Best Heavy Duty Pool Ladder for Inground & Above Ground Pools in 2023

This article is about the best heavy duty pool ladder options for both in-ground and above-ground pools.

As any pool owner knows, getting in and out of the pool can be a struggle, especially for those of us with plus-size bodies or limited mobility.

A high-quality plus-size pool ladder with a high weight capacity not only provides a safe and easy way to enter and exit the pool for heavy people, but it also adds to the overall aesthetic of your private backyard oasis .

So, whether you're a seasoned pool owner or just starting out and exploring your options, read on for reviews of the top heavy duty pool ladders (for both above ground and inground pools) that will ensure your dip in the pool this summer will not only be refreshing but also safe.

After that, we'll provide you with an overview of the different types of pool ladders , followed by a helpful heavy duty pool ladder buying guide further down the page with tips and considerations to keep in mind when looking for a durable pool ladder for heavy people.

We finish off with some pool ladder installation and maintenance tips to ensure you can make the most of your heavy duty pool ladder purchase.

In a hurry? Check out our 3 most recommended heavy-duty pool ladders below:

Top 3 Best Heavy Duty Pool Ladder for Large Individuals

Best Heavy Duty Pool Ladder for Inground & Above Ground Pools: Introduction

As a plus-size engineer myself, I have an eye for high-quality products that are well-built, with durable materials, and are suitable for a plus-size physique.

I also understand that a high-quality plus-size pool ladder isn't just a convenience, but also a safety feature that should provide stability and support for all users, and peace of mind for the pool owner.

In this article, I'll share my expertise on heavy duty pool ladders for large users and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when buying the best heavy duty pool ladder for large individuals.

First, we'll review heavy duty above ground pool ladders, followed by reviews of inground pool ladders for heavy people.

These reviews will help you navigate the vast array of pool ladders on the market while paying particular attention to the additional considerations that come with buying a pool ladder for heavy people.

Then, we'll discuss the various factors that affect the performance and stability of an extra-large pool ladder, including weight capacity, height, step size, and shape.

We'll also cover the different pool ladder materials and different pool ladder designs available for both pool steps for in-ground pools and heavy duty above ground pool steps, as well as installation and maintenance tips.

So, whether you're looking for a sturdy ladder for your inground pool, an A-frame pool ladder with wide steps, or a set of durable above ground pool steps, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of heavy duty pool ladders for large individuals.

Reviews of the Best Above Ground Pool Ladders for Heavy People

Above ground pools are the best if you are operating on a tight budget or you live in one of those cooler parts of the country.

And by the way, replacement parts for above ground pool ladders with a high weight limit are readily available so don’t fear to take the splurge!

Here is our top collection of above ground pool ladders for heavy people:

Reviews of the Best Inground Pool Ladders and the Best Deck Ladders for Heavy People

If you live in places where the weather is warm for the bigger part of the year, inground pools or above ground pools with a deck will do great!

Again, here is our top choice for the best heavy duty pool ladders for inground swimming pools or above ground pools with a deck:

Types of Pool Ladders

When it comes to pool ladders, there are two primary types to choose from:

The type of ladder you need will depend on the type of pool you have, so let's take a closer look at each option.

Inground Pool Ladder Options

Inground pool ladders are designed to be anchored to the pool deck, the pool sides, and/or the pool floor.

Such a pool ladder with handrails for plus-size individuals typically has handrails on both sides, providing a secure grip for users entering or exiting the pool.

Plus-size users should look for inground pool ladders with wide, non-slip treads to provide a stable stepping surface. Inground pool ladders come in various styles, including:

Standard pool ladders

These ladders are the most common and have straight or curved handrails that run from the deck into the pool.

The rungs of the pool ladder are fixed between these two handrails, providing for a slender design that doesn't take up much space. As a result, the footrests on the pool ladder's rungs are often only slightly wider than the thickness of the handrails.

Most commonly, you'll find it as a stainless steel pool ladder (like the one in this review) with slip-resistant treads made of stainless steel or plastic such as resin, polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP).

You may also find this type of heavy duty pool ladder made entirely out of heavy duty resin, such as the model reviewed here.

Less commonly, you may come across this type as an aluminum pool ladder, which is a lighter material than stainless steel but may be more prone to rust, depending on the quality (so-called grade) of aluminum used by the manufacturer.

Wedding cake pool steps

This type of pool ladder has rungs so wide they are in fact referred to as pool steps. The steps can be straight or curved, resembling a tiered wedding cake such as the one reviewed here.

These are often a favorite of plus-size swimmers, for they are extremely stable (when properly installed) thanks to their larger footprint on the ground, virtually removing any possibility of wobbling when going up or down the steps.

Since they are more bulky, they do take up more space and are more visible compared to the slender standard pool ladder. However, on the plus side, they can add a nice decorative element to your pool.

Some inground pools are designed to have these steps built-in at one end of the pool, sometimes in a half-moon shape added onto the usual rectangular shape of the swimming pool.

Above Ground Pool Ladder Options

Above ground pool ladders are designed to be mounted onto the pool wall or deck, though the A-frame type (see below) can also simply fit over the side of your above ground pool and rest on the ground on either side of the pool side.

They typically have a smaller footprint than pool steps and come in various styles, including:

A-frame pool ladders or steps

These ladders resemble the shape of an A and are the most common type of above ground pool ladder when there is no pool deck around the above ground pool.

They have a wide base for stability and are typically adjustable to fit different pool heights, such as the heavy duty A-frame pool ladder in this review. These are generally the easiest to install and remove again when the swimming season is over.

As they rest both on the ground outside the pool (like your lawn) and on the liner at the bottom of the pool, they are self-supporting and freestanding. However, the manufacturer will often recommend to also fix it to the pool side in the middle to avoid it toppling over.

Obviously, this type takes up the most space, both inside and outside of the pool and you may experience the ladder floating upwards if it's not properly weighed down.

Additionally, you may need to consider protecting your pool liner underneath the ladder so it doesn't get damaged when the ladder shifts around during use.

Deck-mounted pool ladders or steps

These ladders are mounted onto the pool deck and have handrails that extend into the pool (check this review for a good example).

They're a great choice for pools that have a deck since they are more easily accessible but also because then they cause no obstruction on the lawn around the pool.

Essentially, these can be compared to the inground pool ladders and pool steps in this review as explained above since they are accessed from a deck, just as you would access in inground pool from ground level.

They do, however, have a more temporary look about them compared to the rugged stainless steel types of inground pool ladders since you can generally only fix them onto the pool deck and rest them onto the pool bottom, but not fix them to the pool sides as you can do with an inground pool.

In summary, choosing the right type of pool ladder is crucial for providing a safe and secure way to enter and exit your pool. Whether you have an inground or above ground pool, there are plenty of pool ladder or pool step options available to suit your needs.

We recommend taking the time to carefully consider your options and choosing a ladder that provides the stability, comfort, ease of use, and level of safety you require.

If you or other users of your swimming pool are blessed with a plus-size physique (like myself), make sure to also check out the following additional considerations for plus-size users of pool ladders:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heavy Duty Pool Ladder for Heavy People

When shopping for the best pool ladder or the best pool steps, there are several factors to consider to ensure the pool ladder or steps are safe and suitable for plus-size users. Here are some key factors to be mindful about:

Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic

Heavy-duty pool ladders are typically made from one or a combination of the following materials:

• stainless steel,
• aluminum, or
• a type of plastic like
  • resin,
  • polyethylene (PE),
  • high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or
  • polypropylene (PP).

Stainless steel pool ladders are the most durable and can last for many years. Aluminum pool ladders are lightweight and easy to move. Plastic pool ladders such as resin pool ladders are entirely corrosion-resistant and require minimal maintenance.

A high-quality plastic pool ladder could even be more durable than a stainless steel or aluminum pool ladder, provided the plastic is properly protected against UV rays and the plastic itself is highly durable, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The pool ladder material naturally affects the pool ladder's strength and suitability for plus-size users. As such, you would be forgiven thinking that the durability and strength of stainless steel or aluminum are superior than resin for heavy duty pool ladders for heavy people.

However, in terms of strength and durability, plastics can definitely compete with stainless steel and aluminum as is the case with the very durable resin pool steps reviewed here, for example. However, they are much more bulky and take up more space than their stainless steel or aluminum counterparts.

Apart from the materials used in the construction of the pool ladder, plus-size users should also look for pool steps or ladders with a stable base, sturdy construction, and a design that provides for easy access in and out of the pool.

Plus-size pool ladder weight capacity: Ensure the pool ladder can support the weight of all potential users

The weight capacity of a swimming pool ladder is one of the most critical factors to consider for plus-size users. It's essential to choose a ladder that can support the weight of all users who will be using it.

Most heavy-duty pool ladders have a weight capacity of not more than 300 pounds, but some can support even more.

As any other engineer in the pool industry will advise you, I recommend choosing a ladder with a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of the heaviest user. As such, you're allowing for a safety margin to ensure maximum pool safety.

Tip: Check our other article for more detailed tips and information on the weight limits of pool ladders.

While choosing a heavy duty pool ladder requires careful consideration of various factors, weight capacity being only one of them, taking the time to choose a pool ladder for large users with an appropriate weight limit will allow plus-size users to enjoy a safe and enjoyable pool experience.

As an engineer, I give a lot of importance to the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of weight limits, for I know these numbers are not just plucked out of thin air but based on stress testing in laboratory environments.

Failing to adhere to the recommended weight limits can therefore result in serious bodily harm.

Hence, I recommend choosing a heavy-duty pool ladder with a suitable weight limit that is specifically designed to give maximum support and stability to plus-size users. This ensures both safety and comfort for all users, and the pool owner, in and around the pool.

Height: Determine the required height of your pool ladder

The height of the ladder is another factor to consider.

For standard inground pool ladders that attach to the pool deck and the pool sides, measure the height from the pool deck to the water level to determine the required height of the ladder to climb out of the pool comfortably.

For pool ladders or pool steps that rest on the pool floor, you will need to take into account the entire height from your swimming pool's bottom to the pool deck or, in case of an above ground pool without deck, to the top of the pool's side walls.

Especially A-frame ladders or double entry system pool steps need to be high enough to fit over the pool sides and reach down to the pool bottom on one side and to the ground on the other side.

Beware: You may find adjustable height pool ladders which you can adapt in height to fit your pool, think telescopic aluminum ladders. However, depending on the build quality, this may introduce weak points in the structure causing your pool ladder to wobble and be less sturdy.

Therefore, I would advise the one and done process of carefully measuring the height you require, adding some extra height as a safety margin, and then finding an appropriate heavy duty pool ladder model of the right (fixed) height.

After all, your pool doesn't grow or shrink in height over time so there's really no need to risk having an adjustable height pool ladder with potential stability flaws.

Unless, of course, you're thinking of buying a large capacity pool ladder for heavy individuals that will also fit a larger pool you might buy in the future. Then again, you should consider whether it's worth  to potentially be sacrificing safety in return for having a height adjustable pool ladder...

So, my advice is not to take the easy way out by going for an adjustable height pool ladder that will certainly fit your pool and saves you from going out and taking the exact measurements.

Instead, just spend some time on finding a pool ladder of the correct height once and be done with it. You're then likely to end up buying a more robust and durable pool ladder that will last you longer.

Step size and shape: Choose a non-slip pool ladder that's comfortable and secure ↔

The size and shape of the pool ladder rungs or pool steps is another critical factor for the safety of larger users. Therefore, choose a pool ladder with slip-resistant treads that can support the weight of plus-size users and have a sufficiently large surface area to support the feet.

Generally speaking, the wider the pool ladder, the more surface area for the feet, both in terms of tread width and tread depth which improves stability for heavy people and helps prevent slips and falls.

In any case, do check the following basic dimensions and specifications of the pool ladder or pool steps you're considering:

Safety features: Pool ladders with handrails and large, non-slip treads 🦺

The basic safety features to look for are handrails on both sides that provide additional stability, and slip-resistant treads to help prevent accidents and falls.

The design and position of the ladder's handrails also affect the level of support and stability for plus-size users when entering or exiting the pool. Because this is hard to estimate before buying, it is helpful to have a look through the user reviews to consult the experience of other large users.

Some grand entrance pool steps have extra security features like slide-locks, gated entrances, anti-entrapment features, and the ability to lock the pool device so that kids or pets can't find their way into the pool unattended.

If you're looking for a pool ladder for heavy people that should also be suitable for people with disabilities, you will want to look for a so-called ADA-compliant pool ladder.

On top of that, if you're looking for a commercial pool ladder, you'll have to ensure you also satisfy any other local building regulations that apply to public and commercial pools. 👷

Aesthetics: Try to match the style of the residential pool ladder with the rest of your pool and backyard environment 🏡

While not an essential factor in terms of support, durability, or comfort, you will probably prefer a style of pool ladder that matches the overall look of your backyard and design of your pool area.

However, don't let the look of a stylish elegant pool ladder take precedence over the more important factors like durability, weight capacity, and other safety factors required for a heavy duty pool ladder for heavy people.

Ease of (dis)assembly of the removable pool ladder ⏱

This factor may depend on the climate you live in and whether you have to pack up the above ground pool or cover (winterize) the inground pool in winter ❄, as this will determine whether you need to remove the ladder.

If you live in a warmer climate, you may care less about the ease of installation since you'll only have to do it once. Thanks to a mild winter, you may not even have to care about disassembling at all if you can leave the pool ladder in the water during the off season.

However, if you do plan on removing the ladder for winter (even if just to preventively protect it from the elements, as I would indeed recommend 👍), then you will definitely care about the ease of moving the whole thing or the ease of disassembling it for winter and assembling it again in spring.

This might influence your choice of pool ladder model if you would, for example, prefer to have a heavy duty pool ladder which you can pack off and move into the shed or garage during winter or whenever the pool is not in use.

Additionally, for whatever reason, you may decide you want to have the option of moving the ladder easily to another side of the pool in case of an A-frame ladder. Obviously, it will help if the ladder is not too heavy so you can easily manage this.

Apart from the weight, the construction method of the heavy duty pool ladder also plays a role here. Namely, you will want to make sure that the pool ladder construction is durable enough so it can withstand repeated assembly and disassembly without wearing out certain connections or joints. 🔩

Installation and Maintenance of Your Heavy Duty Pool Ladder

Once you've selected the right heavy-duty pool ladder for your needs, the next step is to ensure it is installed correctly and properly maintained to maximize the lifespan of your pool ladder and ensure the safety of your users.

Here are some tips to consider for installation and maintenance of your pool ladder:

Installation instructions for pool ladders 🛠

Inground pool ladder installation ⚓

It is fair to say that permanent inground pool ladders require the most careful installation of all since they are meant to last many years without being removed.

Even if you intend to remove the pool ladder with the coming and going of the seasons, you must ensure they are secure and stable for the duration of the swimming season. 🏊

Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure the ladder is level and securely anchored at the points indicated in the installation manual. Inground pool ladders often require attaching to the pool deck, pool sides, and perhaps even the bottom of the pool.

Since these attachments will be (semi-)permanent, make sure to position the pool ladder in a location that allows easy and safe entry into and exit out of the pool.

If you're not that handy, consider hiring a professional to install the inground pool ladder for you. This person may also have valuable experience and know-how that will ensure proper anchoring and alignment of the pool ladder in the most suitable location around your pool area.

Above ground pool ladder installation 📖

Above ground pool ladders are typically easier to install than inground pool ladders. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure the ladder is level and securely attached to the pool's top rail or pool deck.

As with inground pool ladders, carefully position the pool ladder in a location that allows easy and safe access to and exit from your above ground pool.

If you later change your mind about the location, you can still remove the ladder and reinstall it in another spot relatively easily, at least compared to the more permanent installation of inground pool ladders.

While using the above ground pool ladder, pay attention to any shifting or floating of the pool ladder, for these are signs of a pool ladder that is either not properly installed, or has not been weighed down properly in case of wedding cake pool steps, for example.

Maintenance tips for pool ladders 🧽

To ensure the longevity and safety of your heavy-duty pool ladder, it's important to perform regular maintenance, as well as regular inspections before, during, and after the swimming season.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Regularly inspect the ladder for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose bolts which need tightening, cracked treads, or bent rails.
• Clean the ladder regularly with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt, debris, or algae buildup.
• Lubricate any moving parts, such as hinges or pivot points, with a waterproof lubricant.
• If you have an inground pool ladder, periodically check the anchors to ensure they are still securely attached to the pool deck and that there is no play when using the pool ladder.
• If you have a vinyl liner pool, periodically check the ladder for any sharp edges that could damage the liner. In any case, it's a good idea to protect your pool liner with a protective mat underneath your pool ladder.

By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can ensure your heavy-duty pool ladder provides safe and comfortable access to your pool for many years to come.

Regular maintenance of your ladder is crucial for both its longevity, the safety of your users, and your peace of mind as a pool owner.

By taking the time to install and maintain your ladder correctly, you can enjoy your pool with confidence or have others use it safely while you're not there to keep an eye out (or if you're sound asleep on your sunbed by the pool 😎).

Best Heavy-Duty Pool Ladder for Inground & Above Ground Pools: Conclusion

In conclusion, a heavy-duty pool ladder is a vital addition to any pool, whether it's an inground pool ladder or an above ground pool ladder with high weight capacity.

A heavy-duty pool ladder for large users can not only provide safe and easy movement in and out of the pool but also add to the overall aesthetics of your backyard swimming pool.

I highly recommend taking the time to research and choose a high-quality heavy-duty pool ladder for plus-size users that meets your specific needs and provides reliable, safe, and comfortable access to your pool.

To recap, these are good examples of a sturdy pool ladder with high weight capacity: