How to build a low-level deck next to a pool?

[alexanderCa]

Hi all, these forums have been very helpful in planning my poolside deck. I have a few questions from the experts which I havn't been able to find yet though before I submit my plans. 

I am planning on building a deck alongside this pool. 

The ground slopes gradually away towards the pool filter, so I originally planned a combination of bearers on stirrups and posts on stirrups. After consulting span tables I have landed on 175*75mm F14 bearers and 100*50mm F14 joists. Plan to use SS joist hangers and screws. Noggins arent on the plans, but will incorporate. 

Here are my plans so far: 

Here are my main questions:

**Does anyone see anything obviously incorrect about this design? I have consulted the forums and Allan Staines' manual and will use for fixings and joints. There are no site drainage issues, just pool water splashing. 

**I would have prefered to use stainless steel post supports given deck is poolside. 75mm isnt available, so that would involve levelling the ground to allow enough room for a stirrup and post on the high side. Is that worth it, it will mean the site doesn't drain as freely as currently. Is Gal sufficient? It is a mineral rather than salt pool. 

**Am I overthinking this and should I just mount H4/H5 posts into the ground and be done with it? 

**What life expectancy am I gaining by using stirrups and hardwood rather than posts in the ground and potentially pine bearers and joists? 

**I was planning on joining the bearers with a half lap joint and a nail plate on the side. I assume the best place for this is above the post, but this will block a nail plate on one side. Should the join be somewhere else? 

Thanks all for you help in advance

[JacobZ]

Hi @alexanderCa,

It always seems to be the way that the clear skies disappear shortly after you've dug holes for concrete footings. Having bailed water out of quite a few footing holes over my time, I feel your pain.

I like the idea of using a bottomless bucket as a formwork to raise your footing that little bit above the ground. It's a pretty ingenious solution to tell you the truth. Nice work.

Your set out looks good and I'm sure you've set yourself up for success as you move into the construction of your frame.

Awesome work so far. I can't wait to see your deck progress.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @alexanderCa 

Have to agree with @JacobZ , thats a nifty idea with the bottomless bucket to raise the footing a bit Wish I had thought of it years ago! 

Looks good and yep, all my holes filled up with water serveral times as I was digging it. Kinda like washing your car, you just know its going to rain:)

Cant wait to see you continue along the project

Dave