How to stop water from neighbour flowing into garden underneath fence?

[colzz]

My neighbour backwashes his pool occasionally and the backwash comes through the soil under the fence and into my garden. I realise he's supposed to drain it elsewhere, but that aside, how would I go about waterproofing underneath the fenceline to prevent the backwash? e.g. Could I dig a little trench and use something like a roll of Garden Root Barrier along the bottom? Just need it so next time he backwashes his pool, all the water stays on his side.

[EricL]

Hello @colzz 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your neighbour's water flowing into your garden.

It’s a good idea to start by having a friendly chat with your neighbour to let them know what’s been happening with the backwash. There might be a simple solution that allows the water to be drained without flowing into your garden.

It's also important to know that there are strict regulations around diverting water, and any changes to drainage should be carried out by a licensed plumber. A local plumber will be familiar with the rules in your area and can help ensure everything is done correctly. Pool backwash water contains chemicals that can be harmful to lawns and plants, so proper handling is definitely important.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @colzz 

I agree 100% with @EricL that having an initial discussion with your neighbour. Gently highftlinh its actually illegal in all states to redirect a water to a neighbouring boundary. Pool run-off water must be  connected stormwater. Failing those talks talk to council.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @colzz 

I would also have a chat with your neighbour, I wouldnt go the hard route of specifying the rules, well maybe "I read someone had come out and looked at the issue" type deal Id read up the rules yourself so you know beforehand. Your local council website will have them for sure.

If you dont want to go that route could you put up some photos of the area you are talking about plus a long shot so we can see any slope? I dont know about waterproofing a fenceline but certainly the edge can be blocked to a fair degree.

When I backwash my pool, a lot of fine silt comes out. It is a mixture of the calcuim? that the chlorine I use is bonded to and dirt from the rain plus leaves and debris. I would actually push this when talking to your neighbour before mentioning the rules. 

Dave

[colzz]

Unfortunately talking to the neighbour is not an option. We've tried speaking to him about very minor things in the past, but he's unstable, the smallest thing sends him into a rage. He's made threats against my 80 year old mother (whos house it is). Dad died a few years back, she lives alone and I can't be there 24/7 to defend her against this neighbour. 

I'll get some photos when I'm next there on the weekend.

Thank you

[Dave-1]

Morning @colzz 

Sometimes it is hard to deal with neighbours, I try and keep my stuff on my side but also I have a gutter down the side of my fence as I get water from my neighbours place when it rains. Nothing bad about my neighbours but its something I dont really want to approach them with. Will wait for some pics

Dave