How to Build a Ladder Off the Deck for a Pool

Measure the depth of the pool in the location that you want to install the ladder. You will need to measure from the bottom of the pool to the top of the deck.

Cut two lengths of stainless steel pipe with a 1.5-inch diameter. To cut the pipe the correct length, add 4 feet to the measurement you previously took. For example if the depth from the bottom of the pool to the top of the deck is 6 feet, each pipe should measure 10 feet.

Measure and mark 16 inches from the end of each pipe. You can mark the pipe with a permanent marker. Then use a pipe bender to bend each pipe at a 145-degree angle at the location you marked. Take care to bend each pipe identically so one does not turn out shorter than the other. The bent part of the pipe will serve as the above-pool handrail.

Create a mark every 12 inches from the bottom, nonbent end of the pipe. Each mark on the side of the pipe represents the location of a tread. The number of treads you need depends on the length of the pipe. The top tread is generally in line with end of the bent portion of pipe or a little lower.

Drill a hole through the sides of each pipe at the locations you marked.

Attach a ladder tread at each hole you drilled. You secure the tread to the pipe by placing a 2.5-inch stainless steel ladder bolt through the pipe and into the hole in the side of the tread. Then place a washer and nut onto the end of the bolt and tighten. When attaching the treads to the pipes, start with the top tread, attach it to both pipes and then move on to the next tread. This process is simpler than attaching all the treads to one pipe at once and then attempting to secure the treads to the second pipe.

Place the pivot balls onto the bottom of the pipes. The pivot balls should come in a set with the bottom ladder tread. Use a rubber mallet, if needed, to secure the pivot balls onto the ends of the pipes.

Align the pivot balls on the ladder with the recessed areas of the bottom tread. Push down on the ladder until you hear a click, which indicates the pivot balls are in place.

Install the deck flanges onto the curved end of the pipes. Depending on the flange model, you may need to drill one or more holes into the pipe. The flange is the part of the ladder that you attach to your deck.