The new XL ziplock BigBag (2ftx1.7ft) and XXL BigBag (2ftx2.7ft) are nice for containing whatever you use to weigh down the stairs. The plastic and "lock" both seem much better than the piece of junk I received with my steps (yes, it failed with sand twice)

The only plastic weights I could find are standard metal weights that are encased in plastic. I put 50#'s of weights into an XL BigBag. I did this twice then weighed down the steps with the 100#total, in two bags. After I screwed the steps to the top plate it became very stable.

I currently vacuum behind the steps every time I vacuum the pool...but I do wonder if there's anything else I could do that may be a little easier than trying to hold my breath while vacuuming under water. Could a 1/2 gallon milk jug filled with bleach and one small pin hole work? Maybe tie it so it would stay inside the steps???

take care,
dan