Give Thanks for Investment in Experience

To those of you from the United States I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is a good one. In many parts of the country it's a beautiful time of year and the holiday is always good for "relaxing" with family.

The way I see it holiday's are an investment in experience. In the long run it's the experiences - good or not so good - that we're likely to remember most. Each year Thanksgiving is one such experience - hopefully a good one for you - that you'll always think of fondly.

And that is basic value that I've tried to bring to you with this blog and our website createyourdeck.com...

Whether it's the actual planning or building of your above ground pool deck... or enjoying the finished product... it's all an investment in experience.

Experience that hopefully brings good memories... or maybe good laughs in the face of innocent building mistakes, after the initial frustration... and in the very least it's a learning experience where you're challenged to accomplish something great for yourself and family.

All I've ever tried to do through this blog and our website is to help you have that kind of good experience while building your pool deck... and that kind of experience going forward when you use your pool deck.

Hopefully I've been able to do that for you. And because of people like you, I get to do something I love.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Paul Ottaviano
How to build a deck around your pool

Football Means The End of Pool Deck Season

When autumn football season starts here in America this usually means the end of pool deck season... unless you live in Arizona or someplace where the weather will finally be more compatible with outdoor home improvements.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from building an above ground pool deck during the fall or winter unless the weather is very harsh. But for most of us the outdoor building season is past its peak and is nearing a dormant time of year.

For those of you who took on the task of building a deck around your pool this year I sincerely hope everything went well.

It was a busy summer for us at createyourdeck.com too. Many customers, and visitors with great questions. Thanks to the people who took the time to contact us - or took our survey - we learned more about what people like you want in regards to pool deck information.

In the meantime, some of you may not have moved forward with building a deck around your pool this year. But, you still plan on doing it.

You can visit us to get a start on the basics of your pool deck plans. And you can check back here from time to time as I still plan on posting content during the winter.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano

Do-It-Yourself Fountain for your Pool Deck

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

Home Improvement Centers at the Closing Bell Part 2: How this could work for you

So in my last blog post - regarding The Home Depot closing some of their stores - I made the comment, " ...it wouldn't surprise me if Lowe's announced something similar."

I hoped not. But today they did.

Now if you just look at the numbers, and think of nothing else, it indeed seems scary. Lowe's reported an 18% drop in fiscal first quarter profit... ouch... net sales dropped 1.3% despite adding 150 new stores in the last twelve months... ouch again.

"Many consumers remain hesitant to begin big-ticket projects," said the Lowe's Chairman and CEO Robert Niblock.

Which brings to mind a question to those of you thinking of building a deck around your above ground swimming pool.

Just how "big ticket" is planning and building your own pool deck?

Now, I'm not there to look at your backyard and I won't guess as to what design you're considering. So I'm not going to give you a definite cost analysis. But as to what your deck budget could be, ask yourself some questions.

• How much does it cost to plan your pool deck?
  

The answer is not much, if you plan it yourself. For this, your biggest expense will be time. That said, this can be done relatively quickly... like on a Saturday afternoon lets say... and it can be fun, something you do with friends or family or by yourself with a pencil and sketch paper.

Several of our opt-in newsletters offer tips on how to plan effectively and efficiently. And we posted a basic step-by-step guide regarding above ground pool deck blueprints.

But, if you want deck planning software this can be had for up to only $40 USD. Some are less than that. This is certainly reasonable if you're serious about building a pool deck.

• How much are the tools and supplies?
  

How much do you already have? Look through your garage or tool shed. I bet you'll be surprised by how much you already have available. And I bet you'll be very pleased to learn that you won't need an arsenal of tools to complete the project.

If you're not sure of what tools are really necessary and you visit a home improvement center admitting your lack of knowledge, you're immediately at the mercy of a salesperson.

Do you really need to buy that super deluxe power saw? Can you just rent one? Or do you already have an older one that works just fine, or is there one you can borrow?

Yes, your salesperson could be a good guy or gal who won't insist on loading you up with tools or supplies you really don't need. Then again, wouldn't it be better to know some things before hand?

As for supplies, like fasteners for instance, you'll know what's necessary once you plan and you can budget accordingly. I don't recommend being too much of a bargain shopper here, since I'll assume you'll want your pool deck to be safe and hold together.

• How much will lumber run me?
  

Well, Lowe's also reported they were having difficulty passing along price increases to consumers... for things like lumber. But that may only last for so long. As the economy starts to improve they will eventually pass along prices.

So the contrarian in me thinks now may be a good time for you to find high quality lumber at good prices. There may even be some sales.

Also, if you learn how to spot defects in lumber you'll only get the best quality lumber available.

Knowing this ahead of time will save you money, and time, because your lumber will be strong enough to last and you won't need to discard weak lumber you've already acquired while you're building your deck.

With that all said, let me just remind you of something important...

Since home values are declining in many areas, now is actually a very good time for you to build an above ground pool deck. As I'm sure you know, anything that is up to code and adds value to your home is always a good thing... especially during times like this.

Also, according to the National Association of Home Builders you can recover up to 75% of the cost of your deck construction when you sell your home.

So if you're seriously thinking of building a pool deck... and if you already have the resources, plus you discover ways to build it efficiently so you don't have to make a huge investment... then my suggestion is you ignore the latest reports from places like Lowe's and just build it.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

P.S. - Learn more about how to build a pool deck efficiently.

Home Improvement Centers at the Closing Bell: “Pool deck it yourself”

By now I’m sure some of you have heard the news that Home Depot is canceling 50 stores they had slated to open and they’re also closing 15 existing stores.

There is little doubt this move is related to the current economic challenges… particularly the credit markets which likely drive much of the home improvement spending.

As of this writing, I haven’t seen or heard other home improvement chains like OSH or Lowes make any announcements similar to Home Depot’s.

And without sounding any unnecessary alarm bells or starting false rumors, it would not surprise me if they did… I hope not… but it goes without saying there is a lot of corrective action being taken in the market right now.

What does this mean for us DIY builders and your above ground pool deck project?

Well, while things might sound really tough… the actual numbers don’t forecast endless gloom and doom.

Much of the deep pain has already been priced into many of the financial, homebuilder, and home improvement retailer stocks. There could be some additional bumps in the road ahead, but the worst appears to be over.

Home Depot, for example, still plans to open 55 new stores this year. For 2009 and beyond, they still plan 1.5% growth in square footage. True, it’s less growth than 2007 but they’re still growing. Which is of course preferable to the alternative.

The company will reduce capital spending by $1 billion over the next three years. This puts them in a healthier position moving forward to preserve capital and spend it in ways that ultimately benefit you, i.e. enough quality tools, supplies, and lumber to still help you build a good deck around your pool for a reasonable price.

So what else can you do?

Remember, in addition to places like Lowes and OSH, there may be local lumberyards and smaller home improvement stores in your area... and the Internet. It’s always a good idea for you to shop around for the highest quality product with good prices, but now that’s especially true.

Challenging economics may make it seem like now is the wrong time for you to do something… like build a pool deck. But if you think about it, you can paralyze yourself with analysis at any time… strong economy or not.

Also, while a lot of people are understandably concerned about the economy… unless you’re a Home Depot employee, investor, or live near one of the closed stores their recent announcement isn't going to affect you much.

There will always be companies there to supply your need for quality DIY products.

With that said, if you’re reading this then it's safe to say you’re likely very interested in building a deck around your pool. So if you think the time is right for you, you should go for it!

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

P.S. – For those of you wondering which 15 stores are being closed, here is the list, as announced by Home Depot:

Store #2015 East Fort Wayne, Indiana

Store #2032 Marion, Indiana

Store #2310 Frankfort, Kentucky

Store #379 Opelousas, Louisiana

Store #2819 Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Store #6901 East Brunswick, New Jersey

Store #6904 Saddle Brook, New Jersey

Store #6171 Rome, New York

Store #3702 Bismarck, North Dakota

Store #3874 Findlay, Ohio

Store #3865 Lima, Ohio

Store #4552 Brattleboro, Vermont

Store #4932 Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Store #4933 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Store #4913 NW Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pool Deck Ideas

Many of you have asked me for more pictures of above ground pool decks. I like to think of myself as someone who listens and acts on smart feedback. So I went ahead and published some above ground pool deck photos. I hope this helps you get some good pool deck ideas of your own going.

Building an above ground pool deck is simple in concept but you must focus on the details, if you are to build the deck you envision. So it's as much a visual project as it is a physical and technical one. Especially when you're making your pool deck plans.

If you would like to see the pool deck pictures I've posted on my site, check them out here.

Also, the photo gallery is currently in PDF format so you'll need Adobe Acrobat reader.

I see our pool deck photo gallery as something that can gradually grow. So if any of you have photos or diagrams you would like to share please do so!

For those of you still planning your pool deck or just thinking about building one, I think these photos will help you get some visual pool deck ideas going.

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

Building a Deck Around a Pool: Floating Foundations

I received a great question today from a reader named Ed who asked:

"I'm going to build a deck 1/2 way around my pool - I'll e-mail my layout. Will your book help guide me on how to install step by step , from beginning to end , the deck? I'm pretty handy; however, I'm just in the beginning/initial stage and need a good guide. I was considering buying software and have it do the layout for me? What are your thoughts? I was also considering floating w/out footers. Any advice?"

My answer, summed up for the blog:

"Yes, our book will help guide you step-by-step and can help you with any deck, because the general building principles are the same. If software will help you make your pool deck plans easier than I certainly recommend using them. We list several for your consideration in our book..."

But the question I really got excited about was regarding the floating foundation.

A floating foundation is usually the safest and fastest way of building a deck around a pool. It requires no digging and the concrete can withstand most any sort of weather.

So if you're in a situation where you have to build a pool deck relatively quickly this summer, then this type of foundation might be for you.

Also, if you just want to use the pool to cool off but your spouse thinks the above ground pool looks tacky without a deck - and the kids are difficult to watch swim without a deck - in other words, you're basically going to have to learn how to build a pool deck... and you want it done as easily as possible... a floating foundation just may be for you.

As always, please check with your local building inspector before starting deck construction of any kind.

To your success,

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

Home Depot Looks Busy

For the all talk of economic gloom and doom, I'm actually very optimistic about the "economy". There is no doubt the "economics" of the moment are troubled - housing, banks, the almighty greenback, etc.

This morning I stopped by Home Depot to pick up some plastic drop sheet for a current home project. Based on all the latest financial news I half expected the place to resemble a ghost town and I would be the only guy walking around the store - trying to have conversations with the automated self check out lane.

But, the exact opposite was true. The place was busy.

And people were buying a lot more than the $3.20 plastic I was.

Now I admit I'm not following each and every HD earnings report. But if today was any indication I think the "economy" is doing fine. The "economy" in this instance being small business, large businesses that don't include the word bank, employment numbers, and people spending money on things that can appreciate in value or bring them genuine happiness... like their homes.

Or their above ground pools.

I'm guess what I'm trying to say is that regardless of what the financial news is from Wall St... there are still many good reasons to build your above ground pool deck. So if any of you are thinking that now might not be a good time because of what you're reading in the business page - I say don't be intimidated out of giving yourself and your family a gift.

That said, I of course can't make that kind of decision for you. But chances are if you're reading this you're very interested in building a deck around your pool. So for those of you considering what kind of personal value a pool deck will bring, consider this quote:

“In the best of times, our days are numbered anyway. So it would be a crime against nature for any generation to take the world crisis so solemnly, that it put off enjoying those things for which we were designed in the 1st place: the opportunity to do good work, to enjoy friends, to fall in love, to hit a ball, and to bounce a baby.” - Alistair Cooke

Now I admit that I don't know a lot about Mr. Cooke but I loved the quote. I think it's appropriate for those of us who continue to want to do good works and enjoy it too, despite any Wall St crisis.

And I think if you were to run that quote by people this summer as they enjoy their above ground pool deck, they would probably say "Yeah?".

To your success,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

When Ducks Land: Pool Deck and Surface Repair

Every spring a duck couple - and I do mean "couple" in the husband and wife sense of the word - treats our backyard like a spring vacation home.

The ducks sleep on the deck and when awake swim freely in the swimming pool. They're funny to watch. She leads, he follows. She floats around, he will show off by diving under water and then come up ten feet away. If they sense potential trouble he will start making noise and posture like a protector.

And then they fly away for a reason that's beyond me, only to return again that night or the next day.

On one hand, I take it as a compliment that they see our pool and deck as a relaxing safe spot. On the other hand, it's our backyard and the ducks are no longer "cute" the minute I see the mess they have made on the deck.

And when I say mess, I mean "mess". You know, the kind of thing we put up with from our pets but not uninvited guests like our ducky free loaders.

Luckily their kind of mess cleans up fairly easily. Water and a little scrubbing usually does the trick. I'll use mild detergent or deck cleaning product if necessary.

That said, there probably isn't much you can do to prevent a duck landing on your pool deck - other than have a dog who chases them away (ours prefers to sleep on the job).

But, there are some general things you can do to make sure your above ground pool deck is maintained and clean. You should re-coat water repellent deck finishes at least one time each year. Periodically clean off dirt with a broom or hose. Or if you want to go big with your cleaning, use a power washer.

Also, selecting the right finish for your climate and lumber can go a long way towards maintaining a clean pool deck too. Key ingredients in deck finishes include water repellent, preservatives, UV stabilizers, and pigment.

Remember that building a deck around your pool is one thing, but once that is done you'll want to keep it looking clean so it's something you enjoy using often.

Know your pool, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano

P.S. - Learn more about how to build and maintain an above ground pool deck.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Deck Season

Well, it's already March. It's hard to believe how fast time flies. But take heart! March means that spring and summer are right around the corner. And this also means that peak swim season is almost upon you.

With that being said, now is a great time to start seriously thinking about your above ground pool deck building project. In fact, if the snow is starting to melt and the air is getting a bit warmer then now is a great time to start working on your pool deck plans.

The usual "above ground pool deck building season" is around mid-April (or whenever the weather starts to cooperate in your climate) through August. That's certainly when I see a lot of activity. And it's probably the time of year when you swim in your above ground pool most often, or when you're most likely to do any outdoor home improvements.

For me, I'll be working on a drain underneath my pool deck clogged by a young palm tree of all things. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's time to start shaking loose the cobwebs of the winter cold and start preparing to have fun this summer.

Speaking of "pool deck building season", why wait until June to get started? Depending on the type of deck you choose to build, you might not have it finished until August. And then you'll have only one or maybe two months left to really enjoy it unless you live in California.

(Yes, people do have above ground pools in California! In fact, 15% of above ground pool sales in the US are in the western states).

Start planning now and start doing the steps that will help you get your above ground pool deck blueprints together. This way, you can be ready to start building by May or June. And depending on how quickly you complete your project you'll have most of the summer to enjoy using your new pool deck... well, don't go too fast and risk making big mistakes... but I think you know what I mean.

And if you have kids, just think of how much they'll like having a new deck to compliment your above ground pool. And imagine how much you'll enjoy watching them have fun. Start thinking about how you're going to build an above ground pool deck now and all of that can happen.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

How to Build a Deck Step by Step

Many people with an oval above ground pool choose to build a deck around the pool, instead of letting it get too complicated with dynamic multi-level designs. If you live in an area where the seasons change quickly then it's reasonable that you'll want to build quickly and this type of wood pool deck may be the one for you.

Or if your main motivation for the above ground pool deck is simply to give your kids a safe place to play then building a deck around the pool is a great choice.

Here are the general steps you'll want to take...

1. Planning - Take some time and study your backyard. Check for slopes, figure out where the utility lines are, learn about your local building codes, know which materials and tools you'll need to buy or rent, et al... and then start visualizing how your deck will look.

2. Plans to Paper - Start putting everything down on paper, so when it's time to build your memory will serve you right and you'll build the above ground pool deck you visualized. This is where you'll do everything from base maps to master plans. If you think it's necessary, use deck plan software.

*Make sure your above ground pool deck plans are approved by your local building inspector before you start building.

3. Building a Pool Deck Step by Step - Here is where you'll build a deck around your pool one step at a time. It's a good idea to know before you begin each step of construction which tools or materials you'll really need and how long that phase of construction will take. This will help you decide if you can go 100% DIY on each step or if you'll need to hire some help for a specific task.

4. Finish - Once your above ground pool deck is built you'll likely want to finish it by staining or painting it. Make sure that you use a finish that will be compatible with your local climate. Choosing the right lumber before you start construction can help you with that too. If you use untreated lumber make sure you apply sealer unless you have lumber that is naturally resistant to rot. Applying sealer before you start building can be a good idea.

5. Decoration - I doubt that you'll want just a plain and boring looking deck around your pool. So jazz it up some with decorations and add a touch of your personal style while you're at it. Deck furniture can create a nice focal point by themselves or consider a small fountain that can fit easily on your above ground pool deck... use plants... or build a deck bench... the possibilities are great here!

Remember, when you're building a deck around a pool you're not just making an investment into your home but you're also investing in your happiness. Have fun with it!

Regards,
Paul Ottaviano

More step by step pool deck info here.

Building a Deck Around a Pool -- Quickly

If you're not looking to invest a ton into your above ground pool building project, or if you live in an area where your local climate changes drastically each season - like upstate NY, Canada, or the northeast USA for example - then the simplest and most efficient way of building a deck around a pool is to go with a wrap around design.

You might also want to go with a spacious sun deck that connects to your wrap around above ground pool deck. If you want to avoid digging then consider a floating foundation, but make sure you check with your local building inspector first before you begin building your above ground pool deck.

Remember that building a deck around a pool can be fun. But if you live in a place where typical winter weather prevents you from starting any DIY projects during that season then you'll want to work relatively quickly when spring or summer rolls around.

I'm sure you would rather enjoy your spring & summer swimming in your pool and enjoying your new pool deck, rather than building all summer long. A wrap around pool deck is the best option in this instance.

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Wrap Around Pool Deck