Wedding Cake Steps

[rilesworld]

I have an inground pool with a shallow end that has a flat bottom that is about 3.5" deep. I do not have any steps and I would like to get something to assist my younger children in learning to swim. I am thinking some steps would help in this endeavor. A couple of questions though:

Someone local is selling a set of above ground wedding cake steps like the following:

http://www.backyardcitypools.com/pool-ladders-steps/Wedding-Cake-Steps.htm

Is there any reason why these are considered "above ground" steps. They look like they would work for an inground pool as well.

If someone has some recommendations on types of steps that they like or disliked I would appreciate any help.

I was also thinking that a drop in platform of some sort would be nice, but I haven't been able to find anything like that.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[CanuckPool]

I guess they market it as AGP because AGP pools usually have only one way to get out.. via ladder while IG pools can have ladders, swim outs, steps, beach front etc etc. I don't see any reason you couldnt use these as steps in your IG pool though. The cool part is that you can take them out when you dont need them to gain back some more real estate when the kids get older.

[CarlD]

Sometimes the ones for IG are a little shorter as the shallow end water is shallower. You MAY want to go for one with 2 rails--that's what I have, which makes it easier for the elderly (like my 82 year old mom) to get in and swim (which she loves to do).

[KurtV]

As Carl said, it's because of the depth. The page you linked to said those steps are for 48"-52" depths; won't work in your 3.5' (42") shallow end. These (http://www.backyardcitypools.com/pool-ladders-steps/In-Ground-Steps-NE102.htm) look like they would work.

[rilesworld]

Thanks everyone for the tips. If I were buying new, I might not select this model for a few reasons, but since the deal too good to pass up, I am considering the one I linked.

I looked at the specs and it is only 40" high, which would mean the top step would be only 2 inches under the lip, but it is actaully shorter the other one linked in this thread (which is 42").

It does have me a little puzzled by stating it is good for pools 48"-52" deep. I guess that just assumes you want the first step to be 8-12" below the deck. Whereas the 42" high steps are marketed for pools 42" deep. I guess just different schools of thought.

Has anyone heard of a sort of table, or platform that you could throw into the shallow end for little ones?

Thanks.

[CanuckPool]

here is a company that sells teaching aids.. its has something like a tot-dock

http://www.aquam.com/3/Catalogs/Institutional?cat=28

[rilesworld]

Thanks Canuck! That got me looking for teaching platforms and I found this link:

http://www.recsupply.com/category.aspx?categoryID=94

That looks like a very simple PVC structure that could easily be made for very little money. And then I could make to the exact size I want. I like it! :D

Anyone have any tips for this project?

[CanuckPool]

at those prices, you can definately save some money making it yourself

[Sumo1]

I recently saw a thread in poolforum.com that gave a detailed description with photos of a great solution to your step problem. Try searching the archives.
Hal