Pool Deck Drain: What You Need to Know Before Building Or Renovating

Thinking about getting an inground pool? Already have a pool and need to renovate? You’re in the right place. We will tackle everything you need to know about the system of deck drainage to ensure proper care and function so you can enjoy sunny days and not worry about complex drainage systems.

In simple terms, deck drains function as a container that collects excess water from the patio area and filters it elsewhere—usually a sanitary sewer line just outside of your home. When choosing a drain type for your pool, you will be tasked with a few considerations based on pool location, size, and aesthetics.

Focus on Slope

When going about building your pool and installing a drainage system, the slope should be at the forefront of your considerations. In general, pool decks need to slope at an average of one-quarter inch per foot to ensure proper drainage flow.

The direction of water flow should also be the main priority for pool owners. It is essential that water slopes away from the pool—unless you want washed-up debris floating into your pristine pool.

If your patio is surrounded by landscaping, it is advised to allow the drain to filter into your landscaped area. However, for those with no landscaping, a french drain just outside the deck drainage system is necessary to ensure that no water is trapped in the area outside of the deck.

Strip or Spot Drain?

Pool owners should be familiar with the two main pool deck drainage systems to ensure proper drainage and sanitation. Many characteristics factor into this choice—most notably patio shape and size. Have a standard or large-sized patio? Strip drains are for you. Working with less patio surface area? Opt for a spot drainage system.

Let’s start with the most common: strip drains. Strip drains—sometimes referred to as trench drains—divert water into channels by way of a trough, away from the patio. This drain type is defined by long and narrow gates that use gravity to divert collected water away from the main surface to avoid flooding.

On the other hand, spot drains work well for those who may not have sufficient space to install a strip drain—the latter of which requires a larger available patio area to install. Spot drains are typically tied underground using PVC pipes. Carrying the water away from the patio, spot drains function in a similar fashion as strip drains.

Material Considerations

With material types, pool owners have two factors to consider: aesthetics and climate. Choosing the right materials often has much to do with the climate your pool is located in and how it is cared for.

First, focus on patio configuration. Being the most popular material option, concrete is a natural choice for pool owners. Concrete is both decoratively appealing and cost-effective. Depending on the location and heat intensity, you may want to opt for a light-coloured material that will reflect sun rays—ensuring that your feet don't burn to a crisp.

Switching to drainage materials, PVC and plastic drains have historically been the most popular options. In recent years there has been a push for stainless steel drains—in most cases, stainless steel lasts longer and is easier to care for. It can be created to combat bacteria and fungal buildup, making it an increasingly popular option for pool drainage construction.

Maintaining Your Drainage System

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Just like a well-oiled car, your pool drainage system needs to be properly cared for to both ensure proper drainage and safety. When choosing a drainage system, it is suggested to opt for a configuration that can be easily removed and cleaned periodically.

Whether you choose a plastic or stainless steel drain, it is essential that pool owners regularly clean and disinfect their drainage system to ensure that potentially harmful debris or water does not seep into the surrounding patio area or onto the skin of pool frequenters. Though there are a variety of products that are suitable to clean drains, most experts recommend using chlorine or other chemicals suited for this area.

As mentioned prior, the colour of your drainage system and patio need to be considered—especially if young children will be using the pool area. Opting for a lightly coloured, soft to the touch, drain material will ensure that mistakenly stepping on the drain will not result in scars, burns, or cuts. Drains come in a variety of colours and fabrications—black, gold, white, grey—and safety considerations should be at the forefront of your selection.

Your Next Steps

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As you approach building or renovating your pool, deck drainage systems should be the least of your worries—if you keep in mind a set of key considerations. First, drainage type. Though strip drains are the most widely used, you may need to opt for a spot drain if your pool area is tight on space or you prefer a more seamless, underground drain finish.

Though the two operate extremely similarly in terms of drainage flow, strip drains can be defined by a grated above-ground finish, while spot drains are a series of tied PVC pipes situated underground. Your selected drainage type is essential in how you will go about maintenance, material selection, and general usage.

Moving to fabrication, pool owners have a variety of materials to decide between—most notably plastic and stainless steel. Though historically the most popular and widely used, plastic drains have recently begun to be replaced by stainless steel drains. Whichever material you choose it is extremely essential that you regularly clean and care for your drainage system in order to avoid debris and bacteria buildup.

Choosing your drainage system does not have to be as daunting as it has been in the past. With a bevy of updated materials, configurations, and technology systems, deck drainage is becoming as easy to operate as your folding umbrella. So go relax, soak up that sun, and enjoy your picturesque pool.