A 24 mm dimension alone cannot establish whether an overflow channel will work. First confirm what the dimension measures, then review the usable section, collection length, outlets and intended overflow duty with the pool designer.
Clarify what 24 mm actually describes
It may refer to the outside body depth, an internal clearance, the grating height or the available floor recess. Ask for a section through the installed assembly. The remaining space below the grate and the position of the outlet are more informative than a single catalogue dimension.
Separate pool overflow from deck drainage
Confirm whether the channel collects pool overflow, deck washdown or another source. The pool designer should establish the design duty and intended destination of the collected water. Do not assume that two visually similar channels can be used interchangeably. PWTAG describes a balance tank as part of a deck-level system. That context explains why the channel should be reviewed with the wider pool system; it does not establish a minimum channel depth.
Review the complete water path
Record the channel run, corners, outlet count, pipe sizes and available falls. Ask for performance evidence for the proposed arrangement and operating conditions. A shallow channel should not be accepted or rejected solely from a photograph.
- Dimensioned section with the grate and support shown.
- Plan identifying every run, corner and outlet.
- Design flow and operating conditions supplied by the pool designer.
- Access for inspection and removal of accumulated debris.
Resolve the constraint before manufacture
If the available depth is fixed, ask the designer and supplier to compare feasible changes to the channel, outlets or floor detail. Record the accepted design and tolerances on the drawing. This is a design-review example, not a verified case study or a capacity calculation.
Compare the details
| Possible meaning | Why it matters | What to request |
|---|---|---|
| Overall body depth | The internal water space is a different dimension. | A section identifying the internal invert and top level. |
| Grating height | This describes a cover component rather than the channel. | The assembled grating, supports and channel section. |
| Clear internal depth | This still does not describe outlets or design flow. | Outlet details and hydraulic evidence for the arrangement. |
| Available floor recess | The complete installation may need additional space. | A section including connections and floor construction. |
An illustrative depth check — not a capacity calculation
Suppose a proposed assembly has 24 mm from the grate surface to the internal invert. If the grate and support intrude 10 mm below that surface, the remaining vertical clearance at that location is 14 mm. Both figures are hypothetical. The subtraction only illustrates how component heights consume the available space; it does not establish usable hydraulic area, design water depth or flow capacity. The actual section may have a different geometry.
Check the controlling dimension along the whole route
Ask for sections at the shallowest point, at an outlet and at any corner or transition. Show the top level and internal invert relative to the same datum. A section through the middle of a straight run may not explain an outlet connection. Have the pool designer identify where the most restrictive condition occurs and what performance evidence is needed.
When the available recess cannot be increased
Prepare options for the pool designer to assess rather than approving a shallow channel by appearance. Possible review items include channel geometry, outlet locations or a revised construction detail. None is automatically a remedy: each changes the arrangement and must be checked against the design duty, downstream route and maintenance requirements.
- Confirm which dimensions are genuinely fixed.
- Document the design duty and proposed water destination.
- Compare the complete sections of feasible options.
- Obtain approval of the selected layout and its assumptions before manufacture.
Use the real grating reference carefully
The product reference illustrates a corner in a parallel-bar grating arrangement. Use it to discuss continuity, cover layout and access at changes of direction. Do not infer a channel depth, flow rate or suitability for a particular pool from the photo. Send the dimensioned pool layout with the required corner and outlet details.
Frequently asked questions
Is 24 mm definitely too shallow?
The number alone does not answer that. Clarify the dimension and obtain a project-specific review of the assembled section and design duty.
Can I calculate flow from width multiplied by depth?
That gives an area only if those dimensions describe the relevant section. It does not by itself establish discharge capacity. The designer needs the hydraulic conditions and complete flow route.
Can more outlets make a shallow channel work?
They are an option to evaluate, not a guaranteed fix. Outlet performance, position and downstream connections must be included in the review.
Is a deck drainage channel interchangeable with a pool overflow channel?
Do not assume so. Clarify the source and destination of the collected water and have the pool designer approve the intended function.
Review your pool channel dimensions with Juanna
Use this outline to describe your project. Add the details you know and attach your drawing in your chosen messaging or email service.
Pool project and country: Function: pool overflow / deck drainage / other: What the 24 mm dimension measures: Plan and installed section, including grate: Design flow, run lengths, outlets and destination:
Opens a draft in your chosen service. Nothing is sent automatically.
Reference detail: corner grating layout. This is a product photo, not evidence of a tested pool installation or hydraulic capacity.
View product references ↗This guide supports project discussions. Final selection and installation should follow the approved design, the product documentation and applicable local requirements.