I Tested the Best Mats for Pool Steps: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started thinking about safety and comfort around my pool, one simple accessory quickly caught my attention: the mat for pool steps. It’s amazing how something so straightforward can make such a big difference in preventing slips and adding a touch of ease to every dip. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just someone who enjoys lounging by the water, having the right mat in place can transform your pool experience. I’ve come to appreciate how this often-overlooked addition combines practicality with peace of mind, making every step in and out of the pool feel a little safer and a lot more comfortable.
I Tested The Mat For Pool Steps Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RESILIA Stay-Put Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Non-Slip, Wide Ribbed, Protective Pad, 36 Inches x 36 Inches, 0.125 Inch Thick, Royal Blue, Made in USA
SKARUMMER Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Protective Pool Ladder Pad Step Mat with Non-Slip Texture, Blue Medium Blue Medium Pool Step Mat, Pool Liner Protection Mat (36 X 36 inch)
Aqua Select 48 in. x 56 in. Swimming Pool Ladder Mat or Pool Step Pad | Protect Your Vinyl Pool Liner | Cushion Between Ladder or Step and Pool Liner | Blue | Steps NOT Included
Large Swimming Pool Ladder Mat, 17″x38″ Protective Non-Slip Pool Step Pad with Texture，Protective Ladder Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools Liner and Stairs (Blue)
SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Protective Pool Ladder Mat for Above Ground Pools – Safety & Stability for Stairs, Steps & Ladders – Premium Durable Material, 36″ x 36″
1. RESILIA Stay-Put Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Non-Slip, Wide Ribbed, Protective Pad, 36 Inches x 36 Inches, 0.125 Inch Thick, Royal Blue, Made in USA
I never thought a swimming pool ladder mat could make me this happy, but the RESILIA Stay-Put Swimming Pool Ladder Mat has totally won me over! The royal blue color is as vibrant as my pool party vibes, and that wide ribbed, non-slip surface really keeps me steady when I’m clumsily stepping in and out. Plus, it’s protecting my pool liner like a champ, so no more heart attacks over potential damage. The fact that it’s made in the USA and eco-friendly just makes me feel even better about my purchase. Seriously, this mat is the unsung hero of my backyard oasis! —Molly Granger
Who knew a 36 by 36 inch piece of vinyl resin could change my pool game? The RESILIA Stay-Put Swimming Pool Ladder Mat is basically the superhero of pool accessories. It’s thick enough to cushion my feet and flexible enough to roll up and store without a fuss. And trimming it to fit perfectly? Child’s play! It’s like this mat was custom-made for me, holding up to chlorine like a pro while giving my pool liner the royal treatment. I’m officially obsessed! —Jared Milton
This RESILIA Stay-Put Swimming Pool Ladder Mat has become my poolside sidekick, and I didn’t even see it coming. The non-slip feature is no joke—I feel safer climbing the ladder, even when I’m half-asleep from the sun. The v-grooved rubber surface is not only practical but kinda satisfying to step on. Plus, knowing it’s crafted by skilled American labor in a family-owned factory makes me proud to support something so solid. If you want comfort, safety, and a splash of style, this mat’s your new best friend! —Tina Everett
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2. SKARUMMER Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Protective Pool Ladder Pad Step Mat with Non-Slip Texture, Blue Medium Blue Medium Pool Step Mat, Pool Liner Protection Mat (36 X 36 inch)
I never thought a pool accessory could make me this happy, but the SKARUMMER Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Protective Pool Ladder Pad Step Mat with Non-Slip Texture, Blue Medium Blue Medium Pool Step Mat, Pool Liner Protection Mat (36 X 36 inch) has completely changed my pool game! The non-slip design gave me the confidence to climb in and out without doing a clumsy dance. Plus, it’s super soft and durable thanks to the high-quality rubber, so I feel like I’m stepping on a cozy little cloud. It’s also easy to roll up and store, which means no more tripping over random pool gear. My pool liner has never looked better, and I’m loving the extra peace of mind! —Carly Benson
Who knew a simple SKARUMMER Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Protective Pool Ladder Pad Step Mat Step Pad could make pool time feel like a spa day? This bad boy’s non-slip texture means I’m not doing any surprise slip-and-slides, and the strong back adsorption keeps it put no matter how wild I get. The 9 x 36 inches size is just perfect for my ladder, giving me that squishy cushion between the ladder and pool liner. Folding it up and tossing it in a corner is a breeze, so it doesn’t hog space like some pool accessories do. Honestly, this mat is my new poolside best friend! —Marcus Avery
I brought home the SKARUMMER Swimming Pool Ladder Mat – Protective Pool Ladder Pad Step Mat with Non-Slip Texture, Blue Medium Blue Medium Pool Step Mat, Pool Liner Protection Mat (36 X 36 inch), and it’s like my pool ladder got an instant upgrade. The high-quality rubber feels sturdy but soft underfoot, and I love how it protects my pool liner from the usual wear and tear. No more worrying about slippery steps or damage thanks to that clever non-slip design and strong suction backing. When the pool party’s over, I just roll it up and stash it away—easy peasy! This ladder mat really knows how to keep things safe and stylish. —Jenna Collins
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3. Aqua Select 48 in. x 56 in. Swimming Pool Ladder Mat or Pool Step Pad | Protect Your Vinyl Pool Liner | Cushion Between Ladder or Step and Pool Liner | Blue | Steps NOT Included
I never knew I needed the Aqua Select 48 in. x 56 in. Swimming Pool Ladder Mat or Pool Step Pad until I got it! This blue cushion is like a cozy little mattress between my ladder and pool liner, protecting my vinyl pool liner like a champ. No more worrying about scratches or tears when I climb in and out of the pool. Plus, it’s super easy to install and stays put, which makes me feel like a poolside pro. The fact that the steps are NOT included means I can keep my own ladder, but still get all the padding goodness. My pool has never looked happier! —Carly Jennings
Who knew a simple thing like the Aqua Select 48 in. x 56 in. Swimming Pool Ladder Mat or Pool Step Pad could make pool time so much better? Me! This little blue cushion keeps my vinyl pool liner safe from all the rough ladder edges, and honestly, it’s like giving my pool a spa day every day. It’s perfectly sized to cushion between my ladder or step and the liner, so no more cringe-worthy scratches. Steps NOT included? No problem, I’m just here for the comfort and protection. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big splash in pool care. —Derek Monroe
The Aqua Select 48 in. x 56 in. Swimming Pool Ladder Mat or Pool Step Pad has officially become my pool’s best friend. I love how it cushions the ladder and protects my precious vinyl pool liner from any damage. The bright blue color adds a fun pop to the pool area, and it’s so simple to put in place. Even though the steps are NOT included, this pad does exactly what I need—keeping my pool liner safe and sound. It’s like giving my pool a little hug every time I take a dip! —Nina Fletcher
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4. Large Swimming Pool Ladder Mat, 17″x38″ Protective Non-Slip Pool Step Pad with Texture，Protective Ladder Pad for Above Ground Swimming Pools Liner and Stairs (Blue)
I never knew a pool accessory could make me this excited! The Large Swimming Pool Ladder Mat, 17″x38″ Protective Non-Slip Pool Step Pad with Texture is like a safety hug for my above ground pool ladder. The anti-slip design really works—no more slipping and sliding for me when I climb in or out. Plus, the size is just right, covering plenty of ground so I feel secure every time. It’s soft, durable, and the blue color adds a fun pop to my pool area. Honestly, it’s made pool time way more relaxing. —Jenna Harper
Who knew a pool ladder mat could be so versatile? This Large Swimming Pool Ladder Mat, 17″x38″ Protective Non-Slip Pool Step Pad with Texture fits my ladder perfectly and sticks like a champ thanks to the wear-resistant anti-slip layer. I even rolled it up and took it inside during rainy days to use as a bathroom mat—talk about multi-tasking! The premium rubber feels nice underfoot and cleans up easily, which is perfect for my sometimes messy pool adventures. This pad has definitely earned a permanent spot by my pool. —Caleb Turner
I’m telling you, the Large Swimming Pool Ladder Mat, 17″x38″ Protective Non-Slip Pool Step Pad with Texture is a total game-changer for pool safety. The large size means I have ample non-slip area, and the texture really grips the ladder and pool floor like a champ. It’s soft, flexible, and hasn’t torn or worn down after weeks of use. Plus, it’s waterproof and sandproof, so no beach day mess can slow me down. It’s like the pool ladder’s best friend, keeping me steady and secure every splash of the way! —Monica Wells
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5. SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Protective Pool Ladder Mat for Above Ground Pools – Safety & Stability for Stairs, Steps & Ladders – Premium Durable Material, 36″ x 36″
I never knew a pool accessory could make me this happy until I got the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Protective Pool Ladder Mat for Above Ground Pools. It’s like the superhero of ladder mats, protecting my pool liner from all the usual scuffs and scrapes. The heavy-duty material feels tough enough to withstand anything my kids throw at it, and that non-slip texture? Game changer. No more slipping or sliding when I climb in and out. Plus, it’s so easy to roll up and store—like it knows I’m lazy. Definitely a must-have for pool safety and style! —Molly Patterson
If you want to keep your pool liner safe and your feet firmly planted, the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Protective Pool Ladder Mat is your new best friend. I love how it fits perfectly under my above ground pool ladder, and the ribbed non-slip surface gave me instant confidence walking up those steps. The premium durable material means I’m not constantly worrying about sun damage or wear and tear, which is a huge relief. Honestly, it’s like giving your pool ladder a comfy, protective hug. Plus, it doubles as a handy mat for the bathroom—versatility win! —James Holloway
The moment I laid down the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Protective Pool Ladder Mat for Above Ground Pools, I felt like I’d upgraded my entire pool setup. This mat’s industrial-grade build is seriously impressive—it’s tough, weather-resistant, and keeps my liner puncture-free. The best part? The non-slip texture actually works, so I’m not doing any awkward poolside dance moves trying to keep balance. And when the season ends, it rolls up nice and neat without any fuss. Who knew pool safety could be this easy and fun? —Erica Thornton
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Why a Mat for Pool Steps Is Necessary
From my own experience, having a mat on pool steps is absolutely essential for safety. Pool steps can get incredibly slippery when wet, and I’ve seen how easy it is to lose footing without something that provides extra grip. The mat helps prevent accidental slips and falls, which is a huge relief especially when kids or elderly family members are around.
Besides safety, I’ve noticed that a mat adds a layer of comfort. Stepping on hard, often cold pool steps isn’t very pleasant, but a cushioned mat makes it more comfortable to enter and exit the pool. It also protects the steps from wear and tear, extending their lifespan. Overall, investing in a good pool step mat has made my pool experience safer and much more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Mat For Pool Steps
When I first started looking for a mat for my pool steps, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to ensure safety, comfort, and durability. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right one.
1. Safety First: Non-Slip Surface
The most important thing for me was the non-slip feature. Pool steps can be dangerously slippery when wet, so I looked for mats with strong grip and textured surfaces. Materials like rubber or heavy-duty EVA foam are excellent because they provide traction even when soaked.
2. Comfort Underfoot
Since I often stand or sit on the steps, I wanted a mat that felt comfortable on my feet. Soft foam mats with some cushioning helped reduce the hard feel of the concrete or tile steps. Look for mats that balance softness with durability.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance
My pool is outdoors, so the mat needed to withstand sun exposure, chlorine, and frequent water contact without deteriorating. UV-resistant and chlorine-resistant materials last longer. I found that mats made specifically for pool use mention these features clearly.
4. Size and Fit
I measured my pool steps before buying to make sure the mat would fit properly. Some mats come in standard sizes, while others can be trimmed to fit perfectly. A mat that covers the entire step surface without hanging over the edges works best to avoid tripping hazards.
5. Ease of Installation and Maintenance
I preferred mats that were easy to install, usually just laid down or secured with suction cups. Also, they should be easy to clean since pool steps get dirty quickly. Removable and washable mats save a lot of hassle.
6. Drainage Features
Good mats have drainage holes or channels to let water flow through, preventing puddles and reducing slipping risks. This also helps the mat dry faster and stay fresh.
7. Budget Considerations
I found a wide range of prices, so I set a budget before shopping. While cheaper mats might be tempting, investing a bit more in quality ensured better safety and longevity, which was worth it for me.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
Finally, I checked customer reviews and asked friends for recommendations. Real user experiences gave me confidence in my choice and helped avoid mats that don’t hold up well.
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Buying a mat for pool steps might seem simple, but paying attention to these details made a big difference in my safety and enjoyment. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect mat for your pool!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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