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Showing posts with label
above ground pool deck blueprints.
Show all posts
Showing posts with label
above ground pool deck blueprints.
Show all posts
I'm going to cover a familiar sounding theme but one that is crucial if you're going to build a solid deck around your above ground pool. And that is planning.
I'm sometimes asked to look at a persons pool deck plans and comment on the design. This is a difficult thing to do unless I'm looking at a persons backyard and learning more about what they really want out of the deck.
So I usually ask, "why are you building an above ground pool deck?"
The answer for many people, and perhaps this is true of yourself, is common...
- You just want a simple deck that will make the yard and above ground pool look better.
- You want a basic deck so you can watch your kids swim without having to stand on your toes.
In other words, many of you just a have a basic need for an above ground pool deck and you want it built relatively quickly so you can enjoy it during the summer, or at least before the summer is over. If this describes you then I recommend you build a wraparound pool deck on a floating foundation.
This is a common deck that is regarded by many as the easiest to plan and build. It fits around most oval above ground pools and does not require digging for post holes.
It's the deck we use for the step-by-step construction chapter of our eBook How to Build a Pool Deck. If simplicity is what you want, then a wraparound deck on a floating foundation is the one for you and it will look great too.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
It's mid-April and we're quickly approaching that time of year when the weather will be accomdating to your above ground pool deck project.
If you've already decided on the key elements of your pool deck design... decking, railings, etc., then now is a good time to start putting your plans on paper.
You'll need pool deck plans drawn in order to get a permit from your local building department. If you don't know what is required visit your building department before drawing any plans.
You might also find sample deck plans at your local building department.
Local building departments will sometimes refer to each required deck drawing using slightly different names. But there are generally four plans that you'll need to submit for approval.
1. The Site Plan or Site Map
2. The Plan View or Plan Drawing
3. Elevation Plan
4. The Master Plan or Detail Drawing
It may be best for you to go in that order. But, you may discover that drawing your plan view or elevation after drawing your master plan is the easier way to go.
Just make sure that you're giving the local building department what's required and that you have a workable, and safe, above ground pool deck blueprint before starting construction.
It's almost that time of year!
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
CreateYourDeck.com
P.S. - Click on the link for more on above ground pool deck blueprints and plan drawings.
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
This week I received a call from a contractor who builds above ground pool decks for his clients. He asked if we had sample pool deck plans - or above ground pool deck blueprints - for sale.
He didn't need to learn how to build a pool deck. He just wanted some example plans he could show his clients. That way, he thought they would have an easier time deciding which pool deck design to go with.
Currently, our eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" guides readers on how to make their own plans and references decking software they can use to make their own plans. Also, it educates people about planning so they can communicate more effectively with a contractor should they hire one.
Also, we've listed on our website an article I wrote about the basics of above ground pool deck blueprints.
That said, we don't have actual sample plans or blueprints for sale.
The reason for that is everybody has a different backyard. Some have many plants or trees, others don't. Some have obstacles or slopes that others don't. Some towns or counties have different building codes than others.
Since it's difficult for us to know what your backyard is like - or what a "standard" backyard is like - making up sample plans for sale didn't strike me as the responsible product offer.
We do have a PDF photo gallery of above ground pool decks at our website. But at this moment, no gallery of sample pool deck plans is available.
With that all said, I'm wondering what you think. How many of you are contractors or would like to see a gallery of sample pool deck plans? Is this something that you'll find helpful?
If you would like to let us know these things, please go to our contact page and send us an email.
Also, we have a survey link on our website home page where you can share your thoughts as well. You can get a free bonus eBook on decking lumber for taking the survey.
When you share the things you'll find helpful with us, that helps us create new products that you actually want and helps us improve existing content to your benefit.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
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
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...
This is where you'll measure and sketch the outline of your structures, plantings, and other features such as fences or patios.
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.
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.
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
