Vinyl liner pools have been known for bad step designs. In fact, even today, a predominant step design is a white plastic end step that fades, yellows and cracks with time. Why not build these steps out of steel and cover them with a non skid part of the liner for a truly built in look?
The difference is striking--check out these full width steps that are steel with the liner covering them.
For more information on this step design for vinyl liner pools check out Imperial's step materials. As you will see, there are many standard step designs utilizing this custom process and avoiding the white plastic look.