I started building the deck in September of 2002 right after the pool went in, I'll be skirting it this month, September 2003 - a full year to build the deck (by myself). The deck's main beams are dual laminated green treated 2x10's sitting on vertical 4x4's that are attached to 15 - 12" diameter concrete filled Sono-Tube forms buried 4 1/2' deep. I had a Bobcat with an auger drill the 15 holes for me, then I took it from there... The pool's heater/pump/filter units are enclosed with deck railing and spindles for safety. You can literally fry eggs on the top surface of the 100,000 BTU heater when it's running. The pool toys are stowed in the "under the stairs" storage area.
All set up and ready for entertaining.
The 15 year old Crabapple tree became part of our deck when we decided not to cut it down but rather, incorporate it. It provides natural shade all summer to that part of the deck and is a favorite spot for the potted plants to sit on those hot summer afternoons.
A nice aerial shot showing the herringbone and straight board patterns. The multiple patterns help to add a little variety to a large deck surface.
The pool-side deck level adds yet another geometric pattern as it follows the shape of the pool...
The far right side of the picture below shows the 6' cantilevered overhang of the 4-Seasons room. The area underneath is in permanent shade and is where we keep the cooler full of ice and cold drinks. It is the entrance to the pool equipment storage area too.
The 3rd deck level we call the "Boardwalk". It sits on "Dek-Block"(s). I spent more time leveling the blocks than I did building the balance of that level! When they're finally level, they make a great foundation...
The lowest level of the deck shows (left to right) the old Doughboy filter, trash and recycle cans, refrigerator, door to the pool equipment storage area, coolers, and a hose reel, all stored here under the 4-Seasons room addition.
A look inside the pool equipment storage room. It sits on a poured concrete slab and is insulated 2x6 stud construction.
The South staircase that leads to the Pool Cabana (which is currently under construction - next picture).
The last detail this year is to skirt the deck all the way around. The 4x4's that are sitting on "Dek Blocks" in the picture are there to provide me with a place to attach the lower 2x4 that will support the skirting boards. I'm using the vertical deck boards method to skirt the perimeter.
The skirting gives the deck a finished look and discourages "Critters" from moving in.
A view of our project looking to the Northwest.
A view looking to the Southeast, towards the pool... Notice the outdoor electrical outlet on the deck's face board. There are 6 of them around the deck to eliminate extension cords. The surrounding trees have lights in them that we plugged into remote control switch units so that a single press of a remote control button and the whole yard comes to life!
Nighttime on the deck, following a full day of swimming.
Torches and twinkle lights cast a soft glow over the deck at night. Great for entertaining!
