After pricing these out I decided to experiment with my own build. My material of choice was treated lumber since it will be on my deck. It works great, simple to build, and no bearings or special materials needed. I used 1 1/4" black pipe coupled together for a span of 18'. 1 1/2" pipe may be a better option for spans greater that 20'.
Materials:
One 2x8x7 treated plank
One 4x6x7 treated post
Four 90 degree angle brackets
Two ten foot sections of 1 1/4" black pipe
One 1 1/4" coupler
Two 1 1/4" 90 degree elbows
Box of 1 1/2" galvanized screws
Two 8" angle brackets
One 1 1/4" threaded end cap
I only needed 18 feet of black pipe to cross the span of my pool, and I had the left over 2 feet cut down into one 4" union and one 6" piece for handle (only threaded on one side). The entire cost was about $70 from my local Home Depot.
Step 1. Cut 2x8 plank down into two 30" pieces.
Step 2. Cut 4x6 post sections down into two 15" pieces.
Step 3. Bore 1 1/2" holes through one end of the 4x6 posts, centered 3" from end.
Step 4. Center 4x6 posts 12" from the end of one of the 30" planks.
Step 5. Attach angle brackets to posts and secure post to plank (I predrilled these to prevent splitting on the ends).
Step 6. Add end brackets (I used framing brackets for these, they hand down about an inch below the plank and hook on the edge of my deck).
Step 7. Bring pedestals to pool area and assemble the black pipe between the bored holes.
Step 8. Assemble 1 1/4" elbows, 4" coupler, and 6" threaded pipe into a handle and attach to one end of the black pipe. Put 1 1/4" end cap on other side.
Step 9. Attaching cover to black pipe. I used a single bead of silicone adhesive and wrapped the cover around the pipe. Then tie wrapped every foot along the pipe.
LOL
