"We added some native grasses and plants that thrive in wetter conditions, and it's been a pretty low-maintenance solution overall."
Great suggestion—native plants are definitely the way to go. I've done something similar, and after a bit of trial and error (and some muddy boots...), it really paid off. Glad it's working for you too.
Native plants saved me from a mini backyard swamp disaster a couple years ago. I had this brilliant idea (or so I thought) to drain our above-ground pool right onto the lawn—figured, hey, free watering, right? Well...turns out grass doesn't exactly appreciate being submerged for days on end. After creating my own personal marshland (complete with frogs moving in), I finally took a friend's advice and planted some native wetland species.
Honestly, at first I was skeptical—thought I'd just end up with more weeds to pull—but it turned into one of the best yard decisions I've made. Now it's like my accidental pond was planned all along. Glad to hear someone else had success too; makes me feel a little less silly about my earlier "genius" ideas.
Had a similar issue a while back—client drained their pool straight onto the lawn, thinking it'd soak right in. Nope, instant swamp. Ended up installing a simple French drain system and added some native grasses around it. Worked great, plus it looked intentional...eventually.
French drains are solid, but depending on your yard's slope and soil type, they can get pricey fast. Did you end up using gravel or did you try one of those fabric-wrapped drain pipes? I've heard mixed things about the fabric clogging over time, especially with pool water carrying chemicals and debris. Wondering if anyone's tried a dry well setup instead—seems like it might handle larger volumes better without breaking the bank...
French drains can definitely add up quick, especially if your yard's slope isn't cooperating. I've done a few pool drainage setups, and honestly, fabric-wrapped pipes aren't my favorite. They seem great at first, but you're right—the fabric can clog over time, especially with pool chemicals and debris.
A dry well could be a solid alternative. Here's what I'd suggest if you go that route: dig your pit deep enough (at least 4-5 feet), line it with landscape fabric (just the sides, not the bottom), fill it with coarse gravel or crushed stone, and then cover it with another layer of fabric and soil on top. This setup helps disperse water quickly without clogging as easily. Just make sure your soil drains decently—heavy clay might still give you trouble.
Either way, you're thinking along the right lines. Pool drainage can be tricky, but once you nail down the right method for your yard, you'll be set for years.
