DIY POOL DECK with a Secret Hatch! How To Build A Deck For Your Stock Tank Pool | Plans

Find the build PLANS here: bit.ly/3wvoqVd
In this video I'm going to show you how to build a small backyard deck with stairs for an above ground pool. I built this deck for my 8' stock tank pool, including a secret hatch so I can access my pump and filter. You could alter this deck to make it bigger or smaller, fit a different sized pool, add on railings or move the stairs. The possibilities are endless. Grab the build plans below for the detailed info and measurements!
Watch my Stock Tank Pool build here (and find the pool supply links): • Stock Tank Pool DIY! E...
Find all my build plans here: bit.ly/3BQhp4X
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Things I used in this video:
Concrete Pier Blocks: bit.ly/40QVQ0Q
Level: amzn.to/31KNLOk
Miter Saw: rivr.link/MRG-wS-8Yj
TimberLok Screws: bit.ly/3KAjp87
Clamps: rivr.link/MRG-6yD9se
Drill/Driver: bit.ly/3rhXhbW
Joist Hangers: bit.ly/3GkdBxh
Framing Square: rivr.link/MRG-ZfqNeC
Flexible Ruler: rivr.link/MRG-XkgXoN
Reciprocating Saw: rivr.link/MRG-LXs4e5
Circular Saw: rivr.link/MRG-8OeNdc
Track Saw: rivr.link/MRG-dewalttracksaw
Jigsaw: rivr.link/MRG-eRuW-e
Stair Stringers: bit.ly/3KhOsEq
Stringer Connectors: bit.ly/3Gn1Vtr
Stringer Screws: rivr.link/MRG-9oYWQ3
New Pool Pump: Waterway Waterway TWM 30-s sand filter pump: bit.ly/3IxiZ0K
Cantilevered Pool Umbrella: bit.ly/3UqHxxW
Another Cantilevered Umbrella: rivr.link/MRG-oRdGsU
Watch more videos!
House Projects: bit.ly/3h6bml2
Outdoor Projects: bit.ly/3ttNBqI
Most Popular: bit.ly/3hne3NV
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Website www.makergray.com
Maker Gray Merch: bit.ly/3hVsmcD
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Thanks for watching!
Erin Longfellow
Maker Gray
I'm Erin Longfellow and I'm a maker, DIY'er, builder, designer and content creator. My goal is to help you learn that you too can build or DIY what I make, or anything you need, with easily accessible tools and materials. On this channel you're going to find different builds and designs with a modern emphasis that are DIY friendly, mostly through woodworking, metalworking, construction and home renovations. Be sure to subscribe and enable all notifications! And thanks for watching!
#makergray #deck #pool

[@triplxrp4340]

I kid you not. Out of all the DIY deck projects out there. Yours is the easiest to understand. Now I can get on our deck and my wife can stop yelling at me.

[@MakerGray]

Ahhh that's great feedback! Thank you!

[@gisellecalejo641]

This has to be the best step by step video I’ve seen so far! Now, I’m not intimidated to build a deck for my pool! Thank you!

[@MakerGray]

Wonderful!! Thank you so much! You got this 💪🏼

[@SusynStecchi]

The joist hanger truck is brilliant. I am a female doing solo projects on my 5 acres and have always struggled with getting joists in properly by myself. So awesome! 👍

[@MakerGray]

I’m so glad it’s a helpful trick for you, and yay for you knocking out solo projects!! Thanks for watching :)

[@cynthiamarquez3409]

Hi, I'm a single female renovating a farmhouse on 6 acres and I'm glad to know there is another female taking on projects!

[@christinacraig313]

What did you all go to school for to learn how to build things

[@michaelbradford4444]

Tip, notch post wherever you can so instead of only screws holding all the weight your notch will and also be much stronger. Very impressed with what you did and you could be very good with experience.

[@MakerGray]

Thanks for the tip!

[@JMM2479]

Wait, using the clamps as a shelf is actually an awesome tip! I've never thought of that 😆

[@brentbrowning]

I can not express how great this video is! The BEST stock tank pool deck video I've seen, and believe me, I've seen a lot! So informative and nicely done video! You did a great job on the deck as well! Also, thank you for providing build plans. I'm so happy I watched this video! My wife and two daughters are going to think I'm superman! :)

[@MakerGray]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Superman goals for my viewers is what I aim for :) Enjoy the builds!!

[@quaqua6917]

It is so refreshing seeing a woman using her gifts of building and tools. You absolutely rock. Such an inspiration. Beautiful job.

[@MakerGray]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it :)

[@EricBelcher-ze2ck]

You are awsome great video

[@michaelsulpizio606]

Erin: this whole build is brilliant, and brilliantly executed! You remind me of my daughters my wife and I have three daughters which we are very proud of! For they are very accomplished women, both in domestic affairs and craft person affairs such as carpentry and mechanical, electrical around the house affairs! As you are! Love your how to videos on KZbin! They are concise , accurate and easy to follow unlike many videos I have seen ! My wife told me about this idea of a stock tank pool! Looks like a great Idea! Your execution of it along with the wood deck came out wonderful! Great job!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you so very much! I really appreciate the kind comments and your watching :) Much more to come!

[@reesheemamyers110]

Thank you so much for a clear and easy to follow instructions. My stock tank deck looks awesome!

[@MakerGray]

Ahh I love hearing it! Thank you so much and enjoy 😄

[@AlyRaeKY]

Very nice. Thank you!

[@DudeSawdust]

Such a great idea. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing the process with us👍

[@MakerGray]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

The happiest of pink flamingos love this pool too. 🦩

[@MonicaMatochaFAN]

Erin!! It turned out absolutely incredible! You are so thorough and thoughtful with your videos. Can’t wait to see other STP lovers create their own deck space! ❤️

[@MakerGray]

You're the best Lily!! Thank you for watching! I cant wait to see either!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Such an amazing addition to an already amazing pool! Time for a maker pool party!!!

[@MakerGray]

You bet it is!! Thanks Buddy!

[@Kkuts37]

What a great build!! Well done!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you Kathleen!

[@gaby_inaday]

You made this very easy to follow. Thank you. I’ll be getting the plans.

[@MakerGray]

Thank you Gaby!

[@juliewood6513]

Wow. That looks gorgeous.

[@MakerGray]

We're so happy with it! Thank you!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Erin, the deck turned out great! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@MakerGray]

Thanks so much, Fred! Thanks for watching!

[@PaulBrunache]

Thanks, I was looking for a tutorial video like this for the past 2 years 🙏 I have an Intex 24x12 pool that I want to build a deck around w/o digging 😂😊

[@MakerGray]

Oh yeah, same concept for yours for sure! Glad this was helpful! And thanks for watching :)

[@AshleyAnessa]

You're my hero.❤

[@cfellows77]

Just wanted to thank you for the video! I used the joist hanger idea for doing my deck after watching! Thanks for the informative video :)

[@MakerGray]

That is awesome!! Love hearing this. Thanks so much for letting me know and enjoy the deck :)

[@garronguszak1194]

Thanks for sharing! Great job!

[@MakerGray]

Thanks for watching!

[@XFz2nLDWo73x95]

Entertaining and educational! Thank you :)

[@MakerGray]

Thanks for watching!

[@tp3144]

Wow, this video is helping me with (2) other projects in addition to the deck. Great stuff 🤙🏼

[@MakerGray]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@iainf6]

Brilliant finishing touch Erin 👌, great idea to put extra timber under 45 degree stretcher. Hope you and friends have many happy cool hours around your plunge pool

[@MakerGray]

Thanks so much, Iain!

[@iainf6]

@@MakerGray makes my day to see one of your videos posted 💕👊

[@mikeg8319]

Awesome job, thank you for the excellent tips.

[@MakerGray]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching

[@rebeccarose6008]

Awesome job! Thank you!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@sharonodonnell2147]

Wow , great job all-around

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!!

[@guzman9011]

Awesome deck

[@MakerGray]

Thanks! We love it

[@RedDirtAlleyPhotography]

FANTASTIC!!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@honeyharmon6571]

Nice I like how you used the extra wood to hold the screamers up while you nailed in the support brackets. Clever and I love clever.

[@MakerGray]

Thank you! That tip sure was helpful for me

[@michaelgutierrez1895]

Great job, looks Awesome 👍

[@MakerGray]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Landy_Gonzalez_5995]

Thanks so much you makes it look sooo easy by just watching you I feel like a PRO LOL 😂 😂😂God Bless!!

[@MakerGray]

That’s my hope! You can do it too! Thanks for watching :)

[@michellevillejo4814]

Thank you for the excellent instructions

[@MakerGray]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching

[@deirdre444]

Fantastic!!

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@Sijtze22]

cool!!! I need look no further! thank you for this, so simple and so good!! 😀

[@MakerGray]

So glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@Nostromosailboat]

I love your work!!! you are the perfect woman!!!

[@ChaseCache]

the clamping method was genius. my solo diy struggle is the need for one more hand lol

[@MakerGray]

Same :) Thanks for watching!

[@kendrealthompson8163]

Great job 👍🏾

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@JimmyMins]

Excellent job ,Very impressed

[@MakerGray]

Thank you very much!

[@jvandeEi1]

Great job! Looks amazing

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@MaryOKC]

I’d love this in my yard and so would the bugs.

[@petepete6912]

Outstanding design.

[@MakerGray]

Thank you very much!

[@jasonwatson8204]

You made it look easy!

[@MakerGray]

😄 Thanks for watching Jason!!

[@hellalike]

The rain finally stopped?! Been waiting for this video to drop for a while. yeah!!!!

[@MakerGray]

Finally! Mostly haha. Sorry for the wait! And thank you for watching :)

[@AA-yz4od]

I salute you.... you got some men looking shaky... very skilled at your craft.

[@MakerGray]

:) Thank you!

[@ilvacerino5056]

was thinking of paying someone to build this but i feel confident after this video!!! thanks for the plans!

[@MakerGray]

That's great!! Thanks for watching!

[@dinourbani4068]

beautiful job! looks really great

[@MakerGray]

Thank you! 😊

[@LoveAwakensSouls]

Amazing!!!! I’m ready to build a 20x20

[@MakerGray]

Thanks! That'll be a great build!

[@gogetit9005]

Looks great and awesome details on the video. 👍

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@1realtruthrightnow742]

I have been building stuff and rehabbing homes for 15 years, you actually taught me a few things in this video. It was excellent! Thank you for the upload. New Sub and like

[@MakerGray]

Wow that's wonderful to hear! Thank you!

[@vpfyi3351]

Omggggg gurlllll u are bad ass. I just found ya channel and subscribed 💕

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!!

[@elizabethhendriks9030]

beautiful!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@kellilandry2825]

Very cool!

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@Snyc2030]

Love.

[@scottmurray2239]

Great job 👍

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@ellieboa]

you are so skilled!

[@MakerGray]

:) Thank you, Ellie!

[@Lmasso1]

You did a awesome job

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@bluegrasstravelers8195]

Love this

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@danparks3221]

Awesome planning

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@christinacraig313]

@@MakerGrayhow much did this project cost

[@luvtoyscollector3373]

Nice deck 👍 Great pool idea 😉

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@EarzOnTunz]

Awesome!

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@peterslegers6121]

What a nice build. If we had had such a deck, my childhood pool would have been so much more luxureous! And it would not have caved in, when someone accidentally fell on the rim. 😁 Some additional ideas: You might take a router and smooth out the cut off edges, it's easier on the flesh while sitting there. Stairs are really comfortable when all steps are the same size. Here, the top step seems lower, and the step down higher than the others, so I'd lower them a bit. If you put another row of pavers in front of the stairs, your whole feet have a firm and mud free basis, the size of the treads.

[@MakerGray]

Thanks for the tips!

[@punishunext5148]

well, done, Really enjoyed the build

[@MakerGray]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@PacificPinesRanch]

This is really cool!! Might have to add a hot tub version of this on the ranch. Thx for sharing! 😊🙌🛠

[@MakerGray]

Yessss! Thanks :)

[@cheneybros]

looks great!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you!

[@cheneybros]

@@MakerGray I've been thinking about making queen murphy bed desk with shelves. Open up my bedrooms more.

[@juliablizin8885]

Erin, GENIUS! As another woman woodworker/carpenter, I have to say you are SPOT ON! Tips, techniques really brilliantly taught through your videos as usual. I enjoy watching these just to see another gifted and skilled woman in the field! Thanks for keeping it so professional and yet so human and accessible. Beautiful. (By the way, I completely agree with your structural peace-of-mind bracing: I consider this an essential step to any project!).

[@MakerGray]

😄 Thank you so much, Julia!! I really appreciate the kind words and you watching!

[@marvin69blastem61]

Simple Nice.

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@MariJani1]

Hello, Wow it looks great. I’m kinda motived now to do me own deck. I will need a taller deck but like the rest of the design. Great job!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you! I hope you do build one :)

[@MariJani1]

I’m working on it. Purchased most of those the items needed. :)

[@pricekelley2848]

Hello Maker Gray, unsure if you did the hot tub conversion yet for your pool, if you are still wanting to expand on the possibility I have all the experience you may need in to completing this addition as I have converted IBC tanks in to hot tubs (its very inexpensive and doesn't require a raging fire pit) - with air jets too! Thanks for the content.

[@tomshank4446]

Nice job. Very attractive (Zen). Smart structural composition. Clever build tactics. Feminine touch. You the girl.❤

[@MakerGray]

Thank you Tom!

[@MakerGray]

Find the build plans for this deck here! bit.ly/3wvoqVd And check out how I built our stock tank pool here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGrQi3-wpp2ibM0 Thanks so much for watching!

[@rescuerhonda0164]

I love it, thank you!! Well presented and I learned a few new words and tips!

[@MakerGray]

@@rescuerhonda0164 That's great! Thank you for watching!

[@jankehl8012]

some really great tips, thanks!

[@MakerGray]

@@jankehl8012 Thanks for watching!

[@bsw051]

Lowe's sells build tuff plastic deck blocks. About the same cost but 10x lighter. Fyi

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@davidrico9310]

Super Nice job build>>> love it🥊💌💌💌

[@JennErmyMedia]

Solid video. Subbed

[@MakerGray]

Thank you very much!

[@LGarcia171]

Very cool! Also I think I spied a wurstfest cup! 🤗

[@MakerGray]

You sure did! Thanks and prost! 😄

[@guyh.4553]

Hey, that's pretty slick having a 3rd hand to draw lines! We're you born that way? Ha ha ha! Pretty slick little build ma'am, like it a lot. Great job! You could put lattice to cover up the pump. Easy to remove. Last thought, could you put some kind of chair in the pool?

[@MakerGray]

Haha thanks!! Sure, a chair could certainly go in if you'd like

[@laurengregg4530]

Cool Come Do My Deck Next

[@richardhertz9571]

nice!

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@donpaul5474]

I love it! One question: how do you fit a cover over the tank, now? Thanks so much!!!

[@MakerGray]

We hardly ever cover it, but when we do, we have either tucked the cover in between the deck and the pool, or just laid it over the deck and weighted it down. Works either way. Thanks so much!

[@DanK-Mtb]

looking to doing something similar, do you need to remove sod and pack down the ground to add the concrete footing blocks or plopping them right on the sod and mud would be fine ?

[@tnopsclark6179]

You are amazing! How did you know how to do this?!? What is the straight edge tool you used to cut the end of the deck with your circular saw? Thank you so much for posting such a clear concise video

[@MakerGray]

Thank you! I really like deck construction so I just pay a lot of attention. Then I was able to figure out a safe and sturdy build to fit our needs :) The straight edge is a track for a track saw, which is just like a circular saw but made to ride a long the track. It's such a great tool. I have it linked in the description of my video for you. Thanks again!

[@traythomason7458]

I'm building this at my cabin this week! Got my plans all printed out and lumber ordered! Question for you: Did you use 3" or 2.5" deck screws?

[@MakerGray]

I actually used 2" deck screws. They're plenty long and have worked out great but the longer screws would work fine too! I love hearing all of this! Thanks so much and enjoy the build!

[@HvacGuy76]

You could have scribed the deck boards from the bottom using the pool as the guide. Beautiful job!

[@MakerGray]

Thanks!

[@Meglenger]

And for just 10k dollars you too can have an awesome deck around your pool! lol 2021 lumber prices was insane!

[@ellendesanctis3035]

I've been watching all your videos in preparation for building my stock tank pool and deck in spring '24. I already have the 8' poly tank stored in my garage. In this video you show a larger pump. Do you still recommend a sand filter with glass beads?`Curious for what has worked for you. Thank you for all your amazing tips!

[@MakerGray]

Thank you so much for watching! The smaller pump was just fine but I'm really glad we upgraded to the bigger Waterway pump for the 8' tank. I highly recommend it. Zero issues, it's very powerful and it works so well. I recommend putting it on a timer so it just turns on and off on its own. And yes, we still use the glass media with the sand filter. No issues and crystal clear water! I just do a backwash every once in awhile to clean the glass out. Thanks again! you're really going to enjoy it :)

[@llunaricardo78]

What size of decking boards did you use? On the top and the stairs. Great job by the way!!

[@MakerGray]

Those are 5/4 decking boards. Thanks so much!!

[@nickmccollister2217]

Really awesome and accessible tutorial! We have this same stocktank setup and are thinking of following your design. I may have missed this in the video or comments, but what width are your 5/4" deck boards? 6"?

[@MakerGray]

Yep! 6" wide. Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[@jameshatcher1682]

You make it seem so easy, I have a 18x48 round pool, I'm want to build a deck for my pool. But I'm not very crafty.

[@MakerGray]

You can do it! Yours will just be a bigger scale.

[@christinacraig313]

@@MakerGrayif I wanted to do a 10x10 deck around my oval pool would I need more concrete block legs or the same layout as yours

[@zacharymyers7728]

Fantastic! Only thing I’d suggest is flashing the tops of your joists. Other than that perfect build process.

[@MakerGray]

I agree. I learned about that after the build and wished I would have. Thanks so much!

[@kathleentosi557]

Did you guys ever add a heater to your stock tank pool?? Keep making videos! yours was so helpful when we put our pool in!! Now looking for a great electric in line heater . . Hope you do it soon! :)

[@MakerGray]

Not yet! But I'd like to. I built an outdoor shower next to the pool and I'd love to figure out a way to heat both. Thanks so much for the kind words and I'll keep that in mind! :)

[@HecTor11207]

Wow you killed it! I lost it when Seinfeld popped up !! Lmao

[@MakerGray]

😂 Hahaha Thanks!!

[@carlyandfriends1547]

I thought about a stock tank pool but they are $500 at Tractor Supply. I my as well get a big pool from Walmart.

[@markerasmus]

Awesome vid! Which pool filter did you switch to? Did the Intex sand filter not do the job? I'm waiting on my 10ft stock tank to arrive but unsure which filter to go with.

[@MakerGray]

I got a Waterway TWM-30s and it's awesome. I've heard it's the best. The Intex worked well but the particular size I had was too small for the 8' pool upgrade I installed. I think a bigger Intex (than what I had) would do the job just fine. Thanks for watching!

[@ladykay8183]

This is a great instruction video but if I wanted the deck higher will I need additional support

[@MakerGray]

I'm not positive of what your deck will be, but if you are going a little higher, you can just extend the height of the vertical posts

[@TeresaVillaruz]

This is great! How long did it take you from start to finish to build the deck? Can this be a one day project?

[@MakerGray]

Thanks! This build took me a few days (we had rain delays). I'd say it's probably a full weekend project.

[@matthewwilliams1368]

Hello, I just bought your plans. What did you do to square the deck?

[@tytrammell23]

You've got more in the deck and tools than the pool cost.

[@claudiakemper4033]

I really like this! Maybe I missed it, but were the vertical posts somehow attached to the concrete pier blocks?

[@MakerGray]

Nope! They are completely set into the concrete grooves with gravity and weight from the deck. Won't move :) And thanks!