Dog Ramps for Above Ground Pools
Having access to a pool in the summer is a treat, especially if the pool is just a few steps away in your very own backyard! Whether youāre playing Marco Polo or watching the kids splash around from the serenity of a lounge chair, summer is the season of pools. The only thing that could make this summer staple even more enjoyable is your furry, four-legged friend joining in the fun!
Unless you have an in-ground pool that features built-in cake-tier pool steps, it can be pretty challenging for your dog to safely enter and exit the pool. If you have an above-ground pool, it is especially difficult for your pup to get in and out because pool ladders are not made for paws! This can be quite disheartening if you have a dog that just loves to swim. Luckily, your pup will be able to enjoy your above-ground pool with the help of PetStepās pool ramp for dogs. The PetStep pool ramp creates a gentle incline into your pool so your dog can get in and out on their own with ease.Ā
Before the fun begins just yet, it is necessary to determine whether the type of above-ground pool you have is compatible with a dog ramp.Ā
Will My Above-ground Pool Work with a Dog Ramp?
When determining if your above-ground pool is compatible with a dog ramp, you should consider a few things. The design, depth, and material of your above-ground pool will affect how compatible the PetStep pool ramp is with your pool. Letās explore these factors together:Ā
Pool Decks and Platforms
For your dog to safely use the PetStep ramp in your above-ground pool, there must be some sort of platform or pool deck where your dog can exit the pool onto. Your pup will need somewhere to stand in order to go up and down the ramp. Many semi-permanent above-ground pools have accompanying pool decks on one or more sides of the pool. However, some semi-permanent above-ground pools have just a pool ladder instead of a surrounding deck. The non-slip grip of the PetStep ramp fits any pool edge, but the ramp is only deployed into the pool and not on the outside. That is why there needs to be some sort of platform or deck for your dog to access the ramp.
Depth of the Pool
The depth of your above-ground pool with also determine whether it will be able to work with a dog ramp. In order to fit a variety of pools, the PetStep pool ramp has two leg length options: Standard and Long. These leg options will accommodate pool depths of 42-62 inches, each ideal for a specific range of depth.
Standard vs. Long Pool Legs
The Standard pool legs are ideal for pool depths from 42 to 52 inches deep, as they raise the poolside of the ramp by 23ā, creating a comfortable slope for your pup. This pool depth is measured from the pool floor to the top of the pool coping, not the depth of the water. For pools deeper than 52 inches, the Long leg kit is recommended to ensure that the ramp is not too steep so your dog can comfortably enjoy the pool!
The Standard pool legs are ideal for pool depths from 42 to 52 inches deep, as they raise the poolside of the ramp by 23ā, creating a comfortable slope for your pup. This pool depth is measured from the pool floor to the top of the pool coping, not the depth of the water. For pools deeper than 52 inches, the Long leg kit is recommended to ensure that the ramp is not too steep so your dog can comfortably enjoy the pool!
The incline for the pool ramp with the Standard legs is approximately 30 degrees when placed in a pool with a 52ā measurement, as shown in the diagram.Ā
The vast majority of dogs find this incline very comfortable. However if youāve got a pool with a depth of 52ā or less, but youād like a gentler incline, you can certainly order the pool ramp with the long legs that will provide a milder slope.
A note on measuring your pool: To collect the proper measurement needed to determine what pool leg length you should order, youāll need a measuring tape. Before you start measuring, youāll want to engage the thumb lock on your tape measure so that it stays in place while in the water.
Measure the depth of your pool from the pool floor to the top of the pool coping where the top of the ramp will rest. Conversely, if you already know the exact depth of the water in your pool, you can measure the gap between the surface of the water and the top of the pool coping and add that to the depth of the water.
Pool Material/Construction
There are a variety of construction methods and materials used to build above-ground pools. While each has its own advantages, it can also affect how your PetStep ramp functions in your pool.
Soft Side Pools
Soft side pools are readily available at most big box stores and are easy to set up. The two main types of soft side pools are inflatable pools and metal frame pools with a liner composed of some sort of durable plastic. Inflatable above-ground pools, even if they are quite large and 42ā deep, will not be able to support the edge of the PetStep ramp because there is no frame on the pool. The ramp would wobble on the inflatable edge and sink with the pool once weight is put on it. Since inflatable pools are temporary, there also likely would not be a deck or platform surrounding the pool for your pup to use.
On the other hand, soft side pools that consist of a durable metal framework and a vinyl liner can support the PetStep ramp. However, these pools are also temporary and do not usually have a deck or platform for your pup to use. If your pool has some sort of platform leading up to the pool on the outside, your metal-framed soft side pool will be able to support the PetStep ramp.
Semi-Permanent Rolled-Wall & Slat Wall Pools
When it comes to semi-permanent above-ground pools, they are usually constructed with rolled walls consisting of steel, resin, or aluminum walls and columns. Slat wall above-ground pools are constructed similarly with metal posts and slats. Once constructed, these pools are meant to be a semi-permanent structure that can last 7-15 years on your property before needing any restoration or replacement parts. Because these semi-permanent pools have a sturdy metal framework, the PetStep ramp will be well-supported and are the ideal above-ground pools for dog ramps. Like every other above-ground pool, these semi-permanent pools must also have a deck or platform for your dog to access the ramp and pool.
Pool Liners
Another aspect you will want to consider before placing the PetStep pool ramp into your above-ground pool is the pool liner. Semi-permanent above-ground pools will have PVC or vinyl liners that prevent leaks. When first purchased, pool liners are very durable and can withstand the recurrent walking/running/jumping of people using the pool. The metal legs on the PetStep pool ramp also feature rubber feet to prevent any damage or tearing to the pool liner. Over time, however, the pool liner can become more delicate due to pool chemicals and UV rays from the sun. Even though the PetStep pool ramp legs are not sharp, an older pool liner may be more prone to tears. Some pool owners take extra precautions with their pool liner by placing a rubber mat beneath the PetStepās pool legs for another layer of protection.
In conclusion, you can use this checklist to determine whether your above-ground pool will accommodate the PetStep pool ramp for dogs:
āļøĀ Ā Your above-ground pool needs a surrounding deck or platform on the outside.
āļøĀ Ā If your above-ground pool is 42-52ā deep, your pool ramp should have Standard legs.
āļøĀ Ā If your above-ground pool is 52-62ā deep, your pool ramp should have Long legs.
āļøĀ Ā If your above-ground pool is less than 52ā deep but you want your ramp to have a very gentle slope (ideal for older dogs and dogs with mobility issues) your pool ramp can have Long legs.
āļøĀ Ā Your above-ground pool has some sort of stable framework made of metal or resin.
āļøĀ Ā The PetStep pool ramp is compatible with pool liners, but be sure to keep an eye out for the age and condition of your liner.
