View Full Version : Weighing down above ground pool steps
3dmich
Apr 25, 2008, 09:56 AM
I'm wondering if anyone can share ideas on how to weigh down my in pool step assembly? Last year we used plastic sand bags but they eventually leak and the sand ends up making a mess inside the pool.
My idea is for something more solid that can't leak and isn't ridiculous to handle, like plastic covered weights.
RickJ
Apr 25, 2008, 10:37 AM
Typically those steps have a hollow frame. Maybe drill a hole near the top then squirt cement/mortar (the type that comes in caulk tubes) into them?
... just a thought...
ballengerb1
Apr 25, 2008, 11:28 AM
Rick is onto something here. There is a cap on the bottom of each leg, usually vinyl, try to remove it and add cement. You could also use 45 minute dry mix joint compound. It is primarily Plaster of Paris and will not support mold.
rottenrotts
May 30, 2008, 11:14 AM
Depending on the type of pool steps you have. What we did with our smart steps is this. Go to home depot or Lowe's and buy 3" PVC pipe, PVC glue, end caps and (3) 50 lb bags of playsand.
Cut the PVC pipe to fit under the steps-(make sure it fits before sealing the caps shut with the pvc glue- you want the stuff that is blue called rain or shine pvc cement)
Then fill with the sand. Seal shut with the caps/pvs glue and lay them under the steps (I weighed mine and they came to about 10lbs each and I needed 80lbs of weight so we made 9 for extra measure.)
Good luck!
bigred62
Jun 17, 2008, 07:43 PM
Depending on the type of pool steps you have. What we did with our smart steps is this. Go to home depot or lowes and buy 3" PVC pipe, PVC glue, end caps and (3) 50 lb bags of playsand.
Cut the PVC pipe to fit under the steps-(make sure it fits before sealing the caps shut with the pvc glue- you want the stuff that is blue in color called rain or shine pvc cement)
Then fill with the sand. Seal shut with the caps/pvs glue and lay them under the steps (I weighed mine and they came to about 10lbs each and I needed 80lbs of weight so we made 9 for extra measure.)
Good luck!!
Great idea!!
We just had our pool installed and tried the bags of sand which both broke open the first day. I made up 8 of these PVC pipes and they worked great! Now I won't have to spend time vaccuming up the sand again!
lostfooting
Aug 29, 2009, 09:48 AM
[QUOTE=rottenrotts;1067216]Depending on the type of pool steps you have. What we did with our smart steps is this. Go to home depot or Lowe's and buy 3" PVC pipe, PVC glue, end caps and (3) 50 lb bags of playsand.
Cut the PVC pipe to fit under the steps-(make sure it fits before sealing the caps shut with the pvc glue- you want the stuff that is blue called rain or shine pvc cement)
Then fill with the sand. Seal shut with the caps/pvs glue and lay them under the steps (I weighed mine and they came to about 10lbs each and I needed 80lbs of weight so we made 9 for extra measure.)
Good luck! [/QUOTE
What length are you cutting the pipes?