I am planning to replace a deck that is above my above ground pool that is
16' x 32' and can't find info on the size of support beam to use.
The original deck is about 4' wide all around the pool with legs on cement
pads that seem to heave every year. I want to put in sona tubes and a
support beam all around the pool ( 2 rectangles with about 10" centres on
each perimeter) on posts and the deck framing on top of that. This would in
effect be 2 rectangles about 3' apart. Does anyone know what size support
beams would be required. I am thinking 2 laminated 2 x 8 but wonder if one
would be enough as they are only 3' apart from each other.. I would like to
keep the cost down but don't want a springy deck either. Any suggestions
would be appreciated.
Any other design suggestions would also be appreciated.
Thanks

In article ,
says...
I am planning to replace a deck . Does anyone know what size support
beams would be required. I am thinking 2 laminated 2 x 8 but wonder if one
would be enough as they are only 3' apart from each other..

The distance apart isn't as important as the span, which I
couldn't find in your post. I'd suggest browsing the book
section of your local building supply store. There's a
number of books with charts on span ratings and such.

--
Mark

The truth as I perceive it to be.
Your perception may be different.

Triple Z is spam control.

John van Veen wrote:

I am planning to replace a deck that is above my above ground pool that is
16' x 32' and can't find info on the size of support beam to use.
The original deck is about 4' wide all around the pool with legs on cement
pads that seem to heave every year. I want to put in sona tubes and a
support beam all around the pool ( 2 rectangles with about 10" centres on
each perimeter) on posts and the deck framing on top of that. This would in
effect be 2 rectangles about 3' apart. Does anyone know what size support
beams would be required. I am thinking 2 laminated 2 x 8 but wonder if one
would be enough as they are only 3' apart from each other.. I would like to
keep the cost down but don't want a springy deck either. Any suggestions
would be appreciated.
Any other design suggestions would also be appreciated.
Thanks


For a 3' span I would think that a single 2" x 8" would be sufficient.

One thing I would consider is that if your are replacing the deck it would
indicate that the pool is not new. Pools don't last forever. How much longer
will the pool last, and will you be able to get the concrete piers out once the
pool comes down?

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA

Excellent site for ideas but I am concerned about pads. That is what I have
and the deck moves every year, I suspect the area around it is to wet in
early spring when the snow melts. The blocks are on top of a bed of
compacted crusher dust which should be stable. Has anyone else had problems
with these support pads moving with the frost? Here the frost can go 4 feet
deep so it becomes a definite concern :-(
Novas comment about the age is well taken also. I hope it would last 10 more
years but a replacement to fit the hole shouldn't be a problem as it is a
standard package size.
Thanks to all who responded, think I will do a little more research before I
start rebuilding. I got most of the old deck out today and hope to start
releveling the pool next weekend. Swimming is over for this year anyway and
we can start to dream about next....

"Teej" wrote in message
om...
"John van Veen" wrote in message
...
I am planning to replace a deck that is above my above ground pool that
is
16' x 32' and can't find info on the size of support beam to use.
The original deck is about 4' wide all around the pool with legs on
cement
pads that seem to heave every year. I want to put in sona tubes and a
support beam all around the pool ( 2 rectangles with about 10" centres
on
each perimeter) on posts and the deck framing on top of that. This would
in
effect be 2 rectangles about 3' apart. Does anyone know what size
support
beams would be required. I am thinking 2 laminated 2 x 8 but wonder if
one
would be enough as they are only 3' apart from each other.. I would like
to
keep the cost down but don't want a springy deck either. Any suggestions
would be appreciated.
Any other design suggestions would also be appreciated.
Thanks


Not sure about code but 3 decks on my block are 2x10s on each side of
the 4x4 post so I did the same on mine(pressure treated) What I`m
wondering is how the laminated beams will do around water.
This link isn`t for sonotube footing but for patented block supports
which I would`nt use.It does however give you 3 designs with
blueprints after you put in your deck and pool measurements. Its all
free so worth a look.
http://www.deckplans.com/plans/plantype.asp

John,

Movement will certainly occur with pads during the winter freeze cycles.
However be cautious about using buried pilings (Sonotubes formed
pilings) as these can move also. The tubes that have the base belled out
are best.

I'm in Maine and see frost depths of 4 feet many years. It's not
pleasant when a light structure on pilings, and a pool deck is a light
structure, moves with the frost. Anything you can do to keep the
freezing soil from grabbing the piling and lifting it will be to your
advantage. I prefer to wrap the exterior of the tube with sheet
polyethylene before placing it in the hole. Polyethylene is slippery
enough to help prevent movement for the first few years until the soil
is thoroughly compacted after digging for the piling.

Phil

John van Veen wrote:
Excellent site for ideas but I am concerned about pads. That is what I have
and the deck moves every year, I suspect the area around it is to wet in
early spring when the snow melts. The blocks are on top of a bed of
compacted crusher dust which should be stable. Has anyone else had problems
with these support pads moving with the frost? Here the frost can go 4 feet
deep so it becomes a definite concern :-(
Novas comment about the age is well taken also. I hope it would last 10 more
years but a replacement to fit the hole shouldn't be a problem as it is a
standard package size.
Thanks to all who responded, think I will do a little more research before I
start rebuilding. I got most of the old deck out today and hope to start
releveling the pool next weekend. Swimming is over for this year anyway and
we can start to dream about next....

"Teej" wrote in message
om...

"John van Veen" wrote in message

...

I am planning to replace a deck that is above my above ground pool that

is

16' x 32' and can't find info on the size of support beam to use.
The original deck is about 4' wide all around the pool with legs on

cement

pads that seem to heave every year. I want to put in sona tubes and a
support beam all around the pool ( 2 rectangles with about 10" centres

on

each perimeter) on posts and the deck framing on top of that. This would

in

effect be 2 rectangles about 3' apart. Does anyone know what size

support

beams would be required. I am thinking 2 laminated 2 x 8 but wonder if

one

would be enough as they are only 3' apart from each other.. I would like

to

keep the cost down but don't want a springy deck either. Any suggestions
would be appreciated.
Any other design suggestions would also be appreciated.
Thanks


Not sure about code but 3 decks on my block are 2x10s on each side of
the 4x4 post so I did the same on mine(pressure treated) What I`m
wondering is how the laminated beams will do around water.
This link isn`t for sonotube footing but for patented block supports
which I would`nt use.It does however give you 3 designs with
blueprints after you put in your deck and pool measurements. Its all
free so worth a look.
http://www.deckplans.com/plans/plantype.asp