Do-it-yourself ladder for a frame pool: how to make + photos and videos

A DIY pool ladder depends on the volume, bowl design and your capabilities.

A do-it-yourself pool ladder can be installed for both seasonal outdoor pools and permanent ones. What is the best material to make a staircase from? Let's consider each option separately, their pros and cons.

ADVICE! The most suitable place to install a ladder is the most illuminated one. A bright place makes it possible to easily climb and descend slippery steps.

Stone staircase

It is stationary and is usually laid on the outside of the pool bowl; the stone staircase looks very beautiful and will decorate any pool. But if you build a stone staircase inside the bowl, then over time the steps of the pool will become covered with plaque, will slide and pose a danger to vacationers.

ADVICE! To ensure safety, handrails made of stainless steel or aluminum must be installed on the sides, and the steps themselves are finished with slabs with anti-slip notches.

How to choose

A pool ladder can be:

• Foldable. Simple and easy to assemble, it can be stored away during the cold season.
• With transition platform. Allows you to stand up and take a comfortable position. Optimal for children or elderly people.
• With or without handrails. Handrails provide safety, but may not be installed if the design provides for the ability to hold on to other parts of the frame.
• Single or double sided. Single-sided stairs are designed to go up or down only, while double-sided stairs can be used both up and down.
• Inclined. The most convenient and safe. The sloping part is located in the bowl itself and occupies some of its volume, so it is rational to use them in large pools.
• Vertical. Very compact, can be installed in any limited space.
• Roman. It is a structure of cascading diverging steps. Sustainable, safe and original. Suitable for large stationary swimming pools.

The choice of staircase type depends on the type of pool (stationary, temporary), its depth, the height of the sides and the desired options. If the pool will be used primarily by young children, it is recommended to provide handrails and a transition area.

Concrete staircase

The most reliable, practical and safe. Since it is covered with finishing materials suitable for finishing steps. It has an anti-slip surface, a wide step projection and can serve not only as a descent, but also as a place to rest. The downside is that concrete construction often takes up a lot of space and is not suitable for small pools.

ADVICE! Approximate proportions for concrete mixture: proportions of M20 concrete 1×2.8×4.8 (cement, sand, crushed stone.). Water is added based on the specific situation.

Wooden staircase

Just like stone, it is often built for the protruding sides of the pool from the outside. But there are exceptions, if the wood is coated with a special varnish for floating ships. In this case, the tree can withstand constant exposure to water and not rot. Unlike stone, wooden is portable and can be removed at inconvenient times.

ADVICE! To reduce the impact of water on wood, it is best to treat the structure with special impregnations that prevent rotting, or with water-repellent paint.

Comparison

The companies' products are very similar both in cost and model range. Below we compare frame pools according to different criteria - Bestway or Intex.

By design

Intex offers its customers frame pools of various shapes and sizes. A model range for children is presented separately.

Structurally, they do not differ from the options for adults, but are smaller in size. In general, the Bestway model range is similar to its competitor.

The company does not offer its clients exotic solutions, but boasts the presence of steel pools with related accessories and the ability to install additional functions.

By quality of materials

Both companies produce frame-type pools with a soft bowl inside. Intex offers separate series of increased strength and reliability during operation.

For example, the Ultra Frame line, where the main emphasis is on a metal frame. Installation occurs without additional tools using connecting corners. Prism Frame pools already have a steel base, and the Super-Tough bowl has increased strength thanks to a three-layer material.

Bestway also boasts separate lines, but not as obvious. The Hydrium Pool Set model range should be highlighted separately. These are pools of increased strength and durability, made of solid sheets of steel with a metal frame.

By equipment

Intex sells sets of accessories and additional equipment for its main lines:

• awning;
• filters;
• covers;
• bedding;
• stairs;
• seats;
• sprinklers;
• backlights and so on.

Bestway also offers sets of additional equipment for its pools:

1. pumps;
2. chemistry;
3. spares, etc.

Unlike its competitor, the company has repair kits for repairing bowls in case of breakdowns or malfunctions.

And to protect equipment and water from raids, over 200 types of chemicals from German and French brands are offered.

By model

The Bestway brand's lineup is much larger than that of Intex. This allows you to choose the ideal option.

Basic and standard pools have almost no differences, but Intex does not provide an alternative to the ultra-durable premium line Hydrium Pool Set.

However, it wins in the segment of models for children, offering entire gaming centers and accessories for them.

Both companies are approximately equal in terms of the cost of their products, with the exception of special lines of increased strength. Due to the larger model range, Bestway offers an expanded range of prices from 5 thousand rubles up to the premium segment of 100 thousand.

If you choose the cheapest option from children's frame models, then Intex will have the lowest price - about 500 rubles. Moreover, it will be made of three-layer material using Super-Tough technology.

Other criteria

Based on manufacturability, Bestway has been more successful in introducing modern production methods. The company's latest models are coated with a special protective layer against corrosion, sunlight and excess moisture.

For such purposes, Intex produces special covers and awnings with a special coating, increasing the service life of its products.

Metal staircase

It is an excellent inexpensive option for both large and small pools. Installation of a ladder into a pool can be attached to the bowl, or it can be mounted. They are made of alloy and black steel and have anti-corrosion properties. This staircase is easy to maintain and affordable.

IMPORTANT! During operation, low-quality metal will begin to rust. Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with its composition. The more nickel it contains, the more reliable and durable the metal.

Separate categories of descents

There are several types of descents into the pool, which differ significantly from the above “classic” types. By creating a swimming pool with their own hands with a platform and interesting accessories, every apartment owner wants to make the structure not only comfortable and safe, but also exclusive.

Perhaps the most interesting descent for swimming pools can be called balneological-type structures. Installing a ladder in a pool of this type will not be easy.

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This is due to the fact that the design is supplemented with built-in nozzles. Their task: to massage the human lumbar and spinal ridge. They can be used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes, strengthening the health of swimmers.

It is also worth mentioning the slopes for children. They have more steps. They are much smaller than “adult” playgrounds. In addition, the design is always complemented by low railings, and the interval between steps is minimal.

Types of staircase structures

• Roman ones are divided into stationary and attached.

Stationary ladders are laid immediately when the pool bowl is filled. They may have different appearances, but the size according to GOST must be observed. Namely, the angle of inclination should not exceed 30-45 degrees. Or the stairs will be too steep and dangerous. And the width of the steps for the stairs to the pool should be the length of an adult’s foot or wider. If this is a design for a children's pool, then ideally the width should correspond to the size of the child's foot. Add-on Roman steps are ready-made steps with or without railings, which are easily and simply installed in the pool bowl.

The Roman staircase is the best option for a permanent pool without sides. Its steps are often round, and the descent into the water is smooth and pleasant. You can also use a metal staircase that has steps on only one side. It is attached to the board.

• Metal attachments have a wide selection on the market.

They present all kinds of designs with a pair or several steps, depending on the depth of the pool. They have various types of attachment to the sides, wall and floor of the bowl. For flanges and embedded parts. A more reliable option is to install a chrome ladder while finishing the pool.

• Ladders stepladders

They can be plastic and metal, stationary and portable. Naturally, the advantage of a stationary metal staircase is obvious. But it is desirable that it be an indoor pool, since despite the anti-corrosion weather conditions, over time the stairs will become unusable. As for plastic, this is a lightweight prefabricated structure made of plastic pipes; you can easily assemble it with your own hands for the duration of the use of the frame pool. These stairs are double-sided, which is another advantage.

Design and preparation of materials

When you have determined exactly the type of material that will be used as a staircase, you need to make a drawing correctly. It is best to make a double-sided metal ladder that will be used for a frame pool.

During the design process, it is necessary to understand that the width of the stairs and steps should be approximately 60 cm, but not more. In this case, it will be possible to move along the stairs quite comfortably. And this width will be sufficient to ensure good stability of the entire structure.

The step pitch should be approximately 40 cm, and if the staircase is made for children, then 25 cm. All joints must be marked in advance on the drawing. To select the correct height, you need to measure the distance from the bottom of the pool to the top of the sides, and then add another 40 cm to the resulting number. The racks must have a diameter of over 40 mm.

These are the main points that must be taken into account when drawing up a drawing and selecting materials. The remaining components will depend on individual preferences, dimensions and design features of the pool itself. It is worth noting that you must start searching for materials only after the correct drawing has been drawn up, otherwise there is a possibility that something will be missing.

Once the design is completely drawn, you can proceed to preparing the necessary materials.

To assemble a double-sided metal staircase you need the following:

1. Stainless steel channel or tubes.
2. Metal sheets having a thickness of 5 mm.
3. Welding machine. Grinder, also called an angle grinder.
4. Rubber pads that will be placed on the steps. They are necessary to reduce slipping.
5. Paint that can withstand exposure to water.
6. Roller or brushes.
7. Overlays that will be attached to the legs.

This is a list of the most necessary components that need to be found to make a quality structure. If you want to place some decorative elements on the stairs, then you can look for additional materials at your discretion.

Making steps from stone

Since the stone staircase is installed as a lift to the pool bowl, there should be no problems with its installation. The main thing is to have a rock or pebble on hand. For pebbles, it is advisable to make a mold from reinforced mesh. The stones are stacked on top of each other in such a way as to take the shape of the steps for the stairs to the pool. And they are attached to each other using cement mortar.

Primary requirements

A pool ladder is designed to ensure safety as well as ease of entry into the water. In addition, such a structure can become some kind of decorative component of the interior of the reservoir. That is why, if you plan to make the entire structure yourself, you need to take these factors into account. The choice of form, as well as design, will depend on them.

But it is worth noting that when making a ladder, you must take into account certain safety requirements:

1. The structure must be very durable.
2. It is installed exclusively in a bright place, otherwise a person may fall from the craft.
3. Rubber tips need to be attached to the legs.

When a project is being developed, the conditions in which the staircase will be used should be taken into account. The height is calculated according to the height of the person who will dive into the pool.

Making steps from concrete

The concrete staircase is installed after the pool bowl has been completed. The shape of the future staircase is created using metal reinforcement and plywood. It bends easily to take the desired shape. You can put together formwork for a future staircase from boards. After the frame is erected, the mold is poured. To prevent concrete from cracking in the heat, it is watered daily until the material dries completely.

Service

The podium is cared for by treating the surfaces with protective compounds and impregnations. The first treatment is carried out before installation to prevent rotting and fungus formation.

Insecticide compositions are applied to wooden coverings, which increase resistance to damage by insects. Water-based solutions that penetrate inside are well suited for this. The effectiveness of the drug depends on the method of application.

Correct processing is carried out in the following order:

1. Cleaning, leveling the surface, removing resin.
2. Coating the wood with a brush or roller in 2 or more layers. When working, you must wear gloves.
3. Dry the surface naturally.

Making steps from wood

A DIY wooden pool ladder is a stepladder. It is made of beams with a section size of 60 by 40 and strong boards made of durable wood for steps and an upper platform for convenient descent into the water. The main task of such a ladder is stability and mobility. The steps are fixed into the grooves of the beams and secured with metal rods for reliability. The wooden staircase is sanded well so that the wood becomes smooth and covered with stain and varnish. To minimize the impact of water on the material, it is advisable to lay rubberized mats on the steps.

Comparison with products from Intex

There are no significant differences in the shapes of structures or the use of materials between products from leading brands of Chinese manufacturers.
The products of both companies are products made from bent galvanized steel pipes coated with a special anti-corrosion compound and steps, couplings, platforms, support legs made of ABS polymer.

Differences may be in small details, such as: with the same height - a different number of steps, the presence of an upper platform, etc. One of the decisive arguments in favor of a particular product is the cost of the stepladder:

Making steps from metal

There are a lot of options for chrome stairs, both in terms of external design and functionality; you can buy a ready-made one. Or you can do it yourself using a welding machine and metal. Select a suitable drawing, measure the parts and weld them to each other. Parts can also be secured with galvanized bolts. Typically, such a ladder looks like a stepladder. The metal is treated with anti-corrosion substances. The steps are covered with anti-slip material. A rubber pad is placed on each leg of the metal ladder to prevent damage to the bowl lining. Such a ladder will be reliable and can withstand heavy loads.

The minimum cost of a ladder for a stainless steel pool is 5,000 rubles.

Work methodology

You need to start work by making the upper and lower racks. As soon as the necessary pieces are prepared, their ends should be cleaned. From the set of components, tips are taken, which consist of a cradle and a leg. The tip should be placed on the stand. The cut of the stand will be hidden by the cap. Once the racks are prepared, they can be installed in place.

Fastening is carried out by mortgages with an internal diameter of 25 mm. Before you start making a pool ladder, a drawing should be prepared. It will help you understand how to avoid mistakes.