I've been thinking about the chlorine/saltwater issue too, and honestly, from what I've read, rain gardens might not be the best fit if you're regularly draining pool water into them. Chlorine can mess with soil microbes and plant health over time. Maybe consider a dry well or French drain setup instead? You could still landscape it historically—like using stonework or brick edging that matches your home's style. Just another angle to think about...
"Maybe consider a dry well or French drain setup instead?"
Good call on the French drain idea. I've installed quite a few of these setups for clients dealing with pool drainage, and they usually work out pretty well. Here's how I'd approach it:
First, figure out your yard's natural slope—water always follows gravity, so you'll want to position the drain accordingly. Digging a trench about 18-24 inches deep and lining it with landscape fabric helps prevent soil from clogging things up later. Fill the trench halfway with gravel, lay down perforated pipe (holes facing downward), then cover it with more gravel and wrap the fabric over the top before backfilling with soil.
If you're worried about chlorine affecting plants, you could also add a small holding tank or basin to let the water sit for a day or two before it drains into the ground. Chlorine dissipates pretty quickly when exposed to air and sunlight, so this extra step can really help minimize any negative impact.
And yeah, matching stonework or brick edging to your home's style is a nice touch—makes the whole setup look intentional rather than just functional.
"Chlorine dissipates pretty quickly when exposed to air and sunlight, so this extra step can really help minimize any negative impact."
Good point about chlorine fading fast—I drained my pool last summer using a similar French drain setup, and honestly, the grass nearby never looked greener, haha. Didn't even bother with a holding tank. Just make sure your slope is decent enough...otherwise you'll end up with a soggy mess (ask me how I know).
Totally agree about the slope—learned that lesson myself the hard way. Couple extra tips from experience:
- If you're worried about erosion or puddling, toss down some gravel or river rock around the drain exit. Helps spread water out evenly.
- Keep an eye on your local weather forecast. Learned quickly that draining right before heavy rain is a recipe for disaster...
- Also, if you've got flower beds nearby, direct the flow their way—my plants thrived after getting that diluted pool water.
Haha, learned the flower bed trick myself—plants loved it, but my roses got a little too ambitious afterward. Ever tried using a flexible drainage hose to redirect water further out? Saved me from creating an accidental swamp in my yard...
