A swimming pool is a wonderful place where your family can enjoy to the fullest. You want your pool to be accessible to all your family members, don’t you? You want your kids and the elders in your family to have an enjoyable swimming session in the pool without running the risk of injuries and falls. When you are buying an above ground pool, you will notice that you also get a ladder along with most of the time. However, it would be prudent on your part not to rely on this ladder entirely.

More often than not, the ladder that is inbuilt with the above ground pool is not of the desired quality and comes with weight restrictions. When you have kids at home, you need to ensure that your pool remains safe and accessible at the same time for them. You would want ladders that come with safety gates that close automatically so that your kids cannot get into the pools without your supervision. Thus, you can see that ladders do play a very important role in ensuring that your family has a safe and enjoyable swimming session.

Also, when you have elderly members of your family, you need to make your swimming pool easily accessible to them.  Most of the in-built ladders that come along with the above-ground pools that you buy aren’t of great quality and they easily break or bend, due to the weight. When you invest in such low-quality pool ladders, you are putting your family’s safety at great risk.

Slipping and falling from a pool ladder can cause serious injuries to the brain, spine or bones. Hence, it is very important to invest in pool ladders that are made from very durable and slip-resistant materials to provide you with great stability. Quality of the materials, weight limitations, safety features (gate, handrails, etc.), size and design and the cost of the pool ladder are some of the important factors that you need to check when investing in pool ladders.

Ensure that you give top priority to the materials and safety features. If you have to pay an additional cost for these features, we would highly recommend you to do so than choosing the low-cost ladders that are made from flimsy materials. After all, your safety is more important than money, isn’t it?

Here are 6 of the good pool ladders that we feel are worth putting your money in:

1. Vinyl Works Slide-Lock A-Frame Above Ground Pool Ladder

Vinyl Works Slide-Lock A-Frame Above Ground Pool Ladder

Above Ground Pool Ladder

Overview

If you are looking for an affordable yet durable pool ladder that comes with reasonable safety measurements installed in it, the Slide-Lock A-Frame Above Ground Pool Ladder from Vinyl Works is the right choice for you. Once you have invested in this ladder, you can rest assured that you have made the entry to and exit from your pool safe and accessible to all your family members, irrespective of their age. Here are some features of this ladder:  

Features

  • Can accommodate a weight of 300lbs
  • Slide-lock design ensures that the exterior ladder can slide up easily so that it can be locked into place; this prevents unnecessary or risky access to the pools
  • Can be easily installed in pools with wall dimensions of 48 to 52 inches
  • Comes with 4 treads on each side, which makes it very easy to use this ladder
  • Comes with an anti-entrapment barrier and swim-through barrier, which improve the security mechanism
  • Durability guaranteed at all times, thanks to the anti-skid surfaces, double-extended handrails (10” downward) and highly durable stainless steel exteriors
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Made from rugged vinyl, which lends extra durability to the ladder
  • Quite affordably priced at just under $150, a good deal considering its quality and longevity
  • Easy climbing guaranteed thanks to the extended handrails
  • When connected with separate kits, the ladder can easily transform into a deck-mounting mode and pool-fencing mode
Cons
  • Railings on the top of the ladder could have been slightly more robust than they are currently
  • Doesn’t include the screws and nuts that are needed for installation
  • Some users didn’t feel that the ladder could hold up to 300lbs of weight as it claimed
Bottom Line A pool ladder’s main job is to provide safety to users when they enter into or exit from the swimming pool. While the A-Frame and Slide-Lock pattern of this Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder from Vinyl Works did find quite a lot of takers, we would ask you to go for it only if you are on a budget. The price is affordable, and the ladder does a great job; however, we feel that the railings could have been sturdier than the current design. For this precise reason, we would suggest you look for better models in the market if you can afford a higher price.

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2. Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Ladder

Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Ladder

Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Ladder

Overview

Looking for a ladder that provides you ultimate protection while getting in or out of your pool? Want a ladder that offers you the flexibility to adjust its length to suit your requirements? If yes, the A-Frame 7200 Above-Ground Pool Ladder with an Adjustable Pool Roll-Guard from Confer Plastics is the right choice for you. Here are some interesting aspects of this ladder that will make you want to own one right away.

Features

  • Comes with an adjustable A-Frame that can be fit pool between 48 and 56 inches tall
  • Very comfortable and broad comfort read steps in the dimensions of 18 x5
  • Comes with an extra-large platform to lend more stability to users
  • Includes lockable Roll Guard Barrier; this ensures that the ladder is rolled over the outer steps when it is not in use
  • Designed to suit pool tops that are up to 14 inches wide
  • Can accommodate a maximum weight of 300lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Comfortable platform to avoid slips and falls
  • Saves spaces as the roll-guard barrier helps the ladder to roll over the outer steps when it is not being used
  • Comes with detailed instructions for installation
  • Adjustable length feature gives you the flexibility to use it as per the requirement of your pool
  • Good value for money as it provides incredible features for just $260
Cons
  • Not compatible with Intex pools, inflatable pools, and pop-up style pools
  • While the instructions are clear, it does take some time to put the ladder together in one piece
  • Some people felt that it could hold only up to 260lbs and not 300lbs as it claimed
Bottom Line The Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Above Ground Adjustable Pool Roll-Guard Safety Ladder is a highly-recommended ladder, especially if you have kids in your family. Its frame can be adjusted, and it has an exclusive feature of the roll guard barrier for increased safety. It is priced at around $260, which is slightly more expensive than some of the other above-ground pool ladders that you might find in the market. Nevertheless, we feel that this ladder is a must-buy as it justifies its price by providing a host of benefits such as efficiency, safety, durability, and consistency.

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3. Blue Wave NE1175

Blue Wave NE1175

Blue Wave NE1175

Overview

If you are looking for a pool ladder that is suitable for all age groups of your family members, affordable and provides you good value for your money, the Blue Wave NE1175 Heavy Duty In-Pool Ladder is a good choice for you. As the name indicates, it is definitely one of the most heavy-duty pool ladders in the market today because it is constructed of high-quality resin. Why is this ladder a good buy? Read on to know more:

Features

  • Constructed using resin, which makes the ladder more durable and corrosion-resistant than most of its counterparts
  • Stairs designed with deep 5-inch, non-slip treads to lend more comfort and stability for people to get into the pools; this makes the ladder a far better choice than ladders with 4-tread design stairs
  • Includes 22-inch high handrails to give more support and grip for people using the ladders, especially the senior citizens
  • Comes with a child-proof barrier, which ensures 100% safety for kids while using the ladders to enter into the pools
  • Can be adjusted to fit deck heights between 48 and 54inches
  • Can accommodate a maximum weight of 300lbs
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Designed to suit adults, kids and the elderly
  • 100% safety assured at all times, thanks to attractive features such as the long handrails, extra-deep non-slip treads, and child-proof barriers
  • Quite affordably priced at around $180
  • Resin construction makes the ladder corrosion-resistant and immune to harsh climatic conditions
Cons
  • Instructions are not very clear for installation; it makes the set-up job quite tough for beginners
  • Some people noticed that the steps fell off after a few days of usage
Bottom Line Though the Blue Wave NE1175 Heavy Duty In-Pool Ladder claims to be one of the most durable pool ladders today, we weren’t quite pleased to read the mixed reviews from the users. Yes, the affordable price, safety features and the all-resin construction made us root for this ladder right from the start; however, the product failed our expectations miserably because the resin construction doesn’t look as sturdy as it ought to be. Also, steps falling off, is a serious issue, even if one user experienced it. So, we would suggest you look for better alternatives if you want a ladder that allows you to enter and exit your pool safely.

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4. Intex Steel Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder for 48” Wall Height Pools

Intex Steel Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder for 48” Wall Height Pools

Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder

Overview

Intex is one of the top brands in manufacturing swimming pool related products, and it doesn’t disappoint with its products at all.  The ladder that we are going to see here, Intex Steel Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder for 48” Wall Height Pools, is no exception to this rule. It is one of the sturdiest and durable ladders that you can find in the stores today for many reasons. Here are some exciting features about this ladder:

Features

  • The double-sided ladder comes with coated steel frame, which is very durable and resistant to corrosion, contaminants and climate changes
  • Includes strong steps that provide high impact and are resistant to slips and skids
  • A solid platform to increase comfort while using the ladder to enter or exit the pool
  • Compatible with pools that have maximum wall dimensions of 48”
  • Can accommodate a maximum weight of 300 pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Good value for money as it provides incredible safety and durability for just around $160
  • Highly credible ladder as it comes from the stables of the globally-renowned brand, Intex
  • Slip-resistant steps make this one of the strongest and most durable ladders in this price range
  • Increased longevity of the ladder as the steel-coated frame can withstand harsh climatic changes
Cons
  • When too much pressure is exerted, the ladder tends to bend a bit
  • Not as easy to install as you would like it to be
Bottom Line When you are getting a pool ladder with steel-coating from Intex at an affordable price of just about $160, we would only recommend you to go for it! The Intex Steel Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder gives you the safety and durability that is needed for your family while getting in and out of the pool at all times. So, we don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t buy it right now.

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5. Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Ladder Warm Grey

Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Ladder Warm Grey

Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Ladder

Overview

Are you looking for a pool ladder that will accommodate larger weights than most of the other ladders in the market? Do you expect your ladder to be the utmost durable and reliable at the same time? If yes, the Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Pool Ladder is the right choice. It comes in a pleasing warm grey color, and as the name indicates, it is designed in a safe staircase-style pattern that you would find inside your homes. Here are some more details about this ladder that will explain to you why many people love this.

Features

  • Comes with heavy-duty, durable steps that can work well for pools with a maximum height of 52inches; the ladder also decks up to a maximum of 60 inches, giving you extra comfort and safety
  • Safe, secure and comfortable entry and exit to the pool area guaranteed at all times, thanks to the extra-wide 31 inches pathway that comes with the ladder
  • Pool step dimensions are 31 x 47 x 32, which gives you good grip and stability while you are using it
  • One of the best features of this ladder is that it can accommodate a maximum weight of 400lbs, whereas most of its counterparts have a maximum limit of 300lbs
  • Steps made from high-quality, heavy-duty and highly durable resin polymers, which makes it resistant to harsh climatic changes and the dangerous UV rays of the sun
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Can withstand a maximum weight of 400lbs, making it an ideal choice for slightly overweight people as well
  • Very easy to assemble the unit and start using them as soon as they have been bought
  • You can be assured of safe entry to and exit from the pool consistently, making it a great choice for a family that has kids or senior citizens or both
Cons
  • Weights need to be inserted in the ladder so that it doesn’t float
  • Quite steeply-priced at just around $400
  • Handrails could have been sturdier than the current quality
Bottom Line We must agree that Confer Plastics has done an amazing job by launching the Confer Staircase Style Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder. The product has been designed with the sole objective of providing comfort and security while entering and exiting the pool, which is the main job of a pool ladder! We are impressed with the design, features, and performance; therefore, we highly recommend this to you, if you can afford the price.

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6. Easy Step Pool Entry With Gate

Easy Step Pool Entry With Gate

Easy Step Pool Entry With Gate

Overview

Now, here is a pool ladder that has been exclusively designed for kids. If you have a lot of kids at home or hold kids’ parties during the weekends or vacations, you need to get this ladder for your backyard above-ground pool. There are not many ladders that have an exclusive target audience in mind. This is where the Easy Step Pool Entry With Gate has impressed us. What are the safety features that it brings to the table so that the safety of the kids is guaranteed at all times during entry and exit from the pool? Read on to know more:

Features

  • Made from robust vinyl that is resistant to corrosion and harsh climate changes
  • Designed in such a way that it is compatible to be used with round or oval pools that are 48 to 54 inches tall
  • Comes with a spring-loaded, self-closing, lockable gate which ensures that kids cannot access the pool without the supervision of the parents or guardians; it also prevents strangers, pedestrians or pets accessing the pool
  • Can accommodate a maximum weight limit of 350lbs
  • Designed with a sturdy platform that protects the top railing of the pool
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • One of the best pool ladders in the market to ensure the safety of kids and pets
  • Extremely durable and lasts for many years as it made from corrosion-resistant vinyl
  • Self-closing gate feature is unique, and you may not find it in many models
  • Steps made from a slip-resistant material
  • Comes with twin handrails to provide extra comfort to the kids
Cons
  • Not suitable for adults; only kids can use this ladder
  • Instruction manual not very clear and it is very difficult to assemble this unit
Bottom Line Our verdict is out! The Easy Step Pool Entry System with Gate is a must-buy only if you have kids using the pool frequently. If you don’t have kids in the house or if your kids don’t use the pool very regularly, you don’t have to invest a huge sum in this ladder. This ladder is exclusively designed for the kids, and the features are in tune with providing ultimate protection to kids. So, don’t bother if you don’t have kids!    

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