Pool Height, Finished Levels & Surface Drainage

Correct pool height and site drainage are critical during the construction of any swimming pool. Setting the pool shell at the correct finished level not only improves the appearance of the pool but also protects the surrounding area and helps prevent stormwater from entering the pool.

When installing a pool, the finished height should always be referenced from a fixed datum point, such as the house finished floor level (FFL), the footpath, boundary kerb, or another established benchmark. Using a consistent datum ensures the pool, paving, landscaping, and surrounding structures are built to the correct height and remain level with the intended design.

Once the finished pool height has been established, all surrounding paving, concrete, or coping should be constructed with a slight fall away from the pool. A recommended fall of approximately 1:80 to 1:100 (10–12.5 mm per metre) allows rainwater and surface runoff to flow away from the pool rather than towards it.

Directing water away from the pool is essential because stormwater can carry dirt, grass clippings, mulch, leaves, fertilisers, and other contaminants into the water. This can lead to cloudy water, algae growth, increased chemical consumption, staining, and unnecessary strain on the filtration system.

Surface water should be directed into designated drainage systems such as strip drains, channel drains, spoon drains, stormwater pits, or landscaped drainage areas. These drainage systems safely collect and remove excess water before it reaches the pool.

Proper site drainage is especially important for concrete pools, where surrounding ground movement and water pressure can affect long-term structural performance, and for fibreglass pools, where preventing water from pooling around the shell helps maintain stable ground conditions.

By establishing the correct pool height from a fixed datum and ensuring all surrounding surfaces fall away towards suitable drainage, you create a safer, cleaner, and more durable pool area. Good drainage protects the pool structure, preserves water quality, reduces maintenance, and extends the life of the surrounding paving and landscaping.