Overflow Options

[TDCrimmins]

We have an overflow drain installed and it is causing run-off issues in our yard and our neighbor's yard. We ended up putting in a sump pump to pull the water away from the yard and now the sump pump has stopped working. We are in the process of getting it replaced, but I wanted to see if anyone here has a suggestion how to fix this issue any other way. Our yard is sloped so the spot we currently have for the overflow is our option. I have added pictures for reference. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

 

[1poolman1]

We have an overflow drain installed and it is causing run-off issues in our yard and our neighbor's yard. We ended up putting in a sump pump to pull the water away from the yard and now the sump pump has stopped working. We are in the process of getting it replaced, but I wanted to see if anyone here has a suggestion how to fix this issue any other way. Our yard is sloped so the spot we currently have for the overflow is our option. I have added pictures for reference. View attachment 602338View attachment 602339View attachment 602340Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

Biggest question; why is the pool overflowing?

 

[TDCrimmins]

Biggest question; why is the pool overflowing?

Two reasons, really. The overflow is a little too low, so I was thinking about adding something to cap it off half-way and the other reason is bc of all of the rain we have been getting lately. We are about to get drenched from Hurricane Debby in the next day or two.

 

[1poolman1]

Two reasons, really. The overflow is a little too low, so I was thinking about adding something to cap it off half-way and the other reason is bc of all of the rain we have been getting lately. We are about to get drenched from Hurricane Debby in the next day or two.

I do hope you and your family can be safe in the face of a hurricane. Yes, raise the overflow a bit as that will help with the issue.
Despite the builder's protestation, water only flows down hill and will pool unless it can continue to flow. Something is stopping that flow.

 

[nuttyp]

Nice yard and pool! I like the sump pump idea - where is the output of the sump pump going? That's a challenge with the rear yard sloping toward the pool, therefore tough to gravity-drain it rearward. Does the slope continue toward the front? Could you run it all the way out to the street or driveway, either via gravity or sump pump? Your municipality probably won't allow you to pump it to a sanitary sewer (if you even have a municipal sewer). And if you run it down the driveway that too might kill adjacent grass. If you're on a septic tank system you don't want it going there either. I'm thinking a small catch reservoir near where you have it, then the sump pump senses water and pumps it beyond that hill in the rear at the fence line. I guess the catch reservoir needs to be deep enough to not affect the nearby grasses.

Indeed many grasses don't like the chlorinated pool water. I'd swear I had a cultivar or St. Augustine grass the water didn't kill - in a former home. But currently my floratam cultivar hates the pool water, so I routed it behind some calusia bushes and it does not seem to harm the calusia. Not sure anything stops calusia growth I'm running low on ideas. Artificial turf in the vulnerable area? Drain tile under the artificial turf to allow the water to seep deeper without nearby runoff? Giant tank to store the water for re-use in the pool when evaporation removes too much in the winter?

Edit: Definitely raise the overflow so that it starts to drain just before the skimmer floods - usually starting to drain at about 1" below the top of the skimmer. It seems pool builders are not very careful about getting it at the correct and optimum height, at least not around here in my area. We've all had to adjust them. Very heavy rains will still flood the skimmer, but a good overflow will bring it back down in a few hours.