Pool Deck Building Codes

This was the third sending of the Createyourdeck.com newsletter.

Before and during the construction of your pool deck you'll have to get to know and comply with your local building codes. Do the research before you plan, double check as you plan, and check again before you start building.

Also, expect your local building inspector to visit your site during construction.

Checking codes two, three, or even four times might sound like overdoing it. But I've learned that you can never be too prepared and never too informed, especially when investing your time and money into something like the construction of an above ground pool deck.

I can't stress this enough. Don't defy the codes (1) (2) (3) or your local building inspector! While some of it may be a hassle and seem unreasonable, most building codes are there for the safety of you and your family.

1. BUILDING CODES

Most cities will have building codes to make sure your new pool deck is safe, secure, and of good quality. Some cities will consider your pool deck a permanent addition and will require specific materials, heights, depths, etc.

Visit your local building department before you start planning.

2. EASEMENTS

Right-of-way rules ensure that your local utility companies have access to their lines.

This could prevent you from building a deck where you initially wanted. Some communities have strict easement laws so knowing where you can legally build your above ground pool deck before construction is an obvious time and money saver.

3. ZONING ORDINANCES

This regulates the use of your property and the addition of new structures to it. Generally, this includes minimum distances from property lines and the size of your deck.

4. DEED RESTRICTIONS

Some cities have restrictions on architectural styles so they can maintain property values.

This doesn't mean that you can't build a good pool deck that suits your needs. It just means that there may be a few checks and balances for some design aesthetics.

Please remember to do some research regarding building codes and visit your local building department before planning and constructing your deck because codes vary by city.

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com -- How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

Another Code Horror Story

City Deems $20,000 Pool Deck Illegal

I've written before that you need to check with your local building inspector before building a pool deck. It's not because I think codes are always perfect but because it can be very costly if you don't.

This particular case involves a man in Arkansas who built a very nice looking above ground pool deck for his family. As far as safety is concerned, there doesn't appear to be any problems. The problem is that there is supposedly an easement in his backyard that prohibits the building of a deck. So now the city is telling him to take down the entire $20,000 deck.

He claims that a building inspector told him it was fine to build there. Another inspector is saying no. I don't know all the facts of the story but if there is a lesson to be learned, perhaps it's that you shouldn't trust what some worker for the city says and you should double check and get the necessary permits before building.

You can check out this story from 4029 TV in Arkansas here.

As always, enjoy your pool.

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build Pool Decks

Code Enforcement: Safety or Corruption?

Couple builds a pool deck and then is fined $5000.

I've written before that when building a deck around your pool you'll need to follow local building codes.

That said, I write that not out of love for all codes or building inspectors but instead out of genuine concern for your safety - and especially your wallet - because some local governments crack down hard on people who circumvent their local permit system.

With that in mind, take a look at this story out of Chicago's Daily Herald where a couple was fined $5000 for building a above ground pool deck without acquiring a permit.

Even more interesting are the reader's comments. Many are calling the village inspection department corrupt and incompetent. Others would make my libertarian friends proud by questioning the governments role in "pool deck safety".

Without passing any moral judgment on this one case or the people involved, my own general opinion on codes and inspectors is this...

If they're going to exist at all it should only be for safety reasons and not design preferences. And of course inspectors should be competent and honest. But back in the real world, some are incompetent and dishonest.

Also, codes should not be used as a system where you are forced to pay tribute to a local government just for "the right" to build a pool deck or help the government "raise revenue". And any "penalties" for "non-compliance" should not be draconian.

If someone builds an ugly deck, then they'll pay for it later when they try to sell their home. That's penalty enough.

What do you think?

Enjoy your pool! If you can.

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano

Createyourdeck.com - How to build a swimming pool deck

Be Your Own Free Pool Deck Plan

There are a number of places on the Internet where you can search for free pool deck plans and a few that might give you some decent ideas on what's realistic in your backyard.

That said, many of the free pool deck plans out there don't take into account your personal needs or style, your local building codes, or your budget. Many of the plans I see are for more complex designs or multilevel pool decks that require a serious amount of construction skill and are very expensive to build.

Also, the most common above ground pool deck is one with a floating foundation. So if you go with something like a floating foundation because you want to build the pool deck in time for the summer swim season then just keep it simple, and don't distract yourself with too many complex designs.

What is the best free pool deck plan? It's one that you'll do yourself and it's not difficult. Here are some basic steps to help you get started...

1. Start by taking measurements of your backyard... most importantly the distances between your pool and house, property lines, utility lines, trees, etc., and other backyard amenities.

2. Sketch your own pool deck design on a piece of paper.

This does not have to be a work of art. Just get your ideas down on paper. Also, make sure the design is compatible with the dynamics of your backyard and home, i.e. your local building codes might prohibit you from building over utility lines... this is where your measurements will help you.

It's also a good idea to visit your local building inspector before planning so you can get a better understanding of what's practical and up to code.

Since your above ground pool deck is something your family will enjoy it's a smart idea for you to show them your plans and get their feedback on it.

Eventually you'll take your sketch and draw your pool deck plan to scale on graph paper. This will essentially be the blueprint for your above ground pool deck and likely what the local building inspector will want to see prior to issuing any permits that may be required in your community.

If you're unsure about your skills in this area then you can hire a local contractor or engineer to draw the plan for you.

Deck design software is also available from various sources on the Internet. That said, most of the ones I've seen or used are not pool deck specific and their pool deck applications are not very useful in my opinion.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

Building Codes Are Expensive to Ignore

My family has a vacation town home in Oregon. It's a beautiful place to be during the summer and fall.

It's a nice community outside of Portland. The grounds at this place are spectacular!

There are plenty of trees, large grass areas, and a wetland area within short walking distance where geese, ducks, blue herons, and other critters spend their time. It's like living in a park.

Now the buildings people live in are a different story. They were built about 30 years ago and they're some of the oldest residential buildings in the immediate area.

Don't get me wrong, it's a fine place to live and most buildings are sound.

But a crucial mistake was made 30 years ago. I'll get to that in a minute... but first what's happening now...

Many of the units in this community sit on a slope. Most of the units that do sit on a slope are flat top structures with a foundation that has only cement footings. The floor of each unit is about a foot or two off the ground. So the whole unit is held up by only four footings.

After 30 years and that many winters of Portland rain, you can probably imagine what is happening now. The foundation has weakened. Some homes have bend of up to 2.5 inches.

This makes a home difficult to sell here, and it's a safety hazard. So the association here is doing the right thing, it's getting it fixed.

Here's the thing though and the "mistake" that was made 30 years ago... not only is not up to code now, it was not built to code 30 years ago!

Now I don't know if someone working at the county building department back then was negligent, dumb, or corrupt... the original developer and engineer must have been one of those things too.

But in Oregon, the statue of limitations passed a long time ago for cases like this one. So the association is stuck paying the bill.

The contract now calls for additional cement footings underneath the units and helical piers around the outside. Units that need raising will be raised to the maximum recovery possible. This will bring the buildings up to code and reinforce the foundation.

The association did a fine job finding a good engineer and contractor who made a reasonable bid. But it's still relatively pricey, particularly for the younger residents or retired persons living on fixed income.

The moral of the story is this...

Building codes and dealing with building inspectors can sometimes be a real pain in the a**. And some building codes may seem like unnecessary bureaucratic clap trap... some probably are. So it may be tempting to cut corners, especially for something like an above ground pool deck.

But, most building codes are theoretically there for safety reasons and to protect the value of your home. So while it may be frustrating at times, you're usually better off going along with it.

Rest assured, if a building inspector notices you built something that was not up to code... or you try to include your pool and deck in a home sale and it's not up to code... the cost will likely be a lot more than what you may have saved by cutting corners.

And if you hire a contractor to build your pool deck or for any project, insist on seeing the plans and make sure the contractor followed codes before letting him walk away... and double check before the statue of limitations ends.

I imagine our place will be fine and our neighbors will be relieved once it's done. Heck, we might even get a new deck out of it. But it comes at a price and I'm sure everyone would have preferred to spend that money on something else... like a trip to Italy or Hawaii for instance.

So, once again, the point here is this... bureaucratic rules are annoying, sometimes a pain, and some of my libertarian friends think they're totally unnecessary... but it's the world we live in right now and it's the law. Best to build your pool deck with that in mind.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Deck Around Your Pool

The Basics of Above Ground Pool Deck Blueprints

When it comes time to put your pool deck plans on paper you should not skip over this step or take it lightly. You'll need to clarify your plan and choose where the final elements of your new pool deck will go.

I've seen too many instances where people disregard this step in the process and then make impulsive decisions during construction that get them way off schedule because they build something that doesn't make code, make a costly mistake, or buy the wrong materials.

Don't be this person. Take your planning seriously. And go one step at a time...

• Create a Base Map

This is where you'll measure and sketch the outline of your structures, plantings, and other features such as fences or patios.

• Do a Site Analysis

This step you'll figure out from a birds-eye-view if what you're planning looks good and is practical with the natural layout of your backyard. Plus you'll learn things like how light will affect your deck or what views need to be a focal point or blocked entirely.

• Bubble Plan

A bubble plan will give you an idea of how things could be on your above ground pool deck. It's basically a brainstorm using both your site analysis and base map as primers. Do at least several bubble plans so you get different ideas going.

• Master Plan

This is the where you'll combine everything... each feature of your yard, fences, and home... plants and trees... privacy features. Here you'll label each element and add color to the plan if you want to. It's a good idea to go back outside and double check to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Your local building inspector might also require a plan view or elevation. These will include - to scale - joists, beams, posts, and other key elements of the pool deck. It's the drawing the will most closely resemble above ground pool deck blueprints.

Remember to go one step at a time. And have a good time with it!

All the best,

Paul Ottaviano
More on Blueprints

Know-How: Pool Deck Building Codes

Before and during the construction of your above ground pool deck you will have to get to know your local building codes. Do the research before you plan, double check as you plan, again before you start building, and while you are building.

Checking codes twice, three, or four times might sound like overdoing it. But, in my experience you can never be too prepared and never too informed... especially when investing your time and money into something like the construction of an above ground pool deck.

I can't stress this enough... don't defy the codes or your local building inspector. Most building codes are there for the safety of you and your family.

1. Building Codes

Most cities have building codes to make sure your new pool deck is safe, secure, and of good quality. Some cities will consider your new pool deck a permanent addition and will require specific materials, heights, depths, etc.

Visit your local building department before you start building.

2. Easements

Right-of-way rules ensure that your local utility companies have access to their lines.

But, this could prevent you from building a pool deck where you initially wanted. Some communities have strict easement laws so knowing where you can legally build your above ground pool deck before construction is an obvious time and money saver.

3. Zoning Ordinances

This regulates the use of your property and the addition of new structures to it. Generally, this includes minimum distances from property lines and the size of your deck.

4. Deed Restrictions

Some cities have restrictions on architectural styles so they can maintain property values.

This doesn't mean that you cannot build a good above ground pool deck that suits your needs. It just means that there may be a few checks and balances for some aesthetics.

With that said...

Please remember to do some research on building codes and visit your local building department before planning and constructing your pool deck.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano