Weighting Wedding Cake Pool Steps: A How-To Guide

Pool steps are often fixed in place, but many pools use removable designs. Removable steps can float if they're not weighed down, creating a safety hazard. One type of pool step, known as wedding cake steps, is notorious for its poor circulation, making it a breeding ground for algae. To prevent this, it is recommended to weigh down the steps. The manufacturer recommends two 50-pound bags of sand as weights, but some people are uncomfortable with this method due to the potential mess and difficulty of removal. Alternative suggestions include filling PVC pipes with sand or gravel, using hand weights or bricks, or placing large rocks at the bottom of the steps.

Sandbags

To address these issues, some people have come up with alternative solutions that involve using sand-filled PVC tubes instead of sandbags. This method involves cutting 3" PVC pipe to the appropriate length to fit inside the cubby hole made by the bottom step of the wedding cake pool steps. Two tubes are placed side-by-side, with a third tube on top, forming a pyramid shape. The tubes are then filled with sand, and a small amount of water is added to expel air and prevent algae growth, along with a bit of bleach. One end of each tube is glued shut, while the other end has a screw top that can be opened and closed as needed.

To stabilise the back of the steps, additional tubes can be filled with sand and hung using S-hooks and plastic ties threaded through holes drilled into the top step. These tubes can also be attached to nylon rope, which is then fastened to the plastic ties. When it's time to remove the steps at the end of the season, the hanging tubes can be unhooked, allowing the steps to be pushed forward and away from the pool wall. The bottom tubes can then be pulled out using the nylon ropes, causing the steps to float to the top and making it easy to lift them out of the water.

Overall, using sand-filled PVC tubes instead of sandbags can be a more secure and convenient way to weight down wedding cake pool steps, while also addressing concerns about sand spilling into the pool and the difficulty of removing the weights at the end of the season.

PVC pipes filled with sand

Wedding cake pool steps are notorious for their poor circulation, making them an ideal breeding spot for algae. Sandbags are a common solution to weigh down these steps, but they can be messy and difficult to remove. PVC pipes filled with sand are an effective and popular alternative.

To make these weights, you will need:

• 3" PVC pipes, cut to suitable lengths for your steps
• End caps and screw caps
• Sand, Quickcrete, or gravel
• Plastic ties, S-hooks, and yellow nylon boat rope

Cut the PVC pipes to fit inside the cubbyhole made by the bottom step of your wedding cake pool steps. You can place two pipes side-by-side and stack a third on top to form a pyramid, maximising the use of space. Fill the pipes with sand, gravel, or another heavy material. To prevent algae growth, add a little water to expel air and include some bleach inside the tubes. Cap one end of each pipe with glue and the other with a screw top.

To stabilise the back of the steps, create three additional tubes filled with sand and hang them using S-hooks and plastic ties threaded through holes drilled into the top step. This setup allows for easy removal at the end of the season. First, unhook the hanging tubes, then push the steps forward and away from the pool wall. Gently tug on the nylon ropes to free the bottom tubes, and the steps will float to the surface for easy lifting.

Water-filled plastic jugs

To use this method, simply fill plastic jugs with water and screw on the lids tightly. You can use gallon-sized plastic jugs with handles, similar to milk jugs, for convenience. Place the filled jugs inside the cubby holes or compartments designed to hold weights in the wedding cake pool steps. Depending on the design of your steps, you may need to use multiple jugs to achieve the desired weight.

One advantage of using water-filled jugs is the ease of removal. When it's time to remove the steps, simply empty the water from the jugs, making them lightweight and easy to handle. This is a significant improvement over sandbags, which can be challenging and time-consuming to remove, especially when they have been in the water for an extended period.

Additionally, water-filled jugs are a cost-effective solution. Plastic jugs are readily available and can be reused, making this option more economical than purchasing specialised weights or sandbags. Furthermore, water-filled jugs are less likely to cause damage to your pool if they accidentally break or leak, unlike weights or rocks that may scratch or damage the pool surface.

When using water-filled plastic jugs to weigh down wedding cake pool steps, it is important to ensure that the lids are securely tightened to prevent leaks. It is also a good idea to periodically check the jugs for any signs of wear or leaks, especially if they have been in the water for an extended period. By following these simple guidelines, you can enhance the safety and stability of your wedding cake pool steps while enjoying the convenience and ease of using water-filled plastic jugs as weights.

Rocks

Using rocks to weight down your pool steps is a simple and effective method. Large, round rocks are ideal for this purpose as they provide significant weight while still allowing for some movement of the steps. This can be useful when you need to vacuum or perform other maintenance tasks around your pool.

To use rocks as weights, you can place them inside the pool steps if there is a designated compartment. Otherwise, you can place them strategically around the base of the steps. When placing rocks inside the steps, ensure they fit properly and won't roll around too much, as this can cause instability. If you're placing them at the base, be mindful not to interfere with swimmers or create a tripping hazard.

When selecting rocks for weighting down your pool steps, choose rocks that are smooth and free of sharp edges. This will help prevent any damage to your pool liner or injuries to swimmers. Additionally, consider the size and weight of the rocks. Smaller rocks may not provide enough weight, while extremely large rocks may be difficult to handle and secure safely.

Remember to handle the rocks with care when placing or removing them from your pool. It's a good idea to wear gloves and have a helper to assist you in lifting and positioning the rocks. By using rocks, you can enhance the safety and stability of your wedding cake pool steps without the hassle of dealing with sandbags.

Weights

Removable wedding cake pool steps can float if they are not weighed down, which can be hazardous for anyone entering or exiting the pool. To prevent this, weights are placed in the space provided inside the bottom step.

The standard recommendation is to use two 50-pound bags of sand as weights. However, some people are uncomfortable with this method due to the potential mess if a bag bursts and spills sand into the pool.

An alternative solution is to use sand-filled PVC tubes. Cut 3" PVC pipes to suitable lengths to fit inside the cubby hole of the bottom step. Fill the tubes with sand, quickcrete, or gravel, and seal the ends with end caps and screw caps. You can also add a little water and bleach to prevent algae growth.

Another option is to use large rocks or boulders, weighing around 20 to 30 pounds each, placed around the bottom of the steps. These can be easier to remove than sandbags and may not cause as much algae growth.

Some people also suggest using cinder cap blocks, concrete-filled milk jugs, or weights, but these may require additional measures to secure them properly and prevent them from floating away.

It is important to ensure that the weights are securely tied and positioned carefully to avoid interfering with swimmers or causing trip hazards.

Frequently asked questions