Your above ground pool and deck will be great additions to your backyard. But as you know there is a lot more to your backyard than just a swimming pool.
A lot of you probably have roses growing in the backyard or old rose bushes that look like they're beyond help and not worth the time it takes to care for them. But what if I told you that caring for your roses is actually easier than you might think?
That said, some of you might have beautiful roses already and would like to learn more about how to maintain healthy rose plants or encourage repeat blooms. But you're unsure of how to do it. And what if I told you there was a new info product available from us that showed you how to do it?
And it was simple and easy-to-understand? No rose snobbery.
Would that be something that interested you?
That's why that I'm announcing the launch of our newest home and garden themed website: "Be Happy with Your Roses".
The first thing we're going to show you is how to prune your roses so you maintain healthy roses and encourage healthier blooms year in and year out. Think of how that will compliment your above ground pool deck!
Whether it's rose plants in your soil or containers resting on your pool deck, these easy-to-understand steps will give you a lot of confidence and have you set up to grow beautiful roses when it's time for them to bloom in your climate zone each year.
And we don't plan on stopping with rose pruning! We're going to produce additional rose and flower information in the future.
Click on this link to check it out now...
When and How to Prune Your Roses
As always, enjoy your pool and backyard!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
P.S. - Also, check out our rose care tips blog A Nose for Roses. We've been busy with the website so the last post is about a month old... but we're going to be adding a lot more to it now! So if you enjoy the pool blog and you're interested in how to take care of your roses, I think you'll like our rose blog too.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Upcoming Home & Garden Shows
Thanks to the deckenquirer.com newsletter for the heads up.
February 2009 Home & Garden Show Schedule
Feb 6 - 8:
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
DIY Above Ground Pool Deck
February 2009 Home & Garden Show Schedule
Feb 6 - 8:
- Kansas City Lawn, Garden, Remodel, Redecorating Show at Kemper Arena
- 17th Annual North Florida Home Show at Leon County Civic Center, Tallahassee FL
- Home Improvement & Backyard Living Expo at South Point Events Center, Las Vegas NV
- 6th Annual Columbus Home Improvement Show at Ohio Franklin County Veterans Memorial
- Maine Home, Remodeling, & Garden Show at Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland ME
- Des Moines Home & Garden Show at Celebrity Designs Iowa Events Center
- Portland Home & Garden Show at Portland Expo Center, Portland OR
- 28th Annual Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show at DL Lawrence Convention Center
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
DIY Above Ground Pool Deck
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Be Your Own Free Pool Deck Plan
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
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
Monday, January 5, 2009
Building Material Prices are Rising
One of my favorite newsletters is Steve Sjuggerud's Daily Wealth. It's an investment newsletter that covers a wide variety of business news and investment opportunity. Occasionally he has a guest writer for the newsletter.
On December 24th, Tom Dyson wrote a piece in Daily Wealth titled "Here's How You'll Know the Market Has Bottomed".
I think it's important to bring this to your attention because he specifically discussed the price of building materials in his article and how prices are rising. This rebound for prices occurring after they had dropped over 50% since October 2005.
According to Tom Dyson's article and the manufacturers themselves here is how much prices have risen recently:
Tom Dyson wondered if these price increases really have much to do with supply and demand.
With that said, let's look at it from the point-of-view of someone like yourself who is thinking of building an above ground pool deck and has to take material costs into consideration.
Now might be a very good time to build your pool deck or start buying some materials that can be stored during the winter... and waiting there for you when the spring or summer season comes around... at least while prices remain relatively low compared to the peak of 2005.
As you can see from the data above, prices are on the rise again. If the market has indeed bottomed and this trend of higher prices continues then it's hard to imagine pool deck building materials being any cheaper than they are now.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Happy New Year,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Deck Around Your Pool
On December 24th, Tom Dyson wrote a piece in Daily Wealth titled "Here's How You'll Know the Market Has Bottomed".
I think it's important to bring this to your attention because he specifically discussed the price of building materials in his article and how prices are rising. This rebound for prices occurring after they had dropped over 50% since October 2005.
According to Tom Dyson's article and the manufacturers themselves here is how much prices have risen recently:
- Plywood is up 9.9%
- Pine lumber is up 5.8% to 15.7%
- Most metal connectors are up 5% to 20%
- Truss prices fell only 2.9%, but the strength in pine is expected to push prices up in January
- Roll foundation plastic dropped 6.7%
- Rebar -3.4%
- Spruce lumber -15%
- Studs -10%
- Drywall products dropped between 6.7% and 9%
Tom Dyson wondered if these price increases really have much to do with supply and demand.
With that said, let's look at it from the point-of-view of someone like yourself who is thinking of building an above ground pool deck and has to take material costs into consideration.
Now might be a very good time to build your pool deck or start buying some materials that can be stored during the winter... and waiting there for you when the spring or summer season comes around... at least while prices remain relatively low compared to the peak of 2005.
As you can see from the data above, prices are on the rise again. If the market has indeed bottomed and this trend of higher prices continues then it's hard to imagine pool deck building materials being any cheaper than they are now.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Happy New Year,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Deck Around Your Pool
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Pool Deck Care: Moss and Mildew
I'm up in Oregon again for the holidays and I'm experiencing some of the weather the area is famous for this time of year.
This weekend the forecast calls for very cold temperatures, slushy rain, and snow tomorrow. Also, this is happening when a contractor has gone to work adding new footings to our units foundation.
This process requires the contractor to get under our deck here and remove some of it for a new pier.
Since the deck has been taken apart in some sections - and since the weather has been very wet lately - I decided to look underneath some of the 2x4's.
Since the decking lumber is treated it looks OK now. The biggest concern, of course, is wet or dry rot. At the moment I haven't noticed any obvious problems with rot.
Another possible problem that you should be on the look out for is moss or mildew.
Moss is very common around here, especially this time of year because of the rain and lack of sunlight. It grows out of the pavement here!
So far I haven't noticed any on my deck. But that does not mean it cannot become a problem later on... winter is still in the early going.
This weekend the forecast calls for very cold temperatures, slushy rain, and snow tomorrow. Also, this is happening when a contractor has gone to work adding new footings to our units foundation.
This process requires the contractor to get under our deck here and remove some of it for a new pier.
Since the deck has been taken apart in some sections - and since the weather has been very wet lately - I decided to look underneath some of the 2x4's.
Since the decking lumber is treated it looks OK now. The biggest concern, of course, is wet or dry rot. At the moment I haven't noticed any obvious problems with rot.
Another possible problem that you should be on the look out for is moss or mildew.
Moss is very common around here, especially this time of year because of the rain and lack of sunlight. It grows out of the pavement here!
So far I haven't noticed any on my deck. But that does not mean it cannot become a problem later on... winter is still in the early going.
Should You Be Alarmed If You Discover Mildew on Your Pool Deck?
I don't think you should be panicked by mildew. If you see the black slime commonly associated with mildew it likely won't cause any structural risk like rot does.
But mildew does look ugly and can smell bad. Similar to mildew in your bathtub, breathing this stuff can aggravate your respiratory system or allergies.
So it's always a good idea to clean the mildew off you above ground pool deck.
You can do this easily with bleach. Also, sweep you pool deck regularly so sunlight can be a natural drier.
But mildew does look ugly and can smell bad. Similar to mildew in your bathtub, breathing this stuff can aggravate your respiratory system or allergies.
So it's always a good idea to clean the mildew off you above ground pool deck.
You can do this easily with bleach. Also, sweep you pool deck regularly so sunlight can be a natural drier.
What About Moss?
Moss isn't the emergency that rot is. But, like mildew, it's a good idea to remove it from your pool deck at your earliest opportunity.
The chemical solution used to remove moss is a very complex one, compared to the mildew solution. I suggest asking your local home and garden store for assistance on this one.
Or, consider hiring a deck cleaning service. Spending a little on a qualified service will definitely save you time and keep you from having to do a little dirty work, unless you really want to.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck
The chemical solution used to remove moss is a very complex one, compared to the mildew solution. I suggest asking your local home and garden store for assistance on this one.
Or, consider hiring a deck cleaning service. Spending a little on a qualified service will definitely save you time and keep you from having to do a little dirty work, unless you really want to.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck
Monday, November 24, 2008
Give Thanks for Investment in Experience
To those of you from the United States I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is a good one. In many parts of the country it's a beautiful time of year and the holiday is always good for "relaxing" with family.
The way I see it holiday's are an investment in experience. In the long run it's the experiences - good or not so good - that we're likely to remember most. Each year Thanksgiving is one such experience - hopefully a good one for you - that you'll always think of fondly.
And that is basic value that I've tried to bring to you with this blog and our website createyourdeck.com...
Whether it's the actual planning or building of your above ground pool deck... or enjoying the finished product... it's all an investment in experience.
Experience that hopefully brings good memories... or maybe good laughs in the face of innocent building mistakes, after the initial frustration... and in the very least it's a learning experience where you're challenged to accomplish something great for yourself and family.
All I've ever tried to do through this blog and our website is to help you have that kind of good experience while building your pool deck... and that kind of experience going forward when you use your pool deck.
Hopefully I've been able to do that for you. And because of people like you, I get to do something I love.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Paul Ottaviano
How to build a deck around your pool
The way I see it holiday's are an investment in experience. In the long run it's the experiences - good or not so good - that we're likely to remember most. Each year Thanksgiving is one such experience - hopefully a good one for you - that you'll always think of fondly.
And that is basic value that I've tried to bring to you with this blog and our website createyourdeck.com...
Whether it's the actual planning or building of your above ground pool deck... or enjoying the finished product... it's all an investment in experience.
Experience that hopefully brings good memories... or maybe good laughs in the face of innocent building mistakes, after the initial frustration... and in the very least it's a learning experience where you're challenged to accomplish something great for yourself and family.
All I've ever tried to do through this blog and our website is to help you have that kind of good experience while building your pool deck... and that kind of experience going forward when you use your pool deck.
Hopefully I've been able to do that for you. And because of people like you, I get to do something I love.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Paul Ottaviano
How to build a deck around your pool
Monday, November 10, 2008
Pool Deck Plans: Benches
If you're thinking of adding an amenity to your above ground pool deck then consider a bench.
More than likely your bench will be permanently attached to the deck, so go with this only if you're sure that you really want one and it's approved by your local building codes. For instance, codes may require a specific type of bench for your above ground pool deck.
Generally, a "backless bench" is best for a platform deck. So this option might not be compatible with your pool deck.
That said, a bench design that does have a back could possibly work for you.
This design will use rail posts you've already built for the deck as part of the bench framing. Also, the bench can fit into most rail designs and balusters can be left alone.
Here are some basic tips to remember:
But, did you know that attached benches usually cannot have more than 4 inches of open space? Check your local building requirements before designing and building your bench.
Short people's feet should be able to touch the ground and tall people probably don't want their knees sticking into their chest. Heights of at least 15" and up to 18" should work fine.
Planning for little things like focal points and seat heights can make your above ground pool deck a fun environment.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
How to Build a Pool Deck
More than likely your bench will be permanently attached to the deck, so go with this only if you're sure that you really want one and it's approved by your local building codes. For instance, codes may require a specific type of bench for your above ground pool deck.
Generally, a "backless bench" is best for a platform deck. So this option might not be compatible with your pool deck.
That said, a bench design that does have a back could possibly work for you.
This design will use rail posts you've already built for the deck as part of the bench framing. Also, the bench can fit into most rail designs and balusters can be left alone.
Here are some basic tips to remember:
- Always be safe! Go "off the grid" at your own risk.
But, did you know that attached benches usually cannot have more than 4 inches of open space? Check your local building requirements before designing and building your bench.
- Make sure the seat height is comfortable.
Short people's feet should be able to touch the ground and tall people probably don't want their knees sticking into their chest. Heights of at least 15" and up to 18" should work fine.
- Keep your backyard focal points in mind.
Planning for little things like focal points and seat heights can make your above ground pool deck a fun environment.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
How to Build a Pool Deck
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