pole setting question?

[beersed]

Newbe here. I am thinking of building a pole barn & will be using PT 6x6 poles. My question is should I paint the poles where they go into the ground before back filling with dirt or just leave them alone? I have heard not to pour concrete around poles and I think this is for allowing moisture to escape. I live in NW Pa. and would need the holes to be about 4' deep for frost line.
Any help or suggestions you can give would be appreciated

 

[mtwaterguy]

No need to paint the posts. Use cement for pad to set the posts on and back fill with rock to allow moisture to escape.

 

[kbs2244]

You don't want to put wet concrete in the hole and then the post.
That creates a vase like container that will not let any water out.
But that is mostly a fence post or mail box post worry.
Your posts will be covered at the top and sides and should pick up too much moisture.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

You don't want to put wet concrete in the hole and then the post.
That creates a vase like container that will not let any water out.
But that is mostly a fence post or mail box post worry.
Your posts will be covered at the top and sides and should pick up too much moisture.

Around here the inspector made me put 12" of concrete in the hole under the post. We let it dry for a week or so before setting the posts. He told me that some will set the post the next day or even that afternoon if the concrete went in in the morning. Good luck with your build, Mike