More on Pool Deck Railings

Your swimming pool deck railings can be aesthetically pleasing and should be compatible with the look of your home and backyard.

But you also need to keep safety in mind.

Your railings height should be at least 3' above the decking surface. This should be high enough for the average person to lean on or rest their elbow without fear of falling over. Some railings are up to 4' high, but the height of your railing will depend on the height of your swimming pool deck.

As always, check with your local building inspector to find out what your local building codes are. Most codes will require railings for wood pool decks 3' off the ground and all stairs. But it's a good idea to have railings regardless of the height of your above ground pool deck.

Railings are a good way to show off your personal style but are also an essential part of any deck. You want to make sure that people who swim in your pool and use your deck are free from fearing for their safety so all they do is have fun... and you're free from worry.

Enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano

P.S. - With that said, you also have to build your wood pool deck and railings properly so you'll know they'll remain secure through years of use. Learn how to build an above ground swimming pool deck.

Pool Deck Ideas

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

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