Stabilizing a Sloping Hillside Near a Pool: Terracing and Drainage

The Problem: Erosion Threatening a Pool

A homeowner in Orlando has a steep hillside sloping toward a pool deck and screen enclosure. The slope is too steep to mow (a mower previously flipped), and erosion worsens yearly. Two photos show the site.

Expert Solution: Build Terraces with Retaining Walls

Instead of cutting into the hill, add soil and build three short retaining walls (about 18 inches high each) to create level terraces. Start at the fence, backfill to level, step back 12 inches, build the next wall, and repeat until the top terrace sits just below the pool deck. Use landscape stacking stone—no concrete needed for walls under 3 feet. Plant ornamental grasses and shrubs (no large trees or shrubs with invasive roots near the pool).

Additional Erosion Control

Sod the slopes if mowable, or use groundcovers. Install a catch drain around the pool deck to collect runoff and pipe it away underground.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Build first wall at fence, 18" high; backfill to level.
2. Step back 12", build second wall with 6" soil depth at wall.
3. Repeat until top terrace is just below concrete.
4. Plant with ornamental grasses/shrubs; avoid deep-rooted trees.
5. Add catch drain and underground piping for pool deck runoff.