Within about one week I'm going to change how our eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" is distributed. In short, it's going to be free.
Also, you'll be invited to share your above ground pool deck experiences and deck building tips in future versions of the eBook.
More to come.
Update 3/8/10 10:15 PM PST: Everything is close to being on schedule. I think the eBook should be ready within the next two days and other general housekeeping tasks done by the weekend.
Best,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - Above Ground Pool Deck Guide
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Two-Piece Above Ground Pool Deck
I just saw an offer for a simple two-piece above ground pool deck over at Bizrate.
At first glance, it looks bland and it seemed a bit expensive for a small deck kit. That said, if your needs are simple - meaning you're less interested in design and more interested in basic function - something like this might work for you.
I've never stood on this type of deck, but it looks "sturdy enough" if you just want a pool deck that makes it easy to jump in your above ground pool. That said, it doesn't look that sturdy.
But it does look fairly easy to assemble and install. As always, do your homework and shop around before making a purchase.
My initial gut reaction to the deck was its lack of good looks and the price. But that's me. Perhaps a simple deck kit like this one is right for you.
Enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck
At first glance, it looks bland and it seemed a bit expensive for a small deck kit. That said, if your needs are simple - meaning you're less interested in design and more interested in basic function - something like this might work for you.
I've never stood on this type of deck, but it looks "sturdy enough" if you just want a pool deck that makes it easy to jump in your above ground pool. That said, it doesn't look that sturdy.
But it does look fairly easy to assemble and install. As always, do your homework and shop around before making a purchase.
My initial gut reaction to the deck was its lack of good looks and the price. But that's me. Perhaps a simple deck kit like this one is right for you.
Enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck
Friday, January 22, 2010
Above Ground Pool Deck Safety
Sure, it's only January but it's always a good time to talk about swimming pool safety.
Above ground pools are a little bit different than in-ground pools. You probably won't need to build a fence to keep toddlers and little kids who can't swim out of the above ground pool since they can't climb a ladder... well, at least not without you watching. However, basic safety standards still apply.
You should always have safety equipment nearby like a safety jacket for kids and a life ring. Make sure visitors - especially visiting kids - know your rules before using your swimming pool. And it should go without saying that an adult who can swim should be watching at all times.
For instance, my mom insisted on no running around the pool. This didn't necessarily prevent my friends and I from running, but her constant reminders kept us from getting too out of control. My mom also told us not to jump off the overhead into the pool or go down the slide backwards... but we did anyway.
Just understand that as your kids grow older and become better swimmers there may be some things you just can't control. But if you lay down some basic safety rules when they're young they'll likely have a moment of clarity and remember those rules when it counts the most.
That said, if you're going to have visitors or young kids using your pool it's always a good idea to learn first aid and CPR. There should be classes at your local Red Cross or recreation department.
If I were a lawyer in these lawsuit happy times of ours, I would tell you to write up a TOS agreement that let other parents or swimmers know they use your pool at their own risk. I'm not sure you have to go that far - I hope not! - but it would probably be good of you to let other parents know that you do have safety equipment on hand and an adult who knows how to swim will be watching.
This is important. If you don't know how to swim or if you feel like your swimming skills should improve go take lessons.
When I was living in California a champion long board surfer named Tim Whalen told me that sometimes the best lifeguards around were surfers, because they were also the best swimmers in the water and knew the local ocean conditions better than anyone except the local lifeguards.
He told me, "If you see a swimmer in trouble, you paddle over there and get him. No questions asked. With your paddling and swimming ability, and your knowledge of the water, it should be no problem."
Now, of course we're not talking about swimming in the ocean here. But the same principle applies. Having a good swimmer who is comfortable in the water is always the best safety precaution around.
Swimming pools are great fun and good exercise but accidents do occur, and tragedies unfortunately do happen. But if you put an emphasis on safety and make sure a responsible adult is watching the kids at all times, your pool will bring you good times.
Enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Swimming Pool Deck
Above ground pools are a little bit different than in-ground pools. You probably won't need to build a fence to keep toddlers and little kids who can't swim out of the above ground pool since they can't climb a ladder... well, at least not without you watching. However, basic safety standards still apply.
You should always have safety equipment nearby like a safety jacket for kids and a life ring. Make sure visitors - especially visiting kids - know your rules before using your swimming pool. And it should go without saying that an adult who can swim should be watching at all times.
For instance, my mom insisted on no running around the pool. This didn't necessarily prevent my friends and I from running, but her constant reminders kept us from getting too out of control. My mom also told us not to jump off the overhead into the pool or go down the slide backwards... but we did anyway.
Just understand that as your kids grow older and become better swimmers there may be some things you just can't control. But if you lay down some basic safety rules when they're young they'll likely have a moment of clarity and remember those rules when it counts the most.
That said, if you're going to have visitors or young kids using your pool it's always a good idea to learn first aid and CPR. There should be classes at your local Red Cross or recreation department.
If I were a lawyer in these lawsuit happy times of ours, I would tell you to write up a TOS agreement that let other parents or swimmers know they use your pool at their own risk. I'm not sure you have to go that far - I hope not! - but it would probably be good of you to let other parents know that you do have safety equipment on hand and an adult who knows how to swim will be watching.
This is important. If you don't know how to swim or if you feel like your swimming skills should improve go take lessons.
When I was living in California a champion long board surfer named Tim Whalen told me that sometimes the best lifeguards around were surfers, because they were also the best swimmers in the water and knew the local ocean conditions better than anyone except the local lifeguards.
He told me, "If you see a swimmer in trouble, you paddle over there and get him. No questions asked. With your paddling and swimming ability, and your knowledge of the water, it should be no problem."
Now, of course we're not talking about swimming in the ocean here. But the same principle applies. Having a good swimmer who is comfortable in the water is always the best safety precaution around.
Swimming pools are great fun and good exercise but accidents do occur, and tragedies unfortunately do happen. But if you put an emphasis on safety and make sure a responsible adult is watching the kids at all times, your pool will bring you good times.
Enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Swimming Pool Deck
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Helping Haiti
I haven't posted in awhile because of the holidays and decking off-season. I'll be back soon with content related to swimming pools and pool decking.
That said, I wanted to pass on a link to you if you're interested in helping the situation in Haiti but perhaps skeptical of where your money is going when you donate to one of many charities involved.
From what I've read on the Agora Financial 5 Minute Forecast blog the only operational hospital there is Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. If you're looking to make a donation please consider giving one to them.
Thank you,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
P.S. -- We have no affiliation with Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. But if what I read is correct I think donating money to them can do the most good now.
That said, I wanted to pass on a link to you if you're interested in helping the situation in Haiti but perhaps skeptical of where your money is going when you donate to one of many charities involved.
From what I've read on the Agora Financial 5 Minute Forecast blog the only operational hospital there is Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. If you're looking to make a donation please consider giving one to them.
Thank you,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com
P.S. -- We have no affiliation with Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. But if what I read is correct I think donating money to them can do the most good now.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Aquatic Therapy and Physical Training
When I was a kid our neighbor Al had shoulder surgery. Al was an old timer who spent some of his free time helping my Cub Scout den make those little wood cars for the derby, and the derby was always a big deal.
So it was only natural that when Al had his shoulder surgery my parents let him come over and use our swimming pool for therapy. At the time I remember wondering why Al "wasn't really swimming" but instead walking in place and doing a very slow breath stroke in the shallow end. Then my mother explained to me that he had been injured and the pool was an important part of his rehabilitation.
This was when I realized that a swimming pool could be something more than just for play or for racing my friends. Now when I swim it's either for soothing relaxation or exercise.
One of my favorite exercises, back when I was surfing a lot a few years ago, was to swim underwater laps. The resistance was greater a few feet under the surface, or at least it felt that way, and it expanded my lung capacity. My body was trained to stay calm while underwater, always useful when surfing.
Swimming pools offer you weightless strength and stamina training, meaning less stress on your joints than a land based workout. A pool like the Hyrdroworx has taken this to a new level and is used by collegiate and professional sports teams.
A pool like the Hydroworx can be used inside or outside your home, and you could also build a small pool deck around it if you wanted to. Visit the Hydroworx website for an example.
If you have an above ground pool already but it's now too cold to use it, then consider using a local aquatic center or see if your gym has a swimming pool. Swimming burns calories very quickly, is a total body workout, and is much easier on your body than a land based workout.
As always, be safe while swimming and if necessary improve your swimming skills before taking to an Olympic size pool, doing underwater laps like I did, or attempting an advanced stroke.
Happy holidays!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Pool Deck
So it was only natural that when Al had his shoulder surgery my parents let him come over and use our swimming pool for therapy. At the time I remember wondering why Al "wasn't really swimming" but instead walking in place and doing a very slow breath stroke in the shallow end. Then my mother explained to me that he had been injured and the pool was an important part of his rehabilitation.
This was when I realized that a swimming pool could be something more than just for play or for racing my friends. Now when I swim it's either for soothing relaxation or exercise.
One of my favorite exercises, back when I was surfing a lot a few years ago, was to swim underwater laps. The resistance was greater a few feet under the surface, or at least it felt that way, and it expanded my lung capacity. My body was trained to stay calm while underwater, always useful when surfing.
Swimming pools offer you weightless strength and stamina training, meaning less stress on your joints than a land based workout. A pool like the Hyrdroworx has taken this to a new level and is used by collegiate and professional sports teams.
A pool like the Hydroworx can be used inside or outside your home, and you could also build a small pool deck around it if you wanted to. Visit the Hydroworx website for an example.
If you have an above ground pool already but it's now too cold to use it, then consider using a local aquatic center or see if your gym has a swimming pool. Swimming burns calories very quickly, is a total body workout, and is much easier on your body than a land based workout.
As always, be safe while swimming and if necessary improve your swimming skills before taking to an Olympic size pool, doing underwater laps like I did, or attempting an advanced stroke.
Happy holidays!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Pool Deck
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Why Advertising?
Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile will probably have noticed the new Google ads feature in the left column.
I always want to focus on writing good blogs that hopefully give you some useful insight and information into above ground pool decks, and pools in general. That said, I don't want to overwhelm readers with advertisements either.
However, in this economy it is important for information publishers like myself to ethically monetize websites or blogs in a generally acceptable way.
We do sell the eBook guide How to Build a Pool Deck at our website - a good building season seller - but at this moment it's important that I find ways to continue growing so I can continue to bring good content to you, and relevant advertising is part of the solution since it also gives you additional resources.
The Google ads you see should be relevant to decking, home improvement, and swimming pools. All things I assume you're interested in. If you're reading this the day of the post, it be might another day or two before Google can start feeding relevant ads. If you're reading this at a later date and the ads are not relevant please let me know.
I make no guarantees regarding any of the third-party Google advertised sites you visit and I reserve the right to stop the ad feed at anytime. That out of the way, based on my experience Google does a good job of making sure the websites listed are at least relevant.
That said, of course you do not have to click through to any of the websites advertised unless it looks good to you. That is at your discretion. I love it every time you stay here or click through to our website createyourdeck.com and you're always welcome back!
I appreciate your understanding and your visits.
Enjoy you pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
I always want to focus on writing good blogs that hopefully give you some useful insight and information into above ground pool decks, and pools in general. That said, I don't want to overwhelm readers with advertisements either.
However, in this economy it is important for information publishers like myself to ethically monetize websites or blogs in a generally acceptable way.
We do sell the eBook guide How to Build a Pool Deck at our website - a good building season seller - but at this moment it's important that I find ways to continue growing so I can continue to bring good content to you, and relevant advertising is part of the solution since it also gives you additional resources.
The Google ads you see should be relevant to decking, home improvement, and swimming pools. All things I assume you're interested in. If you're reading this the day of the post, it be might another day or two before Google can start feeding relevant ads. If you're reading this at a later date and the ads are not relevant please let me know.
I make no guarantees regarding any of the third-party Google advertised sites you visit and I reserve the right to stop the ad feed at anytime. That out of the way, based on my experience Google does a good job of making sure the websites listed are at least relevant.
That said, of course you do not have to click through to any of the websites advertised unless it looks good to you. That is at your discretion. I love it every time you stay here or click through to our website createyourdeck.com and you're always welcome back!
I appreciate your understanding and your visits.
Enjoy you pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Friday, November 6, 2009
Above Ground Pool Deck ROI
It's hard to believe that November is already here. I hope you all had a great summer and if you decided to build an above ground pool deck then I hope everything went as smoothly as possible and that you still had some time left over to enjoy it this summer.
If you had your return-on-investment (ROI) in mind it's very possible you made a good decision to build a pool deck.
Appraisers will usually not include just an above ground pool because it's not considered a permanent structure. However, an above ground pool deck could possibly be included in your appraisal.
I don't want to give you the impression that it's really that simple because there are details that could influence an appraisers or perspective home buyers thinking.
For example, the size of the deck, its location or compatibility with the home, whether it's made of composite or wood, etc... and of course whether or not you build your pool deck in compliance with local building codes could have a impact on your ROI. There is also the ups and downs of the housing market too.
That said, if you build an above ground pool deck of reasonably good quality and it's up to code you could very well see a nice ROI.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Deck Around a Pool
If you had your return-on-investment (ROI) in mind it's very possible you made a good decision to build a pool deck.
Appraisers will usually not include just an above ground pool because it's not considered a permanent structure. However, an above ground pool deck could possibly be included in your appraisal.
I don't want to give you the impression that it's really that simple because there are details that could influence an appraisers or perspective home buyers thinking.
For example, the size of the deck, its location or compatibility with the home, whether it's made of composite or wood, etc... and of course whether or not you build your pool deck in compliance with local building codes could have a impact on your ROI. There is also the ups and downs of the housing market too.
That said, if you build an above ground pool deck of reasonably good quality and it's up to code you could very well see a nice ROI.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build a Deck Around a Pool
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