Weighing Down Wedding Cake Pool Stairs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cake pool stairs are notorious for their poor circulation, making them a breeding ground for algae. While they are a great way to get in and out of the pool, they can be a hassle to clean. One way to improve circulation is to drill holes in the stairs. Another way to prevent algae growth is to weigh down the stairs. Traditionally, this is done with two 50-pound bags of filter or play sand. However, some people are uncomfortable with this method, as the bags can break and spill sand into the pool. An alternative is to use sand-filled PVC tubes or plastic water jugs with screw-on lids. Weights or bricks can also be used, but it is important to consider how they will react in a chlorine-rich environment.

Using sandbags to weigh down the stairs

Wedding cake pool stairs are notorious for their poor circulation, making them a breeding ground for algae. To prevent this, you can weigh them down with sandbags. However, sandbags can be messy and inconvenient, as they may leak and disintegrate, leading to sand spilling into the pool. Here's a detailed guide on using sandbags to weigh down wedding cake pool stairs effectively:

Choosing the Right Sandbags

• Opt for 50-pound bags of filter sand or play sand. Avoid using river rock or pebbles, as they can introduce algae into the steps.
• Consider using multiple smaller bags instead of a single large bag for better weight distribution and ease of handling.

Preparing the Sandbags

• Wrap each sandbag in several layers of plastic garbage bags (3-4 bags) to prevent sand from leaking into the pool.
• Secure the bags tightly to minimise the risk of tearing or leakage.

Placing the Sandbags

• Place the sandbags inside the designated space within the bottom step of the wedding cake stairs.
• Ensure the sandbags fit snugly and are not protruding or unevenly distributed.
• If needed, use additional weights, such as bricks or hand weights, to supplement the sandbags.

Maintenance and Care

• Regularly inspect the sandbags for any signs of wear or leakage.
• Replace the sandbags periodically to prevent disintegration and reduce the risk of sand escaping into the pool.
• Consider using algaecides or pool cleaners specifically designed to inhibit algae growth in stagnant areas.

While sandbags are a common method for weighing down wedding cake pool stairs, they require proper preparation and maintenance to avoid mess and inconvenience.

Pros and cons of using sandbags

Weighing down wedding cake pool stairs is a common challenge for pool owners. While there are various methods to do this, using sandbags is one of the most popular options. Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of using sandbags to weigh down wedding cake pool stairs:

Pros of Using Sandbags:

• Effectiveness: Sandbags are effective in weighing down the stairs and preventing them from floating. The weight of the sand provides stability and ensures the stairs remain securely in place.
• Accessibility: Sand is readily available at most hardware stores, making it a convenient option for pool owners.
• Affordability: Sandbags are generally inexpensive, especially when compared to other weighting options. This makes them a cost-effective solution for weighing down pool stairs.
• Ease of Installation: Filling sandbags and placing them in the designated space within the pool stairs is a relatively straightforward process.

Cons of Using Sandbags:

• Algae Growth: One of the main drawbacks of using sandbags is the potential for algae growth. Sand can introduce algae into the pool, leading to increased maintenance and cleaning efforts.
• Mess and Disintegration: Over time, sandbags can disintegrate, leak, or break open, causing sand to spill into the pool. This creates a messy and time-consuming clean-up process.
• Removal Difficulty: Removing sandbags at the end of the swimming season can be challenging, especially if they have become waterlogged or difficult to access.
• Uncomfortable Handling: Some pool owners may find the idea of handling sandbags uncomfortable, as they can be bulky and cumbersome to manage.

Overall, while sandbags are an effective and affordable option for weighing down wedding cake pool stairs, they may require additional maintenance due to the potential for algae growth and the risk of disintegration over time. Pool owners should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding on the best weighting method for their specific needs.

Making your own weights

If you have a wedding cake pool at home, you know that it can be a hassle to weigh down the stairs. While there are several options available, making your own weights can be a fun and creative project. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

PVC Pipes:

This is a popular method recommended by many pool owners. You can use 3" or 4" PVC pipes, cut to the lengths that fit inside the cubby hole of the bottom step. End caps and screw caps will be needed to seal the pipes. Fill the pipes with sand, quickcrete, gravel, or even concrete. You can also add a little water and bleach to prevent algae growth. Glue one end cap on and use the screw top on the other end for easy opening and closing. Place the pipes inside the bottom step, and you've got yourself a stable set of weights.

Milk Jugs or Bleach Bottles:

Another option is to use empty milk jugs or bleach bottles. Fill them with water, seal the lids tight, and place them in the designated weight compartments. This method is simple and effective, and the handles on the jugs make them easy to remove.

Rocks or Boulders:

If you're looking for a more natural approach, consider using rocks or boulders. Smooth landscaping gravel or river rocks can be placed inside the cubby holes or even tied to the stairs with ropes. Just be cautious, as some people have experienced increased algae growth when using rocks.

Custom-Made Containers:

If you're feeling creative, you can design your own containers to hold the weights. For example, you could use a food saver vacuum sealer to fill bags with sand, then vacuum and seal them tight. This method ensures the sand won't leak out and cause a mess.

When making your own weights, it's important to consider the ease of removal, especially if you need to take the weights out during the colder months. Always be cautious when handling heavy objects, and ensure that your weights are secure and won't cause any damage to your pool.

Using PVC pipes to hold weights

Weighing down wedding cake pool stairs is essential to prevent them from floating, and PVC pipes filled with weights are an effective and creative solution. Here is a detailed guide on how to use PVC pipes to hold weights and stabilize your wedding cake pool stairs:

Planning and Materials:

First, you will need to gather the necessary materials: PVC pipes, end caps, weights (such as sand, gravel, or rocks), adhesive or glue, and tools for drilling and cutting. Measure the space inside the cubbyhole of the bottom step to determine the length of the PVC pipes needed. You may also need additional materials like plastic ties, S-hooks, and nylon rope for stabilization, depending on your specific setup.

Assembling the Weights:

Cut the PVC pipes to the appropriate length. The number of pipes you cut will depend on the weight required to stabilize your stairs effectively. For the bottom cubbyhole, you can place two pipes side-by-side and stack a third pipe on top to maximize weight capacity. Fill the pipes with your chosen weight, such as sand, gravel, or small rocks. Adding a little water to the pipes before filling them can help expel air and create a more compact weight. Consider adding a small amount of bleach to the water to prevent algae growth inside the tubes.

Once the pipes are filled, securely cap one end of each pipe with an end cap and glue it in place to ensure it doesn't come loose. For the other end, use a screw cap, which will allow you to open the pipe and refill or adjust the weight if needed in the future.

Installing the Weights:

Place the filled and capped PVC pipes inside the cubbyhole of the bottom step. If needed, you can use nylon rope or other fastening methods to secure the pipes in place and ensure they don't shift or move around. For added stabilization, especially at the back of the stairs, you can create additional weighted PVC pipes and hang them using S-hooks and plastic ties through holes drilled into the top step.

Maintenance and Care:

Periodically check the pipes to ensure they are secure and that the caps remain tightly closed. If you notice any algae growth around the pipes or stairs, you can improve water circulation by drilling additional holes in the stairs or using a brush to swish water into the existing holes during cleaning. Remember to remove the weights and pipes before closing your pool for the season, as outlined in the previous section.

Removing the weights at the end of the season

Removing the weights from your wedding cake pool stairs at the end of the season is a necessary task to ensure the stairs are secure and maintained. Here are some detailed steps to help with the process:

Firstly, if you have used sand-filled PVC tubes as weights, you can detach them by unhooking the tubes that are hung at the back of the stairs. This will allow you to push the stairs forward and away from the pool wall. You can then tug on the nylon ropes attached to the tubes to free them from the cubbyhole at the bottom step. With the weights removed, the stairs should float and can be lifted out of the water without anyone needing to get into the pool.

If you have used large rocks or boulders as weights, you can simply dive down, remove them, and place them in your landscaping. This method is much easier than dealing with sandbags, as the rocks are less likely to be covered in algae and can be quickly taken out.

For those who have used sandbags, the removal process can be more challenging. One suggestion is to use a vacuum sealer to fill bags with sand, seal them, and then remove them at the end of the season. This way, you don't have to worry about the bags breaking open and spilling sand into your pool.

Additionally, some people opt to leave their wedding cake pool stairs in the pool year-round, especially if they live in an area where the pool freezes over. In this case, you may not need to remove the weights at all. However, it is important to consult with a professional to ensure that leaving the stairs in the pool during the off-season is safe and will not cause any damage.

Finally, if you have used milk jugs or plastic water jugs with screw-on lids, these can be easily removed by unscrewing the lids and lifting the jugs out of the stairs. This method provides a watertight solution and the handles on the jugs make them convenient to carry.

Frequently asked questions