Pool Deck Attachment Below Decorative Tile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners with in-ground pools face high maintenance costs and the challenge of converting their pool area without damaging the pool or the decorative tile, especially when the pool is no longer in use, as existing methods for covering pools are either expensive or difficult to reverse.
Innovation Solution
A deck construction method that attaches to the pool sides below the decorative tile, using beam hangers and support layers to create a deck structure that can be easily installed and removed, allowing for efficient cutting of deck planks to match the pool's unique shape, and includes a method to level the deck with the pool apron, enabling safe covering and potential future restoration of the pool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a deck structure is attached to the pool side to cover the pool, then the pool is covered and maintenance costs are reduced, but the decorative tile ribbon may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple components: beam hangers are attached to the concrete pool wall below the tile, vertical posts connect the hangers to the deck structure, and adjustable connectors allow for precise positioning. This segmentation isolates the attachment points from the decorative tile area, preventing damage while providing stable support for the deck.
Solution Approach 2:
Beam hangers serve as intermediary elements between the pool structure and the deck. These hangers are mounted to the concrete wall below the tile ribbon, acting as a mediator that transfers structural loads without contacting or damaging the decorative tile. The intermediary connection allows the deck to be securely attached while preserving the tile integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pool is filled in with concrete and dirt to eliminate it, then the pool is permanently removed, but it becomes extremely difficult to restore the pool later
Solution Approach 1:
The deck structure uses removable and reusable components rather than permanent concrete filling. The wooden or composite deck boards, joists, and support posts can be dismantled and removed completely, allowing the pool to be restored without dealing with demolished concrete. This temporary, non-destructive approach enables easy pool elimination when needed while preserving restoration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck structure is designed to be discarded (removed) and recovered (reused or disposed of cleanly). All structural components can be taken apart and removed from the pool area, leaving the pool structure intact and ready for restoration. This reversibility contrasts with concrete filling, which permanently destroys the pool and makes recovery extremely difficult.
3Shape
If deck planks are cut to match the unique shape of the pool, then the deck fits the pool contours precisely, but cutting precision and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam framework is installed first, creating a rigid structural skeleton that defines the pool's perimeter and shape. Deck planks are then laid across these pre-positioned beams, requiring minimal cutting since the beams already establish the correct boundaries. This preliminary structuring of the support system before installing the decking material reduces cutting requirements and speeds up construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck structure incorporates adjustable connectors and movable support elements that allow the deck to adapt to the pool's shape without requiring precise pre-cutting of all components. The system can be dynamically adjusted during installation to match the pool's contours, enabling flexible adaptation to various shapes while maintaining construction efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A deck is disclosed that is level with the top of a concrete/plaster pool having a decorative ribbon of tile along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least a partially flat surface. The deck has a surface of deck surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron. Under the deck are supports of joists which are mostly perpendicular to the decking surface members, of underlying beams that form a sturdy base for the joists and beam hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being anchored into the concrete side of the pool. Also disclosed is an improved method for installing such a deck.