How to Build the Splash Deluxe Pool Deck

These instructions are specifically for the Deluxe portion of the Splash Deluxe Pool Deck Plans. (The deck to the side of the pool, and not the deck around the pool) For instructions for the Splash Deck around the pool, Click Here

Step 1: Place the "Core" rectangle.

Each plan has slightly different dimensions. You will need to refer to the actual dimensions found in the Splash Deluxe deck plan for your pool size. For this example, the 24' diameter deck plan using a 2"x6" surface board will be used. Keep in mind that modifications may be needed for different sized pools and different types of surface boards.

The foundation for each Splash Deluxe deck is a "core" rectangle. Begin by positioning the four corner and four center Dek-Block® piers to form the core rectangle. If the ground is sloped, remove only the top soil that's directly under the block, then ensure that your block sits level. Be sure to verify the distance between the blocks by double checking the dimensions found on the plan. Remember, the outside edge of the finished deck will extend out past the center of the Dek-Block® piers by 13-1/2" on both sides.

Step 2: Cutting the first 4"x4" posts to length.

Using the existing Splash deck as a guide, determine the height of the first corner 4"x4" post located closest to the Splash deck. Next, place a 4"x4" post in the pocket of the Dek-Block® pier and hold plumb (vertically level). Using a level on top of the existing Splash deck, mark a line on the 4"x4" post. From this line, subtract the following 4 items:

1. The thickness of the Splash deck
2. 1/2" for water drainage and air flow between the decking and the pool's coping.
3. The thickness of the surface boards. 1 1/2" for 2"x6" decking and 1" for 5/4"x6" or composite decking.
4. 5" 1/2" for the thickness of the 2"x6" support frame.

When you've completed steps 1-4, cut the 4"x4" post to length and position in the Dek-Block® pier.

Step 3: Level the support board.

Start by placing a 2"x6" support board on the 4"x4" post and extend it over the center Dek-Block® pier. Using a level on top of the 2"x6" support board, measure the distance from the bottom of the 2"x6" support board to the bottom of the pocket in the Dek-Block® pier. Cut a 4"x4" post to length and position the 2"x6" support board on top. Verify that the 2"x6" support board is level before moving on. Do not attach the 2"x6" support board to the 4"x4" post yet. This will be done in step 5. For now, repeat this procedure for the furthest corner Dek-Block® pier (3rd post).

Step 4: Cutting the opposite edge 4"x4" posts to length.

Remove the support boards from the previous step. Position a temporary 2"x6" board on top of one of the previously cut 4"x4" posts. Extend the 2"x6" board over the Dek-Block® pier(s). Using a level on top of the 2"x6" board, measure the distance from the bottom of the 2"x6" board to the bottom of the pocket of the Dek-Block® pier. Now, cut a 4"x4" post to length and position the 2"x6" support board on top. Verify that the 2"x6" support board is level. When level, remove the support board and repeat for remaining Dek-Block® piers.

Step 5: Square the frame.

Place the 2"x6" support boards on top of each 4"x4" post. Attach the 2"x6" end boards to the support boards using two 2 1/2" deck screws at each connection. Compare the length and position of the end boards with the plan provided to ensure accuracy. Using a level as a guide, ensure that both end boards and support boards are level on all four sides. Next, measure the diagonal distance from opposite corners. Adjust the outside support boards and Dek-Block® piers until the diagonal distance between opposite corners is EQUAL.

After the deck is square and level in all four directions, attach the 2"x6" support boards to the 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle from each side of the support board (toe-screw).

Step 6: Position support boards and Dek-Block® piers.

Here you will position the remaining center support boards, using the locations and lengths found on the plans provided. Start by attaching the 2"x6" support boards to the end boards using two 2 1/2" deck screws at each connection. Next, attach the 2"x6" support boards to the center 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle (toe-screw) from each side of the support board.

Using the frame as a guide, position the remaining Dek-Block® piers directly beneath the frame using the dimensions provided on the plan. The blocks on the outside edge of the deck should be 12" in from each end of each support board (or 13 1/2" from the outside of the 2"x6" end board).

Step 7: Cut remaining 4"x4" posts.

Go down each row measuring the distance between the bottom of the 2"x6" support board and the bottom of the slot of the Dek-Block® pier. Cut 4"x4" posts to length and position them between the support board and the Dek-Block® pier. Repeat this step until all 4"x4" posts are cut and positioned. Secure all support boards and 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle (toe screw) from each side.

Step 8: Construct the angled perimeter.

Locate and position the outside row of Dek-Block® piers according to the dimensions on the plan. Just like before, level and position the 2"x6" support board. Both ends of the support board will have a standard 90 degree cut. Using the dimensions found on the plan, cut the two angled side boards. Each end of the boards will have 45 degree cuts. For this board the dimensions found on the plan are to the LONG side of the board. Secure the angled boards to the support boards with three 2 1/2" deck screws at each connection. Before securing the support board to the outside posts, ensure the side is square. You can do this by measuring the diagonal distance from opposite corners. If needed adjust the outside support board until the diagonal distance between opposite corners is EQUAL. After the deck is square, attach the 2"x6" support board to the 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle (toe-screw) from each side of the support board.

Step 9: Complete interior framing.

Locate and position the interior row of Dek-Block® piers according to the dimensions on the plan. Using similar methods from previous steps, cut the 4"x4" post to length for the center Dek-Block® pier. Located on the plan, one of the supports will be labeled with a dimension. Cut one end of the support board at a 45 degree angle. Then, position and secure it to the outside angled board, so it rests on the center post.

The second support board will need to be cut-to-fit. Place a 2"x6" support board in location (one end of the board centered on the 4"x4" post and the other end extending over the angled outside board). Using a pencil, scribe the angle and length of the support board. Next, cut the support board to fit and secure in place at both ends. Cut the remaining 4"x4" posts to length, and secure them to the 2"x6" support boards.

Step 10: Building out from the core.

Locate and position the remaining Dek-Block® piers that are closest to the existing Splash deck. Measuring down from the Splash deck, measure and cut the 4"x4" posts for these locations, as described in Step 2. Next, place the 2"x6" support boards on top of the 4"x4" posts and secure to the end board with 2 1/2" deck screws. Now, place the remaining Dek-Block® piers beneath the 2"x6" support boards, using the dimensions shown on the block layout plan. Continue by cutting 4"x4" posts to length and positioning them between the support board and the Dek-Block® pier. Repeat this step until all 4"x4" posts are cut and positioned. Secure all support boards and 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle (toe screw) from each side of the support board.

Step 11: Completing the frame.

Locate and position the remaining Dek-Block® piers that are closest to the existing Splash deck. Measuring down from the Splash deck, measure and cut the 4"x4" posts for these locations as described in Step 2.

Next, measure and cut the angled end board. Secure one end to the the existing end board with 2 1/2" deck screws. For the end near the Splash deck, align the outside edge of the end board with the center of the two connecting frames of the Splash deck. This will ensure proper alignment of the future handrail. A temporary blocking board can be used to hold the angled end board in position until the framing is complete.

Place the 2"x6" support boards on top of the 4"x4" posts and secure to the angled end board with 2 1/2" deck screws. Place the remaining Dek-Block® piers beneath the 2"x6" support boards using the dimensions found on the plan. Cut 4"x4" posts to length and position them between the support board and the Dek-Block® pier. Repeat until all 4"x4" posts are cut and positioned. Secure all support boards and 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle (toe-screw) from each side.

Step 12: Attach the blocking boards along the inside edge.

Along the edge of the Splash deck, position and secure 2"x6" block boards 1-2 inches out from the Splash deck. Align a 2"x6" board above the existing frame in position. Using a pencil, scribe the angle and length of the board. Cut to fit and secure with 2 1/2" deck screws.

Step 13: Attach 2"x4" Diagonal Bracing Boards.

Referencing the locations on the plan, place a 2"x4" board diagonally behind the 4"x4" posts. Using a pencil, mark the angle at each end and cut. Attach 2"x4" diagonal bracing board by toe-screwing two - 2 1/2" deck screws from each side. Repeat this step alternating angles from section to section. Some of the 2"x4" bracing boards near the corners of the deck may need a compound miter cut (a cut angled in two directions - vertically and horizontally).

Step 14: Secure decking.

Starting from one edge of the deck, attach the first 2"x6" surface board flush to the edge of the deck. Along the angled section of the deck, allow the 2"x6" surface boards to extend past the angled end boards by at least one inch. Secure with two 2 1/2" deck screws at the connection of each support board. If the surface boards are pressure treated and wet, b sure to position the next surface board directly next to the first. Within a few days, a small gap will form as the boards dry and shrink. If the surface boards are cedar, redwood, or composite decking, leave at least an 1/8" gap between the surface boards.

Step 15: Attach handrail posts.

Position and plumb (vertically level) 4"x4" pre-notched handrail posts at the locations found on the plan. Next, secure the 4"x4" handrail posts to the Splash deck support frame with two - 1/2" x 4" galvanized lag screws using washers at each connection. The 4"x4" handrail posts along the Deluxe section will be secured to the frame with two 1/2" x 4 1/2" galvanized lag bolts using washers on each side at each connection to the frame. Be sure to pre-drill each lag screw and lag bolt hole.

Step 16: Attach handrail boards.

Along the Splash deck, measure the distance from the inside edge (edge closest to the pool) of the 4"x4" post to the inside edge of the adjacent 4"x4" post. Mark and cut a 2"x6" board using the same degree angle as the Support Frame board at each end (typically 10 or 7 1/2 degrees). Place the 2"x6" board 1 1/2" below the desired height of the rail. Attach the 2"x6" boards using two 2 1/2" deck screws at each end. One from the top of the 2"x6" board into the 4"x4" post and one from the bottom of the 2"x6" board into the 4"x4" post inserted at an angle (toe-screwed).

Along the Deluxe portion, measure the distance between the 4"x4" post to the inside edge of the adjacent 4"x4" post. Cut a 2"x6" board to length. Place the 2"x6" board 1 1/2" below the desired height of the rail. Attach the 2"x6" boards using two 2 1/2" deck screws at each end. One from the top of the 2"x6" board into the 4"x4" post and one from the bottom of the 2"x6" board into the 4"x4" post (toe-screwed).

Use the same measurements and angles as the 2"x6" rail boards, and cut a horizontal 2"x4" board. Position the 2"x4" board on top of the 2"x6" rail board and secure with 2 1/2" deck screws approximately every 16 inches.

Step 17: Secure spindles

On the 2"x6" board, find the center and mark a line every 5 inches from this point. Center and attach the 2"x2" spindle to the 2"x6" rail board at every mark, using only one 2 1/2" deck screw at the top. With a level, plumb (vertically level) each 2"x2" spindle and attach a 2 1/2" deck screw into the deck frame. After 2"x2" spindles are positioned, attach a second 2 1/2" deck screw at the top and bottom of each spindle. Typical building code requires a space no greater than 4" between spindle openings.

Tip 1: Verify that all 2"x2" spindles are exactly the same length. It is common for spindles to be slightly different lengths. If they are different lengths, a jig can be used to quickly cut all 2"x2" spindles to the same length.

Tip 2: Pre-drilling 2"x2" spindles will help reduce splitting of the lumber. Determine the locations for the deck screws and pre-drill two holes at both ends using a counter-sink bit. All 4 deck screws can be "started" before attaching to the railing and frame.