How to build a low-level pool deck over easement?

Hi Guys,

I just want a sanity check that im not doing anything obviously off with my poolside floating deck.

The area im decking next to the pool is an easement so no concrete footings or piers. I'm using the builders edge mini foot adjustable feet to support the joists with 450mm between every joist. rather than put directly onto the dirt im using pavers levelled with road base underneath to minimise movement. Do you think this would be enough to prevent movement? i can always bolt the mini feet to the pavers but i think the weight of the deck itself should be enough.

I can't have a ledger connected to the concrete pool edge because there is power and plumbing i dont want to risk piercing.

Also for the outside concrete edge i guess i would just have to mortar it? Although im not sure how to make it neat where it meets the dirt.

Cheers

Jon

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi Jon (@j1111),

Assuming you are compacting the road base before putting your pavers on top, there's no issue with what you are doing.

There's no need to bolt the feet down, the weight of the deck will hold it in place, but it also can't hurt if you'd like to. Just make sure the anchors don't go all the way through the paver as it could crack them.

Understandably, you can't use a ledger against the concrete and there are no issues with this, but you will need to add some blocking between the joists on the pool side and a rim joist at the far end to give the frame strength. See the below render as an example of what I mean.

From there, you can install your decking with a small expansion gap where it meets the concrete and an overhang on the outside and far edge of the frame to accommodate fascia boards.

This is the cleanest way I can see to finish your deck. I'm not sure what you mean by mortaring the concrete edge, but it wouldn't be necessary with this design.

I hope I have answered your questions well enough, but if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

j1111

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46850#Comment_46850

Thanks for your informative reply Jacob, yes i am compacting and levelling the roadbase prior to putting down the pavers. Btw what screws would you recommend for the wood?

The mortaring i meant was the outside bit opposite to the deck you can see in the photo under the glass fence. The tile has abit of overhang but the rest of the concrete looks abit messy so i was wondering how to mortar it so its neat where it meets up with the ground/grass.

Cheers

Jon

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85483#Comment_85483

Hi @j1111,

I didn't notice that in my original look. Apologies for that.

Yes, you'll want to use a mortar, specifically a mortar that can be applied in vertical applications. This Dingo 10KG Structural Mortar is a good option which can also be used below ground level.

It can be used in below-surface applications, so I would suggest digging out the dirt directly in front of the repair area, applying the mortar so it runs below the level of the dirt, allowing it to fully dry and then backfilling the soil that was removed.

This will give you a nice clean finish that runs down into the soil which will give it a nice clean finish.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

MitchellMc

Hi @j1111,

It sounds like you've already done your research on the easement, which is likely why you're not planning to build a permanent structure in that area. However, I just wanted to highlight that, even if it's not a permanent build, the deck could still pose some challenges if access through the easement is needed in the future, as it may be difficult to move.

Given that easements can vary, I’d recommend checking with your local council to confirm whether building a deck in this area is permitted and to ensure it won’t create any issues down the line.

Mitchell

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