iOS Applications

There are couple of free iOS mobile applications that might you find useful for landscaping and decking.

One is Green Garden by the Aquarium of the Pacific. This lets you visually plan a garden. It gives you more than several ground covers, shrubs, flowers, and trees to choose from. Using the touch feature of your iPad or iPhone you can add or remove a digital representation of the plant easily. Each plant listed comes with a description and a link to its Wiki page. When you feel satisfied with a design you can simply save it to your iOS camera roll.

The decking related app is called Deck Visualizer. It's not a above ground pool deck app, but it's free and somewhat useful because it gives you a good picture of what different decking colors and styles will look like. The best thing about it is that you can upload a picture of your home or backyard, which gives you a quick visual preview of your future deck in a real setting. It could be useful during your above ground pool deck planning phase.

As always, enjoy your pool.

Regards,

Paul
How to Build a Pool Deck

Wood Stair Repair

My story today has nothing to do with a deck but is relevant to your pool deck project.

The stairway inside my home is about thirty years old. Its tread is lumber wrapped in carpet (poor excuse for tread) that are basically just attached to stringers. There is of course a run, but there is a space where the rise would be. A few steps in the middle of the staircase have started to loosen.

My staircase is an odd contraption. I doubt it's up to code now and I would be surprised if it was when built a long time ago.

There are no screws or metal step connectors connecting the tread. Instead, it just has a slim section of wood sticking out that fits into some kind of notch on the closed stringer. It looks like it was simply nailed in somehow... it's difficult to see because of the carpeting wrapped around the tread. Strange.

I'm currently in no mood to replace the whole staircase, although I suppose I'll have to do it eventually. But for now I decided to go with a band aid.

I fastened metal step connectors beneath the three suspect treads. It's not perfect, but when I walk or stand on them it does feel stronger compared to what it was before. This is temporary but it should get some extra mileage out of my stairs.

Remember, when you're building stairs for your above ground pool deck know the difference between a closed and open stringer. Closed stringers won't need a notch for the treads and you can use metal step connectors. Open stringers will need notches. Also, remember to use fasteners that are appropriate for treated outdoor lumber.

Best,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - DIY Above Ground Pool Deck

Aquatic Therapy and Physical Training

When I was a kid our neighbor Al had shoulder surgery. Al was an old timer who spent some of his free time helping my Cub Scout den make those little wood cars for the derby, and the derby was always a big deal.

So it was only natural that when Al had his shoulder surgery my parents let him come over and use our swimming pool for therapy. At the time I remember wondering why Al "wasn't really swimming" but instead walking in place and doing a very slow breath stroke in the shallow end. Then my mother explained to me that he had been injured and the pool was an important part of his rehabilitation.

This was when I realized that a swimming pool could be something more than just for play or for racing my friends. Now when I swim it's either for soothing relaxation or exercise.

One of my favorite exercises, back when I was surfing a lot a few years ago, was to swim underwater laps. The resistance was greater a few feet under the surface, or at least it felt that way, and it expanded my lung capacity. My body was trained to stay calm while underwater, always useful when surfing.

Swimming pools offer you weightless strength and stamina training, meaning less stress on your joints than a land based workout. A pool like the Hyrdroworx has taken this to a new level and is used by collegiate and professional sports teams.

A pool like the Hydroworx can be used inside or outside your home, and you could also build a small pool deck around it if you wanted to. Visit the Hydroworx website for an example.

If you have an above ground pool already but it's now too cold to use it, then consider using a local aquatic center or see if your gym has a swimming pool. Swimming burns calories very quickly, is a total body workout, and is much easier on your body than a land based workout.

As always, be safe while swimming and if necessary improve your swimming skills before taking to an Olympic size pool, doing underwater laps like I did, or attempting an advanced stroke.

Happy holidays!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Pool Deck

Above Ground Pool Deck ROI

It's hard to believe that November is already here. I hope you all had a great summer and if you decided to build an above ground pool deck then I hope everything went as smoothly as possible and that you still had some time left over to enjoy it this summer.

If you had your return-on-investment (ROI) in mind it's very possible you made a good decision to build a pool deck.

Appraisers will usually not include just an above ground pool because it's not considered a permanent structure. However, an above ground pool deck could possibly be included in your appraisal.

I don't want to give you the impression that it's really that simple because there are details that could influence an appraisers or perspective home buyers thinking.

For example, the size of the deck, its location or compatibility with the home, whether it's made of composite or wood, etc... and of course whether or not you build your pool deck in compliance with local building codes could have a impact on your ROI. There is also the ups and downs of the housing market too.

That said, if you build an above ground pool deck of reasonably good quality and it's up to code you could very well see a nice ROI.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Deck Around a Pool

Pool Deck Care: Moss and Mildew

I'm up in Oregon again for the holidays and I'm experiencing some of the weather the area is famous for this time of year.

This weekend the forecast calls for very cold temperatures, slushy rain, and snow tomorrow. Also, this is happening when a contractor has gone to work adding new footings to our units foundation.

This process requires the contractor to get under our deck here and remove some of it for a new pier.

Since the deck has been taken apart in some sections - and since the weather has been very wet lately - I decided to look underneath some of the 2x4's.

Since the decking lumber is treated it looks OK now. The biggest concern, of course, is wet or dry rot. At the moment I haven't noticed any obvious problems with rot.

Another possible problem that you should be on the look out for is moss or mildew.

Moss is very common around here, especially this time of year because of the rain and lack of sunlight. It grows out of the pavement here!

So far I haven't noticed any on my deck. But that does not mean it cannot become a problem later on... winter is still in the early going.

Should You Be Alarmed If You Discover Mildew on Your Pool Deck?

I don't think you should be panicked by mildew. If you see the black slime commonly associated with mildew it likely won't cause any structural risk like rot does.

But mildew does look ugly and can smell bad. Similar to mildew in your bathtub, breathing this stuff can aggravate your respiratory system or allergies.

So it's always a good idea to clean the mildew off you above ground pool deck.

You can do this easily with bleach. Also, sweep you pool deck regularly so sunlight can be a natural drier.

What About Moss?

Moss isn't the emergency that rot is. But, like mildew, it's a good idea to remove it from your pool deck at your earliest opportunity.

The chemical solution used to remove moss is a very complex one, compared to the mildew solution. I suggest asking your local home and garden store for assistance on this one.

Or, consider hiring a deck cleaning service. Spending a little on a qualified service will definitely save you time and keep you from having to do a little dirty work, unless you really want to.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

Floating Foundation for Your Pool Deck

A common question people have when planning an above ground pool deck is, "what foundation should I use?"

As many of you know, decks need a foundation for load-bearing posts. Pool decks are no different. What type of foundation you'll decide to use depends on a few key things.

• How high will your deck be?
  

• The materials you're using.
  

• The ground's freeze depth.
  

• How much weight can your soil handle?
  

Wood that has contact with the ground will eventually degrade. So for post support you'll need concrete footings that are above-grade.

If you decide on foundations that require digging a hole, be sure to dig according to local building codes, which could be up to 5' or more depending on your building codes and soil.

However, there is any easier way. Consider using the floating foundation for your pool deck.

Many above ground pool deck owners who build a deck use a floating foundation because it does not require digging and you won't have to worry about frost levels.

If you're looking to build a pool deck relatively quickly during the summer season... then the floating foundation is the way to go because the process is much simpler than mixing concrete, digging holes, and dealing with a more complex set of building codes.

The safety record of floating foundations is very good too.

Our eBook How to Build a Pool Deck, uses the common wraparound pool deck on a floating foundation as a step-by-step example because it is the most simple foundation for a pool deck.

Floating foundations are very popular for a reason and if you have limited time during the swim season to get an above ground pool deck up, then this is a very good option for you.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano

Winterizing Your Above Ground Pool

For most of you in the United States and elsewhere in the northern hemisphere now is a good time to start thinking about winterizing your pool.

And for those of you in warmer or temperate climates this information may still benefit you. Here are some basic tips to help you get started.

Before you shut off and drain your pool for the winter, you'll first need to clean and service the pool. Make sure your water chemistry is balanced too.

It's unlikely that algae will be a big problem if you drain your pool. However, you don't need to risk an algae bloom while you're shutting down your pool for the winter. So go ahead and service the pool as you normally do before drainage. Also, consider adding more chlorination than normal or an algicide.

Also, remember that your water won't be circulating during the winter so don't leave chlorine tabs in the water once you shut the pool down.

Next you'll want to shut off the pump, any electrical sources, and gas for the heater if applicable. From there, you'll drain the pool. You don't have to completely drain the pool but it's recommended that you drain at least below the outlet and skimmer level.

Also, make sure you drain all lines and the plug them up for the winter. Don't leave water in your tubes or pipes for the winter. This protects your above ground pools equipment from freeze damage. So make sure you drain your equipment completely.

Once the above tasks are done, seriously consider covering your above ground pool. This will keep your pool clean and help prevent algae. Sheet vinyl is a good cover for the money. And to be on the safe side you may want to lock gates or fences that lead to your pool or deck.

I've simply covered the basics here. But, by using the above information to winterize your pool you'll make the job of re-opening of your above ground pool in the spring much easier.

Enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

Better News from Lowe's

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

More on Pool Deck and Surface Repair

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.

Half-Way Through Deck Season

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