How to Secure a Pool Ladder

Various types of pool ladders are available for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. Because some of the earlier models of above-ground pool ladders caused a lot of injuries and mishaps, designers created safer ladders and brought them into use. To prevent injuries or other problems, a pool ladder must be secured properly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic sand bags
• Nuts
• Bolts
• Drill

1. Secure ladders for in-ground pools by screwing the rails into the sides of the pool, as well as along the edge of the pool deck. You can also purchase pool steps to set into the water along the wall of the pool. The steps come weighted so that they do not move in the water or under the weight of swimmers. Such steps can be used in above-ground pools that have attached decks.

2. Attach ladders to the top rails of the above-ground pool if this is applicable. Many ladders come with holes already drilled in the top of the ladder for this purpose. Pools with railings typically come with holes already drilled in one of the railing pieces. If holes are not already drilled, you will have to drill the holes yourself.

3. Make sure that the drilled holes are the same distance apart on the ladder top as they are on the rail. For example, if you drill holes in the ladder 1 foot apart, then the drilled holes on the railing should be 1 foot apart as well.

4. Find nuts and bolts that match the sizes of the holes you drilled and place the bolt through. Tighten the nut so that the ladder, when pushed on, does not move at all.

5. Place plastic sandbags on the bottom ring of the ladder, the ring of the ladder that touches the floor of the pool. Doing this will weigh the bottom ring down and prevent the ladder from lifting up as you step on it. Use sandbags that are not stuffed full to prevent the sandbag from ripping or tearing and to prevent sand from scattering in your pool.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider placing sand or other forms of weight inside plastic ladders to weigh them down and prevent movement.
• Failure to properly secure your pool ladder is carelessness that can lead to injuries. If a pool ladder is not secured and a swimmer steps on the bottom ring and the ladder tries to topple, they could fall, hit their heads on the pool floor and possibly drown. If the pool ladder pulls back under the weight of the swimmer, it could result in bruises or broken bones for the swimmer or in a torn above-ground pool.

References

• About pool steps and ladders.
• To purchase pool ladders and steps.