Need A New Pool Deck

[D45]

This past fall, I updated the outside patio deck:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330610

I found various PT wood tags, dated 1993 and 1994.......so I can only assume the deck around my pool was also built around the same time

The current pool deck is in sad shape, I barely felt comfortable enough with it last season.........so my plan is to slowly start demolishing it, even though its the winter

By the time Spring hits, I can start working on it and hopefully have it done by the time pool season is here

I have electrical running around the pool, with two dual duplex setups and two single duplex. I have never used the single duplex outlets and most likely I will just delete them.

The pool is a 27 footer (IIRC) and the entire deck is unstable and wobbles, probably due to the 2x4s (2 nailed together to create a 4x4) that were used for upright posts

My main concern with the current deck is that it runs around the entire perimeter of the pool........this is nice, but it also is a huge PITA for covering and securing the tarp (because there is no room to hang the cover over the pool sides). I am thinking about removing the pool surround and not re build it this way, just a main deck area

I need to tear everything out, it is all dry rotted and falling apart. I used AZEK for the 12x20, but I will just used PT for the pool deck.

It was built poorly, but it obviously did the trick and lasted for around 25 years........I cant find any bolts, just all nails and screws. It also appears that it was built completely out of 2x4s...........not 2x6s especially for the joists

I will also need to built some stringers for the detachable stairs off the concrete pad

I also will need to replace the ground level landscape timbers, that help to hold the river rock in.........they are also dry rotted and falling apart


Any tips or suggestions? This will probably be a 4 month thread

 

[wirt]

I couldn't imagine trying to cover the pool with the deck al, the way around, I have a 4' walking deacon that leads to the big deck on the back and that's a big enough pain. Lol

That aside this is what I did, like I said the "path" is about 4' wide and the back deck is 14x22. Half of it is covered with the gazebo and the other half is full sun. We have two sets of stairs going off the back, one out to the years the other goes right down into the garage bathroom.
I used all PT lumber and all the posts are 6x6.

 

[Bob275]

It's actually nice to cover the pool with a deck around it... but not when the deck is even with the rails. I built ours with the deck about 12" under the rails. It's nice to cover it but you need to be sure people who use the pool are smart enough not to sit on the rails, not a problem for us as it's just the wife and I most of the time.

 

[nit2wn]

Nothing to add as you're above my skills. I will make one suggestion. We bought our house knowing the deck was done with. the floor was ok but hand rails were complete trash. I tried lag bolts and long deck screws to patch it along. I finally found a guy to agree my terms of just refloor it and hand rails since the framing was fine. I tore off the old stuff and he did the rest including new steps. He agreed to try the Fiberon stuff from Lowe's for hand rails. It's not cheap, but the stuff doesn't rot [plastic] seems to have held up fine the last 4-5 years, and you just pressure wash it off. Our old deck fell apart due to lack of care, never had any water sealer at all. I usually reseal it every 2 years with a quality sealer. The hand rails were the best thing I done though.

 

[D45]

Thanks for the input.......reskimming isn't a option, it all needs to go, even the "posts" are swaying and need to go

I think it will be somewhat easy, just replace the current posts with legitimate 4x4 posts, which will greatly help to stiffen things up. Really it will be a remove and replace

Even the floor joists are just 2x4s......no 2x6s anywhere

 

[D45]

What's the size needed for joists, 2x6 acceptable or 2x8s?

I know the length will determine the board size......and I also found this: "2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks"

Mine is about 4'-5' tall

 

[930dreamer]

I built a deck on one end of our former 17x29 Splash above ground pool. I didn't have the room to have a side deck (close to the fence) but it would have been nice to be able to walk around the pool for cleaning.

 

[D45]

It also appears that the deck surround, around the current pool, is holding the walls up

I cant see or find any other type of wall support for the pool

So, this might turn in to a larger project.......with a new pool? Hmmmm. The current pool walls are sinking in spots and again, I have no clue how old the pool is

 

[930dreamer]

Above ground metal pool will have vertical supports equally spaced around the pool, if your pool is missing any= time for a new pool.

 

[D45]

Missing any.......I don't have ANY!!!!!

I also looked under the deck today......no metal hangers were used

Again, it worked and lasted this long.....but it's time to tear it all out, maybe even the pool too

 

[D45]

 

[930dreamer]

The brown uprights next to the wood grain side wall are the supports. They fit into a base along the bottom and the same for the top rail/cap.

 

[manwithtools]

Those brown uprights next to the wood grain look like 2 x 4's to me. I think D45 is right, he doesn't have any vertical supports. It could be the deck is what holding that pool together. Surprising from the shoddy construction that it has not collapsed.

 

[D45]

Yes, those brown uprights that are against the walls are 2x4s

 

[930dreamer]

If it ain't broken.......

 

[D45]

If it ain't broken.......

Unfortunately I feel like it's going to be a liability, especially with how much we use it

It wobbles, alot, and I am not sure it's worth trying to repair any part of the deck

A demo job and new build is worth it, in my opinion

 

[Augus7us]

Aren't there supposed to be some kind of factory supports on the sides and around the top of the pool for one that size? My parents have one about that size for the grand kids and it has metal supports along the sides and around the top of the pool.

Just wondering if that deck is keeping it from having a blowout?

 

[driftpin]

A couple ways to see about some plans.

Why don't you get bids for a replacement pool? Pay for the architectural drawings. See how they do it.

The jurisdiction should have a permit history for it, perhaps you can get the plans submitted at that time. They may be electronically stored.

 

[D45]

With out a doubt the deck is keeping the pool in place

 

[D45]

Most projects in my area are done without permits......additions, fences, sheds, decks, etc

 

[manwithtools]

A couple ways to see about some plans.

Why don't you get bids for a replacement pool? Pay for the architectural drawings. See how they do it.

The jurisdiction should have a permit history for it, perhaps you can get the plans submitted at that time. They may be electronically stored.

There are no plans on file for that debacle, guaranteed....

Bids for a new pool will amount to nothing of value. 16 x 24 above ground pool = X$. No architectural drawings are coming from any above ground swimming pool company, assembly drawings - maybe?

 

[Bob275]

Is the pool side actually wood grain? Or is that skinned with a thin plywood and the pool supports are behind that? I don't think I've ever seen a wood grain pool...

 

[D45]

They are thin metal sheets, with a wood grain finish (large decals?)

 

[D45]

What are you talking about? There are no plans on file for that debacle, guaranteed....

Bahahahah. Simply hilarious

 

[930dreamer]

Yes its time for a new modern pool. Look on line and make sure the package includes the pump,filter, ladder etc.

 

[D45]

I would really like to find a pool without the pump, filter or ladder......already have those

I am sure it's possible to buy just a pool, without any accessories

 

[D45]

I would imagine pool installation would be easy, since the ground is already flat

I bet demo will be fast and easy for the pool and the deck

 

[D45]

One week left of pool season...…...then the old pool will be completely drained next weekend

I think it should take me a few weeks to demo the old deck, working only weekends and mostly by myself

I have a something like 6 outlets to work around and 2 switches, but then should be easy to cap off and deal with

 

[DGersic]

Turn the breaker off, cut and cap the wiring out of the way, then blow the whole thing up.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[D45]

A friend wants all the old wood, so as long as I cut it all up in smaller 2' sections, he will take it all

Chainsaw will be perfect

 

[driftpin]

I've seen what happens on a fire/EMS call from someone doing demo w/a chainsaw, when the weekend warrior catches a nail. You don't want to use a chainsaw!

Use a sledge to knock it apart, w/a demo blade on a reciprocating saw to make the cuts. A worm-drive saw might work, and since you use two hands for it, could offer you more control. Use a demo blade there too.

A friend wants all the old wood, so as long as I cut it all up in smaller 2' sections, he will take it all

Chainsaw will be perfect

 

[D45]

I will use a chainsaw,, but thanks for the concern

 

[73fxe]

Don't use the old wood for fire wood. It has arsenic as a insect killer, not good to breathe.

 

[D45]

Not using it as firewood, I am aware of the chemicals in the wood

 

[D45]

The entire top portion of the deck has been removed, in under two hours just with a small hammer

It all came apart so easily and with little effort, very dry rotted

I am now thinking about a ground level paver patio or maybe just a poured concrete slab......just ideas

 

[D45]

This weekend, I hope to have all the boards off the top of the deck and all the top boards surrounding the pool removed

 

[D45]

The entire deck is made from 2x4s...........no 2x6s or 4x4s to be found

I am wondering if the sistered 2x4s are even set in concrete

 

[D45]

The top boards surrounding the pool are gone, as well as the vertical handrail 2x4s

Most of the top boards on the large portion of the deck were also removed

Did all this in under 2 hours.........this weekend I will kill the power and remove all the wiring, back to the first junction box/outlet box

I found this cool switch plate, that flips the switch........I have 3 or 4 of them, on the upper portion of the deck. Possibly used to control outlets?

 

[D45]

The decking around the pool came down fast and easy..........was just sitting in the river rock, about 3" deep. That's it, not anchored and no concrete

I also removed all the electrical, from the main buried 1" line. I will install a temp outdoor junction box for the winter

One thing I noticed, and I am not sure if this is normal, but the pool walls seem to be one contiguous roll. There is only one seam that is connected via 36 small bolts. Normal or?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Looks like the previous owner bought a pool liner and wall, then built everything else on his own. Not a very effective way to go cheap...

Tommy