Considering artificial turf to make the surroundings of your fibreglass pool beautiful and green? There are several reasons why home and business owners prefer low-maintenance artificial grass over high-maintenance natural grass. But is artificial turf the right choice for your fibreglass pools Perth area?
There are some obvious benefits of artificial grass that cannot be denied. The positives of landscaping & decorating pool areas with artificial turf are many but there are a few downsides too. You do not need to water them, fertilise them, or mow them like your regular lawn.
That saves both time and money. Artificial grass stays evergreen, come summer or winter. A closer comparison will give you a better idea about what’s a more practical option for your poolside.
Here are the pros and cons of installing artificial turf around your fibreglass pool:
Pros of artificial turf
- Low maintenance
- Remains green throughout the year
- Less attractive to pests
- One-time installation cost
- Does not need excessive water, pesticide, or fertiliser- so partly eco-friendly
- Non-slippery when wet
- Lasts for almost a decade
- Available in a variety of shades and quality
Maintenance
For maintenance, artificial turf only requires occasional sweeping and washing with water to remove the dust and accumulated dirt. Fake grass allows you to take care of it whenever you have time.
Natural grass has to be watered frequently depending on the weather. It requires fertilisers, mowing, pest control, weeding, and seeding. During hot summers you may have to water your real grass twice a day. So, when it comes to maintenance, artificial turf is a great option for putting on your poolside.
Artificial grass stays green all around the year, keeping your fibreglass pool’s surroundings attractive and appealing. The summer heat or the cold chilling winds of winter do not make them turn brown. So you have a wonderful-looking green patch next to the pool every time
Pests
Synthetic turf also attracts fewer bugs and pests that can enter your pool and home and make the surroundings dirty. As faux grass is less appealing to bugs, it is safer for your children and pets. Rodents that can hide and burrow on a real lawn can create havoc by entering the pool and chewing pool equipment and toys. With artificial turf installed next to the pool, you will be saved from this trouble.
Installation and cost
Installing artificial turf around the pool is a one-time cost as the evergreen grassy patch will last for around a decade. The cost depends on the quality of the faux grass, the area to be covered, the surface on which it is being installed, and the charges of the professionals installing it.
Artificial grass can be installed on all kinds of surfaces like soil, concrete, paving, and decking. So, no matter what kind of covering you have next to your fibreglass pool, getting a green patch of faux grass is never a big issue.
Natural grass can be brown in two ways, seeding and sodding. The cost of installation, sprinklers, fertilisers, regular care, etc. natural grass requires several recurring expenses.
Eco-friendly or not
Installing faux grass or growing natural grass on your poolside has environmental impacts. Fake grass is made of synthetic materials and manufacturing the product has its environmental drawbacks.
However, maintaining fake grass does not need a lot of water. Occasionally washing the grassy patch needs less water than real grass. You can save a lot of water if you decide to beautify your pool area with fake grass. Remember, fake grass is not always biodegradable and once you discard the old grass, it may be a cause of pollution.
Natural grass is beneficial for the environment as it is a living thing and contributes by supplying oxygen. It also absorbs heat and filters pollution. Growing real grass by the poolside may cause fertilisers, pesticides, and dirt to enter your pool during the rains.
Not slippery when wet
You surely don’t want something slippery around the pool. Luckily, artificial grass does not get slippery even when it rains. The water slides through the tiny fibres and allows aeration keeping the turf safe to walk and run on. That saves nasty falls and injuries.
It is safe for your children to play on the turf as it is not slimy and slippery without stumbling. Additionally, you get that beautiful, plush, green, grassy look all the time.
The surface of the artificial grass is soft enough to save you, your kids, and even the pets from getting nasty bruises even in case of tripping. Fake grass is hard enough and provides access to people who are in a wheelchair.
With natural grass growing around the pool, there can be uneven surfaces, more dirt, and muddy puddles when it rains or people splash water from the pool.
Cons of installing artificial turf around the pool
- Flammable
- Heat buildup in extreme temperatures
Fire safety
Artificial grass is made from materials like nylon and polyethylene which are flammable. With regular usage around the pool, there are fewer chances of a fake turf catching fire. An open fire like a backyard bonfire or a barbeque may result in accidental fires. If you are a little careful, such fires could be easily avoided. Several companies also offer artificial grass choices that are made from fire-resistant materials, to take care of fire safety issues.
Heat buildup
Artificial grass can retain heat and become hot when exposed to the strong sun for long hours. This option may not be the best if you live in a sweltering place and your backyard is completely exposed without some shade or trees. Also, exposure to strong heat may release some chemicals from the synthetic material which may mix with the underground water and soil.
Which is better?
Weighing the pros and cons, the pros surely outweigh the cons when it comes to installing artificial grass around your fibreglass pool. Fake grass has come a long way since the time it was initially introduced and is now widely used by pool owners and businesses. There are plenty of options available and you can choose from a large variety and even colours to suit your preference.
No muddy feet, no herculean maintenance efforts, when you install faux turf, you are getting rid of yucky mud puddles, and unwanted pests to a great extent. When you exit the pool, the water dripping from you will slide and flow out efficiently as installers implement several drainage protocols.
Artificial turf will require occasional brushing though to clean the dirt and leaves from the surface. The initial cost of installing artificial grass is no doubt much higher than planting natural grass. In the long run, this product proves to be more cost-effective, easy to maintain, and long-lasting compared to the natural alternative.
If you are allergic to pollen, artificial grass can be the best option. The synthetic fibres are hypoallergenic. You do not have to worry about the problem of pollen which can arise from natural grass.
Conclusion
Take your pick and turn your poolside surroundings green! You can choose the high-maintenance real grass but remember, it needs time, money, and effort to keep it green, healthy, and pest free. On the other hand, there is always a durable and beautiful variety of artificial turf available to match your fibreglass pool landscape. Say goodbye to the worries of slushy mud, pests, watering and fertilizing and enjoy the visually pleasing patch of green.
