above ground pool

I am a 300 lb 53 year old female with bad knees.  I live alone.  I made a snap decision a week ago to purchase an above ground pool.  I didn't talk to anyone before hand.  I bought a pool with a 20 year guarantee.  I had no business spending "that" kind of money on a pool without doing research on it. First problem - the whole neighborhood can see you as you "attempt" to climb the ladder.  Second problem - climbing the steps.  I could hardly lift my leg high enough to get to the next step, let alone try to hoist my weight up. Third problem - trying to turn around at the top of the ladder to start the descent down. Fourth problem - I thought that getting in was a problem.  I actually had to make promises to God, just to get me out of the pool safely.  I still don'tknow how I got out, but I woke up this morning with bruises on my arms and thighs. Has anyone else had this problem?  Did you come up with a solution to help get you into, and out of the pool? HELP!!!!!! Cheryl 5 weeks post surgery

Step stool?

Hello, We use to have an above ground pool and got rid of it last summer and man am I wishing we still had it.  Can you put a small deck on the entry area and then put steps in the water?  That is what I wish we would have done with ours.  Also you could make it big enough that once you get on the loser's bench you can sun yourself.  Just a suggestion.  Also maybe try to call the pool place you bought it from and maybe they will have a suggestion. Jacque

We had one we put a deck up and the ladder just went in side the pool the deck had steps and was level with the top of the pool. So the ladder was nailed to the deck it worked well . Stacie

Hello, The pool is a great idea. You can do your own form of water aerobics. You don't have to pay a Y memebership nor a gym membership either. Once your weight starts to come down you won't worry about getting in our out of that pool. You can swim and power walk. I wish I had a pool. I would be in 24/7. Good luck.You'll soon be glad you bought the pool. Hey you might could even charge neighborhood kids to get in or rent it out for parties.Thar's if you are worried about the amount you spent on it.  287/280/251/140 hihg/sur/current/goal

We built a small deck around part of ours to make it easier for the grandkids, who are still quite small, to get in but we still have to lift them to get them out. Yes, it's expensive and someone has to build it which is also expensive unless you have a friend who can do it.  That gets you in....but getting out will still be hard.  Someone mentioned a step stool, which might be easier but be careful not to uncture the vinyl pool.  You're a post-op, so with in the next few months you might just be a lot more able to get around and that problem won't be nearly so big.  I wish you well.

Ann

Our pool is connected to our deck and we upgraded the steps because of my Dad. He too had bad knees and a really hard time getting in and out of a regular pool. But the upgrade was worth every penny.  Unfortunately he died not long after we got it but it makes it easier for us to use now. - Iris

I agree with everyone else.  I'm in the same boat as you as my right knee is actually bone on bone. I'm also 53.   We have a deck on our pool and I use a step stool to get in (because the top of the ladder is way too high to hoist my leg up).  The ladder of the pool goes directly in the water which I have no problem getting into the water or getting out.  My orthopedic surgeon said that is a great way to exercise.  It saves more wear and tear on your knees.  How is your ladder?  Does it go directly in the water?  If not, get one.  As for your neighbors, let them look!!! Next year you won't look the same and they still can look.  If they look too much - start charging them!!!!    Or use the old saying we did when we were kids - TAKE A PICTURE IT LASTS LONGER!!!

Thank you all for the good advice.  I am going to look into building a small deck so that I can sit my butt down on something and then swing my legs over from one side of the pool to the other.  The current ladder does go down into the water. Again, thanks for the replys!!!!! Cheryl C

We have a pool but our back deck goes up to the edge where the ladder is.  Have you heard of the "wedding cake" steps. They look like a half of giant wedding cake and they go down into the pool' They also have a hand rail that extends into the water which may also be helpful. That way you do not have to strain and tug so much. Hope this helps and enjoy your pool. I think it was one of the best purchases that we have made .