Replacing Your Swimming Pool Tread
A swimming pool tread is the surface that swimmers walk on when entering or exiting the water. Over time, ladder treads can become worn and slick, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Replacing pool ladder treads regularly will help keep your pool safe and easy to navigate.
Bolt On steps come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be along your shallow walls or in a corner, with or without a tanning ledge, and more!
Ladders
Ladders are a crucial component of your pool, providing a safe entry and exit point for swimmers of all ages. While many ladders rely on the weight of water or sandbags on exterior feet to keep them from rocking, others use deck flanges and mounting systems to ensure they’re held securely in place.
This particular ladder comes with a cage, which helps prevent kids and elderly swimmers from falling into the water when climbing in and out of your pool. It also features roomy, slip-resistant Cycolac steps and double handrails that can handle up to 300 pounds. This ladder works for pools up to 52 inches high.
For a quick, simple pool ladder, check out this one from Doheny’s. It accommodates pools from 48 to 54 inches tall, and its sturdy handrails are made of maintenance-free resin. Plus, it’s easy to install. Just make swimming pool tread sure that the flanges are attached to the deck and that each rail is anchored to the deck with 1.5″ holes, and it’s ready for swimmers. Then, you can take a dip yourself, knowing your new ladder is firmly in place.
Curved Steps
Curved steps are a great alternative to a ladder. They are usually more visually appealing and allow people to enter or exit the pool without putting their feet in the water.
Regardless of the type of step you choose, it is important to ensure that it can accommodate your needs and that it complies with local codes. For instance, your pool’s filtration system must be able to circulate well throughout the structure. If your pool has poor circulation, algae will grow in the shallow areas and your steps can become slick to step on.
There are many different types of curved steps. They can be molded plastic, vinyl over, or concrete/gunite. If you are looking for a more consistent look with your pool liner then you will want to go with a vinyl over option. This will also make it easier to install a pool lift as your liner goes right over the top of your curved steps. For a clean installation you should run a level reference line on the face of each stud to establish tread levels and the height of the first riser.
Vinyl-Over Steps
Unlike ladders, which jut out from the pool and require customization of the pool cover, vinyl-covered steps (called “vinyl-over” or swimming pool tread VO) are part of the structure of your swimming pool. They’re made from steel or polymer and then covered with vinyl liner for a custom look that is beautiful in and out of the water. They’re also easier to clean and have fewer parts to break down.
These custom steps can be designed into benches and sun-ledges for a more comfortable place to relax and cool off. They can be installed in your existing pool or as a new addition. They’re particularly a great choice for those with pets, as dog nails can sometimes poke holes in fiberglass stairs.
One popular option is the Wedding Cake Step, named for its rounded tiers. It’s available in eight models and can be used with vinyl liner, gunite, or concrete pools. All VO steps are available with optional white Tread-Tex, which bolsters safety by making the surface more grippy.
Step Returns
The steps are the most likely place in your pool to collect dirt and debris. This is because of the higher volume of foot traffic in this area and the fact that they heat up quicker than the rest of your pool’s water. Adding returns to your steps keeps this area from becoming a dust magnet while also keeping the water properly circulated. Proper circulation prevents algae blooms and reduces the amount of chemicals that are needed to keep your water safe.
Latham’s molded and vinyl-over steps work beautifully with circular, oblong, freeform or lagoon style pools. Molded steps are designed to fit within the pool’s walls for a sleek look while vinyl-over steps offer a wide variety of options that extend beyond just standard stairs including lounges and sun ledges.
Step jets can be added to any type of curved or flat stairs and offer an alternative to standard return locations. Like returns they also help to circulate the water and can be matched to any color for a custom look. They can also be equipped with a pulsating massage option for your guests to enjoy during their pool time.
Step Jets
The height of your steps can affect the overall look of your pool. While the standard step height is 12 inches, some experts recommend higher steps for the elderly or those with physical disabilities. Steps should also be wider to compensate for water buoyancy and help swimmers feel steady on their feet.
It’s important to get great circulation around your pool so that the chemicals stay mixed and the chlorine stays active. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the use of return jets. When properly aimed, the jets push clean water back toward your pool filter so that it reintegrates with the rest of your water.
However, if the jets are angled upward or positioned close to each other, they can cause turbulence. This can result in a bubbling pattern and even a rise in your pool’s pH. The ideal positioning of the jets is to have them pointing down at a slight angle toward your steps. This will ensure that the return jets are pushing the clean water into the skimmers rather than creating dead spots in your pool.
