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There was some encouraging news from home improvement retailer Lowe's today.
Well, I guess you could say that the news wasn't "as bad" as some were expecting. And in today's economic climate this qualifies as good news.
- "2nd quarter net income dropped only 7.9% to $938 million, or 64 cents per share, beating analysts projections by 8 cents," said Lowe's.
- Also, "sales rose 2.4%... and revenue rose for the first time in 3 quarters."
- Analysts believe that tax rebates played a large role in the slight uptrend.
Now I'm not here to do a detailed analysis of tax or economic policy for you because there are online publications that do a great job of that... though I do have my opinions.
But the contrarian in me does see something positive here...
Saving and investing in yourself - by building a pool deck for example - is one of the best things you can do in any economic climate. Especially now.
Inflation and credit concerns are very likely to be big issues for awhile...
But, if Lowe's is doing a "little better than expected", i.e. less bad, then perhaps others are starting to realize the importance of saving and investing in yourself.
Building a deck around your pool is a productive venture.
You're using resources, many of which could be from here in the US... especially if you're using lumber... to build something that could possibly increase the value of your home.
Or these days maybe it just softens the blow...
Nonetheless, this is far different than borrowing against your home equity to purchase miscellaneous consumer items that depreciate... which is basically like recycling money to foreign banks for a negative return on investment and higher interest owed.
If you borrow against your home equity to build a pool deck or do any other home improvement - or if you pay out of your cash savings - you're borrowing or saving and then spending with the goal of being productive. Thus, making your own little infrastructure improvement.
This also benefits other productive ventures here in the US - like timber for example - and leads to increased domestic and personal savings... and this helps lead to more capital investment, production, and a rising standard of living.
This type of activity is the road to prosperity for the US and yourself. High levels of debt and over consumption of depreciating goods is not.
I can't tell you how to spend your money or credit.
But, if you're building an above ground pool deck or just thinking about it then pat yourself on the back.
You're not only doing something good for yourself and your family, but you're also an example of what independence and an appreciable standard of living is all about.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
Many of you who started your above ground pool deck earlier this summer or spring are likely finished now... or close to it.
Those of you who just started recently will be finished eventually, likely before the end of summer.
So now is a good time to start thinking of how you'll maintain your pool deck and go about surface repair.
Hopefully - if you followed building code and used a guide like "How to Build a Pool Deck" - you're above ground pool deck is sturdy and generally safe.
However, like all things pool decks are gradually worn down over time by use or natural elements and will require surface repair from time-to-time.
But if you're paying attention and do your basic repairs as necessary your pool deck will remain a generally inexpensive and safe - and possibly valuable - addition to your home for a long time.
There are many pool deck repair issues to be on the look out for... termites, surface damage, loose railings, raised nail heads, and more...
That said, one of the most common problems and the most dangerous to your wood is moisture, i.e. wet and dry rot.
- Wet rot will be colored black and has a spongy texture.
- Dry rot is less dark but also has a spongy feel.
What causes this is moisture, so make sure your wood is dry before assembly. And consider painting it - completely.
Also, remember to sweep your pool deck regularly so that the air and sun can act as a natural drier and disinfectant for the wood.
If there is obvious compromising of a structural board - such as a joist or beam - you will need to replace it.
It's a little bit of work and some attention to detail is necessary. But it's much better than the alternative, which is ignoring your pool deck and not fixing a problem before it's very costly to fix... or too late.
That said, if you make it a regular priority - or even just an occasional chore - to care for your pool deck and do the necessary surface repairs then your above ground pool deck will remain safe and fun for everyone lucky enough to use it.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
P.S. - Learn more about how to build a pool deck and pool deck surface repair here.
This week I received a call from a contractor who builds above ground pool decks for his clients. He asked if we had sample pool deck plans - or above ground pool deck blueprints - for sale.
He didn't need to learn how to build a pool deck. He just wanted some example plans he could show his clients. That way, he thought they would have an easier time deciding which pool deck design to go with.
Currently, our eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" guides readers on how to make their own plans and references decking software they can use to make their own plans. Also, it educates people about planning so they can communicate more effectively with a contractor should they hire one.
Also, we've listed on our website an article I wrote about the basics of above ground pool deck blueprints.
That said, we don't have actual sample plans or blueprints for sale.
The reason for that is everybody has a different backyard. Some have many plants or trees, others don't. Some have obstacles or slopes that others don't. Some towns or counties have different building codes than others.
Since it's difficult for us to know what your backyard is like - or what a "standard" backyard is like - making up sample plans for sale didn't strike me as the responsible product offer.
We do have a PDF photo gallery of above ground pool decks at our website. But at this moment, no gallery of sample pool deck plans is available.
With that all said, I'm wondering what you think. How many of you are contractors or would like to see a gallery of sample pool deck plans? Is this something that you'll find helpful?
If you would like to let us know these things, please go to our contact page and send us an email.
Also, we have a survey link on our website home page where you can share your thoughts as well. You can get a free bonus eBook on decking lumber for taking the survey.
When you share the things you'll find helpful with us, that helps us create new products that you actually want and helps us improve existing content to your benefit.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
By now many of you who are building a deck around your pool are likely almost finished... or already done.
If this is you, then pat yourself on the back for a job well done. But you can do more. And it won't be nearly as much work as the pool deck.
A do-it-yourself fountain can be built quickly in one afternoon. It will be an inexpensive way to add a refreshing new dynamic to your deck.
Also, it can be a focal point or used to cover up a knick or two left over from your above ground pool deck construction phase.
Essentials for a Basic Fountain
You'll really just need a bucket or plant container, submersible pump, metal conduit (if necessary), and a water tube long enough to reach from the fountain to the pump. You can also use rocks to hide the pump and make your fountain more pleasing to the eye.
For a fountain of this size, you'll likely just need a submersible pump that can recirculate up to fifty gallons. That pump will be plenty good enough.
We have more on this in our bonus to "How to Build a Pool Deck".
A fountain is something that is easy to do, inexpensive, and will give your pool deck a refreshing new appearance.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Pool Deck
It looks as if we're now past the mid-point of above ground pool deck building season. No doubt many of you are close to starting a DIY pool deck project or perhaps you're in the middle of one.
If you want an above ground pool deck and you currently have the means, but you don't have one built yet... then I think now is a great time for you to get started!
Summer is full swing now. And the bizarre weather that many places had during late spring or June appears to be mellowing.
But before you know it, it will be post Labor Day. The kids will be back in school. The weather will be changing. And any outdoor home improvement project you were thinking of will likely get postponed until next year.
But why wait that long? This time of year is the perfect time to build your pool deck!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
A reader named Erica wrote and asked me a good question last week. To paraphrase, "Is it better, and safer, for the pool deck edge to be just above the above ground pool or just below? I've seen both."
I replied that you should always check your local building codes before moving ahead with any pool deck design.
That said, it strikes me as safer to build the deck edge just above the pool. A deck edge just below it could easily trip people.
Also, imagine yourself sitting on your above ground pool deck... dangling your feet in the pool. Would a deck edge just below the pool be comfortable for you here?
And many people do build the deck just above the pool edge because they think it simply looks better, even if their local codes don't specify.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Pool Deck
P.S. - For those of you who also visit createyourdeck.com to view additional content there, you can now view a site map here so stuff there is easier to find.
When you're surfing the 'net looking for above ground pool deck help, you're likely reading a lot of technical terms or phrases that you may not be familiar with.
Those of you with some DIY experience may know some of these words from the pool decking dictionary. If you do, it still helps to have an easy reference available.
That's why we decided to post a pool decking glossary for you. There you will see some of the more common decking terms.
So if you're searching the 'net and coming across technical sounding words, you can reference our glossary so you'll understand what things mean. Once you start learning the language, any "how to build a pool deck" guide - including ours - becomes much easier to use.
This isn't an inorganic list... meaning if we missed some words feel free to contact us and suggest an addition to the glossary.
With that said, I think there is already plenty there that you'll find helpful.
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
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