I frequently run into ladders which cannot be removed from pool for using leak trac. I have tried garbage bags but they are a bear to get onto ladder and may tear and not isolate the ladder. Also, light cover repairs. How to get the tire tube reattached properly. One tip I can send along for using the light cover is to get a drill mounted transfer pump and attach to cordless drill to get water out of cover. Lots less wear and tear on old arms.

Try making your own "ladder bag" from scrap vinyl. Make large enough to fit easily and they wont tear.

I can almost always get the ladder out with the help of a hammer and WD-40, For when you cannot: Buy an XL winter pillow (made of vinyl liner material, for above ground pools) cut one end off, voila, you now have a ladder isolation bag
Bruce

How do you get the heavy vinyl bag on the ladder? That proves to be a tough job while alone.

Dive, put the bag on from underwater,
But remember, almost all ladders will come out with help, and you can still use the Leak Trac without covering the light or ladder, you'll have to carefully aim the wand and inspect the areas closest to the ladder or light by diving and visually inspecting, the leak Trac is a great tool, but you still have to dive in.
Bruce

Unfortunately some ladders are installed permanently into the concrete deck, the only way they are coming out is with a pipe cutter

now owning a leak trac i can say i find it beneficial. but nonetheless, getting in the pool is inevitable.

Many installers here insist on direct concrete mounting instead of anchors. I have tried to remove many, many ladders with even 10 ton floor jack and no luck. I have used penetrating oils and specialty tools for the purpose of gettting out rail goods and still no luck. So I don't buy the "almost all ladders will come out with ahammer and a little WD40". Explain, please.

My location in New England means almost all pools are designed so they can be closed, covered and winterized, ladders are always removed for winter. A typical winter freeze results in 12 - 24" of ice. Clearly you must be located in an area with a different season or different building practices, that leaves you the two options in previous posts, bag the ladder or learn to use the leak trac with the ladder in place. Where are you?
Bruce