Right, we are not connected to anything. The deck is built the same level as the pool (52") and has a gap between the pool and deck so we can work on the pool if need be, put covers on, etc. We bridge with a 10" wide matching board sold as header board that straddles the deck and the top rail with hinges on the deck side so each section flips up/back towards the deck and we can reach down in there to work. The gap also protects so we don't have pool or deck moving and crashing in to the other. We can make level adjustments for heaving very easily with the deck blocks too.