RAIL: (Also called a Hand rail or a Grab Rail). Deck equipment that is typically installed and anchored in both the pool deck and the in-pool step to make it easier and safer to enter or exit the pool.

IN-POOL STEP: A step that is installed during the construction of the pool. It is always installed in the shallow end of the pool. Accompanied by a hand rail (or grab rail), the step makes it easy and safe to enter and exit the pool. You can now purchase an in-pool step for aboveground pools.

LADDER: Deck equipment that is typically installed and anchored to the pool deck to make it easier and safer to enter and exit deeper waters of the pool. The bottom of the ladder rests against the pool wall for reinforcement and stability. Remember to install Ladder Bumpers (pads) in the bottom of the ladder so that it does not damage the finish of the pool-especially for vinyl-liner pools (without ladder bumpers, the ladder will tear a vinyl-liner). Aboveground pools offer (2) styles of ladders:

• A-Frame: a ladder that extends from the ground outside the pool to the floor inside the pool.
• Deck-mount: a ladder that attaches to your deck and extends to the pool floor.

DIVING BOARD: A device that obviously allows diving in the pool. Construction and safety codes will specify mandatory dimensions and depths of your pool for the use of a diving board. Have your local pool professionals research local codes before installing a diving board on your pool. The diving board is attached to a dive stand, which is anchored to the pool deck. Diving boards and dive stands must be properly sized together. This is determined by the type and length of the diving board, as well as the dimensions and depth of the pool. If you use a diving board, be careful. There is to be NO diving in an aboveground pool.

SLIDE: Deck equipment that provides a fun way to enter the pool. Slides are typically made of fiberglass with a stainless steel frame that is anchored to the pool deck. Slides can either be left-curve or right curve. As with diving boards, construction and safety codes will specify mandatory dimensions and depths of your pool for use of a slide. Have your local pool professionals research local codes before installing a slide on your pool. If you use a slide, be careful.