Inground Pool Guide

Pool Entry Step Guide

Steps are the primary entry and exit point for your pool — and one of the most-used features every swim season. Here is how to choose the right configuration.

Step Types

Choose Your Entry Steps

Step configuration is selected when you configure your inground kit. Your Poolzilla kit includes steps — they ship with the rest of your kit.

Most Common · Recommended

Corner Step Unit

A pre-formed step unit that installs in the corner of the pool. Takes up minimal swim area, provides a clean look, and is the most popular configuration for rectangular and grecian pools.

Minimal swim space footprint

Clean, finished appearance

Slots into pool corner during liner installation

Available in 4-step and 5-step configurations

Wide Entry

Full-Width Entry Steps

Steps that span the full width of one end of the pool. Great for families with young children and older adults. Takes up more swim area but provides the easiest entry and exit.

Easiest entry and exit of any configuration

Ideal for young children learning to swim

Creates a social ledge area

Reduces usable swim area significantly

Minimal Footprint

Ladder Only

A stainless steel ladder for entry and exit — no step unit inside the pool. Maximum usable swim area. Common on above ground pools but still an option on inground.

Maximum usable swim area

Finest possible filtration

Most maintenance-intensive of the three

Requires D.E. powder after every backwash

By Pool Shape

Which Steps Work With Your Shape

Rectangle

Recommended Steps: Corner step unit
Available Options: Corner, full-width, ladder
Notes: Corner unit is most popular — clean and space-efficient


Grecian

Recommended Steps: Corner step unit
Available Options: Corner, ladder
Notes: Corner unit designed specifically for grecian corner radius


True-L / Lazy-L

Recommended Steps: Corner step in shallow zone
Available Options: Corner, ladder
Notes: Steps typically placed in the shallow section of the L

Materials

Step Materials And Finishes

Standard · Included in Kit

Polymer / Resin Steps

Pre-formed polymer or resin step units in white or off-white. The standard option included with most inground kits — durable, non-corrosive, easy to install, and cost-effective.

Upgrade Option

Colored Polymer Steps

Same durable polymer in colors that coordinate with your liner or deck. Gray, tan, and beige are popular alternatives. Requires upgrade at time of order — not interchangeable after kit ships.

Standard Hardware

Stainless Steel Rails

All inground kits include stainless steel handrails for safety and code compliance. 304 stainless — corrosion resistant and compatible with standard chlorine and salt systems.

Here to Help

Questions About
Steps Or Entry?

Tell us your pool shape and how your family uses the pool — we will make sure you order the right step configuration.