DIY Swim platform for my AG Intex pool

[Himmerj]

I'd really would like specifics for this neat project. I'm actually building it for my pups. What material is used for the top of the platform and how do you weigh it down? Thank you.

 

[zea3]

Composite deck boards were used on the top. You can fill the pvc with sand prior to gluing it together.

Please feel free to tailor the size to your liking. My measurements may not be exact so please cut at your own risk!! This should give you the basic idea on how to assemble and the materials needed.

Build Instructions
40-50 feet of 1" PVC pipe
(8) 3 way 1" pvc fittings
(8) T's 1" pvc fittings
(18) 2.5" Stainless steel screws
(18) Stainless steel locking nuts
(1) 12' Composite Decking Board
pvc glue

*It's best to dry fit all parts to check for any adjustments before gluing together.

Pre-cut all pvc lengths and label in the following order:

• A. (8) 20"
• B. (4) 19.5
• C. (4) 13"
• D. (4) 5.5"

I use a sharpie to label, but a grease pencil would work just as well. Begin constructing your bottom rectangle by connecting a 3 way on the ends of (2) A's. Next you will need (4) B's and (2) T's. In the opposite end of the 3 connect B followed by a T that is facing up. Should look like an upside down T. Now connect a B. You should now have a complete rectangle. Insert (6) A piece's to all fittings. This completes the bottom and the height. Set this aside and assemble the top rectangle. Starting as before with a 3 way on the end of (2) A's. Next comes (2) C's and to the ends place a T that has the open end facing in towards the rectangle. Add D to the other end of the T. Add another T that is facing up. Next add a D and another T that is facing in towards the rectangle. Add the last (2) C's to complete the rectangle. The final (2) A's connect to the T's that are facing in. You can now connect the Top rectangle to the bottom you set aside and make sure that it all fits together nice and square. Cut the Composite board to (3) 3 foot lengths and verify that they are long enough to lay across the top with at least 1" over on each end. If everything looks good begin to glue fittings together. This is the hardest part so take your time and be sure everything is square. Now that you have glued everything together turn the box upside down so that the bottom is on top. Drill a series of holes through the pipe and fittings to allow water to fill. **There are some photos that show this. Turn the box back so the top is facing up and lay the boards leaving about 1.5" gap between them. Mark each board where it lays across pipe and drill two holes through the board and the pipe. Do this for all boards. Insert the screws and secure with locking nuts. I counter sink mine so that they would not catch on little toes or swim wear, but this is optional. Drill a few holes in the top pipe to allow water in.

Here's a link to view photos of the bench that may be helpful when building. http://s751.photobucket.com/user/Jen_Grewe-Wheaton/library/Pool Bench photos?sort=3&page=1
Enjoy!!

 

[chayne]

i really love this idea. i think a trip to home depot this weekend is necessary. i did notice that in your list that you said to drill holes to allow water in. does just the water alone allow it to stay put pretty good? do you leave it in the pool all the time or take it in and out? just curious how that composite stands up to pool water

 

[zea3]

The person who started this thread has not been back in a while, but I would think you need to weigh it down with sand or concrete. I don't think it would hold enough water to weight it down. Also I think drilling holes would allow algae a place to grow inside the bench.

i really love this idea. i think a trip to home depot this weekend is necessary. i did notice that in your list that you said to drill holes to allow water in. does just the water alone allow it to stay put pretty good? do you leave it in the pool all the time or take it in and out? just curious how that composite stands up to pool water

 

[chayne]

i appreciate the info.

 

[MelEids]

Hello everyone. I will be making this bench this weekend. I was just wondering if any of you have made it and if so were the measurements listed pretty close. I will be following those exact. I would just love to hear some feedback before I get started.

 

[Flying Beagle]

MelEids, thanks for bringing this up. My little ones are all good swimmers but our new AG pool is deeper than they are. This is perfect for them.

 

[Mermaid Mama]

Hello everyone. I will be making this bench this weekend. I was just wondering if any of you have made it and if so were the measurements listed pretty close. I will be following those exact. I would just love to hear some feedback before I get started.

Would you please update us on how it goes? I need to make one of these too?

 

[Mermaid Mama]

I found a similar diy swim platform here Shallow End for above ground pool

 

[Mermaid Mama]

Here is another huge one that is pretty fancy. The finished product on 3rd page. DIY Indoor & inground pool near Vegas

 

[LANash]

No idea if anyone will come back to this, but I can't see the images in Photobucket and am hoping to make something just like this. Would love to hear more from @JenniferW!