The Best Dog Pool Ramps: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Austin S.
Updated: January 18, 2023
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Best forProduct
Best OverallPaws Aboard PoolPup Steps
Best for AffordabilityPortable Folding Dog Ramp
Best for Small DogsSkamper Ramp Super
Best for Above-Ground PoolsPetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp

Does your dog struggle while getting in and out of the pool? If it does, then using a pool ramp might be the best way to help your dog get into the pool while adding a layer of safety. However, there are a lot of dog ramps on the market today, and selecting the right one for your dog might be a hassle.

To aid you in selecting a pool ramp for your dog, we have selected and reviewed the best dog ramps for your dog. Each item on our list is reviewed and its pros and cons are clearly stated.

We have also included a section that shows you what to look for when choosing a pool ramp for your dog. This is done to help you make the best choice for selecting the best dog pool ramp for your dog.

  1. Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps
    • Designed for below-ground pools, but can also be used in above-ground pools
    • Constructed of ABS plastic for durability
    • Can support dogs up to 150lbs
    • Chlorine- and UV-resistant
    • Easy to install
    Check Amazon
  2. Portable Folding Dog Ramp
    • Use for pools, cars and more
    • Affordable price point
    • Carrying handle for easy transport
    • Constructed from durable plastic
    Check Amazon
  3. Skamper Ramp Super
    • Designed for small dog breeds
    • Maximum weight of 25lbs
    • Easy to install
    • No-slip surface ensures dogs get a good grip
    Check Amazon
  4. PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp
    • Maximum weight of 400lbs
    • Great for above-ground pools as well as cars and beds
    • Comes with guard rails
    • Non-slip ramp helps dogs feel secure
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Dog Pool Ramps

#1 Best Overall: Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps

In our review, the best dog pool ramp is the Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps.

This product is fashioned in a simple three-step design and is intended as a permanent solution for fixed below-ground pools.  It is constructed from ABS plastic and can hold dogs weighing from four to 150 pounds. It is also chlorine and UV resistant. Plus, each step on this product is ribbed to give your dog more grip and to help them feel more secure on it.

The only drawback of this product is that it has a fixed height, making it difficult for smaller dogs to get on the first step depending on the water level. Apart from this issue, this product is a solid option available at a reasonable price.

Pros and Cons of the Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps

ProsCons
These steps are designed as a permanent solution for below-ground pools.It has a fixed height.
They are made from ABS plastic that is chlorine and UV resistant.
Each step is ribbed to provide added grip. 
These steps are suitable for dogs weighing between four and 150 pounds.
Best Overall
Paws Aboard PoolPup Steps
  • Designed for below-ground pools, but can also be used in above-ground pools
  • Constructed of ABS plastic for durability
  • Can support dogs up to 150lbs
  • Chlorine- and UV-resistant
  • Easy to install
Check Amazon

2. Best for Affordability: Portable Folding Dog Ramp

A ramp for your pet doesn’t need to break the bank, so that’s why we recommend the Portable Folding Dog Ramp which can even be used for cars too.

This ramp is affordable, strong, and durable. This product has a security lock that keeps it shut when not in use. It also has a carry handle that makes it easier to move around. This ramp is made from strong plastic and can hold dogs weighing up to 200 pounds. It also has a non-slip surface which offers your dog excellent grip and security.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that it is not suited to larger dogs as it is not very wide.

Pros and Cons of the Portable Folding Dog Ramp

ProsCons
This ramp can be used for pools and cars.It is not suitable for larger dogs as it is not wide enough.
It is suitable for dogs weighing up to 200 pounds.
It features a security lock that keeps is folded when not in use. 
The non-slip surface provides excellent grip.
Best for Affordability
Portable Folding Dog Ramp
  • Use for pools, cars and more
  • Affordable price point
  • Carrying handle for easy transport
  • Constructed from durable plastic
Check Amazon

3. Best for Small Dogs: Skamper Ramp

Our selection as the best for small dogs is the Skamper Ramp.

This product is designed to help smaller breed dogs get in and out of your pool and it has a weight limit of only 20 pounds. It is made from light plastic and has a has a perforated surface that helps your dog grip and feel secure when using it. Plus, this product is UV resistant, so there is no discoloration, and it has no metal parts that can corrode or snag on pup’s paws.

Aside from the low weight limit, the only other drawback to this product is that some pup parents have reported that their dogs do not like the perforated surface and suggest that it would be better with ribbed or non-slip material on it.

Pros and Cons of the Skamper Ramp

ProsCons
This ramp is designed specifically for small dogs weighing less than 20 pounds.It is not suitable for dogs weighing more than 20 pounds.
It is made from lightweight plastic that is UV resistant. Not all dogs like the perforated surface.
There are no metal parts. 
It has a perforated surface for added traction.
Best for Small Dogs
Skamper Ramp Super
  • Designed for small dog breeds
  • Maximum weight of 25lbs
  • Easy to install
  • No-slip surface ensures dogs get a good grip
Check Amazon

4. Best for Above-Ground Pools: PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp

Our selection as the best option for above-ground pools is the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp which is also ideal for helping your pup get in and out of the car too.

This safety tested ramp with a high-traction walking surface and side rails is very strong and durable. It can hold pets weighing up to 400 pounds, meaning it is suitable for all sizes and breeds. It also features a telescoping design that makes it adjustable for use with pools that are different heights.

The top of the ramp features a weather-resistant, easy-to-grip tread design to make sure dogs can safely get in and out of the pool at all times. When not in use, you can slide the ramp back together and latch it in place for more compact storage. Plus it weighs just 13 pounds, making it easy to set up, disassemble, move, and put away.

However, customers reported that they wish there was a lock to keep the sections from sliding together when the ramp is extended.

ProsCons
This ramp features a high-traction walking surface with side rails.There is no locking system to keep the sections from sliding back together when the ramp is extended.
It is suitable for pets weighing up to 400 pounds.
The extendable design makes it suitable for most pool heights. 
When not in use it can simply be slid back together for easy storage.
Best for Above-Ground Pools
PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp
  • Maximum weight of 400lbs
  • Great for above-ground pools as well as cars and beds
  • Comes with guard rails
  • Non-slip ramp helps dogs feel secure
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Dog Pool Ramp: What to Look For

When choosing the best dog pool ramp, there are three factors you need to consider: sturdiness, weight, and ease of use. Here is how to consider the best dog pool ramp across each of these factors.

Sturdiness

When looking for a pool ramp for your dog, you should ensure that the product you wish to buy is sturdy. You must ensure that any product you wish to buy is steady and solid and does not tip or move.

Weight

You should go for a ramp that is lightweight and easy to move. If you go for a heavy ramp, then you are less likely to use it, and this might lead to your pet injuring itself when trying to get into the pool.

Ease of Use

Up Next

  • The Best Dog Ramps — Find the perfect ramp to help your dog get in and out of the car or on and off the sofa.
  • The Best Dog Life Jackets: Reviewed — If you’re planning on being near the water then it’s a good idea to make sure that your best friend is safe! Check out the best dog lifejackets here.
  • The Best Dog Beds — Find the perfect bed for your pup here.

Best forProduct
Best OverallPaws Aboard PoolPup Steps
Best for AffordabilityPortable Folding Dog Ramp
Best for Small DogsSkamper Ramp Super
Best for Above-Ground PoolsPetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp
About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Dog Pool Ramps: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do you train your dog to use a pool ramp?

The first step in training your dog to use a pool ramp is introducing your dog to the ramp. After this, you can use carry and reward, and then place your dog on the ramp and encourage it whenever it uses the ramp.

Are stairs or a ramp better for dogs?

Stairs take up less floor space than ramps and are a good choice for dogs that have agility and balance. However, stairs tend to have a fixed height compared to ramps that can be adjusted.

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