I reassembled my steps the other day, and got them back in the pool. While I was reassembling, I noticed a few spots I hadn't quite gotten cleaned out, so I popped some additional holes and did more power washing, and I think they're as good as they'll get. For now, I left the plastic feet off, because those were way full of algae. I sliced an old pool noodle into 6" pieces, cut a slit in them, and zip tied them to the bottom of the steps. I figured that'd protect the liner from rubbing, without having to use the mat that just seems to collect dirt.
I also filled four 2' lengths of 1.5" pvc with sand, capped them, and zip tied them to the legs. That's almost enough weight, so the steps stay down, but still float an inch or two off the bottom without anyone on them. I actually don't know if I mind that, but I may pick up a few bigger diameter lengths of pipe next time I'm at the hardware store too. Maybe also try and rig up a bracket underneath to put the pipes in instead of the zip ties. And I need to see if I can figure out a way to secure it to the deck that's easier to detach it from so I can move it for cleaning more frequently. Deck screws aren't easy.
After a few days with them back in, I haven't seen any green patches anywhere, which is good. I really wasn't happy about potentially spending another $300-400 on a new set of steps this year. And now that I know how to disassemble it and can easily drain the water, I can take it apart and store it in the garage in the off season, which should be better too.
I also filled four 2' lengths of 1.5" pvc with sand, capped them, and zip tied them to the legs. That's almost enough weight, so the steps stay down, but still float an inch or two off the bottom without anyone on them. I actually don't know if I mind that, but I may pick up a few bigger diameter lengths of pipe next time I'm at the hardware store too. Maybe also try and rig up a bracket underneath to put the pipes in instead of the zip ties. And I need to see if I can figure out a way to secure it to the deck that's easier to detach it from so I can move it for cleaning more frequently. Deck screws aren't easy.
After a few days with them back in, I haven't seen any green patches anywhere, which is good. I really wasn't happy about potentially spending another $300-400 on a new set of steps this year. And now that I know how to disassemble it and can easily drain the water, I can take it apart and store it in the garage in the off season, which should be better too.
