Swimming pool ladders, steps and handrails
Swimming pools, spa pools, Jacuzzis and other bathing, water therapy and hydrotherapy pools all require a means of access into and out of the pool.
The most common method of doing this is by adding steps or ladders with some form of safety handrail or grab rail which the bather can hold onto for extra support.
Swimming pool steps are normally part of the construction of the pool and will only be found in submerged below ground pools. When this is the case the steps are normally constructed of concrete and they will be tiled with the swimming pool's walls and floor.
Swimming pool ladders
Pool ladders are more common than steps and they are the only option for above ground swimming pools. They have a number of cost, fitting and safety advantages and for this reason they are the option of choice for most pool owners.
Ladders are made of stainless steel (non rusting) tubing and they come in numerous designs that enable them to be fitted to –
- The pool side area (i.e. outside of the physical pool),
- The side wall of a pool, or
- With fittings to both the pool wall and the decking or pool side zone.
Swimming pool ladders normally have a non slip surface to the tread of each step of the ladder and they come with an integral handrail that extends upwards and out of the pool. This gives them the advantage of being highly visible and safe to use.
A ladder additionally has the advantage that it can be positioned and fixed at any point within in the pool and this also opens up the options for two or more ladders being fitted. E.g. one a t the deep end and one at the shallow end.
Pool ladders are specified by tread and will generally be available in 2, 3 4, or 5 tread depths. Longer ladders (for deeper pools) are available.
The design of pool ladders varies greatly. Some models will have a high handrail on one side and a low one on the other. This makes stepping onto or off the ladder easier. Some ladders have handrails that project significantly above the water level whilst others are lower. Undercover ladders terminate at the level of the pool's water and are almost invisible. All of these alternatives provide options for the owner and the appearance of the pool and pool side.
Another variable is the width of the ladder treads. Some owners like a wider ladder with bigger treads. Treads can be made from marine timber or timber effect designs (usually plastic) and this can add a different aesthetic to the pool.
The fittings, anchors and fixtures for pool ladders should be supplied with the ladder.
A final feature to look for is a double depth safety step or tread at the top of the ladder. The top step is the one used to push out of the pool or lower into the pool and when using this step the body does not have the benefit of being partially supported by water. Having an extra deep (double depth) step at this level is reassuring and comfortable to use.
Grab rails and handrails
Grab rails and separate handrails are normally fitted to the pool side immediately above the steps or ladder and they provide support when getting into or out of the swimming pool.
Most rails are supplied in pairs (left and right) although some extended rails come as single units. These rails come in many shapes and designs, however ease of use and ergonomics, rather than aesthetics, should be used to determine selection.