How to Improve Drainage Around Your Pool to Prevent Water Damage & Puddles

A well-designed pool area enhances outdoor living, but poor drainage can lead to standing water, erosion, and even damage to nearby structures. Addressing drainage issues around a pool is essential for maintaining a functional and safe outdoor space. Without proper water management, puddles can form, soil can erode, and excess moisture can create problems for hardscaping and landscaping features. Here’s how to improve drainage around a pool to prevent water damage and standing water.

1. Identify Problem Areas

Before implementing drainage solutions, it’s important to pinpoint where water collects and what might be causing poor drainage.

Signs of Poor Drainage Around a Pool

• Standing water on pool decks or nearby landscaping

• Soil erosion, particularly on slopes leading to the pool area

• Water pooling near foundations or hardscaped features

• Mildew, algae, or slippery surfaces caused by excess moisture

• Soggy patches in grassy or landscaped areas

Observing the pool area after rainfall or heavy use can help identify drainage problem spots. Once problem areas are recognized, appropriate solutions can be put in place.

2. Improve Pool Deck Drainage

Pool decks are often made from concrete, pavers, or tile, which can prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground. If the deck isn’t properly sloped or has inadequate drainage, water can pool, leading to slippery surfaces and damage over time.

Solutions for Better Pool Deck Drainage

• Ensure Proper Slope: A pool deck should be slightly sloped away from the pool to guide water toward designated drainage areas. The recommended slope is about 1/4 inch per foot to allow water to run off without creating hazards.

• Install Channel Drains: Linear drains (also known as trench drains) along the edges of a pool deck collect water and direct it to a safe drainage point.

• Use Permeable Pavers: Instead of solid concrete or non-porous surfaces, consider using permeable pavers that allow water to seep through, reducing runoff.

• Add a French Drain System: A French drain uses gravel and perforated piping to redirect excess water away from pool areas, keeping decks dry.

3. Prevent Soil Erosion Around the Pool

Without proper drainage, excess water can wash away soil and create instability around a pool. Erosion leads to uneven landscaping, exposure of pool plumbing, and a messy yard.

Ways to Reduce Soil Erosion

• Install Retaining Walls: If the pool area is on a slope, retaining walls help control erosion by stabilizing the soil.

• Use Ground Cover Plants: Hardy, deep-rooted ground cover plants help anchor the soil in place and absorb excess moisture.

• Add Mulch or Gravel: Applying mulch around pool landscaping prevents soil from washing away while allowing water to pass through.

4. Manage Runoff from Roofs and Nearby Structures

Pools located near homes or other structures may experience excess runoff from roofs, gutters, and patios. Redirecting water before it reaches the pool area can prevent puddles and reduce wear on landscaping.

Tips for Redirecting Roof Runoff

• Install Gutter Extensions: Direct rainwater away from the pool deck by adding downspout extensions or splash blocks.

• Use Rain Gardens: These landscaped depressions collect runoff and allow it to soak naturally into the ground.

• Build Swales: Shallow ditches lined with grass or rocks help guide runoff away from the pool.

5. Address Pool Splash and Overflow Issues

Water splashing from the pool can accumulate over time, leading to drainage issues. In addition, rainfall can cause pools to overflow, flooding the surrounding areas.

How to Control Pool Overflow and Splash Damage

• Use Drainage Grates Along the Pool Edge: Grates installed around the pool perimeter collect excess water and prevent puddling.

• Install a Backwash Drain Line: This prevents wastewater from pool maintenance from saturating the surrounding landscape.

• Incorporate Splash Pads or Buffer Zones: Using hardscaped borders like stone or pavers around the pool minimizes erosion caused by frequent splashing.

6. Improve Subsurface Drainage in Lawn and Garden Areas

Low spots in a yard near a pool can become waterlogged after rain or heavy pool use. Without adequate subsurface drainage, water collects in these areas, creating muddy patches or plant stress.

Ways to Improve Subsurface Drainage

• Install a French Drain System: A perforated pipe placed in a trench and covered with gravel helps drain excess water from saturated areas.

• Use Dry Wells: These underground basins collect water and gradually release it back into the soil.

• Grade the Landscape: Ensuring that the lawn and planting areas gently slope away from the pool prevents water from settling.

7. Select Water-Tolerant Plants for Landscaping

Some plants struggle in areas with excess moisture, while others thrive. Choosing the right plants for poolside landscaping ensures longevity and prevents unnecessary replacements.

Best Poolside Plants for Drainage Areas

• Ornamental grasses (like fountain grass) that absorb excess water

• Drought-resistant shrubs such as Texas sage or rosemary

• Moisture-loving plants like ferns or elephant ears for naturally damp areas

• Mulched Beds to retain moisture and prevent soil erosion

8. Maintain Drainage Systems Regularly

Even the best drainage systems require routine maintenance to stay effective.

Maintenance Tips

• Clear debris from drains to prevent clogging.

• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure they are directing water properly.

• Inspect grading and sloping annually to make adjustments as needed.

• Keep landscaping well-maintained to prevent roots from blocking drains or interfering with runoff channels.

9. Upgrade to Smart Irrigation Systems

Poor irrigation practices can worsen drainage problems by oversaturating the soil. Upgrading to a smart irrigation system helps regulate water use efficiently.

Benefits of Smart Irrigation

• Moisture sensors adjust watering schedules based on real-time soil conditions.

• Drip irrigation systems deliver precise water amounts to plants without oversaturating the landscape.

• Programmable timers reduce excess water use in already-wet conditions.

10. Consult a Professional for Complex Drainage Issues

If persistent drainage problems exist despite DIY efforts, consulting with a professional landscape drainage specialist may be necessary. A specialist can assess grading issues, install proper drainage systems, and recommend long-term solutions tailored to a specific pool environment.

When to Call an Expert

• Standing water remains despite multiple drainage fixes.

• Water damage is evident on pool decks, landscaping, or nearby structures.

• Erosion or soil instability threatens the integrity of the pool or hardscaping.

Proper drainage around a pool is essential for maintaining a safe, attractive, and functional outdoor space. Whether it’s installing drains, improving grading, or choosing water-friendly landscaping elements, managing water effectively prevents damage and enhances the longevity of a pool area. By taking proactive steps, homeowners can avoid common drainage issues and enjoy a cleaner, drier, and more inviting pool environment.