How to build a freeform pool deck?

[thefoxeskingdom]

Wondering how to frame a deck around a free-form 80’s concrete pool. Will be removing pavers and trimming top roots of the tree above and removing and replacing the asbestos fence with 1800 timber. I’ll be running boards up to the lip. Substrate is compacted soil and it’s all sitting fairly flush. How to I frame around all the curves? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @thefoxeskingdom,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Funnily enough, the first deck I ever built was around a pool like this, and luckily, I still have a couple of photos I can show you.

You can see that the concrete pool shell is lined with short lengths of timber framing, which were bolted to the shell with Screw Bolts. 

The joists that met the framing lining the pool shell were cut at an angle, so they met the framing flush and then attached with batten screws. Each joist had to be measured and cut to the precise angle to ensure there were no gaps. 

I won't lie to you, it was a difficult build, and I was being supervised by two licensed builders, each with 20+ years of experience. 

Unless you were extremely confident and you checked to make sure everything would work, it would be best that you speak with a builder for their assistance, or at least to assess whether the pool shell is capable of supporting a deck in the same way this one was.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[thefoxeskingdom]

That’s great mate thankyou. Especially for the photos. I figured the short lengths hedging the shell was the way to go. This will be my 7th deck and I’ve more patience than money so I’m not too stressed about spending several days getting the cuts right. 
Your framing looks great. Nice hardwood.  Great work and thanks for the reply.  

[JacobZ]

Hi @thefoxeskingdom,

I've built a few since then, but as an intro to deck building, it was quite a doozy.

One bit of advice that I unfortunately learnt the hard way. Don't put your drill or impact driver on the pool shell. It is very easy to kick them into the pool...

Please keep us in the loop, I'd love to see how it comes together and help out in any way I can.

Jacob