An above ground pool platform provides a solid base for your swimming pool to support the pool liner and heavy objects. This article will guide you through how to build an above ground pool platform.
In the first step to building an above ground pool platform, you’ll need to begin by laying out your outdoor space. Take measurements of your yard, especially if you have trees or other obstacles that could interfere with your design. When you are satisfied with the positioning of your pool box, mark it with stakes and string. This will give you a visual idea of what it will look like from every angle.”
An above ground pool platform is a great way to increase the safety of your swimming pool. Whether you’re buying an above ground pool or building an expensive in-ground pool, the cost of buying one of these attractive wooden platforms is small compared to the value of knowing that your family and friends are safe while they’re enjoying their backyard water adventure.
Above ground pools are an excellent way to save money, but the lack of a deck can make the pool look awkward. By building a platform around your pool, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of an above ground pool without having to constantly get in and out of your pool. Once you’ve built your platform, you’ll also have access to a nice area for relaxing or hosting parties. While there are several ways that you can build a platform for your above ground pool, one of the most popular is using six 2×6 boards (which should each be 10 feet long) and three 4x4s (which should each be 8 feet long). This method works well because it’s relatively cheap and easy to assemble.
Get your materials together
- Make a list of all the materials and tools you will need to complete this project.
- Double-check that you have all the materials and tools listed on your shopping list. This is crucial! If you’re missing something, now’s the time to head back out to get it before you start assembling your pool platform.
- Plan how much time you will need for this project, as well as any other projects that may be coming up around your home or yard (like refreshing an old deck). Be sure to build in some extra time just in case. You don’t want to be rushed and make mistakes with important building projects such as this one.
- Keep in mind that even though this project only takes about half a day (or less), it should still be taken seriously: wear work gloves and eye protection when working with power tools such as drills/drivers; wear safety glasses when sanding wood surfaces; keep pets away from construction sites so they don’t get hurt by accidently getting inside nails or screws or worse yet chasing after them while they fly off into space because someone wasn’t careful enough with their hammering practices. These are just some examples but there are many more ways we could end up hurting ourselves without taking proper precautions like these beforehand.
Build the framework
To build the framework, use a level to make sure that the platform is level. Then, with a pencil, mark the locations of your posts on the ground.
Next, dig holes for each post that are at least twice as deep as your posts are tall (so if you’re using a 4-foot post, dig your hole 8 feet deep). Place each post in its hole and secure it with concrete or gravel around its base. Attach cross beams across two adjacent sides of your pool’s perimeter using lag bolts; secure them by drilling through them into one side of the decking and hammering in flat washers and nuts on both sides to secure them tightly together. Attach top beam across tops of two adjacent sides of your pool’s perimeter using short lag screws; these will serve as anchors for long lag screws that hold up decking boards later on when they are installed around edges where columns meet supports below grade level—it’s best not to load this structure until after all boards have been attached beneath ground level so that weight isn’t placed directly upon unsupported columns above grade level.
Deck the box
- Deck the box
You’re ready to build your pool platform and decking. Before you do, make sure that the ground is level by using a laser level or some other method. Use a tape measure to check distances between points on the ground, and use a carpenter’s level and spirit level to ensure that they are horizontal or vertical in relation to each other. If your site is not flat, this will be very important.
Install the pump
- Place the pump on a flat surface that is clean and level, such as concrete or a deck.
- Connect the garden hose to the side of your pool filter, then place it in an area with good drainage where you want it to sit before connecting it to the skimmer basket or main drain line.
- Attach any filter baskets (if they didn’t come with your pump) and connect them to the bottom of your pool’s skimmer line using elbow fittings if needed.
- Connect one end of a 90-degree elbow fitting onto each end of two lengths of PVC pipe, which will be used for attaching hoses later on; place these pipes together so they’re touching but not overlapping each other at all points along their length (they should form a complete circle when placed next to each other). Be sure that both fittings are facing outwards from one another when doing this step.
Finish it up
You can now enjoy your above ground pool. If you wish to install a pool decking, make sure that it is waterproof and won’t crack or break easily. You may also want to include a skimmer box and filter pump for better filtration of the water in your pool.
When installing lights for an above ground pool decking, make sure that they are either LED or solar-powered so as not to consume much electricity from the grid. Also, ensure that they are installed at specified heights so as not to pose any potential dangers to children who will be using them.
For added safety, install steps with railings on both sides next to ladders leading into and out of your above ground swimming area. This will prevent accidents from occurring when climbing in or out of your swimming hole during late night swims.
One of the most important steps in building a platform for your above ground pool is to make sure that you have everything you need before you begin.
- The first thing you should do before attempting to build an above ground pool platform is ensure that you have everything you need to complete the project. There are some common tools that will be necessary for this task, including:
- A hammer
- A saw (either manual or electric)
- A drill with bits and attachments for drilling holes in wood
- Screwdrivers of various sizes and types (flat head, Philips head, Robertson)
- Levels and tapes measurers
Final words
I hope this article has been helpful in giving you some ideas on how to build a platform for your above ground pool. If you found it useful, please share this article with someone who might benefit from it.
