We purchased a set of "wedding cake" steps last year for our new above ground pool. I detested them the entire time. We got the PVC pipes and filled them with sand etc... but they still floated and moved especially if there were lots of kids playing or splashing. Not to mention getting them out to close the pool for the winter. GRRR! Does anyone have any recommendations for steps that can bolted to the deck that won't float?
Pool steps that DON'T float
- Thread starter mommytotwins
- Start date
Confer Deck Straight In Pool Above Ground Steps, CON63552
These are what I have. Notice how they bolt to the deck. No problem with floating and not problem keeping them clean.
Kim
These are what I have. Notice how they bolt to the deck. No problem with floating and not problem keeping them clean.
Kim
I have these confer steps. I put about 25 pounds of sand in each side frame as per instruction, also tip the steps side to side like the directions said to make sure the steps fill with water and purge out all the air. The steps will still float and move a little with a lot of wave action in the pool. I didn't have my deck completely finished so I was unable to get the deck brackets fastened down last season but I'm pretty confident that will keep them in position. It's not like they float all over but with kids climbing in and out, jumping off them they did move. They weren't too bad to get out of the pool, I was able to pull them out by myself but two people would make it easier. They are pretty heavy until the water drains out.
These were very nice and stable compared to the plastic ladder in our old pool. I'm 6'+ and about 275 and they handle me just fine. Much nicer for folks that don't get around so well. My mom felt a lot more secure using these over the ladder. They were super easy to assemble and surprising how strong and securely they fasten together.
These were very nice and stable compared to the plastic ladder in our old pool. I'm 6'+ and about 275 and they handle me just fine. Much nicer for folks that don't get around so well. My mom felt a lot more secure using these over the ladder. They were super easy to assemble and surprising how strong and securely they fasten together.
I drilled a BUNCH of 1" holes in my wedding cake steps for circulation mostly and sinking on a secondary note. Took out the original 2 50 lb bags of sand and refilled it into a bunch of capped bleach bottles to get them in and out of the hole easier. They might "shift" a bit-----but they don't float. Still a slight algae problem though. Welcome!
johnnysnok
Well-known member
Shouldn't your hand rail should be able to screw down to your deck to keep the steps from floating along with the other weighting options it comes with?
I had the same issues. I filled 4 4or4" pvc pipes with cement and then capped them. I then put plastic ties tight around the pipes and then used other ties to secure it to the steps after I put them in the water. I put one underneath the bottom step and one in the middle and one at the back of the steps. I then put the last on on the bottom step of the side steps to keep that from floating up. At the end of the season, I used a pair of wire cutters to cut the ties, lifted them out of the water and was able to lift the steps out of the water by myself. Last year was the first year that I had the steps and it worked out pretty well.
kk_isme
0
I have the confer steps, too. I thought I wanted to upgrade to wedding cake steps, but IDK. I hear a lot of negative reviews. So, I guess I'll wait til they make improvements in the design.
I use the Confer 6000 heavy duty pool ladder. It has brackets that mount to your deck. The ladder actually slides down on to these brackets for height adjustment. I drilled holes for 4 stainless steel bolts with wing nuts that hold the ladder onto the brackets. When I want to vacuum the pool, I simply remove the 4 wingnuts and slide the ladder up off the brackets while the water drains out of the ladder. The weight of the water in the ladder holds it in place with no problem. I did enlarge all the fill/drain holes on the ladder to facilitate faster draining/filling when taking in and out. It has worked perfectly for 4 years now. It is very sturdy and safe feeling when entering and exiting pool. We have a couple of large family members that will testify to this.