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

Your Pool Deck: Private retreat or play area?

This was the second of the Createyourdeck.com newsletter.

Today I'll show you some key considerations you'll need to think about as you decide how your above ground pool deck will be used.

When thinking about what you would like your above ground pool deck to be, it's best to decide what your primary intended use is.

Of course you're going to swim. But...

1. Will your above ground pool deck be a private retreat?

2. Will it be used for entertaining neighbors and friends at a party?

3. Will the deck be a safe place for your kids to play in and around the pool?

These types of intended use questions will be very influential in helping you make decisions during your deck planning stages.

For instance, it wouldn't make a lot of sense for you to build a lot of privacy screens, fences, and grow tall trees if you want to be the envy of your neighbors and have them over for parties. But it would make sense to have those features if your primarily wanted your pool deck to be a quiet place for private family gatherings or personal relaxation.

Here are a couple of key elements to include in your planning as you evaluate your personal needs and then compare those with the natural landscape of your backyard.

1. Make Room for Foot Traffic

Remember to add space for walking paths if your deck will be between your house and other items in your backyard, i.e. trees, storage, etc.

2. Preserve Picturesque Views

If your yard has a beautiful view or natural elements worthy of being a focal point don't block them.

Plan so your above ground pool deck naturally invites people to admire that view by placing furniture in that direction. Use decking that will have lines leading guests to your focal point of choice.

Good luck and enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to build a deck around your pool

How to Test Your Pool Deck Site

This was the first of the former Createyourdeck.com newsletter.

How to easily test your above ground pool deck site. You'll know that your vision for the pool deck will be compatible with your backyard.

Hopefully everyone who thinks of building an above ground pool deck wants it to be a good fit for their backyard.

Some people know for sure what they want, others have an idea, and some just don't know yet.

Regardless of which of those describes you, here are some basic steps you can take that will help you discover if the deck you have in mind is a practical fit with your backyard.

With that said, this is also a great way to get some ideas going if you're still trying to figure out what you want.

STEP 1 -- Rope Off the Proposed Pool Deck Area

Use a string, a long garden hose, or a rope if you have one.

What you want to do in this step is rope off the proposed deck area so you can get a visual clue as to what your deck would like in that spot.

STEP 2 -- Place Furniture or Equipment in that Area

You don't have to have all of your planned pool deck furniture, equipment, or amenities ready now.

What many deck builders suggest is to place in the deck area any furniture or equipment you already have, or plan to use. This will give you a visual idea as to how furniture and equipment will look on your deck.

If you don't have any deck furniture or equipment yet then use something like a lawn chair as a temporary substitute during your planning stage.

TIP: Plan around two square feet for each chair plus another foot to push it back from a table.

If you don't like the look of something, continue to rearrange until you see a placement you like.

STEP 3 -- Think About Your Privacy and Decoration

An important element of your pool deck plan is to think about where you'll want your plants and trees to go, if any will be used.

• Are you going to use tall trees to enhance your privacy, rather than a fence?

• Instead of planning for more privacy, do you just want potted plants to give your deck a focal point or another nice decoration?

You don't have to know for certain exactly what trees or plants you're going to use now, if any, but now is a good time to start thinking about where any trees or plants will go.

Many deck builders recommend putting small flags that will stick into the ground or tie down balloons where you want trees or plants to be.

Once again, rearrange until you like the look of something. But be realistic, know where power lines and pipes are, etc.

And always check your local building codes before starting construction of any kind.

These important planning steps can be and really should be a fun activity that you can do in one day with your friends or family.

Best regards,

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

P.S. -- Once you have found a pool deck plan that looks like it represents what you want and is practical for the natural layout of your backyard, sketch the plans on paper. The sketch doesn't have to be sophisticated. Just get the layout down on paper. Also, consider taking pictures just in case you misplace your sketch.

Newsletter Deactivated

The createyourdeck.com email newsletter has been deactivated. To those of you who subscribed and read the newsletter, I thank you. I hope the information helped you build a nice deck around your pool.

Createyourdeck.com will continue but it's clear that the free eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" is what people really want and is the best way to go moving forward.

I'll eventually take the content of the newsletters and post them here for you.

Best,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

Free is Good

What have I learned so far about the world of open license content? That people like free eBooks!

In a perfect world all eBooks would be free and publishers could still find ways to make money so they can stay in business, or at least get a just reward for a job well done. Economic law and reality show that cannot always be the case. But in the case of my pool deck eBook it was time.

I am wondering though, are any of you are actually interested in the open license aspect of it? I've yet to see anyone step up with their own version of the eBook. Perhaps it is still too early in the building season and people are too busy working.

Remember, you have permission to update or remix the eBook and after those edits you can then share or distribute your new version non-commercially as long as you link to me as the original source. This is something I'd like to hear more about if any of you are doing that or are considering it.

That said, the rate that people are opting to receive the How to Build a Pool Deck eBook has far surpassed my expectations!

Curiously, there are still people out there who apparently don't like the idea of getting a free eBook. If this is you, go to the site and get it. It's not too late to get started on your above ground pool deck project this year.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

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

Bonus eBooks

In addition to it being good karma if you donate generously - or "tip" me - for giving you the "How to Build a Pool Deck" eBook free you'll also get three bonus eBooks for doing so.

Visit the Createyourdeck.com home page for more information.