When people hear Meramec Pools & Outdoors, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a new swimming pool.

And while we certainly build plenty of those, some outdoor projects require a completely different kind of expertise.

Our recent Webster Groves | Helfenstein project is a great example.

This project wasn’t about adding a pool. It was about correcting serious drainage and grading problems, helping protect an existing garage foundation, and rebuilding the surrounding hardscape the right way.

A Drainage Problem That Couldn’t Be Ignored

Water has to go somewhere.

When a property isn’t graded or drained correctly, that water can begin causing much bigger problems than standing water, soggy landscaping or a muddy yard.

At the Helfenstein property in Webster Groves, drainage issues had become serious enough that water was contributing to problems with the existing garage foundation.

Simply replacing the driveway or making the yard look better wouldn’t solve the underlying issue.

The water needed a new path.

Fixing the Problem From the Ground Up

The project began with the removal of an existing retaining wall.

With the old wall out of the way, our team could address the grading and drainage around the property instead of simply covering up the existing problems.

We regraded the yard to help move water in the right direction and rerouted the drainage that had been contributing to the garage foundation issues.

We also installed a Flo-Well drainage system and French drain to help collect, manage and redirect water moving through the property.

It’s the kind of work that homeowners may not always notice when a project is finished, but it’s some of the most important work happening underneath the surface.

Out With the Old Asphalt

Once the drainage and grading issues were addressed, attention could turn to another major part of the property: the driveway.

The existing asphalt driveway was demolished and removed as part of the transformation.

In its place, we’re installing a new exposed aggregate concrete driveway, giving the property a cleaner, more finished appearance while creating a durable new hardscape built around the property’s improved grading and drainage.

Rather than treating the driveway, drainage, retaining wall and grading as unrelated projects, we were able to look at how the entire outdoor space worked together.

That’s an important part of what we do at Meramec Pools & Outdoors.

This Is Why “Outdoors” Is in Our Name

A backyard transformation doesn’t always need a swimming pool.

Sometimes the biggest improvement you can make is fixing the parts of your property that aren’t working correctly.

The Webster Groves | Helfenstein project brought several of those services together in one job.

And while the finished concrete and hardscape will certainly improve the appearance of the property, some of the most important improvements are the ones designed to help protect it for years to come.

More Than a Pool Company

Projects like Helfenstein are a great reminder that Meramec Pools & Outdoors is much more than a pool builder.

From drainage and grading to concrete, retaining walls, hardscapes and complete outdoor living spaces, our team can help homeowners solve problems and make better use of their property.