When people think about building a pool, the first things that come to mind are shape, finish, tile selection, lighting, and water features. It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics. But beneath all that style lies the foundation of the pool’s long-term survival: drainage.
In the pool construction world, drainage isn’t glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential. Drainage systems are the unsung heroes that ensure a pool stays structurally sound, safe, and usable over the long haul. Ignoring drainage is like building a house without a solid foundation—eventually, nature takes over, and things start to crack, shift, and fail.
Here in Southeast Louisiana, water is a constant part of life. The soil is saturated more often than not, and the water table isn’t shy about rising when it feels like it. This environment makes proper drainage not just important—it makes it non-negotiable. A well-built pool needs to manage both the water inside and the water underneath and around it.
One of the biggest risks to a pool’s structure is hydrostatic pressure. That’s the upward force created when groundwater accumulates beneath the pool shell. Without a way to relieve that pressure, the pool floor can crack or heave. In extreme cases, pools have been known to “float” up out of the ground. Hydrostatic relief valves are installed to prevent that from happening. When the groundwater pressure exceeds the pressure inside the pool, the valve opens and allows water to enter, equalizing the forces and protecting the structure.
Deck drainage is another key component. Every pool deck should be pitched to direct rainwater away from the pool. Surface drains, deck channels, and trench drains capture runoff before it can seep beneath the slab. Without these systems, water collects and begins to erode the soil, causing voids under the deck. Over time, that leads to uneven settling, cracking, and even collapse.
Then there’s yard drainage. A pool doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Surrounding landscaping, irrigation systems, and even roof runoff can affect how water behaves around the pool area. If these external water sources aren’t managed properly, they can overwhelm the soil, backfill drainage systems, and create ongoing problems with erosion, shifting, or contamination.
Material choices also play a part. Concrete, pavers, and natural stone all behave differently when it comes to water absorption and drainage. If materials trap water or don’t allow for proper flow, they can contribute to long-term issues like freeze-thaw damage, spalling, or discoloration. Even pool tile and coping are affected by poor drainage. Water trapped behind these surfaces can cause them to lift, crack, or separate.
Properly planned drainage systems also contribute to water quality. When runoff carries fertilizer, mulch, or debris into the pool, it disrupts the chemical balance and adds strain to the filtration system. That means more time spent on maintenance and more money spent on chemicals.
The most frustrating part? Most drainage-related problems don’t show up right away. They creep in over time. A crack here. A sagging deck there. Maybe some tilting pool furniture you chalk up to uneven ground. But the real issue is what’s going on beneath the surface—literally.
Drainage systems should never be an afterthought. When built into the original design, they add very little to the overall cost of a project but make a world of difference in performance and longevity. Retrofitting drainage is far more expensive and disruptive. It often means cutting through decks, digging trenches, and trying to work around existing landscaping and hardscape.
It’s not just about keeping water out, either. Sometimes, water needs a path in. Under certain conditions—like after heavy rainfall or during flood events—it’s safer to let water into the pool rather than have it build up unchecked on the outside. Again, this is where hydrostatic valves and engineered systems come into play.
Seasonal maintenance is another factor. Drains clog. Leaves build up. Over time, even the best-designed systems can fail if not properly maintained. Drainage should be inspected annually—especially before and after the rainy season. Keep channels clear, check that grading hasn’t shifted, and make sure the systems are still functioning as designed.
Every pool project should start with a drainage plan. It should include surface drainage, sub-surface systems, hydrostatic relief, and integration with the rest of the property’s water management. Without that plan, even the most beautiful pool is at risk of future damage.
The reality is simple: water always finds a way. The job of a pool builder is to make sure that way doesn’t end in cracks, erosion, or structural failure.
At Kingfish Pools, drainage is considered from the first day of planning. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s fundamental. Long-term performance, customer satisfaction, and the integrity of the pool all depend on what happens below the surface. And that starts with drainage.
