Weighing down Wedding Cake Steps ?

[rferrel1]

Another questions but on the same lines - I decided to reposition my wedding cake steps this year towards one end of where the deck joins the 15' straight side of my 15x30' oval pool. Last year we had it in the center and the "rule" was that my 6yo grandson was NOT to jump in on the side where the steps "flared out". I decided this year we'd try them all the way to one end of the deck so that wouldn't be a concern and it gives him more room for play in and out of the pool. He hasn't been over yet and so far I'm using the steps without them being connected to the deck. My steps came with a weighted piece that goes on the top step and two containers that bolt to the bottom that are also weighted. I had problems last year with build up of algae under the steps but so far I'm not having an issue with them not being weighted down and I can move them when I get in the pool to assure circulation BUT they certainly don't just "float" around. Any reason why I can't just leave them unattached?? At most, we have a day every other week or so where there are several kids in the pool - it's mostly us adults getting in and floating or swimming laps.

[TimWillin2]

We have straight steps. Last year I strapped 2 cinder cap blocks to a small brace on the bottom using electrical tie wraps to hold them on. Unconventional? Yes, but it held them down pretty well. Much less algea than the bag of river rocks I used the year before. (Did I say that out loud?) I thought about weights too, but wondered how they would react in a chlorine rich environment. Anyone?

[drumr]

I did the same thing as TimWillin2 with my straight steps and so far it is working very well.

JD

[csevel]

We also created weights for our steps out of PVC pipe which we capped off. Unfortunately, the gravel inside of them is not quite heavy enough to weigh our steps down. They only weigh about 25-30#s each. I think loading them with lead buckshot might be the answer. Last year we ordered the corner water bags used to hold inground pool covers down and they worked out great!