Who says you can't put a round peg in a square hole?When you build a deck around a pool, you instantly increase the value of your recreational investment.This article will show you how to build a rectangular deck around the pool.After you build your gorgeous new deck, you will be able to eat at your pool or beach.
Step 1: Measure the size of the pool.
You should have an accurate record of the pool's diameter and height.The dimensions for the deck will be determined by this.
Step 2: Determine the dimensions of your deck.
Plan a lot of width between the edges of the pool and the deck to make it easier for swimmers to walk.
Step 3: Obtain any permits you need.
If you want a building inspector to come to your home, take your rough plan to the local building department.The inspector will give you advice on regulations for stairs, handrails, guards and other elements that may be subject to municipal codes.Draw up your final plans based on the inspector's recommendations and requirements, and get all necessary permits before you begin building.
Step 4: You can choose what type of deck you want.
The pressure-treated wood is generally fine.
Step 5: Put stakes in the ground around the pool to lay out the deck.
The outside perimeter of the deck can be established by pulling a string line from the corners.We'll assume a pool of 21 feet.There is an interior post at the edge of the pool.The next post is 4 feet away from that point.The edge of your deck should not be more than 4 feet away from a post.If you want to find out how many interior posts you need, you have to take the distance from the pool to the post and divide it by 2 to get the total.That will give you the measurement.To get the number of posts you need, divide that number by four.The pool is 21 feet in diameter and the post is 1 foot from it.18 posts are needed for the inner ring.
Step 6: The top of the ground is where the piers should be installed.
Purchase concrete piers with sockets that accept treated wood posts to support your deck.Most places in the U.S. allow this type of construction, but verify with a local inspector that this is acceptable.The piers should be placed at the exact locations you marked for your posts.There are two sides of the pier.When the footing is level in both directions, adjust the ground.
Step 7: The opening on the top of the concrete piers has a post in it.
To mark a line on the posts, lay a 4-foot level across the top of the pool cap.
Step 8: There are posts on the piers.
Measure and draw another line below the line that you drew.The pool cap should be equal to the width of the floor frame, the deck and the additional 1/2 inch for expansion.The posts should be cut to the length that you marked.The posts should be placed inside the piers.
Step 9: The treated deck supports should be around the perimeter of the pool.
The side of the interior pier that faces the pool should be screwed into the deck supports.Attach the supports to the interior piers with deck screws.Make sure the supports are level.To make sure the supports are square, use a square at the corners.
Step 10: The outside perimeter of the deck can be marked with a set of 2 x 6 deck supports.
Attach the supports to the outer side of the piers with deck screws.Make adjustments if the supports are level and square.
Step 11: 3 1/2 inch galvanized nails are used to hold the toenail joist hangers to the interior of the supports.
The insides of the deck supports should be hung with one joist hanger every 16 inches.The center of each joist hanger should be 16 inches.The middle of the board is on the 16 inch mark.
Step 12: 2 x 6 treated wood deck floor joists should be placed into the joist hangers.
10d galvanized nails are used to nail the hangers to the joists.
Step 13: If the deck is more than 30 inches high, install diagonal braces between the piers.
The sides of the pool should be parallel to the braces that run between the interior and exterior piers.
Step 14: The deck is from the outside of the pool.
Expansion should take place 1/2 inch away from the edge of the pool.The edges of the board should be adjusted with a jigsaw.There is a way to allow for drainage and expansion.If more expansion is expected, you can use 1/2 spacers.Look at the edge of the perimeter supports.Cut any spots where the deck juts out over the supports with a circular saw.
Step 15: Precut railing posts are required around the perimeter of the deck.
The precut posts should have a notch at the base that fits against the edge of the deck.Use lag screws to secure the posts.The posts need to be installed at every point.It's important to leave an opening for your stairs.
Step 16: Between the posts, slip the boards between them.
The top of the decorative element should be flush with the base.Attach the boards with deck screws after pre-drilling a pilot hole.Attach the joist hangers to the boards first to make it easier to install.
Step 17: Attach the board between the posts with a 2 x 4 cut.
If you want to screw it to the wide side, use deck screws.There is a cap for the railing.
Step 18: Installation of 2 x 2 balusters with a 45 degree base encloses the guardrail.
To plumb each baluster, use a level.The balusters should hang parallel to the posts.The bottom should be facing out.The baluster needs to be screwed into the railing at the top and the floor joist in the bottom.
Step 19: The left and right stair stringers should be on top of the concrete blocks.
The blocks will keep the ground from getting wet.
Step 20: Make sure the stringers are level.
Step 21: Attach the upper ends of the stringers to the floor joists.
Step 22: Your stair treads should be supported by interior stringers.
You will need 1 for every 2 feet of stair treads.Unless your stairs are more than 4 feet wide, you will only need the 2 exterior stringers.
Step 23: To finish the stairs, screw 2 x 12 boards to the stringers.
Step 24: There is a gate.
If young children have access to the pool area, build a gate to keep them out.Children will be playing near the pool if there is a lock on it.