AG Pool Drop In Steps

[Islander2C]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

[Poolidiot]

I have the wedding cake steps and you are right , it does take 2 people (tried alone last year and was down in my back for 3 weeks) But the size of them makes it great for sitting and also for the little one to play on.

[CarlD]

I've been using the drop in wedding cake steps for several years--ones with 2 rails.

Putting them in:
1) I have a sheet of 45mil poly that goes under them. This is available from Home Depot as the sealer plumbers put under showers. I put it down to protect the liner from any movement by the steps. I cut it bigger than the steps, but rounded. It's super-smooth so it doesn't abrade the liner.
2) the steps go in. I drilled holes in the leading edge of each step to help air get out. I use 3 50#bags of filter sand--I had the giant zip-locks and I put a bag in each of them. I get INTO the pool and lower them down.
1a) Don a wetsuit--best $100 I spent on the pool.
3) Put bags inside steps and maneuver the steps into position.
4) Install rails

Removing them...
1) Don wetsuit...FIRST!(I close Oct 1)
2) detach rails.
3) Remove sand bags, lift to deck, well out of the way.
4) Gently lift steps so air gets in and floats them.
5)get one edge of steps on deck, lift slowly to get water out, then lift it completely on deck.
6) Getting them out of the pool and to the shed is tough. I can manage it myself, but if my son can help (and he does) it's better.

[JETTA]

I want to replace my existing steps with either the Lumio Wedding Cake II or the Biltmor (in pool step portion only). I want a step that does not need to have weights to be placed under the step as an anchor.

Did anybody buy the WC II steps last season? Did you like them?

[Islander2C]

Carl did you used to have the steps similar to the first picture? I think I remember you posting last year with a picture of your steps before the wedding cake ones? If so, what made you switch?

[CarlD]

Carl did you used to have the steps similar to the first picture? I think I remember you posting last year with a picture of your steps before the wedding cake ones? If so, what made you switch?

I had a set of drop in stair-type, but I didn't like the way they sat on my deck, getting to them, how they looked, etc. They went in for about 5 minutes, then came back out. Then the wedding cake.

[JETTA]

I purchased the Lumi-O "Festiva" step. I liked that two steps are used for the ballasting.

I am hoping that I will not have to anchor the steps down to the deck. My former steps did not require it and I am going to try these without. Judging by the steps, I do not think they will float away.

[JETTA]

I dropped my new steps in today. So the water was a little hazy, but I just opened the pool & hooked up the pump on Wednesday. I wanted to try these steps out.

First I brought my old set of drop in steps to the end of my driveway on Sunday and within 1 hour they were sold. There was nothing wrong with them, I just hated the process of anchoring them down. I made a couple very happy with the $50 price. I even gave them my custom made weights to go with it.

I chose the Festiva because it looked liked I would not have to anchor the steps to the deck. My former steps were that way. I confirmed this when filling the two weighted steps (the bottom and the third up from the bottom) this staircase is stable and will not float. I would estimate I have about 45lbs of stone in each step.

I even went into the pool and caused some waves and the steps rocked a little but did not wander away. The old steps did the same.

I also like the fact that these are all plastic including the rails.

Some pix:

[The Mermaid]

We used to have the wedding cake steps, but yeah, they were cumbersome and I didn't like how algae would grow behind them due to poor water circulation. We decided no more wedding cake steps, although I did like how big and sturdy they were. We are giving these a try.

http://www.inyopools.com/Products/00100001005385.htm

We just got them installed and so far, they are great. Good water circulation and they feel nice and sturdy (though not as big as the wedding cake type).

[Islander2C]

Jetta:
That is just what I am looking for! They look perfect! Where did you purchase them? From a pool store or online? I live in Canada so I am hoping I can get them here somewhere.
Thanks for the pics.
Mary