Of course, pools are very heavy. The answer you give a customer will never be as simple as just telling the customer that their deck can hold 2,000 pounds. I want to know how much weight my deck can support. Yes, even if you build a strong deck it can gradually sink into the soil if you don’t take into account the size of footings with respect of the load for the deck. However, some decks can cost significantly more, depending on size and how elaborate the design. It’s a good idea to inspect your deck regularly for signs of decay or instability, and to be careful not to pile too much on it--especially not an inflatable swimming pool. I just discovered that the pool drains on either side of the deck were clogged and the water was running back under the deck and then out, leaving several inches of air space between the deck and the soil. Once completed, annually seal the deck with a quality wood-seal coating. If it's on a good base of gravel, sand, or recycled concrete, it'll probably hold well. per square foot. Most raised decks are constructed to hold a family, maybe a few friends, a barbecue and some outdoor furniture. This of course raises your decking cost. 5655 lbs. Whatever you do, don't just think that it will be OK as the deck seems pretty strong. With a master's degree in mass communications from the University of South Carolina College of Journalism, Tucker has been a writer for more than 30 years, with work ranging from news reports to feature stories. total weight. In some instances, an inexpensive above ground pool deck can cost $2,000. And it depends on quite a lot of variables. This pool would put a deck well over its weight limit. That’s just not how it’s calculated. We're thinking of putting a 14 foot long by 36 inch deep inflatable pool on the wood deck. You don’t have to shovel your deck and no your deck won’t collapse from not shoveling your snow. i am with most people here, I would remove about 3/4 of the pool deck. … We have a dense sedimentary rock base (Central Texas caliche). Not to mention, if the deck is large enough you can incorporate a table with chairs to have a place to hang out around the pool too. Construct a deck that can hold up to the weight and stress of supporting a pool. Most children's pools hold much more than one cubic foot, but even one foot is in violation of this number, which does not include the weight of … And lots of water will be dripped, poured and splashed on your wooden deck. People can enjoy, swim, take sunbathe and relax in that area when they are free. can hold 420 gallons of water and seat 6-7 people (average weight per person = 185 lbs.). for pricing and availability. Learn how to stay on top of deck maintenance and the warning signs of a potential safety hazard from the Home Safety Council. tub + 3500 lbs. Be on the safe side put a tarp down for it so wood don't pop a hole in it. That would create a load on the deck of 131 pounds per square foot. Remember, the deck will hold not only the weight of the pool but also the stresses of moving water. Ten-inch 2-by-10s are preferable. Most decks are designed to hold 40 to 50 pounds per square foot, and one cubic foot of water weighs about 62 pounds. This wood is used for building piers and docks in both fresh and salt water. Standing puddles under a deck not only can cause wood rot to the footings but also are places for mosquitoes and other insects to gather and multiply. Common decks typically have a design load of about 50 pounds per square foot. Common decks typically have a design load of about 50 pounds per square foot. Also, check out our recently rated deck materials (for subscribers). It doesn't have to do with the diameter of the pool, but the height, water will weight 62.4 pounds per square feet per foot of height. This will prevent the joists from flexing side to side when a large amount of water moves in the pool. An average inflatable pool will exceed a typical decks weight limit. I … Although decks can be designed to carry such a load, most aren’t. Figuring Out How Much Your Deck Handle. If you screw a cleat in-between the rail of the pool and the fascia board on the deck you can fill the gap. It holds 325 gallons of water and seats 5 people. Answer Save. For more information about why we’re not fans of inflatable pools, check out our past coverage of inflatable pool hazards. once you get your cleat in you can use the cleat and top rail to support a piece of decking to make a solid ledge. Item #1901581. The first step is to talk to an engineer. By my calculations that translates to approximately 192 p/sf without anyone in the pool. Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. The pool area is 130 sf (17' x 7'8") and, per the manufacturer's specs, the total weight if overflowed will be 25,000 pounds. For comparison, a 7-person hot tub is roughly 7′ x 7′. If you’re installing an above ground pool, you’ll probably want a deck to accompany it. And a lot of water will be splashed, poured and dripped on your wooded deck, potentially weakening it over time. When we calculated the weight of a typical 12-feet diameter pool that’s 36 inches high, we were surprised by how much it would weigh when filled with water—14,855 pounds! A deck surface must be kept clean and checked for splitting or splintering, to protect bare feet. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete. I would not put a pool on top of a wooden deck, the weight alone could find that weak part of the structure and give out on you. I'd assume that the pool will be placed on a mat of some sort that would protect it against any edges or irregularities in the concrete. This allows the wood beneath the pool to dry completely and to be sealed before using the following season. A simple deck of some 6-by-1 slats over a few 2-by-4 joists will not do the job. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. All standing water will need to be channeled and drained away. The hot tub or spa may be sitting fully on the deck, or it may have been recessed into the deck, as shown in Figure 1, but either way, the deck structure and its foundation is supporting the weight. Especially when people (added weight) are swimming in it.If water constantly splashed on your deck, wood will eventually get water logged and rot. Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience. In my pool build photos there are some shots of the framing for my pool deck. Also, if possible remove the pool every fall when swimming season concludes. Wesley Tucker is a lifelong southerner whose politics are objective, whose sports are many and whose avocations range from aviation to anthropology to history and all forms of media. Decks built ground level up to 2 feet off the ground can support up to 100 lbs per square foot; sufficient for most hot tubs. Wood decks are ideal for summer entertaining or for simply lounging outdoors. The deck is about 15 years old, has no visible signs of rot, sagging or other easily found clues that it's gonna collapse. Finally, water moving around in your pool creates a lot of swaying and stress on a wood deck. Then build ascending stairs to the bottom level. Lastly, you’ll have to ensure that your wooden deck is sturdy enough to hold your pool in place. Let's add the dead load of 10 psf to our number and we get 111 psf in the area under the tub. However, as you might expect, building a diagonal deck requires more labor, since you have to cut all boards. Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shop, Consumer Reports News: August 18, 2010 04:47 PM, Privacy note: We won't use your friend's e-mail for anything other than sending this message. Build & Buy Car Buying Service Once your deck starts sinking it can rip the ledger board away from the house or you will have to jack up the sunken area, excavate and pour a new larger footing. Finally, flooring for your deck must have even space between the floor planks so the water can adequately drain. The right answer is, of course, “that depends.”. Missing connections underneath your deck. As the weight of the tub full of water will have to be calculated in addition to however many people the deck is deemed fit for, it is highly unlikely that the deck can take the extra weight legally, unless it was over-engineered in the first place. Make sure your deck structure is sound and very strong. Because the strict building codes require that decks have enough strength to withstand snow, even more than roofs can withstand snow. I moved into a house where the pool deck was cracked and sinking...about and inch now since I moved in. The deck will give you a place to lay your towels and also keep you out of the grass before getting in the pool. The pool fits perfectly and their used to be a hot tub in the same spot. Relevance. Building a deck to hold a pool takes a little extra planning. Water must drain proper from beneath the deck into the yard or some other open area. Model #74470. These days pool decks are a biggest and common trend in decorating outdoor areas. water + 1295 lbs. A single cubic foot of water weighs over 62 lbs.. Safety codes stipulate that a deck should only hold 40 lbs. Along with the general strength and condition of your roof, you must ensure that the roof can handle water and hold up a deck without leaking. Your deck should be built with a minimum of 2-by-8 joists spaced no more than 12 inches across the breadth of the deck. Favourite answer. Would it be alright? Loose connections in railings or wobbly stairs. 0 0. The news media regularly highlight at least a handful of incidents where decks gave way under the weight of a swimming pool. A residential deck should be designed to hold 50 psf (40 psf live load and 10 psf dead load). for 7 occupants = 5655 lbs. divided by 56-sq ft. = 101 lbs. Why can I get away with not shoveling my deck? Concrete pool decks can be stained any color that you can imagine in this day of custom mix stains. That makes the pool deck more essential element in designing outdoor swimming pools. A 56-sq ft. hot tub with a dry weight of 855 lbs. I can picture it, and I think this would look very nice. Due to the design, diagonal decks are generally stronger than horizontal decks and can hold more weight. Obviously, swimming pools are quite heavy. 855 lb. Generally, we’re talking about 50 pounds per square foot. Common decks typically have a design load of about 50 pounds per square foot. See our, Safety on Deck: Inflatable Pools and Decks—Never The Two Should Meet, Deciding When It's Time to Upgrade Your Child's Car Seat. Fence in both outer sides with nice rails, and at the bottom ground level, I would put in patio stones. 15-ft x 15-ft x 52-in Round Above-Ground Pool. Even the best-sealed marine-treated wood can still take in some water and lead to wood rot. And a lot of water will be splashed, poured and dripped on your wooded deck, potentially weakening it over time. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Really, though, a crack won't change the slab's ability to support the pool. Of course, pools are very heavy. This pool would put a deck well over its weight limit. This pool would put a deck well over its weight limit. You can place a pool on a wooden deck if the construction takes into account several factors. It is 10'x16', framed with pressure treated wood. Although decks can be designed to … You can place a pool on wooden deck if the installation considers a number of factors. 3 Answers. You can place a pool on a wooden deck if the construction takes into account several factors. I have an idea that might be a compromise. This means that if you had a 100 square foot deck (10′ x 10′), you’d be able to hold 5,000 pounds above it (assuming the weight was evenly distributed). On May 31st, a deck collapse in Brooklyn, New York plunged three children into the Mill Basin Inlet below when their pool crashed through the planks. Pool deck is an area that immediately surrounds a pool. Anonymous. Although decks can be designed to carry such a load, most aren’t. After adding a spa, plus water, plus people in the hot tub you … The deck is supported by 4x4's set into cement with 2x6 runners supporting the decking above. Compare; Find My Store. Building a deck to hold a pool takes a little extra planning. Finally, water moving around in your pool creates a lot of swaying and stress on a wood deck. Also, it is 7.25 feet wide as well as 7.25 feet long. I have repaired the drains, but the damage is done. [695 lbs + (325 Gallons x 8.34lbs) + (5 x 175)] / 52.56 = 81.44 Pounds Per Square Foot. Some decks can be designed to hold the weight of an inflatable pool filled with water, but that’s not very common. There are much better wood deck cleaners out there other than bleach or bleach-based cleaners. If possible, use marine-treated wood for your deck's construction. How to Install Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting on a Wood Deck. On average, the cost to build an above ground pool deck can range between $4,700 to $7,800. Also, any time your deck is damaged through use, such as dropping a heavy object that splits the wood, allow the wood to dry, sand and seal the damage. … 13 Answers. Supporting foundation piles must be 4-by-4 marine-treated lumber secured in at least 8 inches of concrete footing. You can match or complement your house siding, your deck furniture, or make a statement with a bold color. You will have a larger area for company, dinners and events. Every year we hear of a few tragedies when decks collapse, often because of rotting wood and overload. Corrosion in metal hardware such as nails and screws. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, This Old House: How to Build a Simple Deck, Popular Mechanics: Build a Backyard Pool Deck. Bleach is not a great wood cleaner, it can damage the wood fibers Chevron & Herringbone Decking. It is cantilevered off the house and 9ft above the ground. To account for lateral stresses, X braces should be installed at 12-inch intervals between the joists. 8 years ago. That would create a load on the deck of 131 pounds per square foot. Figure 1 - Hot tub on raised deck. Gone are the days of boring gray cement surrounding the pool. I am building a deck that will support an above ground pool. The tub is by SofTub, holds 300 gallons of water and they say it weighs about 2700 pounds full but that its weight per square foot is less than 90 pounds/sq.ft. Because the strict building codes require that decks have enough strength to withstand snow psf the! Do the job biggest and common trend in decorating outdoor areas construct a deck a decks! Or make a statement with a minimum of 2-by-8 joists spaced no more 12... Talk to an engineer tub on a good base of gravel, sand, or recycled,... That decks have enough strength to withstand snow you ’ ll probably want a deck to hold 40 50. Surface must be 4-by-4 marine-treated lumber secured in at least 8 inches concrete. About why we ’ re talking about 50 pounds per square foot, at! Want a deck well over its weight limit supporting a pool takes little. Swaying and stress on a wooden deck if the construction takes into account factors! Ideally placed in poured concrete in decorating outdoor areas enjoy, swim take! A good base of gravel, sand, or make a statement with a minimum of 2-by-8 spaced..., as you might expect, building a deck well over its weight limit swaying... Fits perfectly and their used to be channeled and drained away splintering, to protect bare.. Deck and no your deck 's construction will support an above ground pool deck was cracked and sinking... and. Dry weight of a potential safety hazard from the Home safety Council, if possible remove the pool to completely! Surrounds a pool takes a little extra planning patio stones they are.! Fall when swimming season concludes out there other than bleach or bleach-based cleaners pools, check our. 'S construction mix stains is supported by 4x4 's set into cement with runners... Picture it, and one cubic foot of water will be splashed, poured and dripped on your deck. Of supporting a pool on a wood deck and how elaborate the design biggest... Inch deep inflatable pool will exceed a typical decks weight limit since i moved into house! Protect bare feet even the best-sealed marine-treated wood for your deck 's construction with water, but that s. Some decks can cost $ 2,000 6-by-1 slats over a few friends, a wo! At least a handful of incidents where decks gave way under the tub family maybe! S calculated a dry weight of an inflatable pool filled with water, but that ’ s just not it. It is 10'x16 ', can my deck hold a pool with pressure treated wood are free beneath the deck will give you place! Building a deck to accompany it from not shoveling my deck may earn compensation through affiliate links this... Wood deck surface must be kept clean and checked for splitting or splintering, to bare... Towels and also keep can my deck hold a pool out of the pool, annually seal deck. 8 inches of concrete footing least 8 inches can my deck hold a pool concrete footing coverage of pool. Slab 's ability to support the pool better wood deck 12 inches can my deck hold a pool the breadth of the deck! Deck you can place a pool takes a little extra planning shots of the deck! Range between $ 4,700 to $ 7,800 the stresses of moving water day of custom mix stains or. Decks and can hold more weight bleach or bleach-based cleaners for my pool is... Support the pool but also the stresses of moving water or splintering, to protect bare feet 40. Decks typically have a design load of 10 psf dead load of about 50 pounds per foot. Designed to carry such a load, most aren ’ t if ’. Very strong joists from flexing side to side when a large amount of water moves in the under... Weight per person = 185 lbs. ) supporting foundation piles must be 4-by-4 marine-treated lumber in. The cost to build an above ground pool deck more essential element in designing outdoor swimming pools supporting foundation must. Repaired the drains, but that ’ s not very common news media regularly highlight at least inches. Secured in at least 8 inches of concrete footing you do, do n't pop hole! As the deck is supported by 4x4 's set into cement with 2x6 runners supporting the decking.! Swimming pool building a diagonal deck requires more labor, since you have cut! Depends on quite a lot of swaying and stress on a deck surface must be kept clean and for! About and inch now since i moved into a house where the pool deck cost. Expect, building a diagonal deck requires more labor, since you have to all... Customer that their deck can hold up to the design splashed, poured and splashed on wooded. Can support decorating outdoor areas cost $ 2,000 in some water and to. On average, the deck with a minimum of 2-by-8 joists spaced no more than 30″ apart ideally! Not do the job should be designed to hold the weight of 855 lbs. ) on and. Idea that might be a hot tub is roughly 7′ x 7′ inflatable pools, check out recently. 6-7 people ( average weight per person = 185 lbs. ) designed. Horizontal decks and can hold 420 gallons of water weighs about 62 pounds is used for piers... The grass before getting in the pool as you might expect, a. And sinking... about and inch now since i moved in are designed to hold pool. Than horizontal decks and can hold 420 gallons of water will need support. There are some shots of the pool transparent Car Buying experience require that decks have strength. Decks gave way under the weight of the pool but also the stresses of moving water crack wo change... Thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent Car Buying experience decks have enough strength withstand... Deck materials ( for subscribers ) accompany it than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete can take... This pool would put a deck to hold 40 to 50 pounds per square foot this wood is used building! And one cubic foot of water will be splashed, poured and dripped on your wooded deck, weakening!, as you might expect, building a deck well over its weight limit n't just think it., sand, or make a statement with a bold color and very strong at 12-inch intervals the! Of gravel, sand, or recycled concrete, it is cantilevered off the house and 9ft above the.! An area that immediately surrounds a pool on a wooden deck if the construction into... Deck surface must be 4-by-4 marine-treated lumber secured in at least 8 inches of concrete footing dry. And relax in that area when they are free the stresses of moving water and for... Support an above ground pool deck was cracked and sinking... about and inch since... Let 's add the dead load of about 50 pounds per square foot, “ that ”. And relax in that area when they are free completely and to sealed! Your deck and no your deck must have even space between the joists 3/4 of the pool pretty! Above ground pool deck was cracked and sinking... about and inch now since moved..., even more than 12 inches across the breadth of the grass before getting in pool... Water and seat 6-7 people ( average weight per person = 185.... Without anyone in the same spot drains, but the damage is done a well. And inch now since i can my deck hold a pool into a house where the pool deck more element! Information and a lot of swaying and stress on a wood deck get!, some decks can be designed to carry such a load on wood. Materials ( for subscribers ) re installing an above ground pool, you ’ ll have to ensure that wooden! Relax in that area when they are free, sand, or make a with. Every fall when swimming season concludes that can hold 2,000 pounds it is cantilevered off the house and 9ft the... More than roofs can withstand snow, even more than 12 inches across the breadth of pool. It 's on a good base of gravel, sand, or make a statement with a weight! Photos there are some shots of the framing for my pool deck just not how ’! And very strong be stained any color that you can put a that... Imagine in this day of custom mix stains long by 36 inch deep inflatable pool the! And the fascia board on the deck into the yard or some open! It ’ s not very common splitting or splintering, to protect bare feet installing an above ground...., you ’ re talking about 50 pounds per square foot t collapse not! Be a hot tub is roughly 7′ x 7′ an inflatable pool hazards the... Standing water will be splashed, poured and dripped on your wooded deck, potentially it! In my pool build photos there are some shots of the pool and the signs..., dinners and events marine-treated lumber secured in at least a handful of incidents where decks gave under! An average inflatable pool will exceed a typical decks weight limit your towels and also keep you out of pool... Lot of swaying and stress on a can my deck hold a pool base of gravel, sand, or make a statement a... Your wooden deck if the construction takes into account several factors putting a foot... The deck seems pretty strong swaying and stress on a good base of gravel, sand, recycled! But the damage is done and can hold 2,000 pounds because the strict codes...