Will Decking Take the Weight of A Pool?

Summer is here, and you’ve been flipping through the pages of a home decor magazine. You’re looking for something to add to your outdoor living space. You see a gorgeous pool in an ad, and it looks enticing. But can decking support the weight of a pool? The short answer is “yes” but keep reading to know more about how this works.

Will Decking Take the Weight of A Pool?

Yes, decking will take the weight of a pool. This is because it is both strong and durable, as well as waterproof.

To ensure that your deck is able to support the weight of an above ground swimming pool, you will need to make sure that it is made from quality materials.

In addition to being able to support the weight of a pool, decking is also an attractive material for building your pool deck. It gives you more options when it comes to design, color and texture.

How much load can a deck can hold?

The good news is that a deck can hold the weight of a pool. The bad news is that it depends on the size and material of your deck, and what you plan to do with it.

A wooden deck could hold up to 500 pounds per square foot (psf), so if your pool weighs about 50 psf, then you’re good! If it weighs more than that, there are some things you can do:

  • Increase the size of your structure. You have to be careful here because this will also increase costs. But if you can afford it, it may be worth doing so.
  • Use reinforced steel or concrete in areas where load needs increased support (e.g., around posts).

In the end, though, I would advise against putting a pool on top of a wood or composite deck. It’s just not the best use of space and resources. The concrete slab that is poured under your pool can hold up to 3000 pounds per square foot (psf). So even if you wanted to place a small table tennis game on top of this surface, it would still be strong enough to support it without any additional supports. And don’t forget about maintenance!

What’s the Load of a Pool?

If the pool is a small pool, the weight of the water will not be that much. However, if it’s a large pool, then the weight of the water can be quite heavy. The following are some factors that will influence how heavy your pool is:

  • Size – A larger size means more water and therefore more weight.
  • Depth – If there is more depth, then there will be more pressure on each square inch of surface area; this leads to a higher increase in load capacity requirements.
  • Volume – The volume of your swimming pool doesn’t necessarily mean more weight; however, it does mean more force due to gravity acting on its contents once they’re submerged underwater which can cause cracks or damage if not properly supported by sufficient means (such as wood).
  • Density – Since density depends on temperature level variations across seasons/months/years etc., understanding how much heat energy was absorbed into your wooden decking during construction could also help determine its sustainability over time with respect to climate conditions affecting both growth cycles as well as decay processes such as rot under wet conditions leading up until now when we see footprints left behind after rain showers fall down from skies above our heads.”

The Decking Material

There are a number of decking materials that you can choose from, including wood, plastic and metal. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood is easy to maintain but requires regular cleaning and treatment with oil or another sealant. Plastic is lighter than wood, making it easier to move around when installing it on your property. Metal is also low maintenance, but can rust over time if left untreated or exposed to the elements.

Do I Need to Use a Framing System?

You don’t need a framing system to support the decking. However, if you want to keep your pool in place while you work, or if you’re worried about the weight of your pool, then a framing system might be useful. Framing systems are used for many reasons and are an essential part of any decking project.

You can use a framing system if:

  • You have access to heavy machinery
  • You have time constraints and cannot afford delays during installation

You should also use a framing system if: You are using decking boards that are not very durable; You don’t have enough space to install the pool and decking. Framing systems can be made from either wood or concrete

A framing system can be used as a way to support the decking, pool, or house. It is not necessary for all projects and only for those that require some kind of support.

Size and Weight

Size and weight are important factors to consider when deciding whether or not you will need to include additional support in your deck design. It’s a good idea to take the time to measure your pool, and then calculate the weight of its contents. If you have a large pool that is filled with water, it can put a lot of pressure on any structure—including your decking planks.

If you only have a few people using the pool at one time, chances are this won’t be an issue for you unless they’re all really heavy. However, if there is more than one person in the pool at once (and especially if those people weigh more than average), then it may be necessary for you to install additional support beams under the decking planks or even in between them so that they don’t crack under pressure from above and below.

Conclusion

It can be overwhelming to consider the load of a pool, but you can take a couple of steps to ensure that your pool is safe. First, check with your local building department for any special requirements. Second, remember that all loads are about spreading weight out and distributing it through-out the framing structure. This means that you may need larger joists or thicker beams than you would normally use to handle the weight.

Once all this information has been gathered and considered, get an engineer involved so they can help design the appropriate structural system for your project’s specific needs!