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
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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
Friday, October 24, 2008
Building Codes Are Expensive to Ignore
My family has a vacation town home in Oregon. It's a beautiful place to be during the summer and fall.
It's a nice community outside of Portland. The grounds at this place are spectacular!
There are plenty of trees, large grass areas, and a wetland area within short walking distance where geese, ducks, blue herons, and other critters spend their time. It's like living in a park.
Now the buildings people live in are a different story. They were built about 30 years ago and they're some of the oldest residential buildings in the immediate area.
Don't get me wrong, it's a fine place to live and most buildings are sound.
But a crucial mistake was made 30 years ago. I'll get to that in a minute... but first what's happening now...
Many of the units in this community sit on a slope. Most of the units that do sit on a slope are flat top structures with a foundation that has only cement footings. The floor of each unit is about a foot or two off the ground. So the whole unit is held up by only four footings.
After 30 years and that many winters of Portland rain, you can probably imagine what is happening now. The foundation has weakened. Some homes have bend of up to 2.5 inches.
This makes a home difficult to sell here, and it's a safety hazard. So the association here is doing the right thing, it's getting it fixed.
Here's the thing though and the "mistake" that was made 30 years ago... not only is not up to code now, it was not built to code 30 years ago!
Now I don't know if someone working at the county building department back then was negligent, dumb, or corrupt... the original developer and engineer must have been one of those things too.
But in Oregon, the statue of limitations passed a long time ago for cases like this one. So the association is stuck paying the bill.
The contract now calls for additional cement footings underneath the units and helical piers around the outside. Units that need raising will be raised to the maximum recovery possible. This will bring the buildings up to code and reinforce the foundation.
The association did a fine job finding a good engineer and contractor who made a reasonable bid. But it's still relatively pricey, particularly for the younger residents or retired persons living on fixed income.
The moral of the story is this...
Building codes and dealing with building inspectors can sometimes be a real pain in the a**. And some building codes may seem like unnecessary bureaucratic clap trap... some probably are. So it may be tempting to cut corners, especially for something like an above ground pool deck.
But, most building codes are theoretically there for safety reasons and to protect the value of your home. So while it may be frustrating at times, you're usually better off going along with it.
Rest assured, if a building inspector notices you built something that was not up to code... or you try to include your pool and deck in a home sale and it's not up to code... the cost will likely be a lot more than what you may have saved by cutting corners.
And if you hire a contractor to build your pool deck or for any project, insist on seeing the plans and make sure the contractor followed codes before letting him walk away... and double check before the statue of limitations ends.
I imagine our place will be fine and our neighbors will be relieved once it's done. Heck, we might even get a new deck out of it. But it comes at a price and I'm sure everyone would have preferred to spend that money on something else... like a trip to Italy or Hawaii for instance.
So, once again, the point here is this... bureaucratic rules are annoying, sometimes a pain, and some of my libertarian friends think they're totally unnecessary... but it's the world we live in right now and it's the law. Best to build your pool deck with that in mind.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Deck Around Your Pool
It's a nice community outside of Portland. The grounds at this place are spectacular!
There are plenty of trees, large grass areas, and a wetland area within short walking distance where geese, ducks, blue herons, and other critters spend their time. It's like living in a park.
Now the buildings people live in are a different story. They were built about 30 years ago and they're some of the oldest residential buildings in the immediate area.
Don't get me wrong, it's a fine place to live and most buildings are sound.
But a crucial mistake was made 30 years ago. I'll get to that in a minute... but first what's happening now...
Many of the units in this community sit on a slope. Most of the units that do sit on a slope are flat top structures with a foundation that has only cement footings. The floor of each unit is about a foot or two off the ground. So the whole unit is held up by only four footings.
After 30 years and that many winters of Portland rain, you can probably imagine what is happening now. The foundation has weakened. Some homes have bend of up to 2.5 inches.
This makes a home difficult to sell here, and it's a safety hazard. So the association here is doing the right thing, it's getting it fixed.
Here's the thing though and the "mistake" that was made 30 years ago... not only is not up to code now, it was not built to code 30 years ago!
Now I don't know if someone working at the county building department back then was negligent, dumb, or corrupt... the original developer and engineer must have been one of those things too.
But in Oregon, the statue of limitations passed a long time ago for cases like this one. So the association is stuck paying the bill.
The contract now calls for additional cement footings underneath the units and helical piers around the outside. Units that need raising will be raised to the maximum recovery possible. This will bring the buildings up to code and reinforce the foundation.
The association did a fine job finding a good engineer and contractor who made a reasonable bid. But it's still relatively pricey, particularly for the younger residents or retired persons living on fixed income.
The moral of the story is this...
Building codes and dealing with building inspectors can sometimes be a real pain in the a**. And some building codes may seem like unnecessary bureaucratic clap trap... some probably are. So it may be tempting to cut corners, especially for something like an above ground pool deck.
But, most building codes are theoretically there for safety reasons and to protect the value of your home. So while it may be frustrating at times, you're usually better off going along with it.
Rest assured, if a building inspector notices you built something that was not up to code... or you try to include your pool and deck in a home sale and it's not up to code... the cost will likely be a lot more than what you may have saved by cutting corners.
And if you hire a contractor to build your pool deck or for any project, insist on seeing the plans and make sure the contractor followed codes before letting him walk away... and double check before the statue of limitations ends.
I imagine our place will be fine and our neighbors will be relieved once it's done. Heck, we might even get a new deck out of it. But it comes at a price and I'm sure everyone would have preferred to spend that money on something else... like a trip to Italy or Hawaii for instance.
So, once again, the point here is this... bureaucratic rules are annoying, sometimes a pain, and some of my libertarian friends think they're totally unnecessary... but it's the world we live in right now and it's the law. Best to build your pool deck with that in mind.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Deck Around Your Pool
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Floating Foundation for Your Pool Deck
A common question people have when planning an above ground pool deck is, "what foundation should I use?"
As many of you know, decks need a foundation for load-bearing posts. Pool decks are no different. What type of foundation you'll decide to use depends on a few key things.
If you decide on foundations that require digging a hole, be sure to dig according to local building codes, which could be up to 5' or more depending on your building codes and soil.
However, there is any easier way. Consider using the floating foundation for your pool deck.
Many above ground pool deck owners who build a deck use a floating foundation because it does not require digging and you won't have to worry about frost levels.
If you're looking to build a pool deck relatively quickly during the summer season... then the floating foundation is the way to go because the process is much simpler than mixing concrete, digging holes, and dealing with a more complex set of building codes.
The safety record of floating foundations is very good too.
Our eBook How to Build a Pool Deck, uses the common wraparound pool deck on a floating foundation as a step-by-step example because it is the most simple foundation for a pool deck.
Floating foundations are very popular for a reason and if you have limited time during the swim season to get an above ground pool deck up, then this is a very good option for you.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
As many of you know, decks need a foundation for load-bearing posts. Pool decks are no different. What type of foundation you'll decide to use depends on a few key things.
- How high will your deck be?
- The materials you're using.
- The ground's freeze depth.
- How much weight can your soil handle?
If you decide on foundations that require digging a hole, be sure to dig according to local building codes, which could be up to 5' or more depending on your building codes and soil.
However, there is any easier way. Consider using the floating foundation for your pool deck.
Many above ground pool deck owners who build a deck use a floating foundation because it does not require digging and you won't have to worry about frost levels.
If you're looking to build a pool deck relatively quickly during the summer season... then the floating foundation is the way to go because the process is much simpler than mixing concrete, digging holes, and dealing with a more complex set of building codes.
The safety record of floating foundations is very good too.
Our eBook How to Build a Pool Deck, uses the common wraparound pool deck on a floating foundation as a step-by-step example because it is the most simple foundation for a pool deck.
Floating foundations are very popular for a reason and if you have limited time during the swim season to get an above ground pool deck up, then this is a very good option for you.
As always, enjoy your pool!
Best regards,
Paul Ottaviano
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