Attaching A Wedding Cake Stairway To A Pool: A How-To Guide

Wedding cake stairs are a type of stairway used for above-ground pools, which offer easier access for children and people with mobility issues. They are called wedding cake stairs due to their resemblance to a wedding cake's layers. While they are a great addition to a pool, they can be a breeding ground for algae due to poor circulation. This can be mitigated by drilling holes in the steps to improve water circulation. Another issue is how to weigh them down; some suggest using sandbags, while others opt for PVC pipes filled with gravel or concrete.

How to prevent algae growth on your wedding cake stairway

Wedding cake stairs are a great addition to your pool for easier access, but they can be an algae trap. Algae spores are light enough to be carried by the breeze into your pool water, or they can catch on to your swimwear. While you will always have algae in your pool, there are a few things you can do to prevent an algae bloom.

Firstly, ensure that you have adequate filtration for your pool's size and maintain consistent chlorine levels. Poor water circulation and poor filtration are big culprits for algae blooms, so make sure your water is constantly circulating and your filtration system is running every day. You can also add an algaecide into the water once a week. Your alkalinity rating should be 100 ppm, your pH should be 7.2, and the cyanuric acid level should fall between 30 and 50. These are the best levels to stop algae before it takes hold.

To prevent algae growth on your wedding cake stairway specifically, you can try a few things. Firstly, ensure your stairway has good circulation. Some designs have better circulation under and through them than others. You can also improve circulation by drilling holes in the stairs. Another way to improve circulation is to place the vacuum hose over the holes in the stairs for a few minutes whenever you vacuum the pool.

You can also weigh down your wedding cake stairs with something that won't harbour algae. For example, you could use a collapsible water jug filled with sand, or a small clear bucket with drainage holes drilled in it filled with rocks.

If you already have algae in your wedding cake stairway, you can try cleaning it with a mixture of bleach and water. You can also try removing the stairs, scrubbing them, and then shocking your pool.

Weighing down your wedding cake stairway

Sandbags

A common method for weighing down wedding cake stairs is to use sandbags. Many people use two 50-pound bags of filter or play sand. However, some people have expressed concerns about the mess and inconvenience of sandbags, as well as the risk of them leaking or disintegrating over time. To avoid this, you can wrap the sandbags in plastic bags or use gravel instead of sand.

PVC Pipes

Another popular solution is to create weights using PVC pipes. Cut 3" PVC pipes to the appropriate length to fit inside the cubbyhole of the bottom step. Fill the pipes with sand, quickcrete, gravel, or driveway rock, and cap the ends securely with PVC cleaner and adhesive. You can also hang these pipes using S-hooks and plastic ties to stabilise the back of the steps. This method provides a clean and easy way to weigh down the stairway, and the removal process is much simpler than with sandbags.

Rocks and Boulders

Some people opt for using rocks or boulders to weigh down their wedding cake stairs. You can use river rocks or pebbles, but be aware that they can introduce algae into the steps. Larger oval or rounded river boulders weighing around 20-30 pounds each can be spaced around the bottom of the steps. This method may still result in algae growth, but it can be easier to remove the rocks compared to sandbags.

Concrete Weights

Creating weights out of concrete is another option. You can fill empty milk jugs or bleach jugs with concrete and use them as weights. This method might be more durable and mess-free compared to sandbags.

Water Jugs

Using water jugs filled with sand is another creative solution. For example, the Coleman 2.5-Gallon Expandable Water Carrier can be filled with sand, sealed well, and used as a weight. This option is cheap, sturdy, and algae-free.

Additional Tips

To further minimise algae growth, consider drilling extra holes in the steps to improve water circulation. You can also brush the pool regularly, paying close attention to the areas near the steps, and use a floater with chlorine tabs under the steps to help control algae. Additionally, placing a mat or vinyl liner underneath the steps can help protect your pool liner and provide some algae resistance.

Attaching handrails to your wedding cake stairway

• Prepare the Handrail: Purchase a handrail designed specifically for wedding cake stairs. These handrails typically come with mounting hardware included. Ensure you have the correct handrail height and length to fit your stairway and pool deck.
• Determine the Attachment Method: Wedding cake stairs can be attached to the pool deck in several ways. Some handrails may have flanges that attach directly to the deck, while others use mounting brackets. Choose the attachment method that suits your setup.
• Positioning the Handrail: Place the handrail in the desired position, ensuring it is securely attached to the top step of the wedding cake stairway. The bottom of the handrail should be attached to the first step, with the top extending a couple of feet onto the pool deck for stability.
• Stability and Safety: To enhance stability, consider using weights or filling the second step of the stairway with gravel or sand. This adds weight to the structure, making it less likely to move or shift. Additionally, ensure that the handrail is securely fastened to the stairway and the deck to prevent any accidental movement or loosening over time.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect the handrail to ensure that it remains firmly attached and in good condition. Clean and maintain the stairway and handrail to prevent the buildup of algae, especially in areas where water can accumulate.
• Customisation: If you're unable to find a suitable replacement handrail, you can customise your own by using couplings to attach the handrail to the existing flanges or by consulting with pool supply specialists to find unique solutions.

By following these steps, you can securely attach handrails to your wedding cake stairway, ensuring both functionality and safety for those entering and exiting your pool.

Using braces to secure your wedding cake stairway

Wedding cake stairs are a great addition to your pool, especially if you have kids or people with mobility issues in your household. However, it is important to ensure that these stairs are securely attached to the pool to prevent any accidents. One way to do this is by using braces.

Braces can provide a sturdy and stable connection between the wedding cake stairs and the pool deck. Here are the steps to securely attach your wedding cake stairway to the pool using braces:

• Assess the Braces: First, you need to inspect the braces that come with your wedding cake stairs. These braces are designed to provide support and stability to the stairway. Check if the braces are in good condition and suitable for your pool setup.
• Prepare the Braces: Before installation, clean and prepare the braces to ensure they are free of any debris or residue. This will help create a strong bond with the pool surface.
• Positioning the Braces: Place the braces securely on the pool deck, ensuring they are positioned correctly in relation to the wedding cake stairs. The braces should be placed at the recommended distance and angle to provide optimal support.
• Secure the Braces: Using suitable fasteners, securely attach the braces to the pool deck. You can use bolts or screws specifically designed for this purpose. Make sure the fasteners are tight and secure, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
• Test the Stability: Once the braces are installed, carefully test the stability of the wedding cake stairs. Ensure that the stairway does not wobble or shift and that the braces are doing their job of providing a solid connection.
• Regular Maintenance: It is important to regularly inspect and maintain the braces and stairway. Check for any signs of wear and tear, and ensure that the fasteners remain tight and secure over time. This will help ensure the long-term stability of the wedding cake stairs.

By following these steps and using braces, you can securely attach your wedding cake stairway to the pool, providing a safe and stable entry and exit point for swimmers. Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for specific details pertaining to your particular wedding cake stairway model.

Removing and cleaning your wedding cake stairway

To remove and clean your wedding cake stairway, you will need to first take it out of the pool. If your stairs are heavy, you may need assistance for this step. Once the stairway is out of the pool, you can begin cleaning it. Use a brush to scrub away any algae or dirt that has built up on the stairs. You may also want to use a hose to rinse off the stairs as you scrub them.

If your stairs have compartments that fill with water, you will need to empty and clean those as well. One way to do this is to use a vacuum hose to suck out the water and then rinse the compartments with fresh, treated water. Alternatively, you can drill holes in the compartments to improve water circulation and prevent algae buildup.

To prevent algae from growing on your wedding cake stairway in the future, you can weigh the stairs down with buckets filled with rocks or sand, or with weights made from PVC pipes filled with cement. You can also try using a mat underneath the stairs, such as a grey plumber's mat, to protect your pool liner and improve circulation. In addition, regular maintenance, such as brushing and vacuuming the stairs and the area underneath them, can help to keep algae at bay.

If you are unable to clean the stairs thoroughly or if they are causing ongoing issues with algae, you may need to consider replacing them with a different type of stairway that has better circulation.

Frequently asked questions