Retaining walls and grades

Retaining Walls and Grades

Professional Pool Company — Understanding Elevation, Slopes, and Retaining Walls in Pool Construction

Backyard elevation changes (grades) play a major role in how a pool is designed and where it can be placed. Many Central Florida lots—especially in Clermont, Minneola, Apopka, Sanford, and hilly parts of Lake and Orange Counties—require grading adjustments or retaining walls to create a level and safe pool area.

This article explains how grades impact pool design, when retaining walls are needed, and the options available.

⭐ 1. What Are “Grades” in Pool Construction?

Grades refer to the elevation changes or slopes in your yard. A yard can be:

Flat (ideal for pools)
Gently sloped (requires minor grading)
Moderately sloped (may need a retaining wall)
Steep (often requires engineered walls or multi-level designs)

Proper grading ensures:

✔ Safe, level pool structure

✔ Correct drainage flow

✔ Stabilized soil around the shell

✔ A comfortable deck area

⭐ 2. Why Grades Matter When Building a Pool

Uneven yards create challenges that must be addressed before or during construction:

✔ 1. Structural Stability

Pools require a stable, level base. Sloped ground may cause:

Soil erosion
Shell movement
Deck cracking
Water runoff issues

✔ 2. Drainage Management

Counties require drainage to flow away from homes and neighbors. Poor grading can cause:

Water pooling
Flooding
Settlement issues

✔ 3. Deck Safety

Decks must be stable and properly supported. Sloped land may require steps or retaining structures.

✔ 4. Setback Compliance

Slopes sometimes push the pool closer to easements or rear setbacks.

⭐ 3. When a Retaining Wall Is Needed

Retaining walls are used to hold back soil and create level ground for the pool and deck. They may be required if:

✔ Your yard drops more than 12–18 inches within the pool footprint

(You cannot build a pool shell on uneven soil.)

✔ The deck area needs leveling

Decks must meet slope requirements for safety.

✔ County stormwater reviewers require grade control

Some counties mandate retaining walls for lots with drainage concerns.

✔ You want a raised pool design

Aesthetics may drive the use of walls even when not required structurally.

✔ The property has cut/fill elevation differences

Common in new construction subdivisions.

⭐ 4. Types of Retaining Walls for Pools

1. Concrete Block (CMU) Retaining Walls

The most common type used around pools.

Benefits:

Engineered strength
Durable
Supports heavy loads
Good for 12”–48” elevation changes
Can be finished with stone, stucco, or tile

2. Masonry or Stone Veneer Walls

Built over CMU for a decorative look.

Benefits:

Luxurious appearance
Matches modern and Mediterranean styles
Works well with raised beams and water features

3. Timber/Pressure-Treated Walls

Less common but used for budget projects outside the pool footprint.

Benefits:

Affordable
Natural look

(Not recommended adjacent to pool shells due to longevity concerns.)

4. Raised Beam Pool Walls (Integrated Retaining Wall)

Part of the pool structure itself becomes a retaining wall.

Benefits:

Saves space
Adds a spillway or water feature
Visually elevates the design
Perfect for narrow or small yards

Often used when the rear of the yard drops off sharply.

⭐ 5. Engineering Requirements for Retaining Walls

Retaining walls over 24 inches typically require engineered plans that include:

Footing size
Reinforcement steel
Drainage behind the wall
Weep holes or French drain
Backfill specifications
Soil load requirements

Walls over 48 inches almost always require full structural engineering.

⭐ 6. Drainage Behind Retaining Walls

Proper drainage is critical. Without it, walls can shift or crack over time.

Typical drainage components include:

✔ Gravel backfill

✔ Perforated French drain pipe

✔ Waterproof membrane

✔ Weep holes (depending on design)

✔ Soil compaction

This allows water to escape instead of pushing against the wall.

⭐ 7. Grading Options for Sloped Yards

If a retaining wall is not required, other grading solutions may work:

✔ 1. Cut & Fill

Cutting soil from one area and redistributing it to create a level pad.

✔ 2. Tapered Decking

Deck slightly slopes away from the pool (within code limits).

✔ 3. Step-Down Decks

Useful where full leveling is not feasible.

✔ 4. Raised Pool Design

Lifts the pool elevation instead of lowering the yard.

⭐ 8. How Grades Affect Cost

Several factors influence pricing:

Low-grade correction (minimal slope)

Minimal soil redistribution
Possibly minor retaining work
Least expensive

Moderate slope (1–3 ft change)

Likely retaining wall
Drainage system
Additional engineering
Moderate cost

Steep grade (3–6 ft+ change)

Major retaining wall(s)
Deck steps or multi-level layout
Possible soil import/export
Higher cost

A quick site visit or survey review determines the best option.

⭐ 9. Signs Your Yard May Need a Retaining Wall

Yard slopes noticeably downward from the house
Visible erosion or runoff channels
Neighboring properties sit significantly higher or lower
Survey shows elevation arrows or large grade changes
Drainage swales on the rear line
Uneven or sloped fence line

We confirm the need for walls during your consultation.

⭐ 10. Summary: Retaining Walls & Grades Are Common and Manageable

Most homeowners are surprised how normal sloped yards are — and how easily they are handled through:

✔ Proper grading

✔ Retaining walls

✔ Raised beams

✔ Drainage planning

✔ Professional engineering

Professional Pool Company evaluates grades early in the design process to ensure the pool fits, drains properly, and meets all county requirements.

⭐ Need Help With Grading or Retaining Walls?

We’ll review your survey, walk your property, and provide the best solution.

👉 Contact us anytime for grading and retaining wall guidance.

Need help right now?

Call us at 321-252-7371 or schedule a design consultation at this link.

Updated on: 29/11/2025

Was this article helpful?

Thank you!