Nearly all above ground pool customers build some sort of deck up to their pool at some point. For the customer or Family Leisure to be able to change a liner or service the pool in some way in the future, certain deck building guidelines should be followed.
- When setting posts, be sure not to get too close to the pool so as not to disturb the blocks supporting the uprights of the pool or the backfill. This can cause the pool to become unlevel or cause sand to wash out from under the pool. [Note: all posts should be set on virgin soil, not on backfill]
- The deck boards should not cover the top seat of the pool or any hardware that may have to be removed later. The ideal deck height should be about ¾ of an inch below the lowest part of the top seat. Also, the deck boards should not but up against the pool wall. They should go under the lip of the top seat but remain a couple of inches off the pool wall.
- Many pool designs have hardware that must be accessed from under the top seats. Make sure the deck boards are notched or cut in such a way as to allow the hardware to be reached with at least whatever tool is required to remove them.
- Most counties consider a deck to be a permanent structure that has to meet all setbacks. Just because the pool was approved does not mean the deck will automatically be. Check with your local codes department to be sure.
