Pool ladders are designed to accommodate all types of swimmers, regardless of age and ability. They’re an important accessory for in-ground pools as they offer a convenient and safe way to enter and exit the water. There are several materials that can be used for pool ladders, but all of them are built with ease of use and durability in mind.
Keep reading to discover more about the best easy-to-use pool ladders for in-ground pools that will enhance the overall swimming experience in 2025.
Table of Contents
Global market value of pool ladders
Pool ladders for in-ground pools
Conclusion
Global market value of pool ladders
Pool ladders are an essential pool accessory that help people to get in and out of the water in a safe way. It’s essential that in-ground pools have at least one pool ladder installed, especially in pools that are open to the public and that see a lot of traffic on a daily basis. The demand for pool ladders has increased in recent years due to the large number of both outdoor and indoor pools being installed thanks to government funding. This comes as a direct result of people being more aware of their overall health and people of all age groups wanting a place to exercise as well as relax.
The global market value of pool ladders reached USD 13.34 billion by the end of 2023. By 2031, the market is expecting that number to increase to at least USD 27.22 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.62% between 2024 and 2031. As well as seeing an increasing demand for pool ladders, the market is also being driven by new technologies and wider uses across different industries.
Pool ladders for in-ground pools
All pool ladders are designed to assist individuals from getting in and out of the pool and they’re built with safety in mind. While not every pool ladder is suitable for each type of pool, there are similarities between them all such as materials used and the type of grip on the steps. Some pool ladders are a standard model whereas others have the purpose of accommodating certain types of people, such as young children or elderly swimmers.
According to Google Ads, “pool ladders” has an average monthly search volume of 33,100. Almost 30% of these searches appear in July when swimming is at its peak in places like the United States. Both June and August make up an additional 36% of annual searches. Following the summer months, searches drop significantly since outdoor swimming pools are less likely to be used.
Google Ads also reveals that “above ground pool ladders” are the most searched for with 27,100 average monthly searches. This is followed by “pool steps” with 18,100 searches and “a-frame ladders” with 12,100 searches. Keep reading to learn more about each of these pool ladders for in-ground pools.
Above ground pool ladders
The most common style of pool ladders are the above ground pool ladders. One of the key features of these ladders is their construction since the frames are typically made from heavy-duty and durable materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, that can resist rust and corrosion. This is very important because the ladders will be sitting in water and will be exposed to chemicals in the pool.
These ladders are attached to the pool deck for stability and to ensure that the structure can withstand the weight of swimmers entering and exiting the pool. The steps are equipped with non-slip features that are usually made of resin or a durable plastic in order to provide swimmers with secure footholes even when they’re wet. All of the steps should be evenly spaced and feature handrails that extend above the pool deck to allow swimmers to maintain their balance.
The design of above ground pool ladders is very simple but functional. The appearance doesn’t take people’s attention away from the aesthetics of the pool and they’re easy to install and maintain. Having durable materials will ensure that the ladders have a longer lifespan and can be utilized for many years.
Pool steps
A popular alternative to standard pool ladders are pool steps. Typically pool steps are built into the pool itself, but consumers now have the option of purchasing them as a separate pool accessory. They’re designed to offer enhanced accessibility with their staircase-like design and wide steps. This helps to provide a comfortable and stable entry point for the pool which is ideal for swimmers with mobility issues or for younger swimmers.
The steps are generally made of durable materials such as reinforced plastic, resin, or fiberglass which are all resistant to the chemicals used to maintain pools and UV exposure. It’s important that these steps have a non-slip surface to prevent falls and at least one sturdy handrail is also vital for safety reasons and it needs to be securely attached to the pool deck.
Pool steps are designed to flow seamlessly with the aesthetics of the pool and for this reason they can be fully customized for the buyer. Additional features can also be added to pool steps such as built-in seating areas to add to their functionality.
A-frame ladders
One of the most easy to use ladders for in-ground pools, as well as above ground pools, are a-frame ladders. They’re designed to be a convenient solution for pool access in areas where a pool deck is higher than the level of the pool. These ladders are freestanding and self-supporting which allows them to be used from both sides. The ladders stand in an “A” shape and are constructed of lightweight and sturdy materials such as high-density plastic or aluminum which makes them easy to move as well as reliable when supporting weight.
Built with safety in mind, a-frame ladders feature non-slip, wide steps that offer secure footing for swimmers. The steps are evenly spaced and include handrails on both sides for added stability. High-end versions of these ladders will include a locking mechanism on the feet so the ladders remain in place.
A-frame ladders are designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble since they’re predominantly used for temporary reasons. The materials used require minimum maintenance and they’re able to withstand the outdoor elements. Most ladders will also have adjustable heights so they can be adapted to different pool depths.
Conclusion
Among all of the accessories and products required to maintain and use an in-ground pool, pool ladders are the most essential. There are various types of pool ladders available, and each style has their own features that cater to different types of swimmers as well as pool designs. All pool ladders need to be made of durable materials that can withstand outdoor weather conditions and chemicals from the pool, with non-slip elements incorporated into them to ensure the safety of swimmers too.
