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.