How to Build the Perfect Pool Deck, Part 1
A good
deck is essential to any great outdoor space, especially if you have a pool.
Although a pool deck may seem like an impossible feat, it is far easier than
you could ever imagine. The first step to any great deck is to deal with the
subgrade or underlying ground upon which the pool deck is to be built. The land
that the deck is being built on is just as important, if not more important,
than the pool for which the deck is being built.
There are
a few different reasons that a pool deck may settle and bow; the first is an
unstable subgrade. In most cases, backyards have a slope to them, so they will
need to be leveled prior to building. When filling in the area to make it
level, you have a few different options. The first is to let the fill dirt
settle. This is a great option, as it allows builders to compensate for natural
leveling and eliminates the need to bring in large equipment. Another option is
to bring in stone, concrete, or other premium fill materials, which is more
expensive but is also much faster. After you have leveled the subgrade and
gotten the ground ready, you need to consider drilling your holes.
It is
essential that you first mark the holes prior to drilling them. With the proper
auger attachment, a bobcat is generally large enough to drill the holes
that are necessary for driving your deck posts. The auger generally only drills
until it reaches virgin soil, or soil that has not been worked on before. You
then need to drop in your pier forms. This is the best way to ensure that your
holes do not fall in on themselves and allows you to add your piers. Piers
offer a stable support system to help ensure that your deck stays stable
through all settling.
After your
piers have been set, you then need to fill them with concrete to help add even
more stability. After you fill your piers with concrete, you can drive your
posts to ensure that they are stable, level, and ready to support your pool
deck. Building a deck does not have to be impossible. With the right
information, anyone can build a deck that is solid, sturdy, and even beautiful.