She wouldn’t get in on her own at first. We kept teaching her how to get to the steps and now she will jump in and go towards me until I tell her to go to the steps. I do sometimes have to point her in the right direction. She still mostly likes to run up and down the pool barking while we swim but then will all of sudden just jump in. She always watches me and swims right for me.
I learned something else about her yesterday. I was just playing around with my daughter but Belle thought I was hurting her and she went ballistic. I had to calm her down and keep telling her I was only playing. She kept barking fiercely right at me as though she was telling me off. All I was doing was hugging my daughter and kissing her all over her face but the way my daughter squeals, Belle must have thought I was hurting her.
Unfortunately, by petting her and calming her, you're putting her in the position of boss dog -- by being (as she thinks) conciliatory and apologetic.
Next time she tries that, tell her to "sit" or "down" and make her stay, with the leash under your foot if you have to. She doesn't have any right to tell you off as leader of the pack.
You might want to consult with a professional trainer about her pecking order issues! We nipped that nonsense in the bud with Ruby -- but I had already dealt with a bossy dog (just not as bossy as Ruby!)
20 minute 'downs' while you're watching TV (or posting on FR) might be a good idea.