Venice: Is there anything you can learn from it?

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

Upcoming Home Show Schedule

Thanks to Deckenquirer.com for the head's up.

Hamptons Home & Garden Show | June 5 -7 | General Admission $10
Southampton Elks Lodge Fairgrounds | Free Parking | Pet Friendly
200+ Displays | Under 14 Free

Pima Home & Garden Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | June 5 -7
AZ Greentop Landscape $12,000 giveaway | online $2 off coupon
Admission $7, 16 under free

Reno Home Flower & Garden Show | June 13 -14 | Free Admission
Reno-Sparks Convention Center | Parking $7

33rd Home Remodeling & Redecorating Show | June 27 - 28
L.A. Convention Center | Free coupons online

Create Your Own Wraparound Deck

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

Time to Work On Your Pool Deck Plans

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.

Pool Deck Decoration Ideas

Some of you may already have above ground pool decks and are eagerly awaiting the fast approaching summer for a chance to use it.

That said, some of you may be building an above ground pool deck and you're planning on getting it done with enough time left this summer to enjoy it.

Either way, you'll likely want to add decorations to your pool deck that:

• Reflects your personal style

• Aesthetically blends with your home or indoor rooms
  

• Makes your pool deck a place where people want to be

Let's take the first point, you spent a considerable amount of time and money when building a deck around your pool. Decorations that reflect your personal style - or represents your family's tastes - is like your signature. It will say a lot about you. So have fun with it and make it look good.

Here are just a couple ideas that I'll throw out there... but the only real limit is your imagination...

• Do you collect antiques?
  

If so, maybe take some of your cheaper items that won't rust and include them around your pool deck for a nostalgic feel.

• Are you a gardener?

Then consider adding some plants around the perimeter of the deck. Succulents could work for you... just be careful not to splash chlorinated pool water on any plants you might use.

• Are you an outdoor enthusiast?

Remember, it's your personal style we're talking about here. Have fun with it.

That said, I'm not a landscape designer or art director. So I'll just suggest that you write down all the things that you and your family take great interest or passion in... then tinker and experiment with the details... and then go with what looks good and feels right to you.

Now let's take the second point from the first list above.

If you want a decoration that is compatible with your indoor rooms then find similar items for both places.

It's good to have your pool deck admired from the house and your home admired from your pool deck. If this is a priority for you, then compatibility and continuity in style for both places is important here.

One more thing to remember...

Any decorative item that you choose to include with your above ground pool deck must be safe and securely fastened or weighted down.

As always, enjoy your pool.

Best,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Swimming Pool Deck

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.

Builder Beware

My neighbors are building a new garage and remodeling their kitchen. This project started months ago before the holidays. It's not finished yet and probably won't be anytime real soon. Why? They gave the contract to a one man show and paid for the entire project up front.

Before they started the project, their first contractor - who does all the work himself for some insane reason - gave them a sob story about how hard life was for him... he was in debt and creditors were all over him... his fiance was expecting and he would have another mouth to feed... blah blah blah... so he needed the entire $5000 for the garage up front (a low ball estimate).

My neighbors are not rich and $5000 is a lot of money for them... it's a lot for most of us these days. But they're very nice people, my neighbors, and so they paid without any contract or payment schedule written up.

Months later...

After no shows for days or weeks, slow work progress, the contractors work not passing inspection, and a generally poor attitude my neighbors had no choice but to fire the contractor with the project only about half-way completed.

Not surprisingly the contractor had already spent the $5000, probably on some things unrelated to the project. So now my neighbors are filing a complaint through the state contracting board and they're hoping to get their money back through the contractors bond. But that could take awhile.

So for now they're out thousands of dollars and they've hired another contractor to finish the project - who is doing a good job - but it has basically doubled their cost. The difference they're paying with their credit cards.

How does this apply to your above ground pool deck project?

If you're going to hire a contractor to build your pool deck there are a number of things to remember prior to awarding the contract and paying any money...

1. Meet with at least several contractors

Do not be seduced by a sob story like my neighbors were. Make sure your contractor has a good track record and has been in business for awhile.

You want professionalism, which means stability and continuity. If he starts talking about how desperate his personal life is, don't give him the contract just to "help him out". That's what my neighbors did. Don't be like them.

2. Have a work contract with specifics clearly understood by you and the contractor

• Include a description of the work to be completed, i.e. the specific project and where it is to be done, when, and with what materials, etc.
  

• Make sure the price is listed. This includes supplies, labor, and local fees or taxes.
  

• Work schedule: include the project start date and finish date. But be flexible in case of bad weather or emergency situations.
  

• Payment plan: It is important that you don't pay for it all up front like my neighbors did. Pay in installments upon completion of various phases of the project.
  

A good contractor who wants you to pay him for building a deck around your pool should have no problem agreeing to these things.

There might be some nuances in the contract he wants to discuss or clarify, but that's normal. However, if he disagrees with the idea of having a contract at all or a payment schedule move on to someone better.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
DIY Above Ground Pool Deck

P.S. - We go into more depth on this subject in our eBook "Only Hire a Builder if You Need One". It's a free bonus to our eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck".