Is This TikToker's DIY For Above-Ground Pool Steps One To Try Or Skip This Summer?
Above ground pools are a money-saving alternative that allows families to cool down in the summertime without the hefty price tag and lengthy installation process associated with inground pools. Although even the best above ground pools may not look as high-end as inground ones, they have a long list of benefits. Above ground pools are simpler to maintain, more affordable, can be relocated if you move homes. Many of these pools come with a ladder that you climb to hop inside the water, but TikTok user @krazygirl.80 posted a tutorial on how to DIY stairs as an alternative. While this might appear like a good idea at first glance, you should skip this DIY as it is actually a safety hazard.
The video posted to the @krazygirl.80 TikTok account shows that the steps were crafted using cement bricks and blocks of wood. One problem with this is that the bricks were not attached to one another using cement or any form of adhesive, according to what is depicted in the video. Another issue is the lack of any form of railing. Anyone who uses the stairs to walk in or out of the pool would not have much stability. Rather than recreating this hazardous DIY for your own above ground pool, consider using safer alternatives.
These DIY above ground pool steps are a safety hazard
In the video, you can see that the pieces of wood were slid into the two holes in the cement bricks to create each step. The content creator explained that they poured sand into the holes of the bricks that make up the bottom layer. This was seemingly done in an attempt to stabilize the stairs. However, because no form of adhesive was used to secure the bricks or wood, there is still a chance that things could come tumbling down. These stairs might even wobble when people use them. The fact that there is no railing certainly does not help here either.
TikTok users took to the comments of the video to express their concern for the safety of the DIY pool stairs. "That looks way too wobbly," one person wrote. Others provided suggestions for how the structure could be made more secure. "Please use some block adhesive on those," a user shared. "Those blocks need to be cemented down," another person penned. If you want to update your pool, you might want to explore less hazardous options.
Alternatives to the DIY above ground pool stairs
Rather than creating your own above ground pool stairs, you can purchase them online. These stairs are specifically crafted to be used with above ground pools, so they are likely much safer than any DIY project. Amazon sells a few different options that you might want to consider. The XtremepowerUS Premium Pool Ladder includes four steps and two hand rails to help you get in and out of your pool safely. It is priced at $249.95.
Amazon also sells the Confer Plastics Step-1X: Durable Pool Entry, which can support up to 400 pounds. These stairs cost $289.99. Both of these options should be placed inside of the pool rather than against the outside of the pool, as shown in the product photos and reviews on Amazon. However, there are some exterior pool step options if that's what you're looking for as well.
If you do decide to purchase one of these, do not forget to make sure that it is compatible with your above ground pool. Check the height of the pool and compare it to the height of the above ground pool stairs you are interested in. When it comes to above ground pool stairs, it might be safe to say that this is something best left to the professionals. Luckily, these pre-made options will help design the perfect pool for your backyard safely.