rcampbell, we actually just got our AG pool this summer, I was so thrilled with it until I tried getting out of the pool that 1st time, the steps that came with the pool are basically identical to the confer steps pictured. I had a stroke 12 years ago (at age 34) and have some major balance issues, as well as some arthristis in my knee and am overweight - BIG part of me wanting the pool was to do some major pool excercise/physical therapy. I couldn't get up the last 2 steps! I managed to get out by crawling out (oh that was a prety sight!) and spent the next few days researching pool steps.
EVERY single set of pool steps has either a 11 1/2" or 12" riser, yes its too steep. So me & my friends came out with a temporary fix and so far its worked fairly well. I bought several rubber pavers and cut them to exactly 1/2 the size of 2 of the steps (the middle 2 steps), the rubber pavers are 1" thick, so I put 3 of them each on those 2 middle steps (just on 1/2 of the step, either left or right side of each step, same side on both), this decreased the riser to 8 1/2", you just have to go up the steps 'like a child' (right foot up the step, left foot up to the same step)
I know it sounds crazy but it works! we were going to figure out a way to attach them but they are heavy enough that they stay in place unless theres a lot of activity in the pool, they will fall off. I also went and bought an inground pool metal handrail and had my deck builder attach it to the deck right next to the plastic flimsly handrails of the steps (which are almost worthless btw) and thats the handrail that I use for support when climbing my crazy steps. Yeah it may look funny but guess what - I can get in and out of my own pool now with no help (I cried that 1st day when I couldn't get up the steps
Hope this makes sense and you can picture it