Recommend me a ladder for my deck, please

[BB_Mike]

What are you all using? Any tips to watch out for?

I use salt water, so aluminum is out unless I pay to powder coat it.

I prefer it not touch the bottom.
It need to be removable without much effort because I often use a cover, but i may switch to a floating solar cover and make this a mute point.

Thanks!

 

[HermanTX]

What are you all using? Any tips to watch out for?

I use salt water, so aluminum is out unless I pay to powder coat it.

I prefer it not touch the bottom.
It need to be removable without much effort because I often use a cover, but i may switch to a floating solar cover and make this a mute point.

Thanks!

I am not positive how you want this ladder to be set up but look at the Saftron website. I have purchased a railing from them and very pleased. You have to purchase from a distributor - just call them and they will give you contact info for them in your area.

 

[BB_Mike]

Here is an example:
RecPro Marine Pontoon Boat Dock Heavy Duty Aluminum 4 Step Removable Boarding Ladder AL-A4 https://a.co/d/fTAseoM

If this was stainless I would buy it today. So I just want a top mount with no touching of the pool liner at all.

 

[Newdude]

Here is an example:

I inherited the confer version of that one when we moved. It was sturdy and a nice setup.




*edit. It touched the bottom though. You will need a BEEFY deck and ladder to hang without touching anything IMO.

 

[HermanTX]

Here is an example:
RecPro Marine Pontoon Boat Dock Heavy Duty Aluminum 4 Step Removable Boarding Ladder AL-A4 https://a.co/d/fTAseoM

If this was stainless I would buy it today. So I just want a top mount with no touching of the pool liner at all.

Closest I could find but does come in different heights. It fits in the deck mounts which makes for easy removal. You can call them as they do say they do custom orders.

https://saftron.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Saftron-Dock-Ladders-2-sidesLR.pdf

 

[Decoy205]

It’s gonna be tricky to get a ladder that doesn’t touch the bottom. I ended up with the blue torrent st croix. I wanted the confer version though. CONFER 6000X HEAVY DUTY INPOOL LADDER FOR DECKS FROM 42IN TO 56IN HIGH https://a.co/d/gB5Bnm7

I’m Using a liner pad and bleach jugs filled with rocks to weigh it down.

 

[Newdude]

^^^^^ that link is exactly the one I had.

I liked its foot print to disperse the weight while using it. It was also real sturdy as a 6'4" / 275 lb dude that usually breaks things like that.

 

[BB_Mike]

Thanks guys, that one made it on my list and its good to have some real world experience to go with it.

I am leaning towards this one in stainless steel:

Amazon.com: classAcustoms #77300104 4 Step 304 Stainless Steel Boat Ladder | Dock Ladder | Swim Platform | Pontoon | Deck Boat | Ski Boat Ladder : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: classAcustoms #77300104 4 Step 304 Stainless Steel Boat Ladder | Dock Ladder | Swim Platform | Pontoon | Deck Boat | Ski Boat Ladder : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

That portion below the mounting level is 44". My deck to the bottom of my pool should be 56" That should put it about 1' off my pool floor. It is not quickly removable like the aluminum ladders are, but I have a TIG welder and I may just add some tabs onto the end and give that a shot. I am worried about the longevity of it being only $120. If it works well enough, I will buy a spare or revert back to my standard issue intex ladder and get in from the non-deck side of the pool.


Well that one is out of stock. I am going to paste some more options in here as I find them...

https://www.amazon.com/Dock-Edge-Ladder-Step-Stand/dp/B01CZ2YPQ0?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

These foilding telescoping seem to be the most plentifull option. Not sure I like the skinny steps though...

Amazon.com

the knock off version of that:

Stainless Steel 4 Steps 14.6" Wide Boat Ladder Folding Dock Ladder 2" wide step | eBay

Folded Ladder Length (Not Included Handrail):Approx. 16.42" / 417mm. Extended Ladder Height(Not Included Handrail):Approx. 45.47" / 1155mm. Step Width:Approx.2" / 50mm. Extra tall, comfortable handrails for easy boarding.

www.ebay.com

 

[BB_Mike]

Two more.
this one is galvanized and then powder coated white, but is stationary.

Howell Stationary Dock Ladder, 4-Step

Featuring white galvalume construction, this ladder is perfect for use on docks, seawalls, or swim rafts.

www.overtons.com

there are many versions out there of this next one, but i found one that has a horizontal mounting plate near the pool edge:

Overton's Top Mounted 4 Step Stainless Steel Swim Platform Ladder

Overton's

www.overtons.com

I believe I am going to just go with a telescoping boat style. They can be a bit wobbly, but I can have my stock intex ladder on hand for people who need that progressive exit.

 

[BB_Mike]

I have changed my mind on this more times than at McDonalds!

My final order was for a galvalume ladder that was fixed attachment and white powder coated. I plan to modify it to be a full flip up.
link here: Howell Stationary Dock Ladder, 4-Step

Those plastic/resin flip up types can get very heavy when filled with water. I saw a video of a grown man using a 8' long piece of decking board as a fulcrum and it bent the board over some!
The telescoping boat style make for a dangerous protrusion into the pool once folded up. That is right at eye level for most kids. Would ruin a game of marco polo quick. And the grab handle is only ~10" out of the water.
The only downside to the model I ordered is the powder coated steps could be slippery. I plan to put an anti slip something on them. Starting with a stick on thing, then moving up from there.

My second choice was the stainless ladder with plastic steps:

Amazon.com: classAcustoms #77300104 4 Step 304 Stainless Steel Boat Ladder | Dock Ladder | Swim Platform | Pontoon | Deck Boat | Ski Boat Ladder : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: classAcustoms #77300104 4 Step 304 Stainless Steel Boat Ladder | Dock Ladder | Swim Platform | Pontoon | Deck Boat | Ski Boat Ladder : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[Newdude]

How sturdy is the deck ? Bulkhead / Dock / concrete sturdy ? The collars and the ladder connection points need to be just as beefy if it's to be a free floating ladder.

The marine grade applications are assuming an unmovable base

 

[BB_Mike]

Sturdy. 6x6 posts in cement as well as 4x4 posts at the pool Tees.

Here is a video:

I am happy with the result after my little shim hack to make the steps less wobbly.

I have decided not to convert it to flip up because I think it is too dangerous should it get dropped on a swimmer's head.

I believe the ladder is galvanized inside and out, then powder coated. Below the wood deck are nuts that attach to the wood, much like a nut cert. Lowes has them. Then I put a 2nd nut below that so the all-thread does not spin. I need to add some spacers and hand knobs for easy removal. The less stuff that stays in the pool = less bacteria to grow on

 

[Pv2]

why didn't you want something to touch the bottom? ladders hardly ever hurt the liners and with intex pvc I can't imagine it ever being a problem. I have had sand and small pebbles under and around the ladder, never had an issue. Way back in the day I had a Sears low end AG pool and it came with a steel and wood ladder...the bolts holding the bottom wood piece eventually rusted out and did poke a hole but it was an easy patch. The resin products now are far superior to the low grade stainless that seems to be out there in terms of longevity in water.

 

[BB_Mike]

1) for algae. Anything touching the bottom would be plastic and can trap bacteria below and within.
2) I have foam below my liner and did not 2ant a ladder to change depths over time or be unstable on that foam.

The way it is now, I can brush below the ladder and even remove it in less than 5 minutes.