I just returned from a two week tour of Italy.
I didn't see any above ground pool decks, or any decks really, while driving around the countryside and catching a glimpse of Italian towns.
Then again, I spent most of my time in coastal towns and cities like Rome or Florence. Locals may or may not agree, but a city like Florence doesn't need much "improvement" in my opinion.
Also, from what I could tell it seems like many Italians live in apartments so naturally there would be little reason for people to add something like a pool deck. Now that I think about it, I didn't see that many residential swimming pools at all.
"Ah, Venice."
One of the cities I visited was Venice. There is no other place like it in the world. If you like art and architecture then it's a city you must visit at least once.
If you're a DIY'er who loves to analyze the contours of a bridge, the craftsmanship that went into a door, or the artistry that goes into a marble floor or column then Venice, like the rest of Italy, would strike you as a marvel.
People say one of the best things to do in Venice is to "just get lost". Pick a side street or alley and just wander. Go and see what you stumble across. I did this.
As wonderful as the city is, while I was wandering I couldn't help but notice the problems Venice is having with its buildings.
As you probably know, Venice is a very old city. Most of our American cities are babies by comparison. Many of the buildings and homes in Venice were built hundreds of years ago. One person told us that his walls were a thousand years old.
The city was built on a swampy archipelago, 118 islands if my information is correct. And now after centuries of use the buildings are sinking.
Water levels appear to be rising but this strikes me as more of an illusion because some old homes along the canals - and I mean old - are teetering. Towers are leaning not unlike the one in Pisa. I looked closely at the water line and water is seeping underneath first-floor doorways in some places.
But Venice is still standing and the people who live there appear happy as they move about on their boats, water taxi's, and water buses. Unfortunately though, power boats are part of the problem.
Visitors from around the world still want to go there and their tourist dollar is still welcome in most areas, even if locals complain about trying to "get their city back".
How long can Venice stand? I don't know. I hope it stands forever but based on what I saw that's not a realistic possibility.
Across the city skyline I could see many cranes. When I asked what was going on, the answer I got was that they're installing some sort of "metal plates" along the canals that will hopefully help control water levels.
I don't know much about that sort of engineering or Venice's foundations, but I was immediately skeptical of this plan. It seems to me that the mother of all levee projects might be necessary to save a city like Venice.
They are installing floodgates at each of the three major inlets. A controversial project costing an estimated $6 billion Venetian planners are hoping this prevents flooding when tides rise. But there is still the issue of their soft, swamp like soil and how some buildings are just sinking.
What can you learn from this?
The most obvious lesson to be learned is to only build on good soil. The last thing you want to do is build a pool deck and then watch it sink or lean over the years because of weak soil or erosion.
That said, your pool deck won't be as heavy as a Venetian home but depending on where you live the soil might be something you'll need to consider.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Deck Around Your Pool
Showing posts with label pool decks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pool decks. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Friday, February 22, 2008
DIY Pool Deck Kit
If you're not too worried about the aesthetics of your above ground pool deck and you just want something very "simple but nice" then a pool deck kit might be the right thing for you.
To simplify your task as much as possible, you can buy a DIY pool deck kit. DIY pool deck kits are ideal as they ship with everything from the concrete pier blocks, to the foundation planks.
In addition, computer savvy users can also access state of the art deck building plans online and download detailed building plans from the DIY pool deck kit manufacturer’s website.
The best part about floating foundation based above ground pool decks is that they require no more than two days to build, and DIY pool deck kits are a cost effective means of building a pool deck.
What is equally impressive about above ground pool deck kits is that the entire installation procedure can be completed for less than $3000.
The Installation
The first step in setting up any DIY pool deck kit is creating the floating foundation by laying down the concrete blocks. Remember, the concrete blocks have to be laid down on level ground and they should be spaced apart as per the construction plans.
Once the concrete blocks are laid down, the foundation is laid down using radiating perpendicular planks that act as the base for the foundation.
Since the support planks are installed at a height above the ground, the concrete blocks provide added resistance to weather conditions. In addition, you will also have to install diagonal braces to strengthen the foundation.
Once the foundation is ready, the next step is installing the deck floor. The deck floor has to be level; as a matter of fact, one of the most important aspects of building an above ground pool deck is making sure the entire structure is level.
Most DIY pool deck kits come with a level that allows the builder to not just construct the deck on an even level, but also allow a person to install all the balusters perpendicular to the deck floor. The railing will only be strong if the balusters are perpendicular to the deck floor.
A vital part of building an above ground pool deck is choosing the deck boards. The deck boards should be made from high quality pressurized lumber and depending on your deck plan should be parallel to each other.
Experienced builders agree that building an above ground pool deck is a simple and hassle free task provided the builder has the right equipment and plans. If you are planning on building an above ground pool deck, make sure you get the plan approved by the local building authority before starting any construction.
That said, if a pool deck kit is too simple or generic for you and you want to create an above ground pool deck that looks fantastic and is a reflection of your style - or your family's style - then a pool deck kit probably isn't the right thing for you.
Learn more about how to build an above ground pool deck.
Enjoy your pool!
Best Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
To simplify your task as much as possible, you can buy a DIY pool deck kit. DIY pool deck kits are ideal as they ship with everything from the concrete pier blocks, to the foundation planks.
In addition, computer savvy users can also access state of the art deck building plans online and download detailed building plans from the DIY pool deck kit manufacturer’s website.
The best part about floating foundation based above ground pool decks is that they require no more than two days to build, and DIY pool deck kits are a cost effective means of building a pool deck.
What is equally impressive about above ground pool deck kits is that the entire installation procedure can be completed for less than $3000.
The Installation
The first step in setting up any DIY pool deck kit is creating the floating foundation by laying down the concrete blocks. Remember, the concrete blocks have to be laid down on level ground and they should be spaced apart as per the construction plans.
Once the concrete blocks are laid down, the foundation is laid down using radiating perpendicular planks that act as the base for the foundation.
Since the support planks are installed at a height above the ground, the concrete blocks provide added resistance to weather conditions. In addition, you will also have to install diagonal braces to strengthen the foundation.
Once the foundation is ready, the next step is installing the deck floor. The deck floor has to be level; as a matter of fact, one of the most important aspects of building an above ground pool deck is making sure the entire structure is level.
Most DIY pool deck kits come with a level that allows the builder to not just construct the deck on an even level, but also allow a person to install all the balusters perpendicular to the deck floor. The railing will only be strong if the balusters are perpendicular to the deck floor.
A vital part of building an above ground pool deck is choosing the deck boards. The deck boards should be made from high quality pressurized lumber and depending on your deck plan should be parallel to each other.
Experienced builders agree that building an above ground pool deck is a simple and hassle free task provided the builder has the right equipment and plans. If you are planning on building an above ground pool deck, make sure you get the plan approved by the local building authority before starting any construction.
That said, if a pool deck kit is too simple or generic for you and you want to create an above ground pool deck that looks fantastic and is a reflection of your style - or your family's style - then a pool deck kit probably isn't the right thing for you.
Learn more about how to build an above ground pool deck.
Enjoy your pool!
Best Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
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
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
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