How to build an Above Ground Pool Deck Part 1of 3

The first thing you need to do is to check with you local government to see what laws they have pertaining to building decks. They are all different where ever you live. This is a picture of the finished deck. notice it has an overhang. I used 2x 8 boards on top to keep it from bowing.because of the overhang. Normally you can use 5/4 decking boards

The next thing you need to do is decide how you want it to look. In the case of this deck I followed the instructions of my customer. They wanted it to go between the wall and the pool.and have a ladder coming up the one side.

1. The first thing I did was drive stakes in the ground placing the edges of the pool where it was to be.The I ran string around the outside to give me an idea of what it will look like. Then make sure that it is square and all sides are perpendicular to each other. The easiest way to check square is to measure across each corner and see if they are the same in the form of an X. if they measure the same then it is square. Next run a string around the perimeter of of the posts. This will help you to figure out how many you will need and what length by measuring from the ground up. You will also know where to dig your hole's and to be able to line up posts.

2.The next step is to decide where to put your posts. I like to keep them every 4 to 6 feet.There are different ways to set posts but I am only going to show one way.It is my preferred way. The tools needed for this is a shovel, post hole digger and a hole digger. see photo. A

3.Starting at the corner post first dig below frost line or at least 2 feet deep. The frost line is different from location to location. Insert a 4 x 4 pressure treated post high enough to go to deck level. So depending on the grade is how you determine the length of 4 x 4. I always make sure it is long enough and cut off whatever is extra. Get a bag of concrete mix. I usually put 1 bag per hole. Mix fairly wet in a wheel barrow or small motar box see photo B. After pouring in cement mix, check for plumb and square to the other poles by looking at string. YOU MUST DO THIS QUICKLY OR THE CEMENT WILL START TO SET UP.

4. After all the posts are in. Notice that i kept the post at least 1 1/2 inches from pool sides to allow the cover to be put on in the winter. That is also why the deck is kept higher then the pool. See photo C

5.After all the posts are set then I leave them set for a least a day. Starting next to the pool you must decide on the height of the finished deck. I usually take a small piece of the material and use it as a gauge, I put the piece of material next to the pool and make a mark on the bottom to determine where the height of the floor joists are going to be.You will also need a level.The longer the better, I use a 4' level. Mark where each of the floor joists are going onto the 4 x 4 post using the level and scrap of decking. Going off of this spot you can use a piece of string to decide where the top of each board is going and putting the level on the string to ensure it is level. See Photo D

6.Next start to cut your 2 x 8" material to the proper lengths to span between the 4 x 4 post already in the ground.I tack them with 1, 2 1/2 screw till i have put all the out side boards up. That way ther you can adjust them if needed. After all the boards are up See Photo E. I then secure them with a at least 2 Lag Bolts 1/4 x 3". driving them with an electric drill with a socket that fits the head. Make sure that they are Exterior Grade. Or they will rust and look bad later. See Photo F

7. Next lay out your Joists on 16" centers. Putting a joist hanger at each location. Securing with exterior screws (1" or 1 1/4") or by driving a galvanized nail 1" long to secure. See Photo G

8.Cut and Install floor joists. Checking for a bow in the length of the board. Always put the bow up. Because with the weight on the board it will go down.

9. Cut off extra 4 x 4 at the top of the joists as you go. I always use a Saws all with a fairly long blade. See Photo I

10. Any angle boards See Photo J use hanger on one side cut angle on the other side to maintain 16" on centers

11. Next start cutting the decking boards for the top. iI order to get the angle I used a square on the edge of the pool and made a mark on the board on both side. Then cut the angle that was there. See Photo k. Continue cutting and nailing boards across the top using Galvanized Ring Shank Nails See Photo L.These nails go in but will not work them selfs back out. Any nails that stick up hammer down. Note I used a Nail gun to do so. I also used 3 nails per joist. 3" long.

Another Deck Design http://handymanbill.hubpages.com/hub/Two-Level-Above-ground-Pool-Deck

Part 2 will be Adding Steps

Part 3 Will Be Installing Privacy Fence and Handrails