Pools can be a genuinely wonderful source of joy for those that want to escape the heat in the summer. Although if you find in ground pools too permanent, an above ground pool may be more your speed. They are the perfect temporary solution and can provide swimmers with an equal amount of enjoyment. Set it up, fill it up, decorate the area, and spend countless hours enjoying your new pool. But what happens when you take the pool down? It should not be too difficult of a process but if you are looking for a temporary solution, you may be concerned about the grass it sits on.
Typically, above ground pools will be placed on natural grass or artificial turf. There are a few things you should know about each option before you start enjoying those refreshing waters.
Natural Grass
Unfortunately, above ground pools will kill natural grass. There really aren’t many effective ways to fight it. While there are several reasons why the natural grass dies, there are a few ways to prevent those reasons from occurring.
One option is to deconstruct and take in your pool every winter when the weather warms up. By watering the grass with fresh chemical-free water and re-seeding you can help nurse the grass back. However, by the time the grass begins to look green, bright, and alive again, the weather will be getting warm. Which will probably make you want to put your above ground pool up again. Ultimately creating a very trying cycle.
Above ground pools unavoidably harm natural grass and they do this in three ways. The combination of pressure, high amounts of water, and chemicals create for unlivable conditions for grass. This area can even become dangerous if the high amounts of water were to turn the area muddy. Swimmers getting in and out of the pool may slip or track mud into the pool or your home.
Even after considering all of these complications, it is important to note that natural grass bases for above ground pools are the most common. Most swimmers simply accept they will have dead grass after removing their pool.
Artificial Grass
Artificial grass reacts very differently to above ground pools than natural grass. For starters, the chemicals used in your pool kills natural grass but has no effect on the artificial turf. Since the grass is fake, it does not need dirt to stay alive. Meaning when water is applied mud will not be produced. This can take care of many issues like safety and sanitary complications that arise with natural grass. Lastly, the artificial grass can take more of the pressure and wear that natural grass does not stand a chance against.
One effect a pool will have on your artificial grass is the flattening of the blades. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. All you need to do is simply brush the blades right side up and give them some time to get comfortable. You will find that your grass will be able to return to its former glory much quicker.
No matter where you decide to put your pool, the grass is not nearly as important as the state of the land. Make sure the ground is both stable and level. Allowing for a gentle incline is fine but ensuring the safety of the swimmer is really of the utmost importance.
To learn more, download an above ground pool brochure.