How To Install Wedding Cake Pool Steps

Wedding cake pool steps provide a beautiful and functional way to enter and exit an in-ground swimming pool. Their tiered, ascending staircase design gives pools an elegant look.

Installing these multi-level steps takes a bit more time and skill than single-tier steps, but following proper techniques makes the process manageable as a DIY project.

Table Contents ☰

Benefits of Wedding Cake Pool Steps

Wedding cake stairs offer several advantages over other pool access options:

Gradual incline provides easy, safe access for all ages and abilities.
The wide, tiered design maximizes the swim area compared to corner steps.
Staircase configuration requires less lateral deck space than straight steps.
Elegant styling complements the pool shape and beautifies backyards.
A variety of sizes is available to match any pool dimensions.
Allows placement in deep areas for diving access.
Made of durable materials like concrete, composite, or acrylic.
Installs directly into decking or connects to the pool wall.
Provides a safe exit point for pools lacking perimeter decks.

The tiered wedding cake design essentially combines the functionality of a small staircase with the decor of cascading fountains. The result adds both beauty and utility to any poolscape.

Pre-Installation Planning

Installing wedding cake steps requires careful planning and preparation to get the placement, sizing and connections right:

Check local codes for requirements on pool stairs like tread depth, handrail height, and maximum riser height between landings.
Consider where steps will be positioned in relation to pool use areas. Corner placement maximizes open swim space.
Measure the pool interior width and depth at the installation area. Compare to available step unit sizes to identify the model that best fits your pool.
Determine the number of stair tiers needed based on pool wall height. Each stair riser section should not exceed 12 inches by code.
Check that electrical or plumbing lines don’t run beneath the install area. Adjust position if needed to prevent damage.
Turn off the pool pump and treat water with shock and algaecide prior to installation to prevent water issues.
Have professionals identify proper load-bearing anchoring spots if attaching to the pool deck or coping.
Recruit 4-5 able helpers for moving and placing steps given their heavy, awkward shape.

You Might Also Like How to Clean Pavers Around Pool

Taking measurements and ordering steps ahead of time ensures proper sizing and a smooth installation process.

How to Install Wedding Cake Steps on Concrete Pool Deck

For maximum stability and compliance with codes, wedding cake steps should be anchored into the concrete pool deck:

Use the template provided with steps to outline the exact shape and size of the deck area.
Use a concrete saw to cut out the outline at least 2 inches deep to inset the bottom steps layer.
Following the template, chisel out circular openings for each post footing approximately 16 inches deep. Sloped sides provide stability when poured.
Insert and tie rebar inside each footing hole, crossing pieces in an X pattern. This reinforces the poured concrete.
Run wire ties from rebar up through post holes. These hold posts in place while concrete cures.
Lower bottom steps section into cutout hole. Insert posts into footing holes over rebar.
Mix concrete per instructions. Pour into post holes 1/3 full, tap to remove air pockets. Allow to cure completely.
Once post concrete has hardened, fill the remainder of the holes up to deck level. Slope slightly away from posts.

Steps are now anchored firmly in the deck. Allow the concrete to fully cure before using the steps.

How to Attach Wedding Cake Steps to Pool Wall

For vinyl liner or fiberglass pools without surrounding deck, steps can attach directly to pool walls using special mounting brackets:

Position steps against the pool wall and mark locations of attachment plate brackets on the liner.
For vinyl pools, cut the liner inward just larger than the bracket diameter to allow access behind the liner.
For concrete/gunite pools, drill holes (with rebar avoidance) for screw anchors that hold brackets.
Bolt L-shaped brackets onto the back of steps. Turn them vertically for pool wall alignment.
Have helpers hold steps in position against the wall while inserting the top of brackets behind the liner or into drilled holes.
Use self-tapping screws through the exposed bracket plates into the pool wall or deck from behind the steps.
Attach as many brackets as provided with steps hardware for maximum stability. Follow manufacturer instructions.
For vinyl, patch liner holes using adhesive vinyl patch material once brackets are installed.

You Might Also Like How to Winterize a Pool in Texas So You Can Enjoy It Again Next Summer

With proper bracket installation, wedding cake steps are mounted securely on pool walls without surrounding the deck.

How to Attach Plumbing and Check for Leaks

Wedding cake steps often include water features that require connecting supply plumbing:

Locate the water supply inlet fitting on the bottom underside of steps, often on the opposite side of the handrails.
Run flexible PVC tubing from the pool’s return jets or dedicated water line to the steps inlet.
Securely tighten all tubing fittings using PVC cement and confirm gaskets are in place to prevent leaks.
Turn on the pool pump to allow water to flow into the steps. Check for any drips or leaks at connections. Turn off.
Dry any connection leaks thoroughly. Re-cement leaky fittings using additional PVC cement. Allow to thoroughly cure.
Use silicone sealant around connections before testing again if leaks persist. Never seal with cement only.
Turn on the pump again once the connections are leak-free. Verify water flows properly from each step jet or fountain feature.

Following manufacturer plumbing instructions prevents issues like leaks or blockages in water flow.

Finishing Touches for a Quality Installation

A few final installation steps ensure steps function safely for years to come:

Seal around bottom step edges with quality outdoor silicone caulk. Smooth with a wet finger for a clean look.
For plastic/composite steps, use exterior wood screws to reinforce riser connections to posts. Avoid over-tightening.
Test that any attached handrails feel completely secure and stable when applying weight.
Check that drainage weep holes along step sides are not blocked to prevent rainwater pooling.
Consider applying anti-slip treatments to step surfaces like textured paints or abrasive strips for added safety, especially when wet.
Verify sides and backs of the steps sit flush against the pool wall with no major gaps. Shim any gaps if needed before sealing.
Extend pool decking material like tile or pavers around the step perimeter for a finished, integrated look.

You Might Also Like How to Add Deck Jets to Existing Pool for a More Relaxing Experience

Taking the time to check fittings, connections, and surfaces ensures steps operate safely for years to come.

Why Proper Wedding Cake Step Maintenance Matters

Like any pool installation, wedding cake steps require regular maintenance to maximize longevity:

Every 2-3 months, inspect step surfaces and hardware for any cracks or deterioration. Repair right away to prevent worse damage or injury.
Tighten any loose connectors, handrails, or screws that could become safety hazards if left unchecked.
Lubricate stair joint fittings and other moving parts once a year to keep mechanisms operating smoothly.
Drain stairs before winter and remove jet fittings and waterfall spouts. Store safely to prevent damage from freezing and thawing cycles.
Keep step surfaces clean of slippery algae using brushes, deck cleaners, and chlorine. Never use acid washes.
Re-apply anti-slip treatments as needed to maintain traction, especially on high foot traffic areas.
Protect acrylic or plastic steps from UV rays and chemical damage using covers when not in use.
Winterize water supply plumbing appropriately based on location climate and steps equipment.

Well-made wedding cake steps that are properly maintained and cared for can adorn pools safely for over a decade. However, neglecting necessary repairs or protection can lead to breakdowns or even dangerous accidents. So be diligent about regular upkeep.

Adding beautiful wedding cake pool steps really enhances the elegance of any poolscape. But as functional staircase structures, their safe installation requires care and precision.

Following the proper techniques for integrating steps into your unique pool design ensures swimmers can easily and safely access the water for years to come. Just budget extra time for planning and don’t cut corners on critical structural details.

The end reward is a showpiece pool focal point your whole family and friends will enjoy.