The inspector will give you advice on regulations for stairs, handrails, guards and other elements that may be subject to municipal codes. Draw up your final plans based on the inspector’s recommendations and requirements, and get all necessary permits before you begin building—especially electrical permits, if that will be part of your new deck.
Mark the location of an interior post about 1’ (30 cm) from the edge of the pool. Locate the next post 4 feet (1. 2 m) away from that point. The perimeter edge of your deck shouldn’t be more than 4 feet (1. 2 m) away from a post. To find out how many interior posts you will need, add the distance from pool to post, multiply that by 2 and add it to the diameter of the pool, then multiply the total by pi (3. 14159). That will give you the circumference. Now divide that number by 4 to get the number of posts you will need. In this case, the post is 1 foot (0. 3 m) from the pool, and the pool is 21 feet (6. 4 m) in diameter: (1x2 + 21) * π ÷ 4 = (23 * π) ÷ 4 = 18. 06. You will need 18 posts for the inner ring.
Place the piers at the exact locations you marked for your posts. Check two sides of the pier with a level. Keep adjusting the ground until the footing is level in both directions.
Below the line that you just drew, measure and draw another line. The distance between the 2 lines should equal the sum of the width of the pool cap plus 1-1/2inches for the 2" x 6" decking, 5-1/2 inches for the 2" x 6" floor frame, and an additional 1/2 inch for expansion. Cut the posts to the length given by the second line that you marked. Place the posts back inside the piers.
The deck supports should be screwed into the side of each interior pier that faces the pool. Screw the supports to the interior piers using 2-1/2 inch deck screws. Use a level to make sure that the supports are level. Also, use a square at the corners to make sure that the supports are square.
Screw the supports to the outer side of the exterior piers using 2-1/2 inch deck screws. Confirm the supports are level and square, and make adjustments as needed.
Adjust the edges of the board that rest near the pool wall with a jigsaw as needed. Use spacers between decking boards to allow for drainage and expansion. 1/4" or 3/8" spacers are common, but you can use 1/2" spacers if more expansion is expected. Look at the place where the decking meets the exterior edge of the perimeter supports. Use a circular saw to trim any spots where the decking juts out over the supports.
Use 3/8-inch x 4-1/2 inch lag screws to secure the posts to the supports. The posts should be installed at every point where a joist meets the supports. Make sure to leave an opening for your stairs.
You may attach 2" x 6" joist hangers first to make the boards easier to install.
Use a level to plumb each baluster. The balusters should hang parallel to the posts and should be positioned at 4 inch intervals. The beveled in should be at the bottom facing outward. Screw the baluster into the 2" x 6" railing at the top and into the floor joist at the bottom.
