Above Ground Pool Deck Construction Guide

Above ground swimming pools will once again grace backyards of so many American homes as summer approaches. It is no longer a surprise that millions of people own these temporary pool installations. Above ground pools are popular, because they are affordable and easy to put up. Plus, they require low maintenance than the in-ground ones. Owners can add structures to these facilities, like pool slides and ladders.

An important structure for above ground pools is a pool deck, which gives adds aesthetic appeal to an otherwise basic above ground installation. A deck eliminates the need for a ladder. At the same time, it provides a nice place for you to gather around the pool during a warm summer day.

Contrary to what you might have read online, the construction of an above ground pool deck is not that easy.

Do not even try to think of doing it alone even if you think you have basic carpentry skills. Consider this as a huge piece of work, in which you will need the help of a few people.

1. The first thing to do is to make a design plan of the pool deck. Determine where the stairs should be located. This will be your reference point. There are available pre-made stringers for the stairs for you to invest in, to make the project somewhat easier.

2. Pressure-treated lumber would be useful in building the under frame of the deck, whose height should be matched with the pool?s height. Builders recommend making the under frame of the deck a bit lower than the facility, because you will need the extra inches for the deck boards.

3. The main supports should be composed of 4?x4? posts. Bury two feet of these into the ground. Then, use 2?x4? posts bracing the posts in an intersecting fashion forming X patterns. You can use lad screws and bolts to attach these things. To attach the deck boards, use 2?x6? boards as floor joists, filling up the area of the deck. For the railing around the deck and along the stairs, use 2?x2? posts.

4. The deck boards will have to be attached to the stair runners and risers with steel screws. Note that the screws to use should be long enough to pierce through the thickness of the deck board and the stairs. Use the same type of screws that were used with the stairs when attaching the decking to the top of the 2?x6? joists. Make sure you trim the decking nicely to fit the shape of the pool.

5. Rail pickets should be at most, 3 inches apart. This makes sure that a kid?s head cannot get through the spaces and get stuck there.

6. Now, it?s up to you if you want to cover the bottom part of the deck. Covering it will keep the structures underneath the deck from view. You can use pre-made fence panels, but make sure that they are of fitting size.

Final advice: Make sure you use recommended materials, and that the construction is properly carried out. Loose wood attachments could pose safety risks.

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