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
Showing posts with label above deck ground plan pool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label above deck ground plan pool. Show all posts
Monday, September 8, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Pool Deck Edge: Above or below the pool line?
A reader named Erica wrote and asked me a good question last week. To paraphrase, "Is it better, and safer, for the pool deck edge to be just above the above ground pool or just below? I've seen both."
I replied that you should always check your local building codes before moving ahead with any pool deck design.
That said, it strikes me as safer to build the deck edge just above the pool. A deck edge just below it could easily trip people.
Also, imagine yourself sitting on your above ground pool deck... dangling your feet in the pool. Would a deck edge just below the pool be comfortable for you here?
And many people do build the deck just above the pool edge because they think it simply looks better, even if their local codes don't specify.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Pool Deck
P.S. - For those of you who also visit createyourdeck.com to view additional content there, you can now view a site map here so stuff there is easier to find.
I replied that you should always check your local building codes before moving ahead with any pool deck design.
That said, it strikes me as safer to build the deck edge just above the pool. A deck edge just below it could easily trip people.
Also, imagine yourself sitting on your above ground pool deck... dangling your feet in the pool. Would a deck edge just below the pool be comfortable for you here?
And many people do build the deck just above the pool edge because they think it simply looks better, even if their local codes don't specify.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Pool Deck
P.S. - For those of you who also visit createyourdeck.com to view additional content there, you can now view a site map here so stuff there is easier to find.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Building a Deck Like a Pro
I've been asked by people, "how do I build a pool deck like a pro?".
My response is usually something along the lines of, "that's a weighted question because while there is a generally accepted building technique each pro likely has their own methods moving through that process... especially during planning."
But that is the one unique thing about professionals, they always plan their above ground pool decks. And you should too.
My mother remarked to me recently that, "most DIY'ers don't want a lot of instruction and they don't want to spend more than necessary. They would rather do it all themselves - and if they get it wrong - so be it. At least you did it yourself."
I'm not sure where she got this general stereotype from... perhaps my DIY cousins in Virginia who very much represent her conclusion. But I don't completely buy it.
Yes, there is very much a "can do" and "on my terms" spirit to being a person who builds your own home improvements.
But with that said, why wouldn't you want to do it yourself and get it right? Now that would give you an even greater sense of accomplishment.
So, back to the question "how do I go about building a deck like a pro?"
The biggest advantage a pro has over the average do it yourself enthusiast is experience. This means they can build a pool deck up to code much faster than you. And they likely have the technical process licked.
Unless you already have a lot of experience and skill with home improvement projects or contracting, it's unlikely you will be able to match the speed of a professional construction.
That said, you can absolutely make your finished above ground pool deck look just as good!
How? With one key element before you begin construction. And that's planning your pool deck.
It sounds simple doesn't it? But you would be surprised how many people overlook this key step in the process.
Here's how you'll benefit from planning your pool deck, so you can then build a deck like a pro:
Also, know that since a pool deck is built in sections and the contracting principles are generally the same... you can use just about any design example for your own step-by-step process. The most common is a wraparound design with a floating foundation, and that's the example I use in my eBook.
Remember, people can only give you a helpful guide and the best information possible on how to build a deck like a pro. Ultimately, it's up to you to study those resources and then apply the information towards your own project.
As always, to your success and enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
My response is usually something along the lines of, "that's a weighted question because while there is a generally accepted building technique each pro likely has their own methods moving through that process... especially during planning."
But that is the one unique thing about professionals, they always plan their above ground pool decks. And you should too.
My mother remarked to me recently that, "most DIY'ers don't want a lot of instruction and they don't want to spend more than necessary. They would rather do it all themselves - and if they get it wrong - so be it. At least you did it yourself."
I'm not sure where she got this general stereotype from... perhaps my DIY cousins in Virginia who very much represent her conclusion. But I don't completely buy it.
Yes, there is very much a "can do" and "on my terms" spirit to being a person who builds your own home improvements.
But with that said, why wouldn't you want to do it yourself and get it right? Now that would give you an even greater sense of accomplishment.
So, back to the question "how do I go about building a deck like a pro?"
The biggest advantage a pro has over the average do it yourself enthusiast is experience. This means they can build a pool deck up to code much faster than you. And they likely have the technical process licked.
Unless you already have a lot of experience and skill with home improvement projects or contracting, it's unlikely you will be able to match the speed of a professional construction.
That said, you can absolutely make your finished above ground pool deck look just as good!
How? With one key element before you begin construction. And that's planning your pool deck.
It sounds simple doesn't it? But you would be surprised how many people overlook this key step in the process.
Here's how you'll benefit from planning your pool deck, so you can then build a deck like a pro:
- It gives your the opportunity to envision and sketch at least several different design ideas, so you can mix and match the best elements into one master plan... or find the one plan that really works for you and will best match your swim lifestyle.
- You practically ensure that your plans and deck will be up to local building codes. This means a safe and secure pool deck, and one that can boost your property value if you ever choose to sell your home.
- You'll know ahead of time precisely what materials and tools you'll really need, plus if you need to hire out some parts of the job. This is an obvious money and time saver for you.
- You can schedule your building days and know in advance how much time you'll need for each step in the deck construction process. This saves you time by making sure you don't start building... then realize you forgot something, so you have to double back... and so on.
Also, know that since a pool deck is built in sections and the contracting principles are generally the same... you can use just about any design example for your own step-by-step process. The most common is a wraparound design with a floating foundation, and that's the example I use in my eBook.
Remember, people can only give you a helpful guide and the best information possible on how to build a deck like a pro. Ultimately, it's up to you to study those resources and then apply the information towards your own project.
As always, to your success and enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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
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
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