A look at the best artificial grass for pool and hot tub areas.
As a durable, low maintenance alternative to turf, artificial grass is a great complementary option for your pool and hot tub areas.
Artificial grass will never die, discolour or lose any shape whatsoever when exposed to the harsh chemicals found in pool water.
We go over how to choose the best artificial grass for pool areas, compare natural grass vs artificial and ultimately answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
Natural Grass vs Artificial Grass
When it comes to comparing natural grass with artificial grass, it’s important to note that there are benefits and drawbacks to each.
In this section of our guide to using artificial grass in pool areas, we outline the benefits of each and then make a final judgement.
Benefits of Natural Grass
- You can’t beat the feel of natural grass: While this obviously comes with a caveat of requiring the natural grass to be maintained, there is no denying that there’s just something about how REAL grass feels between your toes. The organic cooling properties of natural grass is a lifesaver when next to hot pavement.
- Natural splash proofing: Although this can be overcome by choosing the right artificial grass option, with natural grass, there is no worrying about water running off and pooling in unwanted corners. This is an especially important consideration if you’ve ever tried to tell kids in the pool not to cannonball!
Benefits of Artificial Grass
- No maintenance required: If you simply don’t have the time required to mow, fertilize, weed and generally maintain the lawn surrounding your pool area, then artificial grass is an easy choice. Not only will you receive all of the visual benefits of a green lawn surrounding your pool, but you won’t have to do a thing following installation.
- An extremely durable option: One of the most common questions around installing artificial grass in pool areas surrounds its durability. But following installation, you can remain confident that your grass won’t fade, squash or be damaged in any way by chlorinated water.
Ultimately when it comes to choosing between natural and artificial grass for pool areas, there is no right or wrong option. You must weigh up the benefits we’ve outlined above and how each fits into your personal situation and backyard pool or hot tub area design.
How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for Pool Areas
When it comes to choosing the best artificial grass for pool areas, there are three key elements that you need to understand and carefully weigh up.
- Pile height: This is the length of your artificial grass blades. The pile height measurement is taken from the backing to the tip of the blade, is usually expressed in millimetres and ranges from 10mm-50mm high.
- Pile density: This is how tightly packed together your artificial grass looks like it is growing. Pile density is expressed as stitches per square metre and the denser your grass, usually the more durable it will remain under heavy foot traffic.
- Material: The three artificial grass materials are Nylon, Polypropylene and Polyethylene. When it comes to the best artificial grass for pool areas, we recommend the natural feel, yet extra durability of Polyethylene.
How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for a Hot Tub Areas
When it comes to choosing the best artificial grass to put under an inflatable spa, you have an extra consideration to take into account.
When compared to a pool, the major difference with a hot tub is going to be the heat.
As we’ve already outlined, choosing to use artificial grass for a hot tub area won’t give you any problems from the chemicals, but some care and insulation may be required around key heating connections.
The only other consideration that needs to be taken into account is whether you’re placing the hot tub or even above ground pool directly on top of an already laid artificial grass surface.
The weight of the hot tub obviously won’t discolour or die from a lack of sunlight, but the prolonged crushing weight will see the fibres flattened and warped over time.
Pool Area Artificial Grass FAQs
We answer some of the most frequently asked questions around choosing the best artificial grass for pool areas.
Does artificial grass around a pool area get waterlogged?
No, artificial grass around pools and hot tubs will not get waterlogged. If the slope allows, they will not absorb the water and instead drain surface water cleanly away.
Does chlorine from the pool damage artificial grass?
No, chlorine from pools does not damage artificial grass in any way. Artificial grass is actually a more durable option than natural turf grass for pool areas.
Does constantly wet artificial grass go mouldy?
Yes, in pool areas with extremely poor drainage, artificial grass can grow mould. But this can be easily solved by providing proper drainage or treated with a few simple household solutions