There are two types of people: Those who cannonball into a pool and those who ease themselves in slowly. For the latter archetype, stairs are important. But that’s not the only reason they’re important. They act as a safety feature for entering and exiting a pool, and they can even be used as benches for those who want to relax but don’t want to leave the water. But what inground pool steps should you choose?
There are plenty of options, such as fiberglass, vinyl, concrete, and more. In this blog, we’ll give you the details on all of them and break down the pros and cons so you can make a sound decision.
Fiberglass Pool Steps
These inground pool stairs are renowned for their sleek appearance and satisfyingly smooth finish. Their prefabricated nature means installation is a straightforward process… as long as it’s compatible with the pool design.
Pros
- Fiberglass inground pool steps don’t require much maintenance.
- They have strong resistance to algae buildup.
- They offer impressive longevity with minimal wear/fading.
- Their nonporous surfaces make them easy to clean.
Cons
- Options are limited when it comes to customization (shape and size).
- They need to adhere to specific pool dimensions/designs.
Vinyl Liner Pool Steps
Looking for a budget-friendly option for your inground pool steps? Vinyl might be the answer. It’s available in a swath of styles, and it can be built-in or removable. Here are the highlights:
Pros
- A wide variety of options for sizes and designs are available.
- It provides comfort thanks to a soft underfoot, compared to other options
- It’s a more affordable option than most others.
Cons
- The liner will experience wear and tear, meaning it will eventually need to be replaced.
- It doesn’t offer as much durability as fiberglass or concrete.
Concrete Pool Steps
Concrete remains a popular choice, and for good reason. What it lacks in comfort, it makes up for in durability and customization. Let’s take a look at the bullet points you’ll be interested in.
Pros
- Due to its non-prefab nature, concrete is completely customizable when it comes to size, shape, and finish.
- You won’t find a more durable option for your pool stairs. This makes for a long-lasting choice.
- It can blend in seamlessly with the other elements of the pool design.
Cons
- The upfront cost for installation is higher than other options.
- Sealing is required to maintain a surface that’s smooth and safe for swimmers—nobody likes to get a scrape from rough textures.
Acrylic or Hybrid Inground Pool Stairs
There’s a new material in town. Acrylic and hybrid steps are becoming a popular option for inground pools, and the reason is clear. They offer a nice mixture of aesthetic impact and durability.
Pros
- Plenty of design options are available. They can mimic natural stone or tile!
- They offer a high level of safety thanks to slip-resistant finishes.
- Visual appeal and durability combine to offer a quality step option.
Cons
- The range of pricing is wide, due to the possibilities in customization.
- Professional upkeep will likely be necessary to preserve the finish on the materials.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
Before you make a kneejerk decision and choose the “shiniest” material for your inground pool steps, there are a few things to consider. To start, you should always be on the lookout for safety features. Slip resistance, handrails, and proper step-depth all contribute to a product that minimizes risk and danger.
In addition to safety, make sure you choose a style that really resonates with you. This is your pool! It should reflect your preferences.
Another thing you should take into consideration is the time and effort required to perform maintenance on your pool. Are you willing to invest that in upkeep?
And speaking of investment, there’s always the matter of budget. You may want the top of the top-tier option, but if it’s out of your price range, there isn’t much to be done about that. Narrowing down your choices based on what’s achievable is a great way to make the decision a little easier. That said, we’re always doing our best to meet our customers’ needs while respecting their budgets! If it’s possible, we’ll make it happen.
We’ll Help You Choose the Right Inground Pool Steps
When you’re designing your pool, it’s easy to give minimal attention to the stairs. But that doesn’t change the fact that they’re an important aspect of the whole pool, from both a safety and visual point of view. With so many options, it can be tough to make a decision. We hope this blog will help you in that regard!
For all your pool-related questions and needs, Aquatic Solutions is here to help. Get in touch with us and let’s chat about your dream pool.