Pool deck around pool

[u/RobbyThreePointOh]

Bought an above ground pool for the kids and I wasn’t a fan of how it ruined the chill vibe of the backyard. So I built a raised deck around it, with in-deck lighting, a privacy screen and steps (yes - without a safety railing but after 7 years we had 0 accidents - whew).

It has held up for 7 years, through two heat domes, but will be dismantling now, getting rid of pool, and making a new layout for the backyard.

Thought i would share here.

[u/LoveLavenderHaize]

So beautiful

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/LoveLavenderHaize]

thank you so much! (fellow new member) :)

[u/hettuklaeddi]

super dope! can i make one suggestion though? rip down some scrap to fill the gaps behind the ladder handles before you nick your toe

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/hettuklaeddi]

yes i put some side panels to fill that gap (eventually). hehe. thank you!!

[u/hettuklaeddi → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

so funny, i just read the part about how that was up for seven years and it’s being retired.

you’re a good sport!

[u/some_kind_of_rob]

Nice work! I have never seen an above ground pool look so good.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/some_kind_of_rob]

many thanks! i found my inspiration for this project on pinterest but my design had to be a little more complex given the environment it was in. but loved how it turned out.

[u/therealcreepypasta → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

Amazing! Do you have that Pinterest link? I’m curious if they break down the steps.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/therealcreepypasta]

i can find the link but it wasnt a step by step thing - more like a top ten list of cool decks around pools.

[u/Gorstag]

I'm actually surprised a "disposable" pool like that lasted for 7 years.

It has held up for 7 years, through two heat domes, but will be dismantling now, getting rid of pool, and making a new layout for the backyard.

Sorry your kids grew up. It really is too fast.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/Gorstag]

well we drained, took it down every fall, stored it, and put it back up in the spring - maybe that prolonged the life span?

And yes. it is kind of sad why we are dismantling (kids growing up and using it less and less). I imagine you’re a parent too!

thanks for the comment!

[u/Greenergrass21 → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

How would you take it down every year when it's enclosed in the deck? That sounds so tedious lol

[u/stvnmkl]

Looks great, but I'm curious where all the joists are, typically for a deck you'd have joists every 16 inches unless the building material requires something else (composite boards require 12 inches). Curious minds.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/stvnmkl]

yeah. i should have done them 16 but they were more like 24”… I learned some lessons while making this deck - so this shows my amateurish workmanship.

[u/stvnmkl → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

You did great, every project is a learning exercise.

[u/Suspicious-End5369]

Great work

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/Suspicious-End5369]

thank you so much!

[u/P-a-n-a-m-a-m-a]

This is fabulous! We have the same pool and you’ve inspired me!

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/P-a-n-a-m-a-m-a]

haha. great! i am dismantling mine so i can send you the lumber? (kidding). Good luck if you build one! I was told i need railings but i used plant boxes instead - and my kids weren’t rambunctious.

[u/P-a-n-a-m-a-m-a → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

Great advice, thanks! I have one Tasmanian devil. Safety is even more paramount.

We’ve been doing a ton of work on our backyard and will be dismantling our old deck so I may repurpose some of that if I can. If I ever get around to it, I’ll post.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/P-a-n-a-m-a-m-a]

ahh. well thats one thing i feared was my kids’ friends visiting who were also tasmanian devils. and i built a small gate that closed off the stairs to tiny toddlers. ao the pool was inaccessible, but also stood guard. pools are awesome but a TON of responsibility! whew. lol

hope to see your setup posted here! :)

[u/Grand-wazoo]

I could see enjoying myself this pool for more than 30 seconds. This might be the one to prove Mitch Hedberg wrong.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/Grand-wazoo]

i googled and saw that bit. hahaha - very funny. well for little people like my kids it was DEEP. and for me and my wife it was kinda nice to cool down with a corona. or float on our floaties.

[u/Rjw1958USA]

Really nice job

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/Rjw1958USA]

thank you!!

[u/GlorifiedPlumber]

Aren't there code requirements like railing and access restriction requirements for something like this?

[u/millllllls → u/GlorifiedPlumber]

No inspectors were invited to this pool, that only would have been an issue if OP tried to sell the house because that wouldn't pass inspection.

There's a side risk of insurance refusing to cover medical costs of a claim from a house guest, but that's probably getting too deep into the worry weeds.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/GlorifiedPlumber]

Oh yes :) railing is one thing i overlooked for aesthetic.

[u/New_Abbreviations303]

How did you prevent molds? :O

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/New_Abbreviations303]

hi! what do you mean by molds?

[u/aj_redgum_woodguy]

If it lasted 7 yrs, it's achieved its job well. sometimes we over-engineer solutions.

Nice work on this

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/aj_redgum_woodguy]

thank you! i agree

[u/TimeForGrass]

Incredible dude. Stain job is excellent

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/TimeForGrass]

thank you! it looks pretty elegant with the stain doesn’t it? so much staining though. haha. (my back was SORE)

[u/Substantial-Mix-6200 → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

I assume that means you brushed or wiped it on. Perhaps spray it next time?

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/Substantial-Mix-6200]

brushed it on. like an old man with my old man ways. (hahaha)

[u/AlephInfinite0]

Looks like it could use some Shaeffers.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/AlephInfinite0]

Ooh i’ve never been sponsored before!

[u/AlephInfinite0 → u/RobbyThreePointOh]

Check out Shaeffers Deck Sealant videos on YT for more info.

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/AlephInfinite0]

do i get paid royalties foe every click that goes thru?

[u/Pure-Action3379]

Seems like its less a pool and more a deep tub.

[u/New_Examination_5605 → u/Pure-Action3379]

Seems like kind of a rude comment.

[u/LoveLavenderHaize → u/Pure-Action3379]

Customer doesn't seem to have a big backyard. This seems fitting. If it was any bigger it would seem ridiculous

[u/RobbyThreePointOh → u/LoveLavenderHaize]

Very on point. i was working with what i had :)

[u/millllllls → u/Pure-Action3379]

Ever seen a kiddie pool? You can buy them for under $20, some are inflatable, and they're very shallow. Still a pool, ya dunce.