The free and open license eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" is also now available with the "Know Your Pool Deck" newsletter.
The "newsletter", for lack of a better word, is a 10 part series where you'll get free tips on building a deck around a pool and swimming pool maintenance. It's designed for those of you who sometimes just want quick information on the go or just occasional reminders that nudge you along with your own decking project.
Best,
Paul
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
"How to Build a Pool Deck" eBook Site Feed
Now also available via Feedburner. Click on "atom posts" at the bottom of this page or click on post header.
Best,
Paul
Best,
Paul
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
It's Free! The "How to Build a Pool Deck" eBook is now open license.
That's right, all 70 pages of my above ground pool deck building information is now free.
You can get it at Createyourdeck.com.
The reason I have chosen to do this is because it's always been about providing the best pool deck building tips possible.
And since the Internet was founded as a user-generated medium any content that gives you the ability to share and contribute to new content creation - with credit going to the original creator - makes open license a compelling distribution method.
You can get it at Createyourdeck.com.
The reason I have chosen to do this is because it's always been about providing the best pool deck building tips possible.
And since the Internet was founded as a user-generated medium any content that gives you the ability to share and contribute to new content creation - with credit going to the original creator - makes open license a compelling distribution method.
What is "open license"?
Open license - or "open source" in the software world - is freely given content that gives people the option to share or possibly remix the original content. So the very restrictive and traditional "all rights reserved" copyright is essentially liberalized and some rights are reserved by the creator.
The type of open license given by the originator of the content can differ and is determined by that person or company.
For more information on how this works and how it fits into an international legal framework please visit Creative Commons.
The type of open license given by the originator of the content can differ and is determined by that person or company.
For more information on how this works and how it fits into an international legal framework please visit Creative Commons.
What's the open license for the How to Build a Pool Deck eBook?
The eBook has a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
You can view the legal stuff at Creative Commons.
But what this basically means is that you can freely share the eBook with anyone you wish and you can remix and share again... just as long as the license remains the same, it's non-commercial (more on this below), and you credit Createyourdeck.com for the original content.
You can add you're own decking knowledge, pool deck building photos, or anything you think is important but we might have missed.
In essence it's about making the eBook the best it can possibly be and if you want to, you can help do it. We might even help you publish an updated version of the eBook and you'll get credited for it too.
If you're in the decking business or if you're a contractor, this could be something you give to clients. Creating your own version and asking us to help publish it could give your business more exposure.
Just respect the "non-commercial" part of the license, meaning don't re-sell the eBook without our permission. Contact us if you're interested in resale rights.
That's it folks! The future of "How to Build a Pool Deck" is now in your hands.
Enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
You can view the legal stuff at Creative Commons.
But what this basically means is that you can freely share the eBook with anyone you wish and you can remix and share again... just as long as the license remains the same, it's non-commercial (more on this below), and you credit Createyourdeck.com for the original content.
You can add you're own decking knowledge, pool deck building photos, or anything you think is important but we might have missed.
In essence it's about making the eBook the best it can possibly be and if you want to, you can help do it. We might even help you publish an updated version of the eBook and you'll get credited for it too.
If you're in the decking business or if you're a contractor, this could be something you give to clients. Creating your own version and asking us to help publish it could give your business more exposure.
Just respect the "non-commercial" part of the license, meaning don't re-sell the eBook without our permission. Contact us if you're interested in resale rights.
That's it folks! The future of "How to Build a Pool Deck" is now in your hands.
Enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Big Change Coming to Createyourdeck.com
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
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
