Wedding Cake Steps
Safe, Fun and Attractive
Wedding Cake steps have become very popular for above ground pools. They look like they would be an ideal way to get out of your above ground pool.
I have installed a couple of sets in the last few years but have never owned one.
I do know from my reading and talking to customers that they have two problems that owners need to overcome before they can really enjoy them.
Here are the suggestions I have heard for adding weight to, and cleaning behind, these molded steps in an above ground pool.
To hold the steps down try using two 50lb. bags of play sand or filter sand. Another idea is to fill milk jugs with concrete. This idea is a little more involved but I like it the best. Get several lengths of 4" PVC pipe, cap one end and fill with sand then cap the other. Use glue when capping the ends, of course, and your short pieces of pipe make great weights.
The water bags used to hold pool covers in place on above ground pools make great sand holders. They are heavy duty and water tight.
Several people have mentioned putting barbell weights into zip lock bags and using them as weights. With all of these ideas, holding your wedding cake steps in place should no longer be a problem.
What about the algae growth behind the steps? Some people tie a floating chlorinator in place under the steps and set it on a low setting. Another suggestion is to drill small holes through the steps to allow for better water circulation.
Consider the pros and cons and all the options before deciding on your above ground pool inside steps. Some of the pros include:
- Easy entry and exit: Wide, gradual steps feel more comfortable than a ladder, especially for kids, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility.
- More stable feeling: They usually feel sturdier and less intimidating than narrow ladders.
- Comfortable for lounging: Some people use the top steps as a shallow sitting area.
- Better aesthetics: They often look nicer and more “finished” than a standard ladder.
- Safer for many users: The broad treads can reduce the fear of slipping compared to climbing ladder rungs.
Some of the cons include:
- Take up swim space: They extend into the pool and reduce usable swimming area.
- Can be harder to clean around: Dirt and algae may collect behind or under them if water circulation is poor.
- Installation compatibility: Not all above-ground pools or decks work well with every wedding cake step model.
- Higher cost: They’re usually more expensive than a basic ladder.
- Weight and handling: They can be bulky to install, remove, or reposition.
- May need ballast: Some models must be weighted correctly so they don’t float.
- Potential liner concerns: If installed improperly, they may rub against the liner and cause wear over time.
- Less ideal for very small pools: In a compact pool, they can feel intrusive.
As a pool owner I would think they are great, I think, having never owned one. As a pool liner replacement installer I hate them. They need to come out of the pool before the new liner can be installed. Depending on how they are weighted this could be a long process. A set of steps full of sand could take a hand full of people to remove them from the pool and set them back in. Attached weights that can be removed make it much easier. Do consider liner replacement time and how you will handle it.
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