8 Best Pool Ramps for Dogs – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

Enjoying a day at the pool is a relaxing experience, but your dog may have trouble exiting the pool without a ramp. Ramps can also save your pet’s life if the pup accidentally falls in the pool when you’re not around. You can find numerous ramps for indoor use, but few manufacturers offer models that can be attached to a pool or boat.

We researched the best ramps on the market and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of each product in our in-depth reviews. Some ramps are multi-functional, but others only attach to a boat or pool ladder. Read on to find the best pool ramp for your canine.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023

The 8 Best Pool Ramps for Dogs

1. PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp – Best Overall

The PetStep Folding Pet Ramp is designed for cars, pools, and boats, and it’s our best overall pool ramp for dogs. We liked the durable ramp’s raised non-slip surface that provides traction in wet and dry conditions. It folds down so you can easily store it in your car, and the rubber surface is simple to clean. Unlike its competitors, the PetStep can support up to 500 pounds and does not require assembly. We could not find another ramp that you could use on so many surfaces, but the PetStep has one drawback. If you want to use the ramp in the pool, you have to purchase an extension kit. However, even with the cost of the pool kit, the PetStep is more affordable than its competitors.

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2. Coziwow Heavy Duty Portable Folding Dog Ramp – Best Value

Most pool ramps for dogs are expensive, but the Cosiwow Heavy Duty Portable Folding Dog Ramp won the prize for the best pool ramp for the money. It weighs only 9 pounds and can be used in vehicles, pools, and boats. The Cosiwow folds up for storage, and it includes an oversized carrying handle. Although it’s designed for multiple surfaces, the Cosiwow works better on dry land than in pools or boats. Unlike similar models, the Cosiwow has a sandpaper tread that becomes too slick when wet. Some customers were concerned that the tread was too rough on their dog’s paws, but most were pleased with the lightweight design. The Cosiwow is affordable, but you’ll need to add grip tape or another material to improve the traction.

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3. WaterDog Adventure Gear Dog Ladder for Swimming Pool – Premium Choice

If you prefer using steps instead of a ladder, you can try the WaterDog Adventure Gear Dog Ladder. The heavy-duty ladder does not bend or slide when used by large breeds, and you can attach the ladder to your pool without touching the sides. Waterdog’s bright yellow steps are much easier to see than competing models, and you can pivot the ladder out of the water without disassembling the entire unit. The ramp is designed for standard pools and above-ground models, but you need to have a deck to attach the ladder to an above-ground pool.

The Waterdog Adventure is a sturdy ladder that does not damage the pool sides or bottom, but it has one significant flaw. It does not include hardware to install the ladder. The manufacturer claims that pools have different mounting surfaces, and it did not want to include bolts and fasteners that only worked for one material.

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4. Skamper Ramp Super – Best for Puppies

Most pool ramp makers design their products for adult dogs, but we found the ideal model for your puppy or small breed. The Skamper Ramp is lighter than any model we reviewed, but the UV-resistant plastic does not fade or discolor from sunlight. When you need to swim laps or lounge in the pool without your pet, you can remove it from the water without taking it apart. The Skamper Ramp supports small dogs, but it’s not recommended for large breeds. Although customers were happy with the Skamper Ramp, several complained that the surface was too slick for their dogs. You can apply grip tape or weave a piece of rope through the predrilled holes to add more traction to the ramp.

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5. KHTS6310 Dog Pool Exit Ramp

Most ramps require you to drill into the concrete to attach bolts, but the KHTS6310 Dog Exit Ramp has sandbag weights at the top and sturdy PVC supports to keep your pet stable. It’s designed for small breeds weighing up to 60 pounds and has raised plastic treads to help your pet climb without slipping. The extended platform provides an easy climbing angle that’s not too steep, and the supports rest against the pool’s wall to improve stability. We liked the portable design, but some customers were disappointed that the high-priced ramp did not last more than a couple of seasons. However, the KHTS6310 comes with a 2-year warranty, which lasts longer than the warranties of its competitors.

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6. Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps

The Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps feature a wider surface (18 inches) to climb than competitors, and it’s made to support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds. The ABS plastic steps will not degrade from chlorine, and they’re easy to remove for winter storage. Although the Paws Aboard is made for multiple breeds, we suggest only using it if you have a small dog. Several large breed owners complained that the steps broke even when they did not exceed the weight capacity. Mounting hardware comes with the steps, but the plastic screws are not durable enough to support hefty canines. We suggest using metal screws to make the steps more stable, but large dog owners need to use another brand.

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7. Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Ladder

The Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Ladder is designed to attach to your boat when you visit the lake or pond. It only weighs 9.9 pounds, and it folds up for easy storage in your boat. The 13-inch-wide platform is suitable for small dogs, but it’s too narrow for large breeds. Most customers were satisfied with the Beavertail ladder, but several complained about the unit’s poor construction. The holes for the adjustment screws are not always machined correctly, and many pet parents had to return the ladder because they were unable to assemble it. Another problem is the ladder’s tread. Some dogs get their nails stuck in the platform’s tiny holes.

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8. Paws Aboard Doggy Boat Ladder and Ramp

The Paws Aboard Doggy Boat Ladder and Ramp is designed to fit several types of boats and does not require screws or bolts to install. The ladder has eight steps and supports pups up to 150 pounds. Although it’s made to fit different boat ladders, several customers had problems attaching it. It’s too narrow to fit over wide boat ladders, and some customers mentioned it moved around too much. The plastic steps are too slick to climb, but many dog owners added grip tape so their pets could climb them. It’s more expensive than similar models, and it’s not easy to install for a portable unit.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Pool Ramp

Before selecting a pool ramp for your canine, there are a few elements to consider.

Stability

Some of the products we reviewed claim to support 150 pounds or more, but you should not rely solely on the specifications to keep your dog safe. We read several reviews from customers whose dogs caused the ramps to bend or break even when the weight capacity was not exceeded. Testing the ramp beforehand will prevent an accidental fall or injury.

Although durable products will support several breed types, your dog may be hesitant to climb the ramp because it may seem scary or unfamiliar. Most manufacturers recommend laying the ramp on the ground to let the dog sniff it and get used to it before placing it in the water. If your dog refuses to use it after the conditioning period, you may have to buy another brand.

The stability of a ramp or ladder can also become compromised when it’s installed incorrectly. Ladders can be difficult to install on specific boats, and you’ll have to replace a model that slides around when the dog tries to climb.

Tread Type

The tread on the ramps is a primary factor when examining different brands. Although manufacturers must realize that a ramp that sits in water will get slick, most companies design their units with inadequate tread. Several of the products featured in our reviews had slippery platforms, but most customers added materials to improve traction. You can use grip tape for solid surfaces or improve a ramp with drilled holes by weaving rope through the holes.

Ramp Material

Except for the Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Ladder, all the steps, ladders, and ramps on our list are made of some form of plastic. Although most ramps will not fade from sunlight or disintegrate from pool chemicals, they will wear out faster if they’re constantly in the pool. Sunlight and chlorine can weaken the material over time, especially if it’s not dried and stored correctly. To minimize damage, you can keep the ramp out of the water until your dog is ready to play in the water.

Dog Training

Your dog may look shaky when it uses the ramp initially, but you can help by steadying the animal when it climbs or descends. Dogs always require supervision when they’re swimming in pools or lakes because a panicked pup can drown if it’s unable to climb out. Boat ladders are typically steeper and harder to climb than pool ramps, and you may have to help your dog every time it wants to climb the ladder.

Conclusion

Our reviews detailed the best pool ramps on the market, but our favorite model was the PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp. It supports more weight than the competition, can be used in cars and the pool, and has excellent tread. Our next pick was the Coziwow Heavy Duty Portable Folding Dog Ramp. It’s lightweight and affordable, and you can use it in multiple locations. We hope you select the perfect ramp for your water-loving canine.

See also: 3 DIY Dog Water Ramp Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Ilya Gromak, Shutterstock