How Gutters Can Save Your Backyard Oasis

Most homeowners think of gutters as a boring necessity - something you install to keep rain from dripping on your porch. But if you have a pool in your backyard, your gutters are doing a lot more than just catching water. We've worked on dozens of homes across Orange County and Los Angeles where improper drainage led to costly - and totally avoidable - issues around pools, patios, and even home foundations.

Let us explain why gutters are one of the most underrated parts of your outdoor space - and how they can quietly make or break your backyard.

The Mess That Started With a Missing Gutter

A few months ago, we worked with a family in Lake Forest who called us because their newly tiled pool deck was showing white stains just weeks after installation. At first, they assumed it was a tile issue. But when we looked closer, the problem was runoff. Rainwater was cascading off the roof, splashing onto the tiles, and depositing dirt and minerals right into the grout and onto the pool surface.

They didn’t have any gutters on the roofline above the pool.

After installing a clean, modern gutter system with downspouts that directed water into the landscaping (away from the deck), the staining stopped - and they saved themselves from having to regrout or replace tiles within the first year.

Pools + Rainwater = A Cleaning Nightmare

In Studio City, we had a client who noticed that after every rain, their pool turned murky. They assumed it was just "normal" for rain to dirty the water, but the root cause was the same: no gutters. The roof runoff was carrying leaves, soil, and debris straight into their pool, overwhelming the skimmer and forcing them to call their pool cleaner twice as often.

We installed a seamless gutter system and even added a leaf guard to minimize future maintenance. They called us a month later saying, “That gutter system saved my weekends.”

It's Not Just About the Pool

While a dirty pool is annoying, the hidden costs of poor drainage are much worse. Water that isn't controlled can:

• Undermine concrete around the pool or patio, leading to cracks and settling

• Erode landscaping, especially around elevated pool decks

• Cause white efflorescence spots on stucco or stone finishes

• Encourage mold or mildew on shady, wet surfaces

Why We Include Gutters in Many Outdoor Projects

At First Round Construction, we often proactively recommend gutters in our proposals—especially if we see signs of past water damage or if a pool is nearby. Homeowners are sometimes surprised, but once we walk them through what we’ve seen in the field, they realize it’s one of the smartest, most cost-effective investments in their outdoor space.

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Every project is unique, and we tailor our recommendations based on your layout, roofline, and how water naturally flows around your property.

Should You Add Gutters to Your Outdoor Renovation?

If you're building or remodeling a patio, pool area, or outdoor kitchen, don't overlook the water management side of the equation. A gutter system might not be glamorous - but it’s the unsung hero of a long-lasting, low-maintenance backyard.

Want us to take a look at your space? We offer free consultations, and we’re happy to walk the property and explain what you might need (and what you don’t).