Step It Up: Best Above Ground Pool Steps

Pool steps are one of them most popular “add-on” features for above ground swimming pools – and why not? They make the pool more accessible for children, the elderly, and those with handicaps. In fact, they make the pool easier to use for everyone.

For a pool attached to a deck, stairs allow you to drop your towel and stroll right into the water. For a pool without a deck, a stair/stair or stair/ladder combo can make all the difference in the world in terms of usability. In short, if steps aren’t something you want when you first install your pool, they’re definitely something that will catch your eye down the road.

If you’re already sold on getting steps for your above ground pool, there are plenty of options to choose from. The right choice depends on what style you’re looking for, what type of pool you have, and of course, the quality of the product itself. To help sort it out, here are our picks for the best above ground pool steps in a few different categories.

Pool With Deck: Confer Curve Base Steps

To be clear, these swimming pool steps work both with and without a deck. However, they function especially well as walk in steps attached to a deck. The thoughtful design allows them to attach firmly to the deck surface, and they can be weighted down with sand or pea gravel to keep them firmly in place (tip: put the sand/gravel in jugs or other containers to make it easier to pull the stairs up when needed).

The sturdiness of these steps is really their standout quality. Another great thing about them is that they don’t jut out too far into the pool (though that also means they’re somewhat steeper than some might prefer).

Pool Without Deck: Confer Pool Step Enclosure Kit

Okay, we cheated a little bit here. These aren’t technically pool steps, but a pool step enclosure. It’s very important to understand that you need to buy two sets of Confer pool steps in addition to the enclosure to get the setup pictured here.

Admittedly, that makes this a somewhat expensive proposition. However, if you don’t have a pool deck, it’s probably worth it. The enclosure and pool steps give you the best possible access to your freestanding pool, while keeping it safe and secure when it’s not in use.

Wedding Cake Steps: Blue Wave Pool Majestic 8000 Step

Wedding cake steps are popular for both inground and above ground pools, especially among those who value style and luxury. To be honest, there aren’t a ton of options for wedding cake above ground pool steps. That said, these highly rated steps provide elegant access to the pool and a nice place to relax on a lazy summer day. While they can technically be attached to a freestanding pool, they work best with a deck.

What to Look For in Above Ground Pool Steps

As you can see, there’s no clear-cut answer when it comes to choosing the best steps for an above ground swimming pool. You can make a solid argument for different styles and setups depending on your needs. However, few would argue that the ideal above ground pool steps:

• are compatible with your pool model
• attach securely to your pool wall or deck without too much trouble
• don’t move around too much in the water
• have nonslip surfaces
• are easy to set up
• hold up over time

Obviously, those are all good qualities to look for when browsing customer reviews. That said, you may find that you have even more specific requirements, such as sturdy handrails for someone in your family who has a handicap. As with any above ground pool accessory, it pays to look closely at those product specifications.