Decks For Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools are very popular in many parts of the country. They are inexpensive and can be assembled and ready to use in a matter of hours. You can't beat that on a hot summer day! Most of these pools are great as pools, but aesthetically they aren't that nice-looking and don't really fit into their environment very well. Also, getting into and out of the pool can be a challenge as they usually only come with a small a-frame type ladder. Building a deck around an above ground pool is a wonderful idea. It offers many benefits like an easier way to get into and out of the pool, a place for entertaining, and a beautiful surrounding for your pool. This can also add an element of safety as you will be able to get totally around your pool easily and quickly.
The downside to a deck around an above ground pool is that they are difficult to build and can be expensive. You have to dig lots and lots of holes for concrete footings (in many cases you may need 72 holes three-feet deep!) all the way around the pool, and then additional holes if you are adding additional deck area for a sitting area. You then have to wait for the concrete to set, cut lots of posts, and build all the way around the pool. A couple of alternatives exist for your above ground pool. One option is the plastic deck kit. These kits are made from a plastic resin that is water-resistant, weatherproof and insect-proof. They assemble easily and quickly. However, they are expensive and small. They provide a small platform that may only be five feet square, or they may encircle pool for several feet. And they can cost as much as building a deck that totally encircles your above ground pool. Another option which is getting very popular is the use of Dek-BlockŪ piers. These are inexpensive concrete piers that lay directly on the surface of the ground. You simply lay these out anyplace you would have dug a concrete footer. This is a great system. No digging of concrete piers, no mixing of concrete, and very little back-breaking labor. You simply layout the blocks on the ground and place your 4x4 posts right into the pre-notched blocks. You then build your above ground deck literally from the ground up. You can easily complete a deck in a weekend. The costs of the blocks is less than you'd pay for the concrete for a pier, and as mentioned above, you don't have to dig any footers. These particular blocks are accepted by most municipalities as code legal and will pass inspections. However, before you use this system, call your local building codes enforcement office to double-check with them. You may need to provide them with the particulars of this system if they haven't seen it before. Adding deck to an above ground pool makes a beautiful addition to a fun place in your yard. A deck allows you to sit and relax by the pool, and take a dip whenever you want by simply slipping into the pool. You have a couple of options with decks for above ground pools. You just need to decide on your budget, the amount of time you have to commit to the project, and your skill level if you decide to do this yourself. |
