Drainage is important for pools and patios. Without it, you can wind up with an area of standing water. Standing water can lead to slips and falls, it can also cause erosion. Choosing proper drainage is an important but overlooked factor in building or renovating a swimming pool or patio area.
Three important factors to consider are
- The length of the pool
- The total surface area
- The maximum flow rate
With these numbers you can choose the best drain solution for your backyard oasis.
Types of Pool Deck Drains
The three most common types of drains that you might see around a pool deck or on a patio are
- Area Drains
- Grated Trench Drains
- Linear Slot Drains
Choosing the right drain is an important part of pool deck design. Learn all the facts in this blog so you can choose the right drain for your outdoor space.
Area Drains
Area Drains are simple and effective drains. Their flow rate depends on their size, the bigger the drain the higher the flow rate. Area drains are often the default drain to control pool water. The pool strainer is usually a simple area drain.
Area drains remove standing water using a four-slope concrete design. Four-slope means that the concrete needs to slope towards the area drain from every direction to be effective. Because area drains cover only a small area, you need to direct all the water toward them.
Area Drains Benefits and Drawbacks
- Simple Design
- Not effective for large areas
- Design can trap dirt and debris
- Drain grate can lack durability
- Can lead to standing water
Grated Trench Drains
Grated Trench Drains are advanced channel drains. They are a type of linear drain, which means they drain along their entire length. They install along a pool or patio to collect and drain water from a large area.
A Grated Trench Drain can divert water from the entire side of a pool. Trench drains require a two-slope design in the concrete. In a two-slope design, the concrete slopes toward the drain from either side. This makes it easier to direct water towards a trench drain than an area drain.
Whether they have a bar grate or a slotted design trench drains can be difficult to integrate. They stand out from the surrounding concrete or pavers. Some architects choose not to use them because they clash with a minimalist aesthetic.
Stainless Steel is the best drain material to use. Stainless steel grates will not rust, bend or crack. This makes it both safe and beautiful, now and in the future.
Trench Drains Features and Drawbacks
- Drains large areas
- Difficult to integrate into the surrounding design.
- Can be hazardous to bare feet
- Grates can lack durability
Slot Drains
Slot drains take drain design to the next level. They are a type of linear drain, which means they drain along their entire length. People sometimes refer to slot drains as slotted trench drains. Instead of a grate slot drains have a narrow slot like opening.
A Grated Trench Drain can divert water from the entire side of a pool. Slot drains require a two-slope design in the concrete. In a two-slope design, the concrete slopes toward the drain from either side. This makes it easier to direct water towards a slot drain than an area drain.
Like trench drains slot drains drain water from large areas. But unlike trench drains slot drains remain hidden in plain sight. Slot drains fully integrate with concrete or pavers leaving almost no visible trace. This makes slot drains a preferred drainage solution for architects and landscape professionals.
The slot width limits the flow rate of a slot drain, but this is not usually a problem. A standard 1/2" slot drain has a flow rate of 11 GPM per foot of drain. This flow rate is more than enough to keep most residential pool decks dry.
Slot Drain features and drawbacks
- Drains Large areas
- Lower flow rates than a trench drain
- Minimalist, flush-fitting design
- Safe, ADA-approved design options
- Durable and easy to maintain
Before and After from Grated Trench Drain to Slot Drain
This client wanted to update their pool with a more modern and minimalist design. They chose to upgrade their grated trench drain to a Slot Drain to achieve a more refined look.
Consider all the factors including flow rates, surface area and aesthetics when choosing a drainage system. If you need help reach out to a landscape professional or architect. They will guide you through the process of choosing the right drain.
Patio Drains
Patio Drainage is important to protect your investment. Standing water can damage your patio over time. Patios are gathering places to enjoy time with family and friends and are best enjoyed when they are clean and dry.
Slot Drains for Patios
Slot Drains can be installed with concrete or paving stone patios to achieve a minimalist look.
Patio Drainage Solutions
We offer custom drainage solutions for patio design.
Our 4000 Series Slot Drain is flat on one side for a 'wall hugger' effect. It can fit into tight spaces against walls or at thresholds.
For ADA or heel proof compliant designs special inserts are available. These inserts make slot drains more accessible without affecting flow rates.
Best Pool Deck Drain
Global Drain Technologies is the choice of landscape architects, landscape contractors, and homeowners around the world. Homeowners from Hawaii to Montreal trust our drains for their functionality, quality and aesthetics.
Start your drainage journey by browsing our in-stock drain kits. We sell slot and trench drain kits that range in length from 10' to 40' depending on your drainage needs.
Not finding what you are looking for in our off-the-shelf options? Contact our friendly drainage experts for custom drainage for your next project.
Trust Global Drain Technologies to keep you safe from slips and falls while protecting your home from erosion. Offering quality drainage and service excellence that ranks 9.3 out of 10 in customer polling.
