Functions effectively. It provides a fantastic alternative to steps that cost 2 or 3 times more. Assembly is not difficult. It needs to be weighted with sand to prevent movement, but the instructions guide you on how to do this. I highly recommend this product.

However, they float. No matter how much water you fill them with, they will still float. We purchased four sandbags filled with rocks to enhance their stability, and while they are sturdier, they still have a bit of movement. It's essential to follow the instructions and stabilize them with sandbags to the deck. Overall, it offers good value, is easy to assemble, and serves as a nice step for an above-ground pool.

I purchased this in September 2021 in anticipation of the 2022 season, planning to have it ready for the new pool deck. Fortunately, I bought it before the drastic price increase due to inflation. Even at the new cost, it's worth it to avoid climbing a rickety A-frame ladder. The box stayed in my shed throughout the winter, and I didn't check it until June 2022. Thankfully, all the parts were included. Assembly took about 15 minutes, but I made it longer by not consulting the directions and placing a couple of pieces in the wrong spots.

Having read other reviews, I knew it needed to be weighted with sand, so I opted for an alternative to the special containers. I saved some half-gallon plastic milk jugs and ordered 0.5 cubic feet of leveling sand. One bag filled 8 jugs. Leveling sand is more like fine gravel and is wet in the bag. Filling the jugs required a wide-mouth funnel and an hour of patience. I attached them with tie wraps to the inside bottom rungs of the stairs. Remember to open the caps slightly to let air out and fill them with water for additional weight. It worked great – they are secure, sturdy, and now properly affixed to the deck.

Being 275 lbs and 50 years old, avoiding hip injuries is crucial for me. While the railings of the staircase are a bit flimsy and easily come apart, I haven't figured out how to fix that yet. Perhaps caulking glue will work. Nevertheless, the stairs themselves are sturdy, wide, and easily managed. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase.

The steps are extremely durable and secure. I'm highly satisfied!

Automatic vacuums are incompatible with this item. It proves challenging to keep it in place as it tends to float, requiring some creative solutions for stability. The handles are notably wobbly.