It has already started to bend and is touching the top of my Summer Waves Polygroup pool. Im on a huge budget crunch now that the insurance has deemed that we had to have a fence. The fence was completed last weekend and the kids have no problem with the cheap ladder. Im thinking of reusing pallets to make a set of pool steps for outside of it. and then using a regular 6' step ladder cut down and adapted to the top step of wood steps and then saving up for some type of normal ladder next year. My budget is under 200, like closer to 100. I have a 6' step ladder that i can cannibalize to use inside pool with something to protect the pool bottom. Am I way out in left field or could I do that? maybe make a set of wood steps for inside the pool? I plan on taking down pool in October. Any comments appreciated....
Heavy Duty Pool Ladder needed...I'm WAY over limit on the included one!!!
- Thread starter JEC11718
- Start date
I would never use a metal step L adder or wooden steps in a pool. Have you checked Craigslist in your area?
I was thinking the front half of a fiberglass 6' ladder and chop off the bottom step and replace the feet with a carpet wrapped 2x4 to protect the pool liner. attached to a set of steps that I build from new 2x12's and reclaimed pallet wood for the treads.
Pallet lumber is not treated; it is the cheapest wood available. Thus it will rot and attract termites. If you do use wood, make sure that a: it's pressure treated and b: any that contacts the ground is rated for "Ground Contact". Usually only 4X4 and 6X6 are gc in home stores. Contractor stores will frequently have other dimensions in gc, especially 2X12 used for stair stringers. As far as your treads, decking lumber will work - but consider how many tender bare feet will be climbing (running?) up and down those steps.
I was going to carpet the steps. The pallet wood only needs to last the rest of this season....next yr I would get wedding steps or a frame ladder. I was going to use GC lumber for stringers and braces.
I made my steps to pool with pallets (ck for treated, found mine at lawn mower place), cannibalized pool ladder, treated lumber, simpson ties and deck blocks from Home Depot. It cost a little more than I wanted but I needed a way to feel safe getting in and out. I don't care if I fall in but sure don't want to hit ground. This bumble doesn't bounce.
![IMG_20160508_124944_zpsmq4cac5q.jpg~original](http://[URL="http://s350.photobucket.com/user/14smoke14fan/media/redneck%20deck/IMG_20160508_124944_zpsmq4cac5q.jpg.html"][IMG]http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q403/14smoke14fan/redneck%20deck/IMG_20160508_124944_zpsmq4cac5q.jpg~original)
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![20150923_192347_zps1px45zs3.jpg~original](http://[URL="http://s350.photobucket.com/user/14smoke14fan/media/redneck%20deck/20150923_192347_zps1px45zs3.jpg.html"][IMG]http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q403/14smoke14fan/redneck%20deck/20150923_192347_zps1px45zs3.jpg~original)
[/URL][/IMG] Btw, the steps are padded with foam pads for garage/gym floors
![20150921_180553_zps0rwez9gi.jpg~original](http://[URL="http://s350.photobucket.com/user/14smoke14fan/media/redneck%20deck/20150921_180553_zps0rwez9gi.jpg.html"][IMG]http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q403/14smoke14fan/redneck%20deck/20150921_180553_zps0rwez9gi.jpg~original)
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![20150907_191357_zps3vtmqa6u.jpg~original](http://[URL="http://s350.photobucket.com/user/14smoke14fan/media/redneck%20deck/20150907_191357_zps3vtmqa6u.jpg.html"][IMG]http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q403/14smoke14fan/redneck%20deck/20150907_191357_zps3vtmqa6u.jpg~original)
[/URL][/IMG] Hope this helps or at least gives you some ideas.
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Thanks! It sure does! That is what I'm thinking. I just might use wood inside the pool too!
I don't think I would use wood inside the pool. Imo, that might cause algae problems. Have you seen docks in lakes?
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Had a thought...maybe use trex decking in water?
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There are posts on pinterest where people have made steps for inside of their pool out of plumping pvc and trex decking. Try looking there for some ideas. I wouldn't use wood or a fiberglass ladder in the pool.
Thanks everybody! We had almost 15" of rain in the last week. I drained my pool four times...3", 3", 4", 5"! I didn't feel like constructing anything last week....but this week I have three days off. I am planning to do pressure treated on outside of pool and will use trex or similar inside... on the plus side...my water is still crystal clear by using tfp method! I do have to add more cya this week.
Here are the steps with your idea of reusing half a ladder. It needs a railing but its being put on this weekend. I'm thinking of using black iron pipe cleaned and clear coated for the railing. 
I cut those stringers myself! And there are two uprights on each side, one is under the stringer. The other is the one you see on the face of the stringer.
I cut those stringers myself! And there are two uprights on each side, one is under the stringer. The other is the one you see on the face of the stringer.
Thanks!! It's a work in progress but it's so nice to have a pool and it's really easy to get out of now!