We own a 16x32 Kayak above ground pool with a deck extension (aluminum) of around 10 ft off of one short edge and about a 2' deck surrounding the other sides.
Overlooking the pool we currently have a screened in porch and also a 12 x 16 deck at a heigh approximately 6' above pool deck level. We are about to have it rebuilt with Trex synthetic decking . We'd like to "fill" the existing space with new Trex decking that's all at the same height as the existing pool deck creating a much larger, 2 tiered space that's uninterrupted (since going out a gate, down a flight of stairs, lowering a ladder, then going up more steps is kind of a pain [I know - first world problems...]).
My concern is thinking through the best solution to joining the new decking to the existing aluminum Kayak deck. I have a few issues:
- I need to ensure that we have a method to cover the pool properly over the winter. The existing cover anchors to clips that attach to the edge of the pool. I would need to either leave enough gap between the existing pool deck and the new Trex planks to allow getting the clips in position (an inch gap perhaps?) or find a new way to anchor the pool cover straps on that long edge of the pool that faces the new decking.
- If I did it that way is there a product made to span the gap to keep people from tripping, or things falling under the deck through the gap?
- Is there a better way to anchor the pool cover to a wood deck such that I could get rid of the clips for that side?
- Is there any advantage / disadvantage to making the new deck at the same level as the existing pool deck, vs. perhaps stepping it up 6-8 inches? I'm concerned that if we build at exactly the same height it might settle and be uneven over time. If we built it stepped up that would be a non-issue over time but it might not look as nice and could present a bit more of a trip hazard around the pool.
Thoughts (diagram below)?
Overlooking the pool we currently have a screened in porch and also a 12 x 16 deck at a heigh approximately 6' above pool deck level. We are about to have it rebuilt with Trex synthetic decking . We'd like to "fill" the existing space with new Trex decking that's all at the same height as the existing pool deck creating a much larger, 2 tiered space that's uninterrupted (since going out a gate, down a flight of stairs, lowering a ladder, then going up more steps is kind of a pain [I know - first world problems...]).
My concern is thinking through the best solution to joining the new decking to the existing aluminum Kayak deck. I have a few issues:
- I need to ensure that we have a method to cover the pool properly over the winter. The existing cover anchors to clips that attach to the edge of the pool. I would need to either leave enough gap between the existing pool deck and the new Trex planks to allow getting the clips in position (an inch gap perhaps?) or find a new way to anchor the pool cover straps on that long edge of the pool that faces the new decking.
- If I did it that way is there a product made to span the gap to keep people from tripping, or things falling under the deck through the gap?
- Is there a better way to anchor the pool cover to a wood deck such that I could get rid of the clips for that side?
- Is there any advantage / disadvantage to making the new deck at the same level as the existing pool deck, vs. perhaps stepping it up 6-8 inches? I'm concerned that if we build at exactly the same height it might settle and be uneven over time. If we built it stepped up that would be a non-issue over time but it might not look as nice and could present a bit more of a trip hazard around the pool.
Thoughts (diagram below)?
