Best Artificial Grass Around Pool Ideas

Having a pool is amazing, but keeping the area around it clean and safe can be a challenge. Natural grass often gets muddy, slippery, and messy after swimming.

That’s why many homeowners are switching to artificial grass around pool areas. It looks fresh and green all year, feels soft under bare feet, and needs very little care. Plus, it stops dirt, bugs, and debris from getting into the water.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best ideas, materials, and installation tips for using artificial turf near your pool deck.

You’ll learn how to choose the right type, plan your space, and enjoy a low-maintenance, stylish backyard pool area.

Why choose turf for pool areas

Grass around pools gets messy. Mowers splash clippings. Mud tracks into the water. Puddles form after big splash days. Artificial turf fixes these problems.

Turf gives steady traction when wet. The surface acts like a non-slip surface so bare feet feel safer. It is Low Maintenance. No mowing. No watering. This helps in places with water restrictions.

Good Synthetic Grass also resists pool chemicals. It handles chlorinated water and salt water splashes. A quick rinse keeps it clean.

What to look for before you buy

Not all turf is the same. Focus on the parts below. These decide how well your surface performs near a swimming pool.

Yarn type and sun safety

Turf fibers are the green “blades.” Polyethylene is soft and realistic. Polypropylene is cheaper and used more in backing. Nylon is very strong but can feel stiff.

Sun fades weak products. Pick turf with UV resistance and a solid UV Protectant. Ask for tested protection against UV rays. Treat those as nice to have. Real test data matters more.

Pile Height, face weight, and density

Pile Height means how tall the blades are. For pool zones, aim for 1.0 to 1.5 inches. Go near 1.25 inches if kids or dogs run a lot. Taller piles can mat faster.

Face weight tells you how much fiber is in the carpet. Higher numbers mean more material and a fuller feel. For comfort and wear, look for about 70 to 80 ounces per square yard or more. Denser stitching and realistic thatch help the blades spring back.

Backing and Drainage System

Water management is the big deal. Two main styles exist. Perforated backing has holes punched in the base. Fully permeable backing lets water pass everywhere. For splash zones, fully permeable is best.

Ask about Water Drainage rates. You want strong drainage capacity. Check if the product offers Antimicrobial Backing. This helps fight mildew and odors where water sits. Good backing is a must for Pool Area Turf.

Plan your project

Measure first. Use a measuring tape and sketch your layout. Mark steps, benches, curves, and plan how seams will run. This helps you order the right amount of turf and infill.

Think about Grass Styles that match nearby lawns. Ask about Edge-to-Edge Quality so panels match well. If you like golf, plan a small poolside putting green in a corner. 

If you want to see materials in person, visit Lita grass. They have turf shops with demos.

Installation over soil or lawn

Here is a simple path you can follow. You can DIY if the shape is simple. For complex shapes, hire a pro.

Build a firm base layer

Remove old sod and roots. Grade the area so water flows away from the pool. A slope of about 1 to 2 percent works well.

Add a base layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite. Compact it with a vibrating plate compactor until it feels firm underfoot. Roll out landscape fabric to improve weed control and to keep the base clean.

If you get heavy splash or rain, consider a thin drainage underlayment in the wettest lanes. That boosts Water Flow under the turf.

Lay, seam, and secure the turf

Let the rolls relax in the sun. This removes wrinkles. Keep blade direction the same for every piece.

Trim with a sharp utility knife. Work slowly around curved edges near the coping. Dry fit the pieces first.

Join panels with seaming tape and approved adhesive. Use bonding tapes and seam tape only made for turf. Press the seam well. Use fixing patches where shapes get tricky.

Anchor the perimeter with U-shaped Turf Pegs or landscape nails. Space them 6 to 12 inches apart. Add more at corners and paths.

Spread infill. Start with silica sand for ballast and support. If odor control matters, add a topper like zeolite. If you want more bounce, a small amount of rubber granules can help. Brush until blades stand up.

Installation over a concrete pool deck

Concrete needs airflow and fast drainage. You do not want water trapped under the turf.

Lay drainage tiles over the slab. Look for systems like PDS drainage tiles. These raise the turf slightly and speed water to deck drains. They also help cooling.

Create clean edges at coping and walls. Use metal edging or flexible bender board. For gaps and small transitions, trim with PVC plastic edging. Some people use pre-cut mats, PVC tiles, or aquatic PVC matting near outdoor showers. These pieces make maintenance simple.

Glue turf to the tile surface where the maker allows adhesive. Follow cure times. Keep foot traffic off until the bond is strong.

Keep heat in check

All Synthetic Turf can run hot in full sun. Lighter blade tones and open backing help. Shade is the best cooler. Add shade structures such as umbrellas, a pergola, or a sail.

You can also mist the surface with cooling sprays before big pool days. Some brands sell evaporative infills that hold tiny amounts of water. These drop surface temperature for a while.

Barefoot comfort depends on season, color, and airflow. Drainage tiles and airflow gaps do make a difference.

Care and cleaning

Turf near water is easy to maintain. Rinse after heavy splash days. This removes sunscreen residue and fine dust. If you see faint white marks from hard water, rinse more often.

Brush a few times per month. A plastic bristle broom is fine. Do not use metal rakes. Blow leaves away. Check seams and edges each season and tighten any loose spots.

Avoid strong solvents. Mild soap and water is usually enough. Keep grills and hot fire pits off the turf.

Costs, life span, and value

Budgets vary by layout and site access. Curves, stairs, and tight gates add labor time. Concrete projects cost more because of tile underlayment and adhesives.

Materials range from basic to premium. Install pricing depends on your market. Many families see the lawn work and water savings right away. Turf can be a long-lasting investment. A tidy pool edge can also boost property value when done well.

Design ideas you can copy

Natural oasis

Combine turf with timber steps, river stones, and lush plants. Add a few palms or large-leaf plants for an island feel. Hide drains with gravel lines that still move water.

Modern and minimal

Frame turf with white gravel or pale pavers. Use clean outdoor furniture and simple planters. Keep lines straight. This look fits small patios and town homes.

Family fun zone

Create a lounge strip for chairs and towels. Add an outdoor shower on a hard pad. Consider a small pool deck chipping strip or a compact poolside putting green near seating.

Pet friendly lane

Choose shorter Pile Height and strong thatch. Use antimicrobial infill and rinse after play. Add a hose hook for fast cleanups.

Showers and wet zones

Use pre-cut mats, PVC tiles, or aquatic PVC matting where people drip the most. These inserts protect turf and make cleaning easy.

Product sheet checklist

Use this list when you compare brands. It keeps you focused on what matters.

• Yarn type: soft polyethylene for comfort.
• Sun proofing: verified UV-resistant options with a clear UV Protectant rating.
• Pile Height: about 1.0 to 1.5 inches near water.
• Face weight: around 70 to 80 ounces per square yard or higher.
• Backing: fully permeable with strong Drainage System and high drainage capacity.
• Extras: Antimicrobial Backing for splash zones.
• Infill: silica sand base, consider odor or cooling options.
• Underlayment on slab: drainage tiles such as PDS drainage tiles.
• Edges and seams: seaming tape, bonding tapes, seam tape.
• Tools: utility knife, vibrating plate compactor, tape, broom.
• Warranty: fiber, fade, and backing.
• Samples: check color and feel under sun before you commit.

Simple step list for DIY

1. Measure and draw your plan.
2. Remove sod and set a 1 to 2 percent fall.
3. Add crushed stone or decomposed granite and compact.
4. Roll out landscape fabric.
5. Dry fit turf. Align blade direction.
6. Trim along curved edges with a sharp knife.
7. Glue seams with seaming tape and adhesive.
8. Pin edges with U-shaped Turf Pegs.
9. Add silica sand infill and brush.
10. Rinse and enjoy.

On concrete, replace steps 2 to 4 with drainage tiles and proper glue steps. Consider small pool deck tiles or trims where you want a hard accent.

Putting it all together

The right turf turns a messy edge into a clean, safe lane. Plan drainage first. Choose quality fibers with UV protection. Build a firm base. Set clean seams. Add shade if summers are hot. These steps give you a calm pool border that is easy to care for.

That is eight uses of your target phrase, in case you are counting. Order samples before you buy. Check color in sunlight. Test texture with wet feet. The right match will make your pool look fresh and inviting all year.

Transform Your Poolside with Lita Grass

Ready to upgrade your backyard? Choose Lita Grass for safe, soft, and stunning artificial grass around pool areas. Contact us today for a free quote and expert installation advice!