This article will focus on trench drain systems and the considerations that you need to make for them as you plan your project. Here are 5 questions you’ll need to ask yourself as you plan your trench drain systems: 

1. What material should you use?  

Several different materials can be used to make trench drain systems. In most cases, the material that you eventually choose will depend on the industry that the trench drain is being applied to and the client’s budget. 

Every material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Plastic is cheap, light, and easy to remove for cleaning. However, it will need to be replaced frequently. Steel is heavier and a lot more expensive than plastic. However, it is also more durable. Other materials fall roughly between these two extremes. 

2. How is the surrounding landscape going to affect the project? 

Depending on where your trench drain system is going to be set up, you might have to figure out how to deal with various types of debris that could potentially obstruct your flow. 

This is one of the reasons why it is very important to always know the plans that are in place for the surrounding landscape before setting off. When trees are planted too close to your drains, not only will you have to deal with shed leaves, but you will also have to design for potential root interference. If your system is located in a parking area with a lot of small stones, this will be the main problem you’ll have to deal with, because the stones could get knocked into your channels and clog up the entire system. 

Also, think about the landscape, its slope, and soil composition. These are all things that will affect how you approach your intervention. 

3. What will be placed on top of the trench drain system? 

The first thing you have to consider when it comes to this is the rest of the landscape on top. You want a system that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. This can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetics of your project.

Next, the trench drain system you go for must be able to perform the role that is intended for it. How is the space going to be used? For example, while public pools and train stations both have high pedestrian traffic, the nature of this traffic is very different. 

Additionally, you need to think about the required rate of flow for the area. This will influence the drainage patterns you choose. Areas that are often water-logged such as water treatment plants will need trench drain systems that are non-slip, high-grip, and barefoot-friendly. 

Finally, you need to think about the load requirements. Depending on your project, this may be one of the first or last things you’ll need to consider. Different trench drain systems are designed to take different weights. The goal here is to implement a solution that is appropriate to the kind of traffic that’s going to be experienced in the space.  

4. What is the nature of the liquid that is going to flow through? 

This is another important consideration to think about. While most systems are designed for stormwater drainage, they may not perform as effectively when you change the type of fluid flowing through. 

You need to consider the nature of the fluid that will be flowing through the system as you make your decisions. Think about extreme cases and how your system will perform in that scenario. How will it perform if the liquid flowing through is extremely hot or cold? Or, in the case of chemical plants, how will it handle the most corrosive chemicals? 

If you are designing regular storm drainage solutions, you still need to apply the same line of thinking. How will it perform when exposed to extreme heat or cold? How long would it last? 

5. What about the future? 

As you install the trench drain system, you need to also plan for future maintenance. Every drainage system needs a maintenance program in place to help them remain effective in the long term.  

Seasonal cleanouts and checks can go a really long way in ensuring that your trench drain system serves you well for many years. Plus, in some situations, a trench drain system that does not work as designed becomes hazardous, exposing you to legal troubles. You need to anticipate some of these problems and deal with them before they occur.  

Other things to keep in mind

The client’s personal preferences will also come into play as you select your trench drain system. Depending on what your client is like, sometimes, the final decision may be out of your hands, and all you can do is offer your professional advice. 

In certain special cases, your project may have to adhere to certain federal or local laws. It is very important that you familiarize yourself with these laws if you do not want to cross swords with the authorities and if you intend to keep everything legal. Federal guidelines will be broad and far-reaching, or very detailed and specific for certain sensitive projects. On the other hand, each state will have its own set of guidelines and laws that you will have to follow. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to trench drain systems, it is better to plan for too much and have your plans never set in motion than to plan for too little and have to explain why you did not plan enough. At Jonite, we do the bulk of the planning for you by offering quality products that are designed to go above and beyond in terms of performance. Therefore, whenever you use one of our products, you can rest easy knowing that almost all the heavy lifting has already been done for you. 

With the tips outlined here, choosing the best trench drain solution for your project should be a little easier. If you still feel a little overwhelmed, all you have to do is reach out to us; our experts will be happy to help you with your decision making!

The post 5 Considerations for Trench Drain Systems appeared first on Jonite®.

Everyone knows trees need water and nutrients to live. Sometimes trees go searching for water and nutrients in underground pipes or trench drains, which can lead to some disastrous consequences. When trees do this, they may break the pipes and grow within them or completely fill the trench and cause the line to back up. Either way, it prevents the flow of liquid and prevents the drain from doing its job.

You may notice some signs if tree roots are clogging your drains. Indoors, recurring backed-up drains and gurgling sounds may occur in your sinks and toilets. Outdoors, puddles may form from inadequate water flow and sewage can even leak above ground, both of which are characterized by standing water, spongy grass, and unpleasant smells. These are all signs that your drains are clogged and that action is necessary.

Clogged drains are so troublesome that they may require expensive solutions from a plumber or sewer line specialist. Eventually, the tree roots may need to be completely cleared from the pipes. The best way to avoid these problems is to prevent tree roots from becoming a problem in the first place. 

Start at the Base with a Tree Grate

Problems from tree roots should be curtailed starting at the tree itself. The way in which tree root systems grow is dependent on the density of the soil. Loose soil will allow a tree to grow downward and, in some cases, form a hardy and healthy taproot. However, compacted soils will force root growth outward and force it to become more sprawling. This is where problems can come in, as tree roots overtake pipes or fill in trench drains.

The most direct way to address this is to ensure the base of the tree is safe from compaction. A tree grate provides a physical barrier between the base of the tree and anything that will compress it. It gives the roots around the tree room to grow, which can prevent them from spreading out and spilling into drains.

What to Look for in Tree Grate Manufacturers

Tree grates can make a big difference in a landscape, so when choosing one, both your plant management and design goals should be considered. Functionally, a tree grate should have slits that are large enough to allow rainwater to easily drain but not so large that they allow debris to fall in. Visually, a tree grate should emphasize the beauty of the tree it is paired with, leading to a more natural feeling within the landscape. Both objectives can be met through the right tree grill design.

Other considerations should also be made in special situations. Some may desire an ADA compliant tree grate while others may desire a tree grate made with natural materials. 

Decorative Tree Choice

Just as important as picking the right tree grate is picking the right decorative tee. A tree should, obviously, look nice and bring nature into the urban hardscape. However, when considering the drain clogging potential of tree roots, there is more to think about.

Using a tree grate can help prevent roots from spreading. Unfortunately, some trees, like maple and ash, have a tendency to spread laterally anyway. Doing some quick research into the right kind of tree for your area can have a big impact on how they affect your landscape. 

In addition, younger trees that grow significantly may require an expandable tree grate. A grate like this will allow for future tree growth and reduced maintenance.

Stone Tree Grates or Cast Iron Tree Grates?

A final consideration to make comes from choosing the grate’s material.

Some tree grates are cast iron or metal. The metal in these grates can cause an increase in the surrounding temperature, putting the tree’s growth at risk. They are also made from metals that are prone to theft since they can be sold for scrap. 

On the other hand, reinforced stone tree grates do not face these issues. The stone does not heat up like metal and does not damage nearby trees. Stone is also a harder material to sell for scrap, preventing it from becoming the target of potential theft. For these reasons, stone tree grates offer benefits that may outshine many cast iron tree grates.

Final Thoughts

Tree roots can be the bane of many drainage systems. They can cause water to pool in unexpected places and cost a fortune in repairs. 

However, ensuring trees have room to grow can help in managing root systems. Tree grates can provide this room by preventing soil compaction and the problems caused by it. They also provide practical and aesthetic benefits for any type of landscape.

The post Watch For These Signs to See if Tree Roots Clogged Your Drains appeared first on Jonite®.

When tree grates are incorporated, they allow the trees growing in these urban spaces to integrate a lot more seamlessly with the rest of the landscape. They protect the trees from the severity of the urban environment, tremendously increasing the tree’s lifespan.  

The types of tree grates to be used in an urban setting should take into account several factors, such as tree root management, irrigation and aeration options, and guying systems. This goes a long way in ensuring that they integrate a lot better with their environment.   

Tree grates today come in a variety of materials, including metal, stone, and plastic. This article highlights some of the ways that tree grates can make a difference in your landscape. 

Here are some of the ways tree grates improve your landscape:  

Tree grates keep trees alive 

As has already been mentioned, tree grates play a vital role in ensuring that trees planted in urban spaces stay alive for longer. In urban settings, where there is a high density of human traffic, it is easy for the soil around the growing trees to get compacted. Compacted soil is one of the reasons why trees grown in urban areas suffer.  

When the tree grates are in place, the soil around the trees become inaccessible to human and vehicular traffic. This means that it will not suffer the same level of compaction that exposed soil does, allowing the tree to thrive as a result.   

Tree grates help create urban forests in city environments 

Whenever tree grates get used, the process of integrating urban forests into the city begins. Tree grates play an essential role in this process in various ways. For example, they help allocate space for trees while also allowing continuous pedestrian traffic flow over the area where the trees are. They also prevent litter buildup and boost the growth of the trees by suppressing weed growth.  

Tree grates allow for urban design versatility 

Tree grates come in many shapes, sizes, finishes, and designs. There is an option to suit every tree pit design. The versatility of the materials that they come in, such as metal, stone, or plastic grates, further gives landscape designers a more extensive array of options. They can even be custom made to any design specification.  

Tree grates enhance the aesthetics of the landscape 

Well-designed tree grates can be very aesthetically appealing. With adaptable designs that come in all sorts of ornate shapes, they create interesting focal points that break the monotony of the urban space.  

Although decorative metal grates are extremely popular today, there are experiments in various parts of the world that could see the materials tree grates come in changing soon. Materials like plastic, recycled tires, stone, and silicone are already in use. With time, we might see renewable sources like bamboo and cork come into play, as well as 3-D printed tree grates.  

Tree grates add character to the landscape 

Besides being just aesthetically appealing, tree grates can also breathe life and character to urban spaces. This can go a long way in turning a specific area into a vital way-finding tool for pedestrians. When an urban space is identifiable due to its elements, it resonates more with its users. They can identify it quickly, enhancing their overall experience of the urban space.  

Other things to keep in mind when installing tree grates 

As you incorporate tree grates into your landscape design, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind. Here are some of them: 

• The existing site parameters and existing design elements: You have to decide whether to work with them, work around them, or ignore them completely. 
• Access requirements: This influences the size, design, and material of the grates that you eventually end up using.  
• Vehicular traffic: What sort of vehicular traffic do you anticipate? If vehicles are going to go over the space allocated for the tree grate, you need to make sure that the grates you use can support their weight.  
• Disabled access: This determines the design patterns and slits that go on the grates. You do not want anything wide enough for a wheelchair wheel to go through.  
• Personal judgments and aesthetic choices: At the end of the day, personal preferences, along with the client’s unique needs, have the most significant influence on the sort of grates you eventually end up using.  

Another thing that needs to be well-thought-out and planned before the tree grate is installed is the soil underneath the grate and whether it will be sufficient for the tree. This is a growth issue. The soil immediately under the grate and its surrounding hardscape needs to offer the tree enough space for it to spread its roots.  

Usually, if a tree’s roots cannot grow down due to an obstruction of some sort, they will grow up. This is the main reason why some sidewalks and roads get pushed up or cracked by roots. In the end, the growth and longevity of the tree, the aesthetics of the surrounding space, and the people’s safety will all suffer.  

So, how much space should you allocate for the roots? Well, it depends on the species. However, generally speaking, trees with adult canopy diameters of 20 feet will need a pit that is 10 feet by 20 feet and at least 3 feet deep. Most small trees will do well in small cavities of 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet deep. This should be enough to keep the surrounding hardscape from buckling.  

Final Thoughts 

Finally, as you can see, the right use of tree grates can make a huge difference in your landscape. In an urban setting, they will enhance not only the life of the tree but also the overall experience of space users. While the average pedestrian may not be able to put their finger on the actual reason why they appreciate the space so much, the magic lies in the subtleness of the details around them, such as the placement and patterns of the tree grates.  

The post 5 Ways Tree Grates Can Make A Difference In Your Landscape  appeared first on Jonite®.

Sadly, beneath the beautiful blue water lurks several dangers that can dampen your spirits or even potentially end your life. What’s even more worrisome is the fact that only a few of these dangers are widely known and talked about. For example, everyone knows that diving in shallow water is dangerous. They also know that they should be careful when walking on wet decks. However, very few people understand that swimming pool drains are another potential source of danger because they do not get as much attention.

What dangers do pool drains pose?  

Pool drains work because they have a lot of suction behind them. They pull the water down, allowing the pool to be filtered, and in the process, cleans the pool. 

However, this suction is the main reason why pool drains are potentially dangerous. If you swim too close to them, your hair, jewelry, fingers, or any other body part can get sucked in. The average suction pressure of pool drains can be as high as 700 pounds, making it impossible to remove you once this happens. 

This is called suction entrapment, and it can be fatal. From 1999 to 2008, there have been 83 incidents of suction entrapment in the US, resulting in 69 serious injuries and 11 deaths, with most of the victims being young children. 

Pool drains often have pool grates on top of them. However, in many cases, the holes on these grates are too large, or they are not installed properly, and accidents still happen.  

What can you do to prevent swimming pool drain suction? 

In 2002, the death of a child led to the establishment of the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGBA) Pool and Spa Safety Act. Since then, all public swimming pools needed to include back-up anti-entrapment systems to prevent the risk of suction. 

Other regulations include the presence of anti-entrapment covers and pool grates on suction outlets and the ability to disable or reverse the suction flow for public pools. Operators of public pools are also required to inspect their drains daily and ensure that they are in good condition. 

One of the things that make pool drains a cause for concern is the fact that they can be installed in many different ways. Some of these methods are more dangerous than others, which is why you need to have a good idea of how your pool’s plumbing system is.

There are several methods you can use to prevent pool drain suction, including:

• Installing dual main drain suction points. These have been proven to be superior to single point suction drains. Suction occurs when the drain is completely covered, creating a vacuum effect within the drain itself. This generates a lot of force, strong enough to pull a swimmer towards it. With a dual main drain system, you have to cover both main drains to generate enough force to create an entrapment hazard. Although this significantly lowers the risk of such a situation taking place, it can still happen if two swimmers choose to block both main drains. 
• Installing VGBA compliant pool grates and drain covers. These covers have no accessible spots where swimmers can get their fingers or toes stuck, making them a lot safer than conventional covers. They also have curved lids that make it difficult to block the entire flow of water, which means it’s harder to form a vacuum when you have them installed.
• Upgrade your pump to an SVRS (Safety Vacuum Release System) model. These pumps are designed to shut themselves off immediately if entrapment occurs. They’ll detect any sudden increase in flow restriction and automatically turn themselves off.  

Ensuring pool drain safety for kids 

70% of pool suction entrapment victims are children. This goes to show just how important it is to be careful when you have children in and around the pool. 

If you have a pool in your home, there are several things you can do to make your pool as safe as possible for kids. Apart from ensuring that your drain is compliant and meets VGBA requirements and that you have an SVRS filtration system in place wherever possible, here are a few more things that you should consider:

• Do not let them wear their hair down in the water. If your child has long hair, make sure it is tied up in a bin before they get into the water.
• Teach your kids to practice pool drain safety. Make them understand how important it is to stay away from drains. You should also show them how to use the pump’s on/off switch in case of an emergency. 
• Limit access to the pool area when there is no adult around. Whenever children are using your pool, you assume lifeguard duty, and you need to be present at all times, no matter how experienced they may be.  
• You can also install safety features in the pool area, such as a safety net or a pool fence, to ensure that no children can access the area when you are not around. 

What sort of pool drainage system should you use? 

There are two main plumbing configurations for swimming pools: active and passive plumbing. 

Of these two, an active suction system is more dangerous. It has a single main drain that is connected by a single pipe to the pool pump. An analysis of past suction entrapment cases revealed that active suction systems are the ones that are most likely to result in entrapment. 

Passive plumbing configurations, on the other hand, are a lot safer. In this system, the main drain is used as a non-pressurized equalizer connected to the pool skimmer. There is zero suction from the pump because the skimmer is open to the air, so there is no closed loop. Compare that to the active plumbing where there is a closed loop from the pump to the main drain. 

To find out whether you have an active system or a passive one, you need to determine whether the pump sucks directly from the main drain or if the pump only draws from your pool skimmer.   

Can you do away with the pool drain altogether?

The short answer is no. Most pools must have a main drain in order to function as they should. The only exception is vinyl liner pools that have the option of either having a pool drain or going without one. All the rest must have a main drain. 

You need a main drain in your pool because that’s where the hydrostatic relief valve will be installed. It is also the best way to achieve proper filtration and circulation of pool water. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, while pool drains can be dangerous, many of them aren’t. When they are installed in the right way, they can prevent any potential risks that come with suction. However, no pool drain is 100% safe. Even when you have all the safety features in place, you still need to be very careful every time you hit the water, especially if there are children involved. 

The post Hidden Pool Drain Dangers Every Parent Should Know appeared first on Jonite®.

Trench drains are a type of floor drain that has a channel-shaped body that is used for the eradication of surface water. Sometimes, they are also used to hold utility lines or to contain chemical spills in industrial applications. 

In landscaping, trench drains will usually have a solid trench grate or cover that is flush with the rest of the landscape. They are long and narrow, with a gentle slope that determines the general direction of the flow of water inside them. Depending on the application and function of the trench drain, their channels can vary significantly in width. 

Hardscapes are more prone to runoffs than soft landscapes because there is minimal water absorption. This is why trench drains are particularly useful for hardscape areas, especially when perimeter drains are needed. Typical areas of application include retail stores, parking lots, pools, airports, sports facilities, lawns and gardens, vehicle maintenance facilities, pavements, and spas. 

That being said, can trench drains be environmentally friendly? 

Trench drains can be environmentally friendly solutions when they are implemented as a form of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, or SUDS. 

SUDS are systems that are designed to manage the drainage of surface water in urban spaces. They work by either slowing down or holding water in place for other natural processes to break down any pollutants in it. SUDS often provide efficient alternatives to traditional drainage systems that involve the drainage of surface water into piped underground drainage systems. 

The design of most SUDS includes several connected stages. This is called the treatment train. The more likely the water is to be contaminated, the more stages the treatment train will have. 

Therefore, SUDS are beneficial in many ways. They prevent water pollution, reduce the risk of flooding, and recharge underground water levels, preventing drought. Some of them also create green spaces for people and habitats for wildlife in urban areas. 

There are several SUDS techniques that can be implemented, including; 

• Swales
• Permeable surfaces
• Basins and ponds
• Wetlands
• Green roofs
• Underground storage
• Rainwater harvesting
• Infiltration trenches, drains, and strips

Trench drains are therefore only a small part of a larger family of SUDS techniques. 

Environmental trench drains should enhance the aesthetic quality of the space they are in, such as a community or urban environment, while at the same time being sustainable. 

All sustainable urban drainage systems need to be first considered during the site selection process. They need to capture, use, or absorb rainwater effectively instead of rejecting it as a nuisance. In this way, they can improve the quality of life in that space by making it aesthetically pleasing, resilient and vibrant. 

Being sustainable means safeguarding the needs of current users while not impeding the ability of future users to meet their needs. Environmental trench drains achieve this by mimicking natural drainage processes through techniques that help them deal with the surface water locally before releasing it back into the environment. 

In their functions, they also improve urban air quality, reduce noise, regulate building temperatures, and free up space for other activities such as recreation. As the cherry on top, they are constructed with environmentally friendly materials using sustainable construction methods and are durable enough to ensure that maintenance resources are not wasted needlessly.

Types of trench drains

There are three broad types of trench drains. With minimal intervention, each of these types can be turned into environmentally friendly versions of themselves:

• Cast in place trench drains: 

These are installed on-site. The channel is usually dug by hand, and the trench drain manually put in place. This makes it the most labor-intensive type of trench drain. 

• Precast trench drains: 

These are made off-site, usually in a factory that specializes in this. They come as several separate pieces, which are then transported to the site and laid in place. 

• Linear drain systems: 

A modern variation of precast drains, these systems tend to be very narrow, making use of light materials like fiberglass, plastic, steel, and polymer concrete. To lay them, you have to dig a trench then assemble the channel and the grate within that trench. Concrete will then be poured all around the layout for added structural support, forming the drain. 

Benefits of an environmental trench drain with high-quality trench grates

• Reduction of ponding. A well-laid trench drain that has a good quality grate will significantly reduce or even eliminate any instances of ponding. 
• They extend the life of paved surfaces. When water is not left to sit on paved surfaces for too long, its lifespan is almost doubled. 
• They help reduce slip hazards
• They prevent flood damage to property. A well-drained surface is continually getting rid of any water on it, even in instances of flooding. Therefore, any water will not sit on it for too long, preventing flood damage to property.  
• They improve the usability of the space. This applies to both public users and vehicles, depending on where they have been installed. 

Why your choice of trench drain grates is vital for environmental trench drain solutions

Your selection of trench grates will play a critical role in several things, including: 

• Rapid drainage. The trench grates facilitate the expulsion of the water from the surface. Plus, the bottom of the drain is shaped to increase the velocity of the flow, which also helps in self-cleaning. 
• Ease of maintenance. Quality trench grates are easy to maintain since the smooth surface does not collect debris.
• The negligible absorption of water by the trench drain grates and the internal surface of the channel means it will prevent the collection of bacterial and the seeping of pollutants into the surrounding soil. 
• Good quality trench drain grates are also chemical resistant, so they will not be eroded by cleaning agents.

What to look for in trench drain grating and channels

There are four main boxes that your trench drain grating and channels must check: 

• Performance: How much liquid do you expect the channel to intercept at max capacity? 
• Loading: What loads will be on the grating?
• Durability: How long do you expect the system to last? 
• User requirements: This includes everything from aesthetics, ease of removal and maintenance, and safety issues, such as slip resistance, how prone heels are to getting caught, ease of use for persons with disabilities, and so on. 

Types of sustainable drainage systems

There are several types of sustainable drainage systems. As stated earlier, the criteria here is to align modern drainage systems with natural processes. Therefore, they often use components that mimic natural processes to integrate urban drainage systems to the site efficiently. 

Here are a few examples: 

• Swales- Shallow depressions that gather and filter surface water runoff by directing it through soil and surface plants. 
• Permeable surfaces- These can either be in the form of a porous pavement material or pavement material that has been divided into sections. The idea here is to allow surface water to seep to the soil below. 
• Wetlands- Perfectly suited for areas that experience large volumes of water runoff, they replicate marshes by gathering and filtering water relying solely on their own ecology to remove pollutants. 
• Green roofs- Green roofs are landscaped areas on the roofs of buildings. They work by filtering rainwater directly as it falls, reducing the load on other drainage systems. 
• Drain channel systems- They convey surface and wastewater to a filtration system or sewer. They come in various shapes and sizes, with every one of them designed to perform specialized functions. Here is a closer look at these types: 

Types of environmental trench drain channel systems

Micro Channel Drain

Micro Channel Drains are perfect for areas that do not need a large amount of water to be drained. They are mostly used for residential applications. The trench channel will be about 1.25″ wide. 

Mini Channel Drain

Wider than the microchannel drain, they offer a larger surface area of collection. Since they are more visible, they are often customized in many ways, including patterned grates, colored grates, or grates made of unique materials such as brass or plastic. They can be used for both residential and non-residential applications. The average width of the channel is about 2.25″. 

Standard Channel Drain

Although these are similar to regular trench drains found in a large number of non-residential applications, they stand out as environmentally sound because of the type of trench grate they use. They can have various kinds of environmentally-friendly grates, along with 4” wide channels with either flat or slightly sloping bottoms. 

Special Channel Drains

There are several different options in this category. 

• Wide channel drains: These have a greater surface area for drainage than micro and mini channels. They are ideally suited for areas with a considerably more significant amount of water. The broader channels provide much larger carrying capacity for the water while keeping the grates inconspicuous. Used for both residential and non-residential applications, the average width of the channel is about 4.125″ wide. 
• Modular channel drains: These trench drains have interlocking joints and a modular design. Their systems are flexible, and connections are easy and quick to make. You can customize them with various types of grates according to your requirements. They have both residential and non-residential applications. 
• Sloping trench drains: These drains have a built-in slope to ensure that there is optimal flow throughout the system. They are used for non-residential applications and have customizable grates. Because of their built-in slope, most sloping trench drains are also modular for secure handling, installation, and freight to site. 

Final Thoughts

In the end, if you want your trench drain to be environmentally friendly, it must meet all the safety requirements of its users along with sustainability requirements. Coming in a variety of designs that complement the visual appeal of the space they are in is just the cherry on top. 

The post 4 Types of Environmental Trench Drain Solutions appeared first on Jonite®.

For residential and commercial properties, overflow pools are quite trendy for many reasons. Top of the list is the fact that when installed properly, they can be very beautiful to look at. When the surface of the water is level with the adjacent flooring and the landscape around it, it creates an almost edgeless lake effect that is breathtaking to behold. This is the secret behind the allure of overflow pools. 

Another reason why these types of pools are so popular is that they are known to give landscape architects a lot of design freedom. However, this is where things get tricky. The design of the pool can make or break the entire landscape design, which means making a few wrong moves could mean the collapse of your whole concept, causing the swimming pool, landscape, and their amenities to have a disconnect. 

Therefore, as you plan your pool, you need to have a clear vision and the bigger picture at the back of your mind. Successful integration of the swimming pool into the landscape will mean the difference between having a swimming hole and having a relaxing oasis in your backyard. Here is how to achieve this.

1. Carefully select your pool grating

In modern swimming pool construction, a deck level system, which features a high water level combined with an overflow channel, is often used. It is a widely established practice, and for a good reason; it offers a lot of advantages when it comes to ease of access and general hygiene. 

However, for this system to be effective, several requirements need to be met, particularly when it comes to pool overflow and the overflow channel. First, it needs to collect all the water that spills over the edge. Second, it needs to provide maximum hygiene and safety. Finally, it must look good and be a pleasant surface for users to walk on. 

That’s where pool grates come in. When done right, pool drainage grates will check all these boxes. They will also stop the water from splashing on the adjacent floor space since the pool and the flooring is level. As the cherry on top, high-quality ones will also provide stability, durability, and strength. 

Choosing the right pool grates will be essential in making your pool integrate seamlessly with your landscape. They are used in several areas within your swimming pool space, including main drain and outlet covers, access ramps, pool bench seats, gutter grating, lifeguard tower platforms, pool partition walls, shower room flooring, access gates, entry grating, deck storage boxes, and access hatches, among other uses. 

2. What to look for in your swimming pool grating

The pool grating you choose should be slip-resistant, easy to clean, durable, and able to adapt to your existing channel frame system. It should also lock together firmly and safely to prevent gapping and lifting. 

Additionally, it should be safe and non-toxic, not reactive to pool chemicals, and have consistent color, thickness, and density. 

Another important factor to keep in mind here is space. Sufficient open area is essential especially if you want your pool grating to effectively prevent splashing on the adjacent flooring. 

If you use Jonite swimming pool gratings, you also get lots of other benefits on top of all this. You’ll get natural stone beauty that will add high-end elegance to your space, along with unbeatable comfort and safety. Jonite grates are also heat resistant, which makes them comfortable to step on, no matter how hot the day is. 

If you are into preserving the environment, Jonite grates will also help you do that. They are constructed with sustainability in mind, using at least 30% recycled material in the products. They are also made with composite reinforcements, which makes them extremely durable and corrosion-resistant.

Finally, and best of all, they can be tailor-made and personalized to suit your unique requirements. With a large number of unique patterns and aesthetics, along with a plethora of size options, this is what you need if you want to integrate your pool into your landscape seamlessly. 

3. Carefully select your pool deck drain

Pool deck drains and pool deck drainage channels serve to keep excess water out of the pool deck and the general pool area, providing a safe space for anyone barefooted, especially kids. They also redirect rainwater away from any structure within the pool area, such as the pool house. 

They are essential elements to have, especially if your general landscape has any slope to it. 

Pool deck drains come in a variety of styles and materials. Before you settle for one, there are a few things that you need to consider; 

• Weight loads- If you get a thin plastic deck drain, things like patio table legs and lawn chairs will inevitably pole through them, rendering them useless. Go for a drain that can handle such weight loads. 
• Hot or cold- Some drains tend to get really hot with the sun and extremely cold in cold weather, which can make stepping on them very uncomfortable. Although metal drains are particularly notorious for this, several other materials have the same problem, which is why you should be very careful when selecting your pool deck drain material. 
• Cleaning considerations- Your drain should be removable for easy access, which makes them very convenient whenever you need to clean them periodically. 

Jonite’s pool deck drains check all these boxes. With the ability to blend seamlessly into any flooring you may have, they are easy to maintain, aesthetically pleasing to look at, and extremely strong and durable. 

Additionally, the drains are engineered to perform their function while remaining structurally sound, resulting in a watertight pool area that will never puddle.

4. Pool drain cover replacement

Pool drain covers are other vital elements of the pool. They are also known as anti-entrapment covers, and serve to prevent, hair, fingers, and jewelry from being trapped under the drain. Drain entrapment occurs when a person gets held against the pool drain by the force of the pool’s suction, often when part of their bodies, clothing, hair, or jewelry gets caught in the drain. It is extremely dangerous and can often be fatal, especially for small children. 

Therefore, you should never compromise on the quality of your swimming pool drain cover. If you intend to do a pool drain cover replacement, it is a good idea to make sure that any drain cover you use meets the minimum requirements set by the ASME National Standard. 

Even better, make sure it is a VGB-Compliant Drain Cover, meaning it should meet the VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act requirements of 2007, which are the latest and most updated guidelines for drain cover manufacturers.  

5. Bonus tip: Remember to balance aesthetics with functionality

While the landscape’s aesthetic properties are essential, you also have to think about how the site functions. There are various ways to do this. For example, you can establish strong sightlines to specific focal points around the pool, and set up different “destinations” that will give the landscape some structure. 

The pool also needs to settle into the landscape. This means aligning traffic patterns with existing focal points. Anyone who walks into the swimming pool area should immediately know exactly where to go. Have focal points that are beyond the pool area, so that views extend over it, allowing the pool to merge into the landscape. 

Finally, here are a few questions that will help you form a clearer mental picture of how your pool should integrate into your landscape: 

• What areas outside do you regularly visit? 
• How would guests get to the pool area for an event, for example, a barbecue?
• Where do you see yourself enjoying a barbecue in the backyard?
• Where do you want the children’s play area to be? 
• Would you like to see the pool from the house? 
• Are there any specific pool shapes that you like? 
• Where should the pool’s filtration systems and heating go? 
• Will you require extra storage for pool chemicals and tools?

Answering these questions will give you a general idea of where your pool needs to go, how to position it on your landscape, and how it should look. 

The post How to Successfully Integrate a Pool Into A Landscape appeared first on Jonite®.

The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is pleased to invite you to take part in our 2020 Annual Meeting, to be held February 9-11, 2019 at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This PROSPECTUS (Available Soon) outlines many of the business, educational and social events that are a part of the NJASLA Annual Meeting.

The meeting promises to be engaging, exciting, and educational.  Landscape Architects and allied professionals from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland will come together to learn about new products, make connections, and earn professional continuing education credits.

Please CLICK HERE to register online.  Booth assignments will be made on a first-come, first-placed basis and history of previous participation. Secure your priority booth location today!

Over 13,000 member from 3 AIA States

(pending official event details from expo website)

Venue

Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center

777 Harrah’s Blvd

Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States

EXPO Dates & Hours

February 9th – 11th, 2020(Sun-Tue)

John Rocco Sales Website 

NJASLA Website

NJASLA  Annual Meeting

The post Jonite in NJASLA Show 2020 appeared first on Jonite®.

Preventing serious drain clogs

Many things could enter your drains and clog it up. Drain debris could be things like hair, soap scum, grease, and even coffee grounds. There are also reports in some cases of tree roots clogging drains due to cracks in the pipe that allowed tree roots to grow inside. Even drain grates are also unable to filter out small debris. The grates sometimes can even be the clog themselves, with debris clogging up all the drain cover openings. 

To repair any significant problems created by the clog at that point would be a lot more expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, frequent checks and maintenance can reduce the chances of a significant clog. Regular cleaning and inspection help to ensure very few debris are left stuck. It can also help extend the lifespans of drainage accessories. Accessories like pipes, catch basins, drain grates, etc. are prone to or permanent staining due to exposure to dirt and grime.

Reduce lingering odors

A lingering stench in a space is one of the few signs of under-maintained drainage. Over time, debris or mold stuck in any drain accessories tends to produce a foul smell. Depending on the location of the clog in the drainage system, It could also trap sewer water, adding to the foul stench. If left uncleaned, the odor could become the next air “freshener” of the area.

Luckily, a good wash down and cleaning can get rid of the smell in no time. Drain grates should be cleaned as well, as mold and dirt can also retain on the underside or between the openings. A good cleaning also guarantees indoor spaces are odor-free and avoid potential backflow/stagnant of sewer/toilet water into the indoor areas.

A safer and cleaner outdoors

What happens indoors can happen outdoors, as well. When drains outdoors get clogged, it can lead to a few inflowed water retention problems. For one, it becomes an ideal insect breeding ground. A build-up puddle of water with the constantly soaked surrounding soil is like a breeding buffet spot for many insects, especially mosquitoes. That same water body could also make floors slippery, which poses a danger to anyone using that outdoor space. The surrounding landscape can get affected. Plants might die off, and the surrounding soil could erode due to excess water present.

If a small body of water were to start forming, it is best to do some quick checks and clearing quickly. A forming water puddle indoors, or outdoors is some early signs that likely a block or restrain is present somewhere in your drainage.

Keeping your drainages clear

While a drain block might give away many early signs, drainage maintenance is always like the saying, “Prevention is better than cure.”  Having frequent checks and maintenance can help to offset later problems that might be harder to resolve. It is also worth noting these potential issues when planning a drainage system for buildings. A well-planned drainage system could improve the maintenance, with more access points to pipes and drainage accessories or placed in easy to reach areas.

The post Why Drainage Maintenance Is Important appeared first on Jonite®.

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Coupled with some complicated terms, it is an agony finding the ideal one for your drainage settings. However, fret not for today, we have compiled together a list of tips to consider to make your drain grate hunting a lot easier.

Weight/load class

As most drain grates are for roads or pathways, it is paramount that grates would need to be able to be load-bearing. There are quite a few different load class standards, but the most common standards many drain grate manufacturers use are EN 124 (UK) and EN 1433 (US). 

EN 124 and EN 1433 are applied to drain grates used by pedestrians or vehicles, particularly gully & manhole covers, and channel drain covers, respectively. The grates are labeled a loaded class based on the max load it can bear before failure. For EN 1433, the max weight is in lb per foot, and classes divided with letters. Whereas for EN 124, the max weight is in tonnes, and classes divided with group numbers.

• A15/Group 1: (max 3,372 lb/1.5 tonnes per ft) For pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
• B125/Group 2: (max 28,100 lb/12.5 tonnes per ft) For pedestrians and areas with little vehicle traffic. E.g.: private car parks.
• C250/Group 3: (max 56,200 lb/25 tonnes per ft) For curb-sides or roads with slow or moderate speed vehicle traffic.
• D400/Group 4: (max 89,920 lb/40 tonnes per ft) For main roads, highways.
• E600/Group 5: (max 134,800 lb/60 tonnes per ft) For areas with industrial vehicles like forklifts and trucks.
• F900/Group 6: (max 202,320 lb/90 tonnes per ft) For areas with especially heavy wheel loads such as airport pavements or docks.

Drain size compatibility

While there are some standard drain width sizes, not all drainage widths are the same. For one, some manufacturers produce grates with unique sizing. Many drainage and grate manufacturers usually would have their grates fit only to their specific drain channels. While it’s useful if you are using the channels and grates of the same manufacturer, knowing it will fit. It also means that those grates would not work on drains bought elsewhere or custom sized ones.

However, there are some alternatives to this. There are still drain grate manufacturers who produce grates to fit some standard drain widths or those manufactured by other companies. As for custom size drain, some companies do also have grates and frames customizable to any sizes.

ADA compliance

ADA, known as the “Americans with Disabilities Act,” is a government-set standard that requires public-use products to follow specific regulations to be disabled-friendly. What this means for drain grates or any grate types in public, is that the drain holes need to adhere to a particular size. For grates certified ADA compliant, the sides of the holes that are parallel to the general direction of traffic have to be ½” or less. 

The sizes of the opening not horizontal to traffic direction are less restrictive and can be any size. Why the need for that is to prevent wheelchair wheels or walking cranes from getting stuck or slipping through the grate openings. While seemingly limited, the grate hole shapes can still be designed to look good and drain surface water effectively, yet a hazardless surface for the disabled to cross.

Aesthetics

The most subjective, and probably the most time-consuming decision factor, is probably aesthetics. Today, there are a plethora of different drain grate hole patterns and designs, not to mention different materials. A quick search, and you’ll see drain grates with simple slot patterns, intricate ones, or even customizable ones. Even the materials vary across manufacturers. Everything from classic choices like cast iron to plastic to over-the-top options like stainless steel.

Some opt for grates made of unique materials such as stone. While there are lots of aesthetic options to consider, we have tips for those who are lost. For starters, consider the environment and application of the grates. For areas with natural colors or materials, a nature colored grate, or grates made from natural materials, or nature-themed patterns may be a good match. Metal or stone grates would pair well with a more elegant or premium application. 

Hunting for the ideal drain grates

While not the entire long list of tips, these are just some of the essential few. If we mention every consideration here, this article could go on way longer. Of all considerations, a drain grate’s load class is of the highest priority. 

A wrong load class could result in grates breaking easily and pedestrians/vehicles getting damaged/injured or merely having an unnecessarily reinforced grate. It is best to also check with each grate manufacturers on their grate specs and options. The info gives you a better idea of the possible conditions their grates can be modified to fit. Everything else from there on is down to personal tastes and the styling of the drain surroundings. 

The post Tips For Choosing The Right Drainage Grates appeared first on Jonite®.