Above ground pool ladder - ground had to be leveled 1' down in yard

Hi. We bought a 15 ft round metal frame pool. Our back yard slopes, so we had to dig 1' down to finally get the ground level for the pool. I want to install 16" x 16 " pavers (an area of approx 4' x 12') on the ground from our patio door to the pool - to avoid getting dirt in the pool when you walk from the door to the ladder. My problem is - the ladder that came with the pool is not adjustable, so the ladder side in the pool is 1 foot lower than the ladder side out of the pool. I don't know if I should build a step with my pavers or simply bury the ladder approx 1 foot down in the ground. I know building a step may be the better way but it seems like more work and more money. I've never done pavers before. I just realized the ladder issue yesterday, so now I'm kind of stuck and I'm not sure what to do. Any help/ideas are appreciated.

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the ladder is longer on one side than the other? Or that you are trying to install the ladder from pool level to the higher level, elevated 1' above the pool floor?

Anyhow, I'll move this to the correct section.

I think I'd bury the outside part of the ladder. Even if you build steps with the pavers you've got to be able to climb back out of the pool once you're in so you'll still need the ladder (or steps on the inside as well, I suppose).

If you bury part of it, though; it's likely to corrode faster.

Kevin,
Just read the last line in your sig. Gave me a good chuckle!