Above ground pools are supposed to be fun! Whether you’re doing a little swimming or just floating while enjoying the rays, it always makes for a good day.
But stressing about how you’re going to actually get out of the pool isn’t fun at all.
While above ground pools are more sturdy than most people give them credit for, the ladders and steps associated with them are often just not strong enough to support heavy, big, or fat people.
I’m was always worried that the ladder or steps would break or fall off while I was getting out of the pool. While that would be a little embarrassing, I’m even more concerned about injuring myself in the process.
The key is to make sure you have an extra strong, heavy duty ladder to get your big self in and out of the pool. You need to look for a ladder that is heavy duty, has a sturdy construction, has the appropriate weight capacity, and has wide steps.
If you are ready to start swimming right now and don’t have the luxury of reading through all the recommendations, let’s get down to it. My top pick is the Confer Above Ground Swimming Pool Curve Base Steps which you can see on Amazon by clicking here.
Not only are they super quick to assemble, but they also function more like stair steps than a traditional ladder which allows for maximum versatility and comfort.
You can also check out our full list here:
- Top Pick: Confer Above Ground Swimming Pool Curve Base Steps
- Heaviest Weight Capacity (Up to 500 LBS): Blue Wave NE110
- Simplest Design: JDM Auto Lights Swimming Pool Ladder Heavy Duty Step System
- Easiest to Install: Confer Above Ground Flip Up In-Frame Pool Ladder
- Best for Deck Pools: Safety Step Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder with Handle
About Our Top Picks
Minimum 400 Pound Weight Capacity
Most above ground pool ladders have a weight limit of about 300 pounds, but generally, people like us need a bit more than that. That’s why every ladder or set of steps on this list has a weight limit of at least 400 pounds.
Heavy Duty Construction
In order to support our larger frames, we need ladders that can stand up to the job. It needs to be supportive and constructed from sturdy, quality materials. You won’t find any cheap pool ladders here.
Wider Steps
To accommodate our entire frame, you need to think about the width of the ladder. After all, you cannot go up or down a ladder sideways. You need to make sure your body can fit comfortably in between the handrails. That’s why I’ve focused on finding pool ladders with extra wide steps that have plenty of room for wide bodies.
Best Above Ground Pool Ladders for Fat People
Top Pick: Confer Above Ground Swimming Pool Curve Base Steps
- The Confer Above-Ground Pool step allows safe and easy access to your pool as well as an elegant design...
These steps from Confer are your best bet when it comes to above ground pool ladders for fat people. To start, they can easily support 400 pounds. They are more like steps than a ladder, but that just means more stability – you won’t hear me complaining about that!
We are talking about above ground pools here, but these steps actually can work for either an above ground or an in-ground pool.
They are incredibly sturdy and built to last, with a five-year warranty. The secure railing gives you peace of mind so that you can grip well as you go up or down.
With this much durability and security, you might be surprised that the assembly is quick and easy. There are no tools required – simply snap the components into place so you can enjoy your time in the water!
Just remember is to fill the inside compartments with 70 pounds of sand to keep them weighed down.
The great thing about this product is that since it is constructed more like stair steps than a traditional ladder, you can sit directly on the steps while you relax in the pool. If you aren’t the best swimmer or just want to take a load off for a little bit, sitting is a very safe option.
The generous 38 inches of room to step means you won’t have to squeeze uncomfortably between the railings.
Check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I Love About Them: 400-pound weight capacity makes these a great option for most folks. I also love that they’re designed like traditional stairs instead of a ladder.
Heaviest Weight Capacity (500 Pounds): Blue Wave NE110 Wedding Cake Above Ground Liner Pad Pool Step
Not only do I like the food-centric look, but this pool ladder is also really awesome.
For one thing, it can hold up to 500 pounds, which is the highest weight capacity on this list.
The installation is easy because it does not require any additional weights or sand bags. Simply place it in the pool and it is ready to use! Since it features steps instead of ladders, it is very easy to get in and out of the water.
It also features one hand railing, instead of two. While some might consider this a drawback because you cannot hold onto two railings at once, for us fat people I actually think this is a huge plus. There is no limit to how wide you can be and use these stairs. No more feeling squished in and uncomfortable.
The non-slip steps mean even bare feet can grip easier so you don’t slip and fall – safety first.
Check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I Love About Them: With a 500-pound weight capacity, this is truly a heavy-duty option that will work for big, heavy, and fat people of all sizes.
Simplest Design: JDM Auto Lights Swimming Pool Ladder Heavy Duty Step System
- Brand new in box
- 38" wide X 35" deep X 45" height to the top step
- Simple snap together assembly with minimal parts, Sturdy construction holds over 400 lbs
The reason I love these steps is because they are simple.
Simple design and simple to install. Because who wants to spend hours putting something together? You’re ready just to jump into that crisp, refreshing water!
The sturdy construction is guaranteed to hold at least 400 pounds. Additionally, the wide, non-slip steps will keep you and your guests safe and comfortable as you enter or exit the pool.
The side openings allow water to flow easily through the steps which helps keep them securely in place.
Check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I Love About Them: The side openings look great and steps are easy to install. They’re also ready for big, heavy and fat folks of all sizes with 400+ pound capacity.
Easiest to Install: Confer Above Ground Flip Up In-Frame Pool Ladder
- Outside treads swing up into an upright position for security
- 18” wide: 22”high handrail
- 9-1/2” span
This ladder makes entering your above ground pool easy because the ladder flips up when not in use. Flipping up also means keeping young children and even pets out of the pool is easy. You will have peace of mind knowing that they cannot enter unsupervised.
The ladder easily supports 400 pounds. It comes with sturdy hand rails as well as brackets for mounting to keep the ladder securely in place. No slip and sliding here (at least not on the ladder!).
Above all, the Confer customer service is superb. If you have any sort of issue, they will work with you to make it right.
Check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I Love About Them: The hand rails on these are super-solid and the whole ladder is ready for up to 400 pounds.
Best for Deck Pools
Safety Step Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder with Handle
If your above ground pool is surrounded by a deck, this is the ladder you need.
The durable frame has a stair step design, rather than a ladder architecture. Because of this, you will never have to worry about the ladder slipping beneath you or missing a step.
The bright white provides high visibility in the water so you always know where you need to go to get out.
Mounting brackets keep the steps securely fastened to your pool. Additionally, you can easily adjust the handrails to be higher or lower and accommodate any pool depth. It is easy to assemble and there is a generous amount of space between the handrails.
Check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I Love About Them: The adjustable height handrails are a really nice touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can an above ground pool ladder hold?
You will want to make sure you check the specifications for each ladder. In general, most standard pool ladders have a weight limit of 300 pounds. On this list, I only included ladders with at least a 400-pound weight limit.
Can fat people swim?
Of course we can! Having always been fat, I know that swimming is a source of anxiety for a lot of people, and usually that worry comes from the bathing suit itself, not from the act of swimming.
I understand that confidence plays a big role in this, but remember, YOU are not your weight.
Is swimming good exercise?
Not only is swimming a fun social activity, but it is also great exercise. In the water, you are virtually weightless, so you can do things and move in ways you might not be able to outside of the pool. This can help with strength training exercises as well as your confidence.
Should I buy weights to secure my above ground pool ladder?
Some ladders come with screws or other holds for additional security. If you are concerned about it staying in place, you can use pool weights specifically constructed to secure your ladder.
How many years will an above ground pool ladder last?
With good care and maintenance, your ladder should last several years.
Conclusion
If you install an in-ground pool, you can get away without having a ladder because you have other ways to get in, like jumping, and concrete steps to get out. But when you bring home an above ground pool, a sturdy ladder is a necessity.
And if you are a fat person, the need for the right kind of ladder is even more important. You need one that can support your weight adequately.
But remember, swimming is a fun activity you can enjoy at any size! Don’t be afraid to get out there and enjoy yourself.