How Do You Repair Cracked Plastic Pool Steps
Our team recommends using the Bondo Fiberglass Repair Kit in order to repair your pool steps. Most people dont know this, but fiberglass is simply fiber-reinforced plastic using glass. To repair cracked pool steps:
In Ground Pool Stairs Vinyl Liner
In my opinion the built in concrete steps with the vinyl liner over top look a lot better looking. In the past, a downside to the vinyl liner over concrete was that the liner is a little slippery when walking in and out of the pool. The liner companies solved this by having an option to have tread built into the step liner section.
Using Pavers Under The Above Ground Pool
Nowadays, pool installers add leveling blocks under the bottom of rail connectors. The installers do this even if they have already managed to get a level and smooth ground for the pool.
If you are wondering how to level ground for the Intex pool using the leveling blocks, you can do it in 2 ways:
- Lay down the pools bottom rails on the ground to see where the connectors will end up, mark the spots, remove your rails, and place the leveling blocks on the spots before you install the rails properly.
- Follow the same process but without removing the rails once you place them on the ground. The installer will have to insert leveling blocks below the connectors. However, this process tends to be more difficult for most installers.
Pavers or patio blocks are generally used as leveling blocks. They are ideal because of their durability, but some pool installers often opt to make use of makeshift blocks, such as wood that has been pressure treated and concrete blocks.
The blocks help keep the uprights stable. For this reason, you should make sure that the leveling blocks you decide to use when setting up your Intex pool or any other above ground pool are capable of offering ample support. When it comes to offering support, wood and concrete blocks are unreliable for this reason, these materials are not recommended.
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Brand New: Lowest Price The Lowest
- Get it by Mon, Oct 18 – Tue, Oct 26 from Multiple US Locations, United States
- New condition
- 30 day returns – Buyer pays return shipping
- 5 out of 5 starsby retiredinker2Apr 04, 2016
Great Pad
Perfect to put under the steps to protect the liner. Lightweight, easy to place in pool, and thin enough to not interfere with the step measurement. The 36 x 36 size was just what I needed and recommend to anyone who has steps in their pool that reach all the way to the bottom.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
- 5 out of 5 starsby tcre5969Jul 05, 2017
Good item
This item is a great price very heavy duty I have had them before but found some to be flimsy this actually stayed at the bottom of the pool under the ladder good size for all kinds of ladders
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
- 4 out of 5 starsby yvonne.hondaJun 19, 2020
Good addition!
It arrived as expected.Quality is good.It can be down size as needed but one issue.When in the pool movement of water does not allow to keep in adhere to the ground.It begins to move from underneath the ladder.Trying to see how can we keep it in place especially the corners.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
- 5 out of 5 starsby 2024peteJul 19, 2017
Pool
This product will help your lining last longer
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
- 5 out of 5 starsby exoptio001Jan 20, 2018
excellent pad
Installing A Pool With A Sand Base And Sand Cove

Step 1
Using fine sand , lay a 3 thick bed of sand across the entire inside of the pool this will form your base.
Step 2
Build a sand cove against the pool wall by creating a 4 angle of sand sand base giving you a total sand cove height of 7 inches where the base meets the metal pool wall.
Step 3
This is the completed above ground pool liner installation. The vinyl pool liner should be completely supported by the pool base to avoid any stress or damage to it or the metal pool wall.
Also Check: Does Lowes Install Above Ground Pools
Ask For Suggestions From Friends
Different locations require varying solutions when it comes to leveling the ground for an above ground pool. Chances are, there are people in your location who have already installed above ground pools. Asking for suggestions from these people can give you more ideas on how to solve your above ground pool leveling problems.
Install Strucuture Part 2
It’s now time to finish the structure. Start by leveling all the posts that you installed earlier. The pieces of the top cap and posts are different for every pool, so make sure to consult with the “instructions” provided in the box.
Yours posts should somehow be lightly secured to the wall. It’s now time to install the top rails. One you have installed at least 3 top rails, your friends inside the pool should be able to jump out from that area, assisted by the friends outside.
Finish installing all the top rails and add the top caps as well. Your pool should be looking really nice at this point. You are done with the major structure now.
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How To Anchor The Easy Pool Step Ladder
First, youll want to fill the ladder with about forty pounds of sand. First, place the step in the pool in the desired position. Then, move it left and right to ensure that the air escapes and water enters the steps and rises. Then, place funnel in the opening of the side panel on the top step that is now inside the pool. Pour twenty pounds into each side of the step.
Youll also want to secure this ladder to your deck. This ladder comes with mounting brackets, so slide one over each of the long handrail posts, and adjust the mounting brackets height so that theyre even with your deck. Then, attach the mounting brackets by screwing into the deck through two of the three holes on each bracket. Once its secure, your ladder shouldnt budge when you shake it.
How To Level An Above Ground Pool The General Solution
Before we show you the different solutions you can use when leveling your above ground pool, we need to ensure that you are familiar with the general leveling procedure:
If the chosen spot has sod, you will need to clear it first by following the steps below:
Also Check: Pool Cost Per Month
Inground Pool Steps: The Detailed Basics
There are several ways to get into a swimming pool for inground pools with deeper depths especially- slide, dive, or belly flop, the choice is yours! But you have to allow swimmers a safe and easy way to exist the pool. For that you need at least one step . This will also be appreciated by those who prefer to ease into the pool instead of testing their cannonball skills.
For above ground pools, step or ladder options are pretty self-explanatory. In this article well be looking at the step options for inground vinyl liner swimming pools.
Drop in Steps
First, the easiest step to address is the Drop In. Drop In steps are typically added to an existing pool that was built without steps. These are much more affordable than doing a major overhaul on the existing pool structure, and a quick way to provide easy entry compared to a typical ladder. There are several different styles and colors available. The most cost effective version is a molded plastic step that literally is just dropped into the pool. The more visually appealing option is a vinyl over drop in step that allows for seamless look. These are a great way to upgrade the look of your pool especially when it’s about time to replace your liner as your liner would have to be remade to go over vinyl over steps anyway.
Bolt on Steps
Depending on the step you choose, you can also decide if you want bull nose, or cantilever style to match your coping type.
Bullnose Coping Step
Cantilever Coping Over Step
Vinyl Over Steps
How Do You Protect Pool Liner From Ladder
Since swimming pool liners are considering an essential part of having an above ground pool, the ladder damaging the pool liner is a fairly common problem. To avoid this, our team recommends looking into a quality pool ladder mat, these a fairly inexpensive and will protect your pool liner from your swimming pool ladder.
Also Check: Big Lots Pool Chemicals
Tips For Buying Above Ground Pool Pads
Follow these tips when buying your above ground pool pad:
- A pool pad is designed to provide durability. Consider purchasing an accessory that can last for long and make the liner last longer.
- It is advisable to choose a porous product. That means it can easily pass water to reduce moisture and prevent mold and mildew development.
- Some pool pad acts as a cushion for the surface you step on when you get out of the pool. It is a feature that you should keep in mind when buying your product.
- You also need a product that you can use with ease. That means choosing a pad that you can install without seeking assistance.
- Note that the most expensive model might not work for your needs. Choose the one suited for your soil condition, climate, and pool.
Can You Add Steps To An Inground Pool

Yes, pool steps can be added to any inground swimming pool. There are several types of inground swimming pool stairs to choose from, such as drop-in steps and built-in steps. Swimming pool stairs can be constructed from a wide range of materials, such as fiberglass, steel, and polymer, which each have unique pros and cons. Our pool and spa professionals can help you make a decision that fits your needs, your budget, and your sense of style.
Drop-in Stairs for Inground Pools:
Drop-in steps are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes. A popular example is the Wedding Cake style pool steps, which takes its nickname from its layered or tiered appearance. Drop-in stairs can be added to existing pools to enhance the look and functionality.
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Gli Pool Products 15 Foot Round Armor Shield Pool Floor Liner Pad
The product was developed to defend your pool liner against punctures and cuts that can occur from glass, grass, roots, and rocks. It is an excellent armor with lots of unique features:
- Cushions the floor: The accessory gives you a soft place to land thanks to its ability to cushion the floor.
- Geotextile fabric: It is a material that allows the water to pass to prevent flooding. That ensures the pad lasts longer and keeps the ladders bottom dry.
- Mildew and mold resistant: You can also bet it remains free of mold and mildew as it allows the water to pass freely.
- Easy to install: It allows you to place it on a sand bed or soil below the liner without any hassle.
- Affordable product: The product also gives you value for money and is among the most affordable pads in the industry.
Bonding Nonskid Strips To Pool Steps
Bonding Non-Skip Tape to Pool Steps Underwater
Many pools have acrylic steps that can be very slippery. Often, this is discovered after the pool is filled and owners want to fix the problem without the time and expense of draining the pool.
Read Also: Concrete Sealer Around Salt Water Pools
How Should You Weigh Down Pool Steps
If you have recently bought some pool steps you may be surprised when you try dropping them in your above ground pool and they just float to the top! Most newer pool steps have a hollow bottom step or a compartment that is made specifically to hold sand in order to anchor them down while in the pool. We recommend only using sand as other objects or materials can cause issues being submerged in your pool for long periods of time.
Re: Bath Mat To Protect Liner Under Ladder
A kitchen sink protector with the suction cups was what I was originally going to do – a little firmer than a bathmat. What I ended up doing was a pair of cheap thick-soled flip flops. I stuck the ladder foot into the flip-flop as far as the little strap that goes between the toes and then used zip ties to pull the side straps tightly around the ladder foot. I can take a pic if you want. Works great so far and gives a thicker padding than a bath/sink mat.Amy
- 6,607
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What Do You Put Under Your Above Ground Pool Legs
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If the pool has support legs that need to be supported, as most frame pools do, use concrete or wood blocks under each one. I use my laser transit on each one of these so that they are all perfectly level. The result is a level pool with a soft bottom, free of lumps, bumps and rocks.
Similarly, do you have to put a tarp under an above ground pool? It’s OK to use a tarp under the sand but not in place of it. A tarp will allow all the lumps and bumps of a dirt base to show through into the base of your pool. With just a tarp you still have to have a cove for the pool to be safe. The cove can be dirt, sand or foam, but it has to be there.
Consequently, do I have to put sand under my pool?
Mostly it is to provide a smooth level base under the liner of an above ground pool. While it works, it is not the best option. The sand would act as a barrier that would take in any water or moisture as opposed to all of that liquid going into the soil underneath the pool, potentially not killing your grass.
What is a gorilla pad for pool?
Gorilla Pads are pre-cut floor pads designed to protect and cushion the bottom of above ground pools. Unlike old pool foam padding, which can be easily be cut or pierced by grass, roots, or rocks under your above ground pool liner, Gorilla Bottom pool floor padding is impervious to almost any sharp object.
History States Vinyl Liner Covered Steps Still Dominate
Custom inground pool steps are the oldest and most reliable steps available and have been for years. In the past, the vinyl liner would just sit on the step making it move each time you walked on it. Todays steps have a beaded liner at the bottom of each riser so the liner doesnt move when you walk on it, ensuring a perfect fit.
Custom inground pool steps give you a real WOW factor if you are getting an automatic pool cover, as most people dont expect to see a beautiful intricate step as the cover opens.
You can create or design any type of custom step, and we can fabricate it for you.
Penguin Pools also can install bubblers in any of our custom inground pool steps bubblers are a great way to create a simple water feature and also keep your custom steps cleaner. Each Bubbler costs $600.
Simple Corner Steps $1,499
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