Pool Ladder – How to Choose for Above-Ground, In-Ground and Salt Pools
A pool ladder is chosen by pool type: an above-ground pool needs a two-sided ladder matched to the wall height, while an in-ground pool needs a stainless steel ladder with anchors in the coping. For salt water, AISI 316 steel is used. At Baseini.NET we offer all three types.
In short:
- The ladder for an above-ground pool is chosen by wall height: Azuro is for walls up to 1.22 m, and Azuro De Luxe up to 1.23 m.
- An in-ground pool needs a ladder with anchors fixed to the coping or to the concrete slab.
- The Muro ladder made of AISI 304 is suitable for chlorinated water without salt.
- For salt water or electrolysis, a ladder made of AISI 316 steel is used.
- The number of steps on an in-ground pool ladder is determined by the pool depth and the height of the coping.
- When the pool is not in use, the ladder is removed.
How do you choose a pool ladder?
A pool ladder is chosen in four steps, the first being the pool type. Follow this order:
- Determine the pool type: above-ground (inflatable or frame-assembled) or in-ground.
- Measure the wall height of the above-ground pool, or the depth and coping height of the in-ground one.
- Check whether the water is salty or is disinfected by salt electrolysis.
- Choose the model and number of steps, and for an in-ground pool – the type of steps as well.
The most common mistake is the height: a ladder for a lower pool does not reach the edge, and a ladder with fewer steps for an in-ground pool does not reach the bottom. So measure before you order. All models are in the category pool ladders.
What ladder does an above-ground pool need?
An above-ground pool needs a two-sided ladder: one half is outside and the other in the water. The Azuro ladder has 4 steps on each side and is for inflatable and prefabricated pools with a wall up to 1.22 m. The Azuro ladder with 4 steps supports up to 100 kg and weighs 9.5 kg.
For a higher wall, up to 1.23 m, there is the Azuro De Luxe ladder with 3 steps. Its frame is made of galvanized lacquered or stainless steel, and the components are made of hardened ABS plastic. The load capacity is also 100 kg. A model with an upper platform can be found in the Azuro De Luxe series.
The ladder for an above-ground pool is assembled following the manufacturer’s instructions and placed on a level, stable base. Check the connections and steps before each use. The ladder is for getting in and out, not for jumping. More models are in the category ladders for above-ground pools.
What ladder does an in-ground pool need?
An in-ground pool needs a stainless steel ladder fixed to the coping with anchors. The Comfort ladder has 3 or 4 steps, for pools with a depth of at least 1.10 m. It is made of AISI 304, with Ø 43 mm handrails, is 500 mm wide and supports 120 kg.
The Muro series by Atlas Pool has 2, 3, 4 or 5 steps and a width of 51 cm. The Muro ladder made of AISI 304 has straight side tubes and curved upper handles, so it takes up little space in the water. The steps are non-slip steel, steel or plastic. The rosettes and mounting parts are included.
If you want a wider ladder, the Mixta ladder made of AISI 304 has the same width between the tubes, but with a 0.66 m box and handles curved outwards. The number of steps is chosen by the pool depth and the coping height. The Muro and Mixta ladders are for pools with vertical walls. More models are in the category ladders for in-ground pools.
| Pool type | Model | Steps | Basic data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above-ground | Azuro | 4 | wall up to 1.22 m, 100 kg |
| Above-ground | Azuro De Luxe | 3 | wall up to 1.23 m, 100 kg |
| Built-in | Comfort | 3 or 4 | depth from 1.10 m, AISI 304, 120 kg |
| Built-in | Muro and Mixta | 2–5 | AISI 304, optional non-slip steps |
| In-ground, salt water | Muro AISI 316 | 2–5 | AISI 316 steel, width 51 cm |
Which ladder is for a pool with salt water?
A pool with salt water needs a ladder made of AISI 316 stainless steel, for example Muro made of AISI 316. AISI 316 is steel with added molybdenum and is more resistant to chlorides than AISI 304. That is why it is recommended for salt water and salt electrolysis.
The Comfort ladder must not be used in a pool whose water is disinfected by salt electrolysis. For chlorinated water without salt, Muro made of AISI 304 is entirely sufficient and more affordable. Ladders for a salt pool are in the category AISI 316 steel ladders. For the amount of salt, see the article how much salt to put in a pool.
How do you install it and protect it in winter?
The anchors of an in-ground pool ladder must be securely fixed in the concrete slab, and the ladder firmly fastened to them. The anchors are not concreted separately, without the ladder in place, because the spacing may turn out wrong. Before use, check that the ladder is complete and undamaged.
The stainless steel Comfort ladder is maintained with a pH of 7.0–7.4 and free chlorine below 1 mg/l. Concentrated chemicals and a floating chlorine dispenser must not touch the stainless steel parts. Deposits are cleaned at least once every three months with a suitable preserving product.
After the season, the ladder is cleaned and stored in a dry place, away from chlorine products and iron. The ladder for an above-ground pool is dismantled, cleaned and stored dry during long periods of non-use and in winter. The ladder must be removed when the pool is not in use, as in the safety rules for home pools. For preparing the water, see also the article winterizing the pool.
Worn parts are replaced separately: for steps, sleeves, rubber feet and anchoring kits there is the category spare parts for ladders.
Frequently asked questions
Which pool ladder is for an inflatable pool?
The ladder for an inflatable pool is two-sided and is chosen by wall height. Azuro is for walls up to 1.22 m, and Azuro De Luxe up to 1.23 m. Both support 100 kg.
How many steps should an in-ground pool have?
The number of steps depends on the pool depth and the coping height. The Muro and Mixta ladders have 2, 3, 4 or 5 steps. Measure the pool before you order.
Can the Comfort ladder be used with salt water?
No. The Comfort ladder must not be used in a pool with salt electrolysis. For salt water, there is Muro made of AISI 316 steel.
How often should deposits be cleaned?
Deposits on the Comfort ladder are cleaned at least once every three months. A suitable preserving product is then applied. After the season, the ladder is stored dry.
Should the ladder stay in the pool during winter?
No. The ladder is removed when the pool is not in use. The ladder for an above-ground pool is dismantled, cleaned and stored in a dry place.
