacity than ladders, as high as 400 lbs.

Safety Features: For above ground pools without a deck, where an A-frame style, up and over ladder/step combo is used, the outside ladder must be lockable. The Safe & Secure step system has a self-closing gate.

Pool Steps or Ladders?

Steps have wider treads which are safer and easier to use than ladders, which require more strength to pull yourself out of the pool. This is because ladders are more vertical than the wider more horizontal pool steps.

Ladder systems are an A-frame design composed of two ladders, one on each side of the pool. Economy versions are a little shaky to use, whereas the better double ladders are wider with a more stable footprint.

Economy step systems utilize a wide in-pool step, which is great for ease of entry and exit, and serves as a nice place to sit in the pool – but come with a steep exterior ladder, which can be difficult for some folks to climb.

Deluxe step systems have wider treads on both sides of the pool, an easier to use dual step system, rather than the aforementioned in-pool step with external ladder.


Above ground pools with a deck can use steps like the one pictured above. They sit right against the inside wall and the horizontal arms screw into the deck. For safety, please ensure that the steps leading up to your deck have a self-closing, self-latching gate, and a small padlock would be a good idea too.

The Staircase Step

  • Grey, 28″ wide steps are easy to see
  • Thin profile uses up less of your pool area
  • No tools needed, snap together installation
  • 3 year warranty
The Curve Step

The Curve Step

  • Adjustable feet reduce liner wear, ensure level installation and allows for full water flow
  • Wide treads have a flattering curved design
  • Dual handrails for ease of use
buy the mighty step for aboveground pools

The Mighty Step in 30″ & 38″

  • Safe, non-skid treads and dual hand rails
  • Full water flow thru and under prevents algae
  • Easiest installation, assemble in just minutes
  • Side panels serve as ballasts, just fill with sand.

All of these above ground pool steps support 400 lbs, ship FedEx, and are made of high density resin polymers for superior UV resistance. They fit flat bottomed pools, with wall heights from 48-54 inches, with arms to attach to your existing pool deck.


Above ground pools without a deck will need to have a step or ladder on the outside of the pool, in addition to the steps on the inside of the pool. These outside steps should be in the locked position when the pool is not in use, to prevent small children from climbing into the pool, unsupervised.

resin-pool-deck-kit

Resin Side Deck with Steps and Gate

  • All Resin with Steel reinforcement channels
  • Safe and sturdy, locking ladder holds 300 lbs
  • Overhangs your pool top rail
  • Pre-Engineered for fast assembly
  • Available in curved models for round pools

Deluxe Step Entry System w/ Gate

  • Pre-drilled for optional in-pool light
  • Designed to meet strict local pool codes
  • Gate opens outward; self-close & self-latch
  • Sturdy design supports 300 lbs, 8×20″ steps
  • Thin profile only takes up 22″ inside pool

Roll Guard A-Frame Safety Ladder

  • Locking Roll Guard barrier blocks outside ladder treads when not in use
  • When unlocked, barrier rolls into a slot
  • Innovative function and eye-pleasing design
  • 5″x18″ treads in a contemporary curved frame
  • 5 year, limited pro-rated warranty
  • Ladder guard operates manually

Confer Double Step System

  • Easy opening gate is self-closing, self-latching
  • Extra wide 10″x27″ treads for ease of use
  • No sand needed, steps fill with water
  • 400 lbs. load capacity
  • Adjustable from 48 to 54 inches
  • Meets APSP/ANSI Standards

Here’s some additional information taken from our Help File FAQ’s

Q: Do these steps stay in the pool all winter?
A: If you winterize the pool, remove the pool steps before closing.

Q: Are these pool steps heavy enough to stay in place?
A: Not by themselves, just fill the ballast container with sand or water.

Q: Do I need to use a Step Pad?
A: It is recommended, to protect your liner.

Q: Will the Deluxe or Roll Guard Step fit my 12″ wide top rail?
A: The top, horizontal rail? These will fit up to 14″ wide.

Q: Can I use these steps on my inground pool, or dished-out pool?
A: These pool steps are made for flat bottom pools, without slope and without curved wall to floor transitions. The Grand Entrance step has a version made for inground pools.

Well then, I hope I’ve made your above ground pool step shopping easier! Thanks for reading!