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poolside rain/shade structure

cawfy | Posted in General Discussion on April 17, 2005 05:43am

I’ve been trying to find ideas online using google but not having much luck.A customer would like a shelter built for rain/shade by the pool.The area is approx. 16 x 20 and I want to keep the roof hgt to a min.,a 4- 6 pitch maybe.Basically a roof w/posts,no walls.Want to make it pleasing to the eye,was thinking maybe fiberglass columns,or at the least 6 x 6 post and try and make it look like a timber frame structure.Also,need ideas for the roof.Customer wants the ridge vented by leaving an opening the length of the ridge by 4 in. ea side and constructing a narrow roof atop the the ridge a few in. higher to keep out rain but allow hot air to escape.Along the lines of venting the husband would like a cupola built and perhaps a fan installed inside to help evacuate the hot air.The wifey thinks it may not be necessary$$$$$.But I think I can help him win that argument with a good design.Long time customers would like to make this happen for them.By the way the hgt min. is because the structure will be built very near to but not connected to an existing sunroom and I don’t want the new roof to be too much higher than the sunroom roof.This structure is to be built on an existing concrete apron adjacent to pool.
I used the following search terms w/google;poolside structures,cabanas,open walled shelters and lanais but got very few ideas to match the scale of my project.Would laminated beams be too costly for this,if not what are the customary lead times for sizing and ordering?Or would 4 x material for rafters/beams be just as good?
Obviously the stock dimensions here are for looks,not really needed for structure.This property has many out bldgs a few sheds a cabana w/kit/bath,playhouse,pool house(pump,etc),a greenhouse and a barn. All were built on a working class budget but looks very very nice,not expensive.Thats not to mean they are not willing to spend what they need,but they won’t go overboard money wise as far as the structure is concerned,they will build it one way or the other.But they would like something a little better than ordinary.Hope I have made myself clear w/my description of structure and surroundings.
As always any and all help,ideas and links very much appreciated!

George C.

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Replies

  1. DANL | Apr 17, 2005 08:50pm | #1

    Sounds interesting; I don't have any answers, but by posting this I'll move your question back near the top so more people can see it.

    1. cawfy | Apr 17, 2005 10:06pm | #2

      Thanks Danno! George C.

      1. User avater
        Lawrence | Apr 18, 2005 04:54am | #3

        Hi George...

        We are getting into more and more of these.

        I have a stock plan prepared for the Ministry of Natural Resources here... but it is too big to put on an existing slab, would suit your height requirements perfectly.

        I would suggest that a traditional roof+snow load will put you over the point of using that pool coping for support.

        The only direction for you to go is a light pergola structure- with a sail canvas type of roof which will be removable come winter months. You can also add color this way, light from beneath to give a glamor feel to it.

        Could also use those greenhouse cladding materials which are available tinted-to make better shade.

        Give it plenty of diagonal bracing.

        Finally, thanks for those keywords... I'll get that fixed so that the next guy looking for those things find my site... click on the name then go to Pergola Plans for an idea of what I am talking. (sorry- no pics of that roofed pergola yet-being built in June I think)

        Best of luck with it!

        Lawrence

         GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it!

        1. cawfy | Apr 18, 2005 06:14pm | #4

          Hi Lawrence thanks for the reply and link.I've visited your site before,nice stuff there.What I need to build is a permanent roof though.The customer previously used 2 10 x 10 shade units,aluminum supports w/plastic type tarps.They don't want to set up anymore each season.The pool apron is actually a slab 4 in. thick and I think it should be adiquit.But maybe someone w/more knowledge in concrete will set me straight on that.Will probably end up w/8 post total so the weight distribution should be ok.There will be approx. 4 sq. shingles and w/all lumber should not me more than 2 tons. I think bracing is going to be an issue as the finish hgt of beam bottom(for top plate) will be approx 7-8 ft. tall, and the ability to walk into and out of the structure /out bracing in the way is a requirement.Owner would like some decorative bracing from beam to post,but in fact will have to be structual.But still look good.But just in case we need to change our ideas on the permanent roof,where would I look for sail type material?Is it a long lead time from processing order to delivery? Thanks again Lawrence,you have a lot of good design ideas on you site. George C.

          1. User avater
            Lawrence | Apr 18, 2005 06:51pm | #5

            Hi George...

            Sail material-drop by any marina and find the local sail maker.

            That's what I am telling you George- pool coping is not suitable for a foundation for a structure any more than a light framework without a roof.

            Good Luck George,

            L

             GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it!

  2. User avater
    ProDek | Apr 18, 2005 07:00pm | #6

    Set "I"beam steel posts in concrete to give you the lateral stability you need. We will be building one of these next month and I will post pictures................

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    Bob

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