How to choose a swimming pool ladder?

How to place or install a pool ladder? Essential accessory in a pool with a little depth, the ladder is chosen according to several criteria. Here are some tips for choosing a ladder that's right for your pool size, height, and watertightness.

If you want to install a swimming pool, all the little details must be settled in advance: decorative cladding, choice of cleaning equipment, lighting, model of stairs, waterproofing, copings...

You might think there's nothing easier than choosing and installing a ladder for your swimming pool, but once you see the huge range of different models in front of you, you might be overwhelmed. All the possibilities.

You are probably wondering how to install a pool ladder and can you save money by making it with your own hands? We will talk about all this in the article.

Design features

Ladders for swimming pools today are presented in a wide range, and choosing the best option will not be difficult. Of course, if you know what requirements the design should meet. First, you need to choose a ladder based on the shape and size of the pool, then look at the look and cost.

Stainless steel ladders equipped with handrails and rubber coverings on the steps are the most popular. They are reliable, durable and look neat in any pool.

Types of ladders

There are many types of ladders, but their shape determines the design of the pool itself. So, in a small children's pool, it will not be wise to install a spiral staircase or a variant with high and narrow steps. In this case, it is better to opt for a model with wide treads or even with a slide for a fun descent into the water.

All models can be divided into several categories:

Fixed stairs or Roman steps: they are often made of the same material as the pool tank. They are sturdy, durable, easy to use and safe. Children or adults can play or relax on the wide steps or the bay.

Attachable ladders:  these ladders are made of stainless steel, are lightweight and take up little space. They are easy to transport and, if necessary, to install in another place.

As well as being relatively inexpensive, pool ladders are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing and can add appeal to the practicalities of the pond or define the style of your own swimming pool. Stainless steel ladders can be three, four or five levels. The first is used for pools with a depth of 140 cm, the second is used for pools with a depth of 140 cm to 180 cm and the last is used for a depth of more than 180 cm.

If you have young children, a plastic ladder with a slide would be a great solution for your pool.

Installation of pool ladders

The assembly of the ladder to the pool depends on the characteristics of the edge (narrow or wide), the capacity of the structure and the materials of the tank. Thus, for all pool ladders, two installation methods are applied, on the tabs and on the flanges. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Whichever installation method you choose, be sure to place the ladder in the brightest part of the pool.

Installing the bracket

This installation method is suitable for all types of pools. The attachment is very strong and can withstand a high load. The notch for the ladder rung should be installed level with the surface of the pool walkway. Prepare the installation site well in advance of the finishing work. If this is not possible, you will have to drill or chisel a hollow in the coating (mosaic, tile).

For each shoe, you will need to make two intersecting holes, each having a diameter slightly larger than the size of the binding. The best way to do this is to use a drill to get the holes straight and clean, especially if the tiles need to be cut. But if you don't have a drill, you'll need to finish them off with a hammer drill. It is also possible to drill using a drill bit, but this is quite expensive and wears out quickly, is difficult to handle with the tiles and requires the use of a powerful hammer.

If you drill along the contour of the shoe with a tool having a small tile diameter, you will not get a clean hole you will most likely break the tile. Only a drill can be used to drill the tiles. You can rent one for a few hours or ask a friend for one.

Installation on flanges

Sling ladders cannot support heavy loads, and are therefore suitable for small swimming pools, children's pools or when there are no heavy people in the family. The main advantage of flange mounting is that the ladder can be moved at any time.

To install the flange brackets, you will need to drill four holes for each one. Threaded anchors or plastic dowels with stainless steel threaded bolts approximately 100mm long can be used as fasteners.

How to install the flanges

Determine the fixing points and make a marking. The easiest way to do this is to place the ladder with the brackets in the position where you want to install it.

Using a spirit level, align the ladder vertically and use a marker to mark the drill points on the bypass.

It is very desirable to avoid hitting the bar while drilling. If not, you will either need to remove one of the four bolts or adjust the position of the ladder.

All that remains is to drive pegs, bolts or anchors into the connection system.

Mistakes made when installing a pool ladder

The same mistakes are often made when installing pool stairs. First, the structures are assembled after removing the protective film. This results in unsightly scratches on the ladder before its first use, which can cause rust. Second, they choose the wrong fasteners to mount the flanges and the screws are too short or too thin. Therefore, sooner or later the ladder is simply torn off "with the roots". By the way, ladders come with such unsuitable fixings, so it is better to buy them separately than to use them. Use a spirit level, stainless steel fixings and a tile drill during installation to ensure the staircase is properly installed.