Deck Post Footings

[fastleft]

I know this isn't the most appropriate place to post this, but I'm sure more than a few of you have built decks and stuff outside the shop! Hope its not a problem.

I'm building a deck around a portion of my above ground pool and I submitted plans, got the permit, etc. Next step is to dig the post holes and line them with sonotubes. Need to leave them open until the inspector comes to measure/see the depth. I called today and there is a 1 week wait for the next appointment. My concern is that one good rain could soak the tubes and cause them to collapse... expecially the ones that are within 2 feet of the pool. If the ground gave way under the edge of the pool it would be a disaster for sure. Anyone have any idea if this is a valid concern or am I just being paranoid? I was thinking of covering them with heavy duty garbage bags and plywood squares to protect them.... do you think that is sufficient?

Thanks in advance for any input you might have.
Tommy

 

[JeremyManning]

I would call and ask if you can take pictures of the holes with a tape measure showing the depth and outline your concerns, can't hurt to ask.

 

[1500hd]

Yes you need to worry about the tubes getting wet from the rain! When I built my deck I had ten tubes I wrapped them with plastic before I dropped the them in the ground. One day later it rained like a "#%@*" almost lost 3 tubes. I would not wait 1 week if chance of rain. Seems inspector could squeeze one minute inspection into his schedule!

 

[brownbagg]

sonic tube wont be damage, lowes keep them outside anyway, they are wax coated

 

[ConCretin]

You should be able to purchase a rain resistant sonotube. "Rain guard" is one brand I'm familiar with. If you cover it with poly it should stand up long enough to get an inspection.

If I ever find myself in an area where my post holes need to be 'inspected', I'll find a new place to live. Good God!

 

[jrsulo]

Its new jersey.....im looking over deck plans for a customer right now....taking a break on here !!!!!

 

[rasit]

Dig them the day before he gets there and be ready to pour them as soon as he leaves, weather permitting. You may also consider using PVC pipe as your tube.

 

[csp]

Why do the tubes have to sit in the holes for a week until the inspector comes?

Put them in the holes the day or night before the inspection.

Am I missing something that would make this the not-so-obvious solution?

 

[sawatch]

For a deck this light,self standing, and not attached to the pool for support I would think a 12" sono tube that's 12-16" in length would hold things nicely using correct centers. I'd use an 8"anchor bolt and a 4x4 post base [Simpson 444] then pt wood post & framing.
If it's gonna be a heavy/decorated structure then permitt specs would call for something re-****-uless.

Whatta rip! Have to wait for him to look at your "hole".

 

[fastleft]

Thanks for all the replies. I agree the whole situation is fairly ridiculous, but as mentioned it is New Jersey after all! I got the permit because the deck will act as the entry point to the pool and as such must meet the gate/barrier requirements.... don't want any problems in the future.

The inspector told me that the footings had to be 12" diameter by 30" deep. As recommended previously, I plan to place an anchor bolt and use the appropriate Simpson base for the 6x6 post. My concern is not so much about the tube getting wet as it is about the holes closest to the pool causing the base of the pool to collapse in the interim.

Ideally I could take a Friday off and dig them, have the inspector that afternoon and cement the next day, but that doesn't seem like it's going to work out.

I'll look into the rain guard tubes and possibly even the pvc although I expect that might be pretty expensive. I'm also going to call and ask about the taking a picture idea... that seems to be too easy to ever work! (hmm... Maybe a video of me pouring the cement in each one?? lol) I even thought about putting a piece of pipe or conduit or something next to the tube so he could measure down that??

Something so simple should't cause me to have to think this much!

Thanks again guys for the info.

 

[James E]

Wow, makes me glad I live in NC. Code here for a low deck only involves four solid cinder blocks dry-stacked under grade.

'Course, the "footings" still need to be inspected, which I find hilarious.

 

[csp]

Whatta rip! Have to wait for him to look at your "hole".

That's typical anywhere that there's frost to deal with. Gotta have the footer below the frost line.

 

[tcianci]

By all means call the inspection department and ask about acceptable alternatives, I have been allowed to do the stick next to the tube technique. Make sure you carefully explain your concern about the footings nearest to the pool and how a rain event could put you in a world of hurt. If they have no acceptable alternatives, you may be forced to dig just before the pour but many times an inspector will make allowances for site conditions, his job is to make sure the construction is done to code, not bust your stones.

For all the guys who were amazed at a footing inspection is required... There are many parts of the country where frost is a real issue and making sure a footing is based below the frost line is necessary. Also, it ensures that your structure will not go through seasonal heaving which will only result in your project looking like **** and requiring periodic repairs.