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PLANNING THE POUR
Order concrete a day or two in advance from a local ready-mix company. Divide the total
square footage of the deck by 75 to determine the number of yards of concrete needed (total
square footage divide by 75 = yards). The amount of “75” is used for pools to allow for extra
volume in coping, under wall, and around panel bracing. Order a 5½ to 6 lb. bag mixtures for
the deck using limestone only and a 4 to 6 inch slump.
Do not pour the deck on a day when rain is forecast. (Covering concrete work during a rain is
possible, but in the case of a swimming pool deck, itis made considerably more difficult with the
ladder, step handrails, and diving board standards and limited access.) Have all the concrete
tools on sight before starting. It is also advisable to have two concrete wheelbarrows on hand
as well. You may not have enough access for a concrete delivery truck to reach the entire
perimeter of the pool and hand wheeling may become necessary. Before concrete arrives, mask
off the top edge of the coping to protect it from the concrete finishing process. Be careful not
to let the tape lap over coping edge because the concrete will chip when the tape is pulled off.
Final Checklist Before Pouring Deck
o
Recheck all forms for ¼” per foot fall
o
All pool walls are straight
o
Backfill has been screeded for constant 3½ - 4 inch depth
o
Coping clips are in place
o
Rope anchors are installed
o
Diving board jig or standards are centered
o
Electrical bonding is complete and inspected
o
Plumbing has been pressure tested PVC or redwood expansion material on hand
(optional)
o
Skimmer extension collar is in place
o
All concrete tools are on sight
o
Coping is taped with duct tape or coated with dishwashing soap to protect from wet
concrete (remove tape ASAP)
TOOLS
Concrete Tools, Masking Tape