Create a Safer Entry for Your Pool With the Best Pool Ladders

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Your new above-ground pool is finally set up and ready to go, filter pump and all. Now, there’s just one thing you need to get to start taking those daily dips you’ve been dreaming about: a pool ladder. It may seem like an easy purchase to make, but there are several important factors to consider before buying a pool ladder, particularly when it comes to safety. Whether you’re looking for a budget pick or something more stylish and high-end, here are our top recommendations for the best pool ladders on the market right now.

Best Pool Ladders

What to Consider

Pool ladders are generally made of alloy stainless steel or resin, both of which are corrosion-resistant. For above-ground pools, A-frame ladders are by far the most popular style. There’s practically zero installation necessary and you can snag a basic model for well under $75.

If you have small children, look out for models with added safety features, like removable steps or locking gates. If you have an above-ground pool set into a deck, you’ll want an in-pool ladder, and features such as wide, graduated steps and handrails that extend to the bottom of the pool. There are also ladders made specifically for in-ground pools, though they're harder to find on sites like Amazon and Walmart.

How We Selected

All of the pool ladders we cover below have an average of four stars or more, and the majority are made for above-ground pools. We chose options in popular sizes, styles, and across multiple price points. We also made a point to include ladders with safety features mentioned above, and we highlighted major specs for every ladder we wrote about, such as maximum weight capacity and dimensions.

For more great ways to upgrade your swim setup, check out our picks for the best pool floats, inflatable pools, and pool heaters! Plus, learn how easy it is to make your own stock tank pool complete with filter.

Above Ground Pool Ladder and Protective Mat

If you're worried about your pool ladder scratching up the bottom liner, then a protective mat can help. It will provide a safe grip for your ladder, while also creating a cushion between the ladder and the liner to prevent wear.

The ladder can be adjusted to fit pools between 48 and 56 inches tall, and there is a lockable roll guard barrier for added safety.

Smart Step System Pool Ladder

This design from Main Access is a step-and-ladder combo, making getting in and out of the pool a breeze. It's made with heavy-duty resin, and can hold up to 300 pounds.

It has a no-swim zone behind the steps, and a lift-and-lock feature for added safety. You can adjust the ladder from 48 to 54 inches depending on your in-ground pool size.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Step to Deck

Those seeking an ultra-sturdy in-pool ladder will want to consider a more substantial option, like this one, with wide steps that have deep treads to prevent slipping, plus handrails that extend to the base.

The all-weather resin ladder fits above-ground pools up to 54 inches deep and is made to be filled with roughly 40 pounds of sand for excellent stability. Also, the steps are perforated for better water flow to prevent algae from growing. The ladder has a 350-pound maximum weight capacity.

Heavy-Duty In-Pool Ladder

For less than $250 at the time of this writing, you can get this pool ladder from Confer. It’s made of a durable resin that won’t rust or fade, and it weighs less than 30 pounds.

The ladder can be adjusted to pools between 48 and 52 inches deep, and can attach to a deck that surrounds it. It can hold up to 300 pounds at once, and has an average 4.6-star rating from over 1,500 reviewers.

Above-Ground In-Pool Ladder

If your pool is set into a deck, this affordable, versatile in-pool ladder is your best bet. The white ladder works for pools with walls that are between 48 and 54 inches tall, and features 24-inch-wide molded plastic steps with non-slip treads and adjustable, corrosion-resistant aluminum handrails. Its graduated steps and thick, sturdy design make it a good option for young kids and older folks alike.

Premium Stainless Steel Above Ground In-Pool Ladder

This eye-catching in-pool ladder looks sleeker than the one above, with a higher price tag to match. It’s designed for above-ground pools up to 54 inches deep, made of reinforced stainless steel with treads on the steps to prevent slipping, plus the base pivots to accommodate pools that have sloped bottoms. The ladder is 24 inches wide and it comes with aluminum deck-mounting hardware.

Adjustable Gated Pool Ladder

This A-frame ladder may have a hefty price tag, but it has a locking gate that adds extra safety if you don’t want to the hassle of removing steps. The ladder can be used for pools ranging from 48 to 56 inches tall and is made of all-weather resin with stainless steel hardware.

There are two deck-mount flanges included for added stability and the ladder has a 300-pound maximum weight capacity. The 5-year manufacturer's warranty is also a nice bonus.

Stainless Steel 3-Step Ladder

This no-frills in-ground pool ladder is made of rust-resistant stainless steel, with three treaded rungs and rubber end caps to keep it firmly in place. The double handrails are ergonomically curved, and the distance between steps are inches apart, so climbing out of the pool won’t feel like scaling a mountain. The ladder has a 300-pound weight capacity and is nearly 5 feet high and 26 inches wide.

Above Ground Grand Entry Steps

If you’re looking to make an impression on folks who come over to swim in your pool, then these stairs will do the trick. They’re a great addition to above-ground pools, and are available in two colors to match your outdoor aesthetic.

The stairs have included handrails that can be snapped into place for extra support while getting into a pool, and can hold up to 400 pounds at once. They’re about four feet high, so keep that in mind when you’re trying to line them up with the height of your pool in your yard.

52-Inch Pool Ladder with Removable Steps

A pool ladder with removable steps is a smart choice if you have young children and generally want a safer pool area. This ladder is similar to our 48-inch value pick above, with a coated gray alloy steel frame that resists corrosion, a 300-pound maximum weight capacity, and white slip-resistant steps. Several customers say that the steps are easy to remove and reattach to the ladder’s frame.

52-Inch Pool Ladder

This 52-inch ladder is the same Intex model as our 48-inch value pick, but it deserves mention because it’s a best-seller. It has all the same features as the 48-inch model, including a corrosion-resistant alloy steel frame coated with a gray finish, steps with anti-slip treads, and a 300-pound maximum weight capacity.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?