DIY Swim Platform
- 1). Decide on a size for the swim platform. Take into consideration the number of people who will use the platform and how much building material you are willing to purchase. The larger the platform, the lower the chance it will tip over if occupied by too many people or if weight distribution is uneven. For a platform capable of fitting six people, it will need to be 6-feet-by-6-feet in size.
- 2). Gather the 2-inch-by-4-inch boards you will need to construct the platform. For a structure 6-feet-by-6-feet, you will need 25 planks of lumber. The 2-inch-by-6-inch timbers will be used for crossbars. Put the 2-inch-by-6-inch boards on a level surface in the form of a square. Lay three crossbar pieces every two feet in the middle of the square. Drill the end pieces to the three crossbars. Use treated screws so they will not rust in the water.
- 3). Attach the 2-inch-by-4-inch pieces to the constructed frame. Lay the boards down flat, ensuring the ends are aligned with one another. Allow about a 1/4-inch space between the boards since they will need room to expand after becoming wet. Screw the boards to the crossbars in the frame and to the square outline one at a time. Remember to use treated screws to prevent rusting.
- 4). Place a fabric material such as carpet on top of the placed boards. Use carpet tacks to fasten the carpet to the top of the platform. Turn the platform over so the bottom is facing upright. Gather the two plastic, air-tight barrels and attach one on each side of the middle crossbar. Use a metal strip to place around the barrel. Screw the metal ends into the bottom of the platform with 1-inch treated screws. Do not use screws longer in length because they will protrude through the top of the platform.
- 5). Place the platform in the water. Make sure the platform can stay afloat by placing a few people on the platform. Attach an anchor to the platform if you want to prevent drifting when in the water. Simply place a cinder block or anvil to a rope and tie it to an anchor hook attached to the platform.
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