Putting a removable pool on top of artificial grass: a practical guide to installing it without damaging it

You can imagine it: the heat arrives, you set up the pool, and the garden becomes the summer plan. The doubt usually comes right after: can you put a pool on top of artificial grass without damaging it?

The answer is yes. Whether it is a removable pool or an inflatable pool, artificial grass can hold up perfectly as long as you avoid what really punishes it: constant weight, accumulated moisture, and many weeks without ventilation.

From there, it's all about doing it right from the start and at Turfgrass, we have considered it relevant to explain it to you. 

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Everything you must take into account before setting up an inflatable or removable pool

To avoid scares or unnecessary marks, there are three keys that should be clear from the first moment. And if you already have artificial grass, the combination can be very convenient: no mud, no bald spots and with the garden always in “vacation mode”.

Remember:

1. Distribute the pressure exerted by the weight of the water well.
2. Do not block the drainage, to avoid moisture accumulated under the pool.
3. Think about the after, that is, how to recover the grass when you take it down.

With this in mind, let's go step by step.

What type of pool (above-ground) is best for artificial grass

Not all pools behave the same way on turf. Here is a clear and direct comparison for those cases where they do not have an in-ground pool with artificial grass around it:

Inflatable pool on artificial grass

• It is a good option for occasional or family use, especially in gardens with children or for occasional dips. Its base is usually more flexible and distributes weight better, which reduces the risk of short-term marks.
• However, if it is left set up for many weeks in a row, the grass fibers can become compacted. It is not a serious problem, but it is advisable to apply the same precautions as with any pool intended for long-term use.

Removable pool (tubular or with structure)

• It is the most common option in family gardens and also one of the most compatible with artificial grass, if the base is well prepared. Having its own structure, it supports a larger volume of water, so drainage control and weight distribution are key.
• If it is going to remain set up all season, adding a breathable protector and checking the drainage periodically helps to keep the grass in good condition.

Large wooden or metal type pool

• It can also be placed on artificial grass, but it requires more care. Its greater weight and stability make a well-leveled base, a suitable protector, and constant drainage control essential.
• In these cases, treating the area as a high-demand space avoids problems and makes it easier for the grass to recover correctly when the pool is disassembled.

However, if what you have is an in-ground pool with artificial grass around it, the approach changes: there, the important thing is the design of the perimeter, safety when walking, and the maintenance of the environment.

For this, we have prepared this specific guide on artificial grass around the pool that we recommend.

Weight, pressure, and time: what really marks (or doesn't) the grass

When you place a pool on artificial grass, the grass does not suffer from the pool itself, but from how three factors act together: the weight of the water, the time it remains on top, and the moisture that accumulates underneath.

Weight and load distribution

A full pool can exert considerable pressure on the grass. The important thing is not just how much it weighs, but how that weight is distributed.

Pools with a wide base distribute the load better, while deeper ones or those with concentrated supports tend to mark the fibers more.

Continuous use time

Setting up the pool for a weekend is not the same as leaving it installed for several weeks in a row.

The longer it remains set up, the more the fibers compact, which is normal and can be corrected later with a good brushing... as long as the grass is of high quality.

Moisture accumulated under the pool

If the water does not drain well and becomes trapped underneath, problems such as bad odors, backing deterioration, or poorer grass recovery upon disassembly can appear.

That is why drainage is as important as the weight itself.

👉 In practice: you can put a removable or inflatable pool on artificial grass without damaging it, but if it is going to be installed for a long time, it is advisable to treat that area as a high-demand space: good protector, monitored drainage, and simple maintenance at the end of the season.

What synthetic grass to choose to put under a pool

Luckily, Turfgrass is prepared for everything. Our models for installing artificial grass on pools are specifically designed to withstand intensive use, direct sun, and constant contact with water, which makes them the best option for placing a pool on top without worrying about anything.

All of them incorporate aspects that make a difference:

• Soft and compact fibers, perfect for walking barefoot and enjoying the environment with total comfort.
• Resistance to chlorine and UV rays, which guarantees that the color and texture of the grass remain intact, season after season.
• Height between 30 mm and 45 mm, to adapt to the type of use and withstand the water pressure and weight of the pool without problem.

Recommended protections for placing a pool on artificial grass

This is the star question: should you put something down or not?

When it is advisable to use a protector

• If the pool is going to be set up for many weeks.
• If there is intensive use (children, games, constant movement).
• If you want to minimize marks and facilitate recovery when disassembling.

Which protector works best

• Geotextile blanket or breathable base, ideal because it protects and lets the grass “breathe”.
• Draining padded mat, as long as it does not block water evacuation.

What to avoid using as a “protector”

• Closed waterproof plastics without drainage, as they can trap moisture and generate odors or deterioration under the pool.

Quick rule: protect, yes; seal the grass, no.

Proper use of artificial grass when placing an inflatable, tubular, or wood and metal pool on top

1. Prior surface check

Before setting up the pool, check that the grass is:

• Well settled.
• Free of sunken areas.
• With the drainage working correctly.

It is not about redoing the installation, but about making sure that the weight of the water will be supported uniformly.

2. Protecting the grass during use:

• A breathable geotextile blanket.
• Or a specific draining base.

3. Control while the pool is set up

While the pool is in use:

• Watch out for puddles accumulating around it.
• Check that the water drains correctly after overflows or play.
• Visually check the condition of the grass around the perimeter.

4. Usage time management

• If it is going to remain set up for many weeks and you have the space, slightly changing its location helps prevent the fibers from always compacting in the same spot.

5. Grass recovery after disassembling the pool

Once removed:

• Brush the grass in several directions to lift the fibers.
• Clean residues of chlorine or sunscreen with water and neutral soap.
• Check that the drainage is clear.

Common mistakes when putting a pool on top of synthetic grass

• ❌ Setting it up on an irregular base: creates pressure points and more pronounced marks.
• ❌ Using waterproof plastics without drainage: trapped moisture and possible odor.
• ❌ Leaving it all summer without checking anything: the pile compacts more and the drainage suffers.
• ❌ Disassembling and "that's it": the grass needs its reset.