The Best Artificial Grass for Pool Areas  

Pools are incredibly common in South Florida. In fact, 74% of the homes in some local cities have pools, according to the National Association of Realtors. This popularity is easy to understand; pools not only provide great entertainment and relaxation value for your family, but they also serve as the visual centerpiece of your backyard. 

But maximizing the aesthetic appeal of your pool also entails making sure that the surrounding area is equally beautiful — something that’s not always easy to pull off. Natural grass doesn’t always grow well around pools, and cement is rarely the most visually pleasing option. 

That’s why an increasing number of homeowners are turning to artificial grass. We’ll explain everything you need to know about artificial grass, help you decide whether it’s right for your pool area, and identify a few of the best artificial grass products for this kind of situation.  

Does Artificial Grass Work Well Around Pools?

Simply put, yes. Artificial grass works exceptionally well around pools. It not only looks great when initially installed, but it also doesn’t suffer from the same kinds of seasonal changes that affect the appearance of natural grass. It also feels very comfortable on bare feet, and it completely eliminates the need to mow or trim around your pool — something that’s honestly quite dangerous. 

And for that matter, you never have to worry about artificial grass dying the way natural grass often does when planted around swimming pools. This not only means that you won’t have to replace it frequently, but it’ll also help reduce your long-term investments. 

For all of these reasons and more, artificial grass has quickly become the preferred choice for pool areas in Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding area. 

The Pros & Cons of Artificial Grass Around Pools

Artificial grass is certainly not perfect in every poolside situation — no turf or ground covering is. But to help ensure you understand all of the benefits and drawbacks it provides, we’ll share a list of the pros and cons of using artificial grass around your pool below. 

The Upsides of Artificial Grass Around Pools

A few of the best benefits of artificial grass include:

• Slip-Resistant Surface: Artificial turf provides excellent traction, even when it is wet. Unlike concrete, which can become slippery, artificial turf is much safer for people and pets.
• No Mud or Grass Clippings: You’ll never have to worry about tracking mud, dirt, or lawn debris into your pool (and straining your filtration system) with synthetic turf.
• Always Green: Artificial grass stays lush and green year-round, and it won’t turn brown when splashed with chlorinated water the way natural grass usually will. 
• Fast Drainage: High-quality artificial grass includes a permeable backing layer, which allows water to drain quickly and prevent the kinds of puddles cement or grass may create.
• Comfortable Underfoot: Artificial grass stays cooler than concrete in direct Florida sunshine, and it’s also soft and comfy on your bare feet.
• Low Maintenance: You never have to worry about mowing, edging, fertilizing, weed pulling, or other weekend chores when you install artificial turf.
• Long-Term Value: While artificial turf can be slightly more expensive than grass initially, it lasts for up to 20 years, which will help offset the slightly higher upfront investment. 

The Downsides of Artificial Grass Around Pools

There aren’t many drawbacks to artificial grass, but you should consider the following: 

• Higher Upfront Cost: As mentioned, artificial grass is more expensive to install than natural grass, but it will outlast most lawns grown around pools, providing better value over time.  
• Drainage Can Be Problematic: High-quality turf products will allow water to drain very quickly, but some low-cost versions may present drainage issues.  
• Occasional Cleaning Required: Turf doesn’t create mud, but it can collect debris, which will require you to sweep or spray it off on occasion.  

Common Artificial Grass Terms

To ensure that you understand everything about artificial grass, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the industry terms in common use. These include:

• Turf Fibers: The individual synthetic “blades” that mimic the look and feel of real grass.  
• Infill: A granular material that’s brushed into the turf to keep blades upright and provide cushioning.
• Backing: The underside of the turf that holds the fibers in place.  
• Permeability: Refers to the rate at which water drains through the turf.  
• Face Weight: The weight of the turf fibers per square yard (excluding backing).  
• Pile Height: The height of the turf blades from the backing to the tip.  
• Thatch Layer: Curly, tan-colored fibers near the base of the turf that mimic the appearance of natural thatch.
• UV Stabilized: Turf that’s treated to resist fading and breakdown from sun exposure.  
• Shock Pad: An optional underlayment installed beneath the turf for added impact absorption.
• Seam Tape & Adhesive: Materials that are used to join two pieces of turf together.  
• Drainage Base: A layer of rock, granite, or similar material installed beneath the turf to support water drainage.
• Yarn: A technical term that specifically refers to the material strands that form the turf blades.
• Antimicrobial: Describes turf treated to resist bacterial growth.
• Cooling Infill: A specialized type of infill designed to reduce surface heat that is especially useful around pools.

What Are Artificial Grass Turf Fibers Made From?

Another important consideration when considering artificial turf for your pool area is the actual material used to create the fibers. Generally speaking, there are three different materials used, with each being ideal for different scenarios.

• Nylon: Extremely durable and heat-resistant, nylon is often used for putting greens.
• Polyethylene: Polyethylene is soft and has a realistic feel that makes it popular for residential properties.  
• Polypropylene: Polypropylene is pretty budget-friendly, but it is less durable than nylon or polyethylene. 

Because it feels best underfoot and is moderately durable, polyethylene is usually the best choice for pool-side applications, though nylon may be the better option if you want the coolest possible surface. 

Things to Look for When Buying Artificial Grass for Pool Areas

There are a number of great artificial grass products on the market that would work well around your pool. But to select the very best turf for your specific situation, you’ll want to consider the following things:

• Excellent Drainage: You want a turf that can not only handle heavy splashing but also significant rain. Look for models with a perforated or fully permeable backing and ensure your installer provides a proper drainage base.
• Chlorine & UV Resistance: Because you’ll be using it near your pool, you need a turf that can stand up to chlorine and intense sunshine. So, look for a turf with UV-stabilized fibers and chlorine resistance.
• Heat-Resistant Properties: Turf can get hot in full sun, especially when installed near concrete and water. But you can choose a turf with cooling infill, infrared-reflective blades, or lighter color tones to keep it cooler.
• Slip Resistance & Safety: Artificial turf offers better traction than tile or concrete does, but it still needs to drain well and stay firm underfoot to prevent slips or falls.  
• Realistic Appearance: Even though you’re installing artificial turf, you don’t want it to look artificial. So, pick a turf featuring multi-tone blades, brown thatch layers, and a pile height of 1.5 to 2 inches for a natural look.
• Durability: Your turf will see tons of foot traffic when installed beside or around your pool, so you’ll want a polyethylene or nylon product with a high face weight (somewhere in the 60- to 90-ounce range).
• Antimicrobial Protection: Because moisture and heat create conditions that’ll encourage bacteria to thrive, opt for a turf product and infill that’s been treated to be antimicrobial (especially if you have pets).  
• Low Maintenance: Any artificial grass you install around your pool should be easy to rinse off and keep tidy, so try to pick a specific product that requires minimal brushing or upkeep.

In addition to these considerations, you’ll also want to think about your budget. We all have financial constraints, and you certainly don’t want to spend more than you can afford to on your artificial grass. With that being said, it’s important that you don’t opt for the lowest-priced option you can find. Doing so will rarely achieve the kinds of results you want, and you’ll just be forced to replace it in a short time, increasing your overall investment over the long run. 

The Three Best Artificial Grasses for Use Around Pools

Now that you are familiar with the terminology used to describe artificial grass and understand some of the most important things to look for in a synthetic turf, we can share our recommendations. The following three artificial grasses will all work well near your pool, but be sure to select the one that best suits your specific needs. 

1. Hydro 100 Light Turf

Best for: Maximum drainage  

Hydro 100 Light Turf is engineered specifically for use in areas with constant water exposure (hence the name). It features advanced Optimum Flow Technology, which allows it to drain much faster (up to eight times faster in some cases) than standard turf does. This makes it an ideal solution for use around your pool. 

And thanks to its low-profile, clean look, Hydro 100 Light also fits well with most modern poolside designs. Most importantly, it does so without forcing you to compromise on safety, as it provides a non-slip surface that remains stable when wet. 

Whether you’re installing turf right up to your pool’s edge or you need to install it in a nearby lounging area, this product drains reliably, works well in all seasons, and requires only minimal maintenance.  

2. Terra 63 Turf

Best for: Comfort and natural appearance

Because it is made from premium polyethylene fibers and features a W-blade structure, Terra 63 Turf offers a luxurious, lawn-like feel that nicely replicates the bounce and softness of natural grass. It also looks quite realistic, thanks to its multi-toned blades and textured thatch layer.

This synthetic turf also features a 16-year manufacturer’s warranty, making it a great long-term investment for homeowners who want a turf that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. In fairness, it doesn’t have the ultra-high drainage rate of more specialized models, but it is still well-suited for most pool environments (assuming it is professionally installed over a proper base layer that provides good drainage). 

This is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a pool area that feels like a high-end outdoor living space.

3. Aberdeen 84 Turf

Best for: All-around performance 

Aberdeen 84 is a great all-around artificial grass that’s designed with both form and function in mind.

It features a unique Dual Flow backing system that includes traditional perforations and also provides full-surface permeability. This gives it an incredible drainage capacity, which is rated at over 1,500 gallons per hour. This makes it capable of not only handling splashing pool water but also heavy rain without pooling or causing runoff issues. 

It also features a dense thatch layer and multi-tone blade color, giving it a soft, realistic look that few other products can match. Best of all, it’s backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty and built to withstand strong sun exposure, chlorine, and heavy foot traffic.  

Trust Pup Pavers & Turf for All Your Artificial Grass Needs!

No matter what kind of artificial grass you’d like installed around your pool, the experts at Pup Pavers & Turf can help! We’ll be happy to schedule a free consultation, assess your pool area, and recommend the best artificial grass for your needs. 

We’ve been providing artificial turf and hardscape installation services to homeowners and businesses in the Palm Beach area since 2006. Contact us today to see why your friends and neighbors have trusted us with their artificial grass project.