Best pool ladder

A pool ladder offers a faster, more secure way to get in and out of the water safely. Here are our top picks.

Best pool ladder
(Image credit: F. Muhammad via Pixabay)

Most swimming pools come with a standard metal pool ladder. But because these ladders often degrade over time and start to wobble, replacing your current one with an aftermarket option will help prevent nasty accidents. Alternatively, if you are looking for your first pool ladder, check out this list of some high-quality, dependable options. 

Best overall

Confer Plastics A-frame above-ground pool ladder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Confer Plastics A-frame above-ground pool ladder

Combines strength, convenience, and durability

The A-Frame design makes it easy for you to fold down the ladder when not in use.

Pros:

  • Large and sturdy
  • A-frame enhances stability
  • Prevents unsupervised pool access

Cons:

  • Not suitable for inflatable pools
  • Plastic can soften in intense sun

This is an adjustable pool ladder that can fit above-grounds measuring 48 to 54 inches in height. With heavy-duty plastic construction, this ladder offers optimal stability with a 300-pound carrying capacity. The ladder's steps have treads that offer a steady grip and atop the ladder is an extra-wide platform that makes it easier to use. When the pool is not in use, you can roll down the lockable guard barrier over the outer steps.

Years of use

Vinyl Works SLA A-frame adjustable pool ladder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Vinyl Works SLA A-frame adjustable pool ladder

Corrosion-resistant construction

You get five versatile adjustment points ranging from 48 to 56 inches.

Pros:

  • Built for safety
  • Easy to climb
  • Can fit on a wide range of pool sizes

Cons:

  • Can be hard to assemble

Boasting a tough resin construction, this pool ladder screams safety with a stable design and double handrails. Cleverly positioned steps on the outer side and four more at the top inner side allow for easy pool entry, while a slide lock design helps prevent unsupervised access. The ladder can accommodate loads of up to 300 pounds.

No-frills design

Intex 48-inch pool ladder

(Image credit: Intex)

Intex 48-inch pool ladder

Folds up neatly when not in use

A simple A-frame ladder, ideal for pools with a wall height of 48 inches or smaller.

Pros:

  • Corrosion-resistant material
  • Non-slip steps
  • Easy to assemble or detach

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have a top platform
  • Can be a bit wobbly

This ladder is a decent choice if you aren’t looking for anything fancy. It’s designed to attach to a 48-inch, above-ground pool wall and can accommodate a maximum weight of 300 pounds. The ladder's steps are made of high-impact composite material that provides a steady, non-slip platform to enter or exit the pool.

For inground pools

Aqua Select three tread stainless steel pool ladder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Aqua Select three-tread stainless steel pool ladder

Get access your pool in style and safety

A durable ladder made from a combination of plastic and stainless steel.  

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Offers a secure footing
  • Installs close to the wall to prevent injury

Cons:

  • Not ideal for saltwater pools
  • Low carrying capacity

Replace your worn-out in-ground pool step ladder with this simple yet effective stainless steel model. The rails are electro-polished, which not only makes them shiny but also enhances their corrosion resistance. The steps are made of non-slip plastic for safe entry or exit. This ladder measures 42 inches and has a 20-inch-wide space between the rails so you can have enough climbing room. It can also accommodate a maximum load of 250 pounds.  

Polymer finish

Saftron P-324-L3-GG 3-step pool ladder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Saftron P-324-L3-GG 3-step pool ladder

An attractive alternative to traditional plain metal ladders

This ladder strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and a safe design.

Pros:

  • Adjustable height
  • Easy to install and remove
  • Comes with installation hardware

Cons:

  • Lightweight and may float
  • Dents easily

The first step should be a confident one, and Saftron's inground pool ladder makes the climb a breeze. The core is made from high-impact alloy steel and finished off with a polymer coat to resist harsh pool elements. Three non-skid steps provide a safe platform for pool access. Also, the scratch-proof polymer coating makes the ladder appear newer for longer and also reflects sun rays, so it doesn’t heat up.

Safety first

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The best pool ladder withstands regular use and resists wear from weather exposure and pool elements. If you have an above-ground pool, you can't go wrong with the Confer Plastics A-frame above-ground pool ladder. This one stands out because it’s lightweight, easy to assemble, and packs a ton of safety features. The A-frame design ensures the ladder folds up easily for convenient storage when not in use. 

Alternatively, if you have an in-ground pool, then the Aqua Select three-thread pool ladder could be what you’re looking for. It has a simple design that’s sturdy and easy to attach to almost any in-ground pool. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.