Pool Deck Plans in Winter

A friend of mine recently asked, "Is there anybody really building or thinking about building an above ground pool deck now?"

In other words, is an above ground pool deck even on any persons radar in the middle of winter?

That's a good question, given that in the place where above ground pools are very common... the northeast United States for instance... experiences lousy weather this time of year or they're too busy shoveling snow out of their driveway.

And I can empathize. I was born in Rochester NY and spent my early childhood years in upstate NY. I'll admit that I do not remember a lot about the place. But I do remember a lot of white and cold during the winters.

So the answer to my friend was, "Well, they're probably not building a pool deck now but they will once it warms up again and so it's possible some people are at least thinking about it."

So even though it's cold outside it's not too cold to be inside and get informed on how to build a pool deck. Let's start with planning.

You'll need a good above ground pool deck plan before you even make the first purchase of materials. Otherwise, you run the risk of building a pool deck that doesn't fit with your personal style...

Maybe it won't be compatible with your intended use or natural layout of your backyard... or maybe it won't be up to code creating all sorts of havoc with your local building inspector who could have you do everything over again, costing you a bundle.

So start learning the basics of above ground pool deck planning now. Start making some plans that don't require the conveniences of good weather and you'll be ahead in the game when peak DIY season rolls around again.

Here is one thing you can do now...

Start thinking about your pool decks primary intended use. Of course it will be used to sit on before or after a swim. But think more broadly than that. Ask yourself questions like this...

1. Will it be a private retreat where you can get away from the every day?

If this is the case you'll want to add to your plans privacy fences and trees to give you the sense of privacy.

2. Is the pool deck to be a safe zone for your kids and their friends when they have swim time?

In this case you'll want to make sure you can easily view the pool deck from either your living room, kitchen, or back porch... whichever is applicable. Make sure there is no obstruction of your view. So in this instance a privacy screen or tall trees would not make sense.

3. Will the deck primarily be used to host swim parties and friendly get-togethers?

If so, planning for tall trees or privacy screens and fences wouldn't make sense either because you'll want to create the feeling of openness for guests rather than enclosure.

When you know the answers to questions such as these your pool deck plans take on another dynamic. That extra dynamic being your personalization.

It's important that you create a deck that not only is compatible with your local codes but also a natural fit with your backyard, intended use, and personal style. Otherwise, you might not use it very much and it's value will be diminished.

Know your pool, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano

Underwater Swimming Workout Tip

I know it's that time of year where many of you are thinking about anything else but swimming, especially if you live in a cold weather climate and have your own above ground pool. But you might have an indoor community pool or one at your local gym. Besides, it will get warm again before you know it...

So I want to share with you some swimming workout techniques I've used in my pool to help enhance my personal fitness.

Before you say, "Hey wait a minute! I thought this was an above ground pool deck blog!", consider the following...

1. Swimming is a great non-impact total body workout that can sculpt your body with lean muscle and help improve your cardiovascular fitness.

2. Swimming is great for your bones and joints because unlike other impact sports or exercises you're not jerking your body around or being slammed into.

3. And since this is a deck and pool newsletter I'm going to go ahead and assume you have a swimming pool already and you're going to swim in it from time to time.

So, since I want you to "know your pool" and have an enjoyable overall experience with your swimming pool and above ground pool deck, I think you will find good value for the occasional swim safety or workout tip.

Now before I share the following workout tip with you I need to remind you that you must be a confident swimmer before trying any of this.

And please observe all safety precautions.

For example, if you have kids and they want to try these workout tips please make sure they're supervised during their time in the water.

UNDERWATER SWIMMING

It may seem crazy but underwater swimming is a great cross-training exercise if you're interested in improving your cardio.

Not only do you get the total body workout of regular lap swimming but you also train the lungs to have greater capacity. For example, I surf a lot here in California and it's important for me to condition my lungs and mind not to panic if I'm underwater.

This exercise is not limited to surfers. If you do any sort of endurance sport or any other water sport it's a good idea to train your lungs and mind to handle the shock of less oxygen.

Oh, and by the way, if you're wondering what a surfer in California is doing talking about above ground pool decks please note that 15% of above ground pools are sold in the west now! And more above ground pools are sold in the US than any other swimming pool.

Anyway, that side note aside, here are some ideas on how to get the most out of your underwater swim:

• For safety, start with a swimming pool of normal length like the one in your backyard. You can also try a local community pool or one at a gym. Watch your times if it's a longer pool.

• Do ten reps (laps) at 30 seconds each.

• If 30 seconds is too long, start with 15 second intervals and gradually add time from there.

• Do this at twice per week to start with and then gradually increase frequency from there.

• Wear a watch so you can track your times.

• Don't push yourself too hard.
  

• Know your limits and ability.

• For safety, make sure you're already a good swimmer and have someone watch you.

• Children should be supervised.

As always, enjoy your time in the pool and be safe.

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build Pool Deck

Pool Man Frustrated

What is it about swimming pool service, aka "the pool man", that makes him loathe his job so much?

I don't know about your town, but around here it seems like every other pool man has an Ol' Man Wilson grumpy attitude... or is a flake and shows up when they feel like it... or they just disappear in the middle of the night, but continue to bill me anyway.

Perhaps it's that Buttermaker "I just want to go coach the Bad News Bears" syndrome... the pool service pays for the beer and if there is enough beer, no need to rush to my swimming pool.

Now most of the time our pool man shows up when he's supposed to and does a good job. And I'm not sure anyone really enjoys brushing or skimming pools ten times a day unless they just love being outdoors. I mean, I skim once a week during the summer and I don't even look forward to that.

But as any good swimming pool owner knows, it has to be done... and someone has to do it.

So let me get on with my story here...

Recently we had some relatively strong winds... it happens... and this left an unusually heavy amount of leaves in my pool. You would figure the pool man would come as scheduled and just clean it, since that is what he is paid to do.

And he did. But not without some reservations.

When I came home from work I saw a handwritten note that my dear pool man had left behind... it went something like this...

"Please tell your lawn men to not blow leaves into the pool. I had to clean up their mess and that's not fair."

Now maybe our pool man was just having a bad day and needed to vent. Still, it wasn't our "lawn men". It was our weather, you know... the wind.

That note was like someone publishing a novel and then telling his fans that he doesn't want too many autograph requests at a book signing... because then he'll have to actually work.

So I said, "I'll do it myself... I don't need no pool man!"

Then after visiting our local swimming pool supply store I realized how much I would have to spend on a automatic pool vacuum, chemicals, and then of course I would have to actually do the work.

Nothing against you DIY'ers, I love doing-it-myself for a lot of my pool things and part of why I'm online is to help you build an above ground pool deck and to help you get to know your pool.

But bringing you all of this swimming pool information through my website and newsletter is a full time job and sometimes at the end of the day I prefer a relaxing float or swim in my pool, rather than pool related work. I'm sure you know what I mean.

So despite the pool man's bad day, I decided that he does a good service for me and my pool. And he does it right. So, I might not "need" his help... but I do want his help.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano


P.S. - Usually I bring you swimming pool tips and quality pool deck information with my newsletter and blog. But today I thought I would share with you a personal tid bit regarding my pool serviceman... okay, I vented... but sometimes we can all learn something from grumpy Ol' Man Wilson.