Framing Above Ground Pool Deck

Thoroughly Check Your Deck

Every year, you have to do work to open your pool. You cannot take off the cover and just jump in. Well, you could, but it is not recommended. It needs to be checked, cleaned, and maintained before using it each season.

The same is true for your above ground pool deck. It is essential that you spend one day when you open the pool and one day every few weeks to completely check your pool deck.

If you have a wood deck, you want to check for rotting wood to do it yourself and replace it, or contact a professional. You want to make sure there are no holes, gaps, or broken areas in your deck.

You should also ensure that your pool deck is stable. If you had a hard and extreme winter, your pool deck may have taken some abuse. You want to ensure that it is safe to use.

If you wait too long to inspect your deck, it could cause damage that cannot be replaced, or an incredibly expensive replacement. It may also cause a safety issue for those who enjoy your pool.

Setting Piers And Posts

The floor-joist frames are supported by a series of 4 x 4 posts set in the concrete pier blocks. Begin by setting the first pair of blocks directly onto the ground beside the pool. You don’t have to remove the grass, but if the ground is uneven, use a shovel to level it out. Position the first pier block so its center is 12 in. from the pool wall. Place the second pier farther away from the pool, with its center 18 in. from the center of the first.

Above Ground Pool Deck Materials

One of the most important decisions a homeowner has to make when it comes to building a deck is the material that will be used, primarily because it affects the lifetime of your deck and of course, your budget.

For discerning homeowners looking to add elegance, opulence and natural beauty to their homes, the best choice is wood decking. The richness of the wood provides a rich contrast to the man-made materials used to construct the pool. If you choose the right wood to be used and understand the maintenance and care required for wooden decks, the beauty of your deck will last a long time.

Here are some of the most popular wood deck choices:

Pineis a classic choice for outdoor decks. It is highly popular among Dallas, Texas builders and homeowners because pressure-treated pine is attractive, easy to use, and relatively low maintenance. It is readily available, so it is less expensive than other wood types.

Balauan exotic wood known for its durability. It requires little-to-no maintenance. This wood has natural oils that act as water-retardant and keeps the wood from cracking and becoming brittle.

Redwoodthis type of wood is great for pool decks because it is very durable and it does not shrink or break even when constantly exposed to dry and wet conditions. It also has natural resins and oils that repels insects, and prevents decay and rot from occurring.

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Diy Outdoor Floating Swimming Pool Deck

This is a super easy pool deck to build, its so straightforward and can be done by just one person if you know what youre doing. The creator started by laying the wood post around the pool, in a square format. Then, he proceeded to lay the wood deck over and on top of the frame, then added small stairs that will aid an easy walk-in.

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Diy Pool Deck Plans: Build A Deck Around Your Pool

Published: Oct 30, 2021 by Allison · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

These DIY pool deck plans are not easy to work with but they are essential to having a comfortable pool experience. Pool decks are usually the area around our pool, also known as the pool patio, where you can keep chairs, tables, and other pool furniture. Some pool decks are small, and can only take a few people on them, while others are large, comfortable, and can take a lot of people on them at the same time.

Here today, youre going to learn in a few simple ways how to make a DIY pool deck by yourself at home, with ease. Some of the guides below may be expensive and some inexpensive, it all depends on what you are looking out for. So, lets begin.

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Freestanding Pool Deck Ideas

A freestanding option means that the pool deck is close to the pool and surrounded by a path. This type of pool deck may also be called a floating deck because it is not attached to anything else.

This tends to be a popular and common choice for an above ground pool. They are easier to build and more cost effective. This type of deck is durable and long lasting which helps to increase the popularity of this type of deck.

Basic Steps And Landing

Last on our list is just a very basic plan to help you build some steps and a landing. If you are finding that having a ladder to get in and of the pool is just not your style, then a basic set of steps with a landing can do the trick to fix your pool entryway. This deck plan could work for an entrance to a home, or it can be modified to be an entrance to a pool as well.

This is a lower-priced option to build, and you can make it as nice as you would like it by adding decorative railing, etc. Even though this exact plan does not talk about a locking gate at the top of the steps, dont forget to add one. Sometimes a locking gate is not enough when it comes to pool safety. Look into pool alarms if you are concerned about young children entering the pool without your supervision.

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Ready To Build An Above Ground Pool Deck In Your Backyard

Before requesting a contractor to draw deck blueprints, youll need this deck plan information:

• Pool measurements. You need the diameter and height of the pool in order to calculate accurate deck dimensions.
• Desired materials. Request the material youd like your deck to be but remain open to suggestions from your . Oftentimes these experts can recommend solutions we may not have thought of.
• Building codes. Get a contractor or building inspector to review your plans to make sure they follow required codes.

Once you have dreamed up your deck desires and hired a contractor to construct your vision, its time to enjoy. Lounge, sunbathe, and soak up time with family and friendsall poolside, thanks to your above ground pool deck.

Need a builder? Find one .

Clean And Seal Your Deck

When you clean your pool, you should be sure to clean your pool deck. You may need a specific set of tools to clean and check your above ground pool deck. When you clean it, you want to be sure to get rid of dirt and debris from the deck.

These items can be a safety hazard but also make your pool area look dirty and unwelcoming. In addition, you may determine that your deck needs to be sealed.

If that is the case, it must be completely clean and free of debris before you clean it. You do not want to seal in the dirt. Not only will you seal in dirt, but you will seal in stains that you may never be able to get out of your pool deck.

You do not want to look at stains every time you step onto your pool deck. That will most likely ruin the enjoyment and relaxation you get from being in your pool.

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Round Or Polygonal Decks

Most aboveground-pool decks my company builds are polygonal decks that wrap a series of trapezoid modules around a “circular” pool. Most of the time, when someone refers to a circular aboveground swimming pool, the only round part is the wall – the pool frame itself is a polygon.

The trapezoid modules can be built off-site if you have a rainy week ahead of you. Their modular construction also means they can easily be taken apart in the future if there is a problem with the swimming pool. The smaller 8- to 10-foot-deep modules fit the budget for many people. With this size, one carpenter can frame and deck two modules, pre-assemble handrail sections, and prebuild the in one day off-site. If you use footing blocks , two to three modules can be installed in one day with a three-person crew .

Above Ground Pool Prices Installed

Above ground pools typically come in round, oval, or rectangular shapes. The shape of the pool selected doesn’t affect your final cost. However, the height of your pool, ranging from 48″ to 54″, will affect your final price with taller pools costing more.

Above Ground Pool Prices Installed

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How Are Building Codes Different For An Above Ground Pool Deck Vs An Inground Swimming Pool Deck

If you plan to DIY your above ground pool deck, make sure to study your local building code requirements carefully. Unless you are an experienced builder, its probably wise to hire a contractor to bring your above ground pool deck ideas to fruition. Keeping to all the building codes requires a high level of expertise.

Regulations may include rules for the decks slope, slip resistance, and even the width of the gap between boards. In most cases, the maximum gap between the edge of the pool and the edge of the deck is ¾ inch. There will also be rules to follow for pool fence structures, self-closing gates, and other safety features.

Hire A Contractor To Build The Deck

Unless youre a pretty adept carpenter who happens to have a lot of free time, its often best to hire a professional to build a deck around your above-ground pool. Most pool decks cant be completed in just a weekend, and they also involve a good amount of structural engineering and designing , so unless youre positive youre ready for that sort of undertaking, its worth the money to hire a professional.

The right contractor will work with you to understand how youll want to use the deck . They can design a few options that meet your needs and any local building codes. Thats rightwhile above-ground pools on their own usually dont require any sort of permits because theyre not permanent structures, building a deck may be a different story youll want to make sure you do things by the book. Decks are subject to very specific construction guidelines about guardrail and railing heights .

Building code guidelines will also govern baluster placement, stair tread sizing, grade of the ground below the deck, how the deck is constructed, and more. A good contractor will know the local deck building codes and be able to save you from having to research those yourself. Additionally, a professional contractor with experience in these sorts of projects should be well-versed in the specific requirements of a pool deck and will know to account for those long-term requirements, like making sure its still possible to change the pool liner without damaging the deck .

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Inground Vs Above Ground Pool

Inground or built-in pools are more expensive to install but do last longer than above-ground pools. Bear in mind, inground pools might negatively affect the resale of your home, and not everyone is okay with the required maintenance and expense of owning a pool. Above-ground pools are easier to remove.

• Sizes Above-ground pools can be as large as an inground pool. Most above-ground pools have a uniform depth rather than having a deep end and shallow end in the pool.
• Maintenance Inground and above-ground pools require about the same maintenance. It is more difficult to clean an above-ground pool if it does not have a deck.
• Longevity The average above-ground pool will last 7 to 15 years and above-ground pool liners last about six years. The durability of an inground pool depends upon the type of pool. Inground pools last at least 10 years, and some will last over 20 years.

Advantages To Affordable Decking For Above Ground Pools

There are a number of advantages to finding affordable decking options for above ground pools. For many people, they dream of having a pool in their backyard but believe they simply cannot afford it. Often people see pools as an extravagance and cannot rationalize the cost.

However, the cost of the pool, while important, may not be a large as a deterrent as once thought. There are ways to have the pool that are affordable while still giving many the ability to have a pool.

The most obvious advantage to affordable deck options is the price. We all have a budget that we must work within and when installing a pool, it is important to stay on budget. Affordable options will not soak up all of your money.

The size and material of the deck make a difference in the price. For example, you may be able to use composite materials and get twice the deck for half the price than other more expensive materials. It is crucial that you explore all of your options when determining what material to use.

It may be worth it to you to get a much larger deck space and to use a more affordable material. On the other hand, you may have a compact space for the deck and you can use a material that is more expensive because you need less material.

There are a number of advantages to an above ground pool and affordable decking. Even when you are on a budget, you can get the pool you have been dreaming of.

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Above Ground Pool With Automatic Cover

An above ground pool with an automatic cover? Yes! It can be done with a wooden deck built around the pool. A cover reel sits in the box at the end of the pool, and pull ropes run through the aluminum tracks that run down the side of the pool. Automatic covers offer unparalleled safety for any pool type, keep the pool clean, and save big bucks on pool heating costs.

The raised pool deck surrounding the pool keeps excessive leaves from blowing into the pool. Recessed lights illuminate the raised transition during evening hours. This 18×36 ft. above ground pool is built fully above ground, but the pool deck gives the illusion of an inground pool.

Free Above Ground Pool Deck Plans You Can Diy

Having an above ground pool is an excellent addition to any backyard. Having a backyard oasis with a deck and a pool takes everything to an entirely new level. We have found seven free above ground pool deck plans for you to build your own pool deck. There are hundreds of different styles out there when it comes to pool decks, and even if one of these options is not your perfect fit, it will give you a great starting point to tackle this project.

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Consider How You Will Be Attaching A Pool Cover

Covers for above ground pools are designed to wrap around the top rails and then a draw wire is pulled in tight underneath. With this design, the cover is then wrapped over the entire top of the pool including the top rails and top connectors.

If the pool deck is flush with the top rails of the pool, then there will no room to wrap the cover over the top rails and draw the cable tightly underneath. This will be a big problem as you wont have a way to secure the cover.

Keeping your deck elevation at least a few inches below the top rails of the pool will allow room for the cover to be firmly secured under the top rails.

Oversized Step Section And Walkway

Heres a pool that was dug out halfway, or about 24 deep. It was then likely backfilled with drain pipe and gravel. Next, they framed a composite deck for a path around the pool and an entrance platform.

On top of the half-height pool deck is an oversized step entrance system that I just love! Even though its not large enough for 4-Piece Wicker Seating Set, it does give a nice spot to sit and dangle feet in the pool.

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Will An Above Ground Pool Affect My Insurance

Talk with your insurance provider to be sure you comply with your policy and are covered for any issues that might arise associated with owning a pool. Typically, you will need to install protective fencing for a pool to be covered on insurance. However, in most cases guests are covered for any injuries that may occur while in the pool.

Intex 1836 Pool With Composite Deck

This luxurious 18×36 Intex pool deck plan is not something you rush within the weekend, especially if you are building one by yourself. It takes quite a while to make, but it is worth the time.

This pool deck is the type you use for hosting pool parties, and it has different levels and different sides. There is space around the pool for people to hang out, and there are other corners where you can have a peaceful conversation with someone.

This fantastic pool has three levels, and it has a gate to prevent children or your pet from getting into the pool accidentally.

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