Need a wider step ladder for your above ground pool? Here’s an easy DIY PVC pool ladder plan that is affordable and easy to build.
PVC Pool Ladder Plans
These DIY above ground pvc pool ladder instructions can be adapted to fit any size above ground pool. The average depths of most above ground pools are 48 to 52 inches. To get started, measure the height of your pool.
You’ll Need:
2″ PVC Pipe (twice the height of the pool, plus 8 feet)
6 2″-90-Degree PVC Elbows
2 2″-Tee (per step) If you have 5 steps total, you need 10 T’s.
4 2″-45-Degree Elbows
Skate Board tape (for traction on the steps)
stainless steel screws
Spray Foam insulation
PVC Primer
PVC Glue
Photo Credit: Stephanie Sherwood
Measure and cut the PVC “steps” (18″ each), then spray the foam insulation into each pipe of the step for additional stability, let it dry.
Cut the remaining PVC into 12″ pieces.
Prime the ends of the cut PVC, let the primer dry.
Start with a 90-degree elbow and connect 2 elbows with one 18″ piece of pvc to create the bottom rung of the ladder.
Insert two pieces of 12″ pvc to create the height for the next run, and top each section with a Tee joint, gluing in place as you go.
Repeat until the ladder is the desired height/
Apply two 90-degree angle joints to the top of ladder and set aside.
Build the other side of the ladder in the same manner, but once you get to the top, apply a 45-Degree angle joint to the top of the ladder to create a slope.
Attach the two ladders, glue into place. Apply waterproof skateboard tape to each rung of the ladder to help prevent slipping.
While this would be wonderful for small children, it’s inadvisable for heavier adults and in that case we’d recommend this one instead.
If you use Great Stuff Spray foam, you will need to foam the pipe in stages, otherwise it won’t dry. I know this because we tried foaming a 2″X2″ metal pipe. The outer ends that got air to it expanded and solidified for a few inches. The middle section was still gooey when we cut into it a month later.
This mentions stainless steel screws but doesn’t give instructions on where to put them.
I sure wish you had shown the front view, as well. I would have saved myself a lot of aggravation.
Can you give the measurements for the top pvc pipes and the 45degree pipes?
Here’s a trick on how to make your pool ladder stable:
Since the ladder would become too heavy to fill the cavity with sand, you can make your own weights using sand or water. Plastic bottles filled with sand or water can be tied to the ladder’s base, or you can use an aqua-fitness weight, which is designed for underwater aerobics.
This ensures the ladder remains stable, but it’s still easy to remove from the pool to prevent kids or unwanted guests from entering.