Above ground pool steps are placed on the side of above ground pools to help people enter and leave the pool. They come in a wide variety of designs, styles, as well as safety features to keep out children and animals. Above ground pool steps are usually hung over the edge of a pool, with the steps leading into the pool or onto the ground outside.

Gated above ground pool steps

Gated above ground pool steps are made of plastic or any waterproof synthetic material and resemble pyramidal step ladders. One side of the ladder is immersed in the water, allowing swimmers to enter without splashing. The other side hangs outward over the top rail. A person entering an above ground pool steps on the ladder's rungs to enter the pool. The rungs are usually rubberized, to prevent slipping, falling and other accidents.

A plastic gate is mounted on the ladder's peak, along the rail. These are usually childproof. Some models have a key lock. Gated above ground pool steps are locked from the outside of the pool, but can be easily unlatched from the inside to prevent people from getting stuck inside.

Hinged ladder entry

Hinged ladders can be raised out of the reach of children. Hinges on the ladder's peak allow it to be raised up for security, and latches keep the ladder from coming to the ground. If you want to enter, unlatching the steps and swinging the ladder down is easy. Ladders can also be latched while inside the pool, preventing small children from jumping in while the ladder is down.

Hinged ladders are usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping, with rubberized foot pads on the steps. Some models even come with stainless steel hand rails.

Ladder shields

Ladder shields act like doors to ladders. They can be opened to allow people in and closed to keep them out. Ladder shields are great for keeping small children from climbing into the pool unguarded and preventing them from leaving the pool and slipping on the ladder steps. 

Ladder shields are made from slippery, shock-resistant PVC, and climbing them is next to impossible. They are usually spring-loaded and are designed to close by themselves. However, opening them from inside the pool can be complicated. Usually, the latches are at the pool's midway point, and reaching down for them while on the pool's edge can be tricky.

Removable ladders

Most people agree that one of the safest ways to secure your pool is with removable ladders. Removable ladders, eliminates the risk of doors opening or gates unlocking accidentally. Children can be very persistent, and poorly secured ladders can easily be unlocked by a determined child, opening the door to falls, slips and similar accidents. Most people, then, simply opt to remove the ladder. Removable ladders are made to fit all pool railing sizes and are easy to remount when anyone needs to leave.

Removable ladders can be made of lightweight aluminum or PVC piping with a white powder coating. You can simply attach the ladder when you need to enter the pool and remove it once you are inside, and put it back again when you have to get out. This can be very tedious and can take minutes out of your swimming time, but the safety it provides often makes up for the bulk.