How To Remove Above Ground Pool Ladder: It’s Super Simple!

Removing an above-ground pool ladder may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be done quickly and easily.

So, how to remove above ground pool ladder?

Removing an above-ground pool ladder involves three simple steps: draining the pool water, unfastening the ladder, and simply removing it from the pool. But it’s also possible to remove the ladder without draining the pool. In that case, unfastening and removing the ladder will be a bit trickier because of the weight.

In this guide, you will learn how to safely remove your pool ladder, whether you’re taking it down for the winter or moving it to another area in your backyard.

Can You Leave Steps In Above Ground Pool For Winter?

No, you should not leave the stairs in the pool for the winter. In the winter, ice will form around the stairs and crush the steps or the railings. Other than that, it may get dirty or damaged beyond repair in the meantime. Covering the pool would also be difficult if you leave the stairs in.

This is why it’s better to remove the steps from the pool and store them in a dry, protected location for the winter. By doing so, they will stay in good shape and be ready for use when the warm weather returns.

Additionally, it will help the pool cover keep a tight seal on top of the pool and avoid allowing water or debris to accumulate over the winter.

How To Remove Above Ground Pool Ladder?

Removing the ladder from an above-ground pool features some simple steps. These steps include draining your pool water, unbolting the ladder, and removing it from the pool.

Apart from that, it’s also possible to remove the ladder without draining the pool.

Required Tools:

A number of tools would make your job easier when you want to remove the stairs from the pool. These tools are-

Rubber mallet
Wrench
Sponges and rags

Step One: Drain the Pool

Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pool. This is typically located near the skimmer or the return jet. Turn off the pump and filter systems. This will prevent the pump from running dry, which can cause damage.

Use a pipe wrench to loosen the drain plug and begin draining the water. Once the water level drops below your knees, use a pool vacuum or a pool skimmer to remove any debris that may be present at the bottom of the pool.

Continue draining the pool until the water level reaches the bottom of the skimmer or return jet.

If your pool uses a skimmer or return jet, use plugs or a winterizing plate on it to close it.

If you are not removing the steps for the winter, you can skip this step.

Step Two: Unfasten the Ladder

Decorative plates should be placed at the base of the ladder or where it attaches to the pool deck or ground to enhance the appearance. Slide the decorative plates upward to reveal the bolts and anchor sockets.

It is best to use a socket wrench to unscrew the bolts until they are around half an inch or so away from the ground. You should now be able to see the hole beneath the bolts once you have done this.

With a mallet, you can knock the bolts down a little bit by giving them a few whacks. As a result, the anchor wedge that’s hidden inside the anchor socket will be able to release the tension on them. A little lubricant, such as WD-40 may also be useful here.

The anchor wedge is an anchoring piece that is in the shape of a triangle, and it holds the ladder in place by using the bolt. The wedge is usually invisible until after the ladder has been taken out of its sleeves.

It’s loose enough when the ladder post wiggles or lifts from the anchor sleeve. The same steps should be repeated on the other side of the ladder once one side has been loosened.

Step Three: Taking the Stairs Out

When the ladder has been loosened in its anchor socket, pull the ladder upward to be removed from the deck and pool. After the ladder has been in the pool for a while, you may need to use a rubber mallet at the base to loosen it more.

When you try to remove the ladder, keep your balance to avoid slipping.

It would be a good idea to take out the anchor wedges and bolts from the socket as well if you are removing the ladder. These can be stored in a bag along with all your other pool parts so they are easily found next year.

How to Remove Pool Stairs That are Difficult

Removing pool stairs may seem like an easy task, but in reality, it can prove quite challenging. In some cases, the ladder may not easily come out or it may seem too heavy to lift.

Here are some tips for such difficult situations-

Removing Stuck Pool Ladder:

A pool ladder, specifically a metal one, can primarily get stuck because of corrosion. Except for that, it may get stuck because of mineral deposits, like calcium accumulation. If your pool ladder is completely corroded, it’s possible to clean the corroded ladder at home.

Anyhow, if your ladder is stuck and hard to remove from the pool, here are some steps you can follow-

First of all, make sure you have a carjack for this.
Place the carjack under the curved portion of the ladder rail. You may need to elevate the jack with wood or other solid materials if the distance between the jack and the ladder is too large.
Now, place a cloth between the jack and the ladder in order to avoid damaging it.
In order to elevate the jack, you need to turn the jack bolt clockwise after the jack has been installed. This side of the ladder should be movable by now.
Repeat with the other side of the ladder.

Precautions:

Don’t lift the jack too quickly, or you’ll bend the ladder, making the job harder. Instead, raise it steadily and moderately.
Ladders are not that strong, so bending them is easier than it seems. The best way to prep the ladder would be to go back in with the mallet to loosen it up a bit before you remove it.
By using the mallet and the car jack together, you should be able to get the ladder off. By going back and forth between them, you will slowly loosen the ladder and be able to lift it.

Removing Heavy Pool Ladders:

If the ladder is too heavy for you to lift out of the pool, you can always get another person to help you.

Lifting the ladder out of the pool can be exceptionally hard if you do it without draining the water. In that situation, here are some tricks that may come in handy.

Method 1: Use a Lever

You can get a wooden board and use it as a lever to get the ladder out of the pool easily.

Place the wooden board on the edge of the pool where the ladder is.
Have your helping hand hold the wood board in place firmly. This may be quite difficult to pull off without someone helping you.
Slowly raise the ladder onto the wooden board.
Hold it there for a couple of minutes to drain the water.

Now, you should be able to take the ladder out.

Method 2: Removing the Weights

On some ladders, there are extra weights installed inside so that the ladder does not float. If you are struggling with the weight of the ladder, remove the weights to make the ladder a bit lighter.

The location of the weights installed in the ladder may vary depending on the ladder manufacturer. But they are usually at the base of the ladder or attached to the ladder legs. If you cannot find them, check the manual or contact the dealer.

Precautions to Take When Removing Above Ground Pool Ladder

Remove the pool ladder while the weather is still warm. It might be too late to remove the ladders in the midst of winter.
When the weather is freezing, your ladder may become damaged, and in that case, you will have to replace it. You don’t want that, as good-quality pool ladders can cost a lot of money.
Also, the whole process may take a while, so make sure you have enough time on your hands.
It is important to not use the handrails, posts, or top tread of the pool step as support for lifting it as they are not designed to bear the weight of the step and may detach or break, leading to an accident or injury.
It is advised to use goggles and gloves as a safety measure. Otherwise, you may hurt your hand or get debris in your eyes while removing the ladder from the pool. Along with that, wear shoes that have a hard grip to avoid slipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can you dismantle and move an above-ground pool?

Yes, it is possible to dismantle and move an above-ground pool. But the whole process is extremely complex. That is why it is better to leave it in the hands of professionals.

Is it possible for an above-ground pool to collapse without water?

Yes, it is possible for an above-ground pool to collapse without water if its walls aren’t strong enough to withstand its frame’s weight. When an above-ground pool is filled with water, the weight of the water holds the pool walls in place and keeps the pool stable. As soon as the water is drained, the walls of the pool collapse.

Is it a good idea to cover an above-ground pool every night?

Yes, using a pool cover every night to cover the above-ground pool is good. Covering it overnight can reduce the amount of evaporation. Plus, the cover will trap moisture, which will naturally drain into your pool, reducing evaporation. You will be rewarded with a more consistent level of water and possibly a lower water bill as well.

Conclusion

To answer your query, “how to remove above ground pool ladder,” it’s a relatively simple process. But still, you need to practice safety and caution because the pool area is likely to be slippery and accidents and injuries might occur.

These processes mentioned above should be doable on your own. But if you still can’t get the ladder out, get help from someone, as it would be much easier.