Still, I’d keep an eye on anything woody nearby.
Yeah, totally agree—woody roots are the real troublemakers. If you’re draining the pool, I’d suggest laying out a temporary flex hose and running it downhill, away from any shrubs or trees. Even if you don’t see roots now, they can sneak in over time. I once thought my setup was safe until a willow two yards over found its way in... took ages to clear that mess. Just goes to show, even “invisible” stuff like this can turn into a selling point if you do it right.
Title: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
That’s a good point about roots being sneaky. I’ve seen more than one property where folks thought they were in the clear, only to find out years later that tree roots had wrapped themselves around pipes or even cracked concrete. It’s wild how persistent they can be. I’d echo the advice about keeping the hose well away from anything woody, but I’d also add—sometimes it’s not just trees you have to watch. Even big shrubs can send out some surprisingly tough roots if they’re thirsty enough.
One thing I’ve tried in the past is using a splash block or even a makeshift gravel trench at the end of the hose to help spread out the water and slow it down. That way, you’re not just dumping a ton of water in one spot and risking erosion or pooling. It’s not fancy, but it does help keep things under control, especially if your yard slopes toward a neighbor’s fence (been there, got the angry texts...).
Curious if anyone here has dealt with clay-heavy soil? I’ve noticed that in some yards, water just sits on top for ages instead of soaking in, which can make draining a pool a real headache. Wondering if anyone’s tried digging a temporary sump or using a pump to move water even further away? Sometimes I think we overcomplicate things, but then again, every yard seems to have its own quirks.
Also, has anyone ever run into issues with local ordinances about where you can drain pool water? I know some places get picky about chlorine runoff and such. Just thinking out loud—sometimes what seems like the simplest solution ends up being more trouble than it’s worth.
Curious if anyone here has dealt with clay-heavy soil? I’ve noticed that in some yards, water just sits on top for ages instead of soaking in, which can make draining a pool a real headache.
Clay soil is the ultimate party pooper for drainage. I once tried to “spread out” the water with a fancy pattern of stepping stones—looked great, but the water just sat there like a moody guest refusing to leave. Ended up using a pump to send it down the driveway, which felt a bit dramatic but at least my hydrangeas didn’t drown. And yes, local ordinances can be a real buzzkill—definitely worth checking before you get creative with your runoff.
I hear you on the clay soil—had a backyard once where the water just sat there, like it was waiting for an invitation to leave. Tried aerating and adding sand, but honestly, it was like trying to teach a cat to fetch. Ended up running a temporary hose out to the street (after double-checking city rules, because those fines are no joke). Sometimes I wonder if French drains are worth the hassle, but I’ve never had much luck with them in heavy clay. Anyone ever actually seen those work?
French drains in clay...yeah, I’ve tried that too and honestly, it felt like digging a trench just to watch it fill up again. I even tried lining it with gravel and fabric, but the water just sat there, same as before. Ended up renting a sump pump one year when the pool needed draining, and just moved the hose around the yard to avoid flooding one spot. Not perfect, but cheaper than redoing the whole drainage system. Has anyone had luck with those dry wells, or are they just another money pit?
