I went the menards way. Bought when parts or kits were on sale. I have 2 10x4 sections for my walkway, then two more 10x4 configured side by side. I put poles down to the bottom. Mine slides up an down 3-5'. I put a ladder on the 8x10 foot platform because it's too steep and muddy to easily climb out of the pond.
So far so good. It's survived two stretches where it's dropped down, and now back up.
We swim in it a lot, if our HBG/piranha cross will let us.

9 yr old pond, 1 ac, 15' deep.
RES, YP, GS, FHM (no longer), HBG (going away), SMB, and HSB (only one seen in 5 yrs) Restocked HSB (2020) Have seen one of these.
I think that's about all I should put in my little pond.
Otter attack in 2023