How to attach 52" ladder to 48" pool

[nicole12]

We have a 48" pool with a ladder that supposedly is both for a 48" and 52". However they are at least 4" higher than the top of the pool. For the past 2 years we used a long nut and bolt and put some spacers between the ladder and pool on the bolt for extra support. The movement of the ladder this year really bent the bolts and started to crack the top of the pool.

Any ideas on how to mount to the pool seeing there is such a gap in between? I'm closing the pool this week so I have a whole winter to figure it out.

[haze_1956]

Can we get some pictures?

[nicole12]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/12nicole12/ladder001.jpghttp://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/12nicole12/ladder002.jpg

[hrsdennis]

Hi, there should be a part on the inside of the ladder, pool side, that will unbolt and allow you to readjust and rebolt. The outside PVC tubes then need to be carefully measured and cut with a hacksaw. It is a nice ladder when properly mounted.

It is also best to center the ladder over an upright. There is much more support at that point.

Best of luck, Dennis

[nicole12]

We have made the ladder as small as it will go by using those bolts at the bottom. Our pool isn't level with the ground so that could be part of the problem. I guess I could cut the bottom of the ladder and make my own holes and then recut the PVC on the outside.

How about using a 4X4 underneath the ladder to allow the ladder to rest upon that?

Are the ladders supposed to be attached to the pool or just resting on top of the top of the pool?

The top of our pool measures around 44".

[nicole12]

Well this morning I cut off about 3 1/2" off the bottom of the ladder, reinstalled the bottom stair, did the same on the other side of the ladder and now it sits about 1/4" higher than the pool. Hopefully that's solved the problem. Should I still anchor the ladder to the pool with bolts?

[hrsdennis]

That sounds a lot better, and yes I would use bolts.

Best of luck, Dennis