Artificial grass around the pool: how to lay it step by step and enjoy its permanent greenness

Laying artificial turf around the pool is not just an aesthetic decision: it is a solution that provides safety, comfort, durability and ease of maintenance, even in areas with high traffic and humidity.

The key to a flawless result is to get it right from the start and choose the right turf for this specific environment.

In this Turfgrass guide to poolside turf installations, we explain whether you can install artificial turf around your pool and which technical criteria to consider.

Read on and get ready for a radical change in your garden!

Yes, artificial turf can be installed around the pool (and it's worth it)

The answer is clear: you can indeed lay artificial turf around the pool, and not only can you do it... it is one of the best options for wet areas and areas with frequent traffic.

Specific artificial turf for swimming pools solves common problems such as mud, slipping, high temperatures in the sun and constant maintenance.

Nowadays, turf for swimming pool areas is designed with technologies that allow:

• Fast and efficient drainage, avoiding puddles after splashing or rain.
• Non-slip surface even when wet.
• Resistant to chlorine, chemicals and UV rays.

Thermal comfort, cooler to the touch than flooring such as stone or stoneware.

What to consider when choosing artificial grass for your swimming pool

Choosing any lawn "because it looks nice" can lead to serious problems in the medium term. Here we explain the essential technical criteria:

1. Efficient drainage: the most important thing

An area around the pool is in constant contact with water. Without proper drainage:

• Water accumulates under the lawn.
• Odours and mould are generated.
• Increases the risk of slipping and material deterioration.

Look for fabrics with frequent perforations and permeable backing.

2. Chlorine and chemical resistance

Synthetic turf intended for swimming pools must withstand:

• Chlorine splashes.
• Pool maintenance products.
• Water with chemicals and salts.

Suitable materials (e.g. stabilised fibres and resistant backings) maintain colour and texture over time.

3. UV protection

In addition, proper UV treatment of turf designed for outdoor use helps:

• Maintain the deep green colour for longer, even in direct sunlight.
• Prevent fibres from becoming brittle or deteriorating prematurely.
• Prolong the life of the lawn around the pool, where solar radiation is usually the most intense.

4. Texture and comfort

To walk barefoot after a bath, the lawn should be:

• Soft to the touch.
• Comfortable for sitting or playing.
• Stable underfoot even when wet.

Installation guide around the pool: how to do it properly

Here is the most common process for installing artificial grass around the pool:

1. Land preparation

• Remove grass, stones and roots.
• Level the surface.
• Apply a stable base with gravel or crushed stone and sand for compaction.
• Place a geotextile weed net.

A well-prepared base prevents deformation and facilitates drainage.

2. Unroll and adjust the turf

• Let the grass stand for a few hours.
• Precisely cut to fit the perimeter of the pool.
• Make sure the fibres are oriented for a uniform look.

3. Secure fixing

• Use bonding tapes and outdoor adhesives.
• Nail or staple the edges to prevent them from shifting, thus securing the artificial turf.

4. Filling (optional)

• Adding silica sand improves drainage and visual stability of the turf.
• Then brush gently to lift the fibres, add volume and achieve a natural look.

Turfgrass tip: every surface on which artificial turf is laid is different. If you install on concrete or stoneware, for example, the preparation changes slightly: check slopes and drains to avoid water accumulation. 

Specific maintenance for artificial turf in swimming pool perimeters

Once your lawn has been laid around the pool:

• Rinse it off with a hose after days of heavy use.
• Brush periodically to keep the fibres upright.
• Check drains and edges to avoid displacement.
• Avoid aggressive chemicals that may affect the materials.

This basic maintenance will keep your lawn looking great for many years to come.

Common mistakes when laying artificial turf in swimming pool walkways (and how to avoid them)

These are the faults that most often compromise an artificial turf installation around the pool and, if avoided, make the difference between a flawless result and problems in the medium or long term.

• ❌ Failure to prepare the base properly: causes water pockets or subsidence.
• ❌ Choose turf not suitable for wet areas: rapid deterioration and poor drainage.
• ❌ Poorly executed joints: joints visible or displaced with use.
• ❌ Ignoring fibre orientation: uneven appearance.

Ideas for designing your pool surround with artificial turf

Finally, artificial grass not only works as a base for the pool, it also allows you to better organise the space and get more out of your garden.

These quick ideas will help you create a comfortable and well thought-out environment:

• Combine grass with decking or stone in key areas (pool edges).
• Create a relaxation area on the lawn (chill-out space with sun loungers, hammocks or poufs).
• It delimits passage ways to the swimming pool or to the house.
• It integrates functional elements for everyday