How to Test Your Pool Deck Site

This was the first of the former Createyourdeck.com newsletter.

How to easily test your above ground pool deck site. You'll know that your vision for the pool deck will be compatible with your backyard.

Hopefully everyone who thinks of building an above ground pool deck wants it to be a good fit for their backyard.

Some people know for sure what they want, others have an idea, and some just don't know yet.

Regardless of which of those describes you, here are some basic steps you can take that will help you discover if the deck you have in mind is a practical fit with your backyard.

With that said, this is also a great way to get some ideas going if you're still trying to figure out what you want.

STEP 1 -- Rope Off the Proposed Pool Deck Area

Use a string, a long garden hose, or a rope if you have one.

What you want to do in this step is rope off the proposed deck area so you can get a visual clue as to what your deck would like in that spot.

STEP 2 -- Place Furniture or Equipment in that Area

You don't have to have all of your planned pool deck furniture, equipment, or amenities ready now.

What many deck builders suggest is to place in the deck area any furniture or equipment you already have, or plan to use. This will give you a visual idea as to how furniture and equipment will look on your deck.

If you don't have any deck furniture or equipment yet then use something like a lawn chair as a temporary substitute during your planning stage.

TIP: Plan around two square feet for each chair plus another foot to push it back from a table.

If you don't like the look of something, continue to rearrange until you see a placement you like.

STEP 3 -- Think About Your Privacy and Decoration

An important element of your pool deck plan is to think about where you'll want your plants and trees to go, if any will be used.

• Are you going to use tall trees to enhance your privacy, rather than a fence?

• Instead of planning for more privacy, do you just want potted plants to give your deck a focal point or another nice decoration?

You don't have to know for certain exactly what trees or plants you're going to use now, if any, but now is a good time to start thinking about where any trees or plants will go.

Many deck builders recommend putting small flags that will stick into the ground or tie down balloons where you want trees or plants to be.

Once again, rearrange until you like the look of something. But be realistic, know where power lines and pipes are, etc.

And always check your local building codes before starting construction of any kind.

These important planning steps can be and really should be a fun activity that you can do in one day with your friends or family.

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

P.S. -- Once you have found a pool deck plan that looks like it represents what you want and is practical for the natural layout of your backyard, sketch the plans on paper. The sketch doesn't have to be sophisticated. Just get the layout down on paper. Also, consider taking pictures just in case you misplace your sketch.

Newsletter Deactivated

The createyourdeck.com email newsletter has been deactivated. To those of you who subscribed and read the newsletter, I thank you. I hope the information helped you build a nice deck around your pool.

Createyourdeck.com will continue but it's clear that the free eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" is what people really want and is the best way to go moving forward.

I'll eventually take the content of the newsletters and post them here for you.

Best,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

Free is Good

What have I learned so far about the world of open license content? That people like free eBooks!

In a perfect world all eBooks would be free and publishers could still find ways to make money so they can stay in business, or at least get a just reward for a job well done. Economic law and reality show that cannot always be the case. But in the case of my pool deck eBook it was time.

I am wondering though, are any of you are actually interested in the open license aspect of it? I've yet to see anyone step up with their own version of the eBook. Perhaps it is still too early in the building season and people are too busy working.

Remember, you have permission to update or remix the eBook and after those edits you can then share or distribute your new version non-commercially as long as you link to me as the original source. This is something I'd like to hear more about if any of you are doing that or are considering it.

That said, the rate that people are opting to receive the How to Build a Pool Deck eBook has far surpassed my expectations!

Curiously, there are still people out there who apparently don't like the idea of getting a free eBook. If this is you, go to the site and get it. It's not too late to get started on your above ground pool deck project this year.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

Wood Stair Repair

My story today has nothing to do with a deck but is relevant to your pool deck project.

The stairway inside my home is about thirty years old. Its tread is lumber wrapped in carpet (poor excuse for tread) that are basically just attached to stringers. There is of course a run, but there is a space where the rise would be. A few steps in the middle of the staircase have started to loosen.

My staircase is an odd contraption. I doubt it's up to code now and I would be surprised if it was when built a long time ago.

There are no screws or metal step connectors connecting the tread. Instead, it just has a slim section of wood sticking out that fits into some kind of notch on the closed stringer. It looks like it was simply nailed in somehow... it's difficult to see because of the carpeting wrapped around the tread. Strange.

I'm currently in no mood to replace the whole staircase, although I suppose I'll have to do it eventually. But for now I decided to go with a band aid.

I fastened metal step connectors beneath the three suspect treads. It's not perfect, but when I walk or stand on them it does feel stronger compared to what it was before. This is temporary but it should get some extra mileage out of my stairs.

Remember, when you're building stairs for your above ground pool deck know the difference between a closed and open stringer. Closed stringers won't need a notch for the treads and you can use metal step connectors. Open stringers will need notches. Also, remember to use fasteners that are appropriate for treated outdoor lumber.

Best,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com - DIY Above Ground Pool Deck

Bonus eBooks

In addition to it being good karma if you donate generously - or "tip" me - for giving you the "How to Build a Pool Deck" eBook free you'll also get three bonus eBooks for doing so.

Visit the Createyourdeck.com home page for more information.

Createyourdeck.com Store

The Createyourdeck.com store is now open! I'm going to give you quality swimming pool and deck building tools at good prices.

Also available are my favorite decking and above ground pool maintenance books, plus anything else that seems relevant.

I plan on integrating it with the website and hopefully there will be some user-generated feedback or reviews on different products offered at the store.

Best,

Paul

eBook Now Available with Newsletter

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