Will Pool Water Kill Grass?

If you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of a yard, swimming pools and water features have become popular additions to outdoor spaces. However, some pool owners express concerns about the potentially detrimental effects of pool water on the surrounding grass.

But fret not! With proper preparation, such worries can be alleviated. So will pool water kill grass?

Generally, the water in your swimming pool will not have any adverse effects on the growth of grass around it. Even dripping swimwear and splashes resulting from diving and recreational activities are unlikely to cause significant harm to the grass or soil.

Small and occasional splashes do not contain a sufficient amount of chemicals that could result in significant issues. Problems can arise only when excessive amounts of chlorine or salt are present in the water and come into contact with the landscaping.

What is the impact of pool water on my lawn?

Excessive levels of chlorine in pool water can lead to imbalanced soil pH or dead grass. Grass has the ability to differentiate between beneficial and harmful nutrients.

In contrast, saltwater can also affect grass, albeit differently. While small quantities of salt are naturally present in the soil, increased salt levels make it more difficult for plants to acquire nutrients and moisture. Salt tends to retain these vital resources for itself!

If you find your soil has an excess of salt, you may wish to rinse it away using fresh water. The salt may compact soil that contains a lot of clay, but this can be remedied by introducing gypsum.

Under what circumstances can pool water harm my lawn?

Discharging pool water causes it to permeate the soil, potentially leading to negative consequences. If you intend to drain your pool, ensure that the chlorine concentration is lowered to 0.1 parts per million, as excessive chlorine seepage can have adverse effects on your soil.

Although some areas allow for draining saltwater pools on your property, distributing the salt uniformly to prevent damage to the soil can be a challenge. A common technique for discharging is to do so into a clean-out line or sanitary sewer.

The following are instances when your pool water may or may not harm your lawn:

In the case of a chlorinated pool

It is widely known that undiluted chlorine can be a hazardous chemical. However, when it is significantly diluted in pool water, the short answer is that water that spills onto your lawn from your pool is unlikely to harm it.

While minor splashes and wet footprints should not affect your grass, emptying your pool can be a different story. Since you will be releasing a substantial volume of pool water onto your lawn, it is essential to ensure that the chlorine levels do not exceed 0.1 parts per million before commencing. The high concentration of chemicals in the large volume of water could cause harm to your grass.

However, pure chlorine is a harsh chemical that can easily harm plants and grass. If you spill any undiluted chlorine on your lawn (e.g., while adjusting the pool’s pH levels), it should be promptly diluted by thoroughly watering the area with fresh water. So, the actual answer to the question “will chlorinated pool water harm my lawn?” is no – as long as you ensure adequate dilution!

If You Have A Saltwater Pool

Living near the beach can be a great experience, but having a saltwater pool can have an impact on the health of your lawn. Grass and salt aren’t the best of friends, and if you have excess salt in your pool, it could have an adverse effect on your lawn’s health.

High levels of salt can limit root growth and prevent the absorption of nutrients and water by your grass, as well as remain on the grass and in the soil until washed away by fresh water. While occasional splashes from your pool may not be a cause for concern, a buildup of salt over time could result in damage to your lawn.

To avoid any potential damage, it’s recommended that you give your lawn a quick watering after a long day in the pool. If you’re emptying your pool, be sure to water your lawn afterward to remove any excess salt. In case any salt spills onto your lawn, you should wash it away with fresh water, just as you would do with chlorine.

Conclusion

Ensuring the survival and well-being of your lawn turf near a chlorinated pool is possible, but it requires some precautions. Dilution is the key, as diluted pool water should not pose a threat to your grass from regular splashing.

But, when emptying your pool, make sure to lower chlorine levels to no higher than 0.1 parts per million to avoid damaging your lawn. In case of an undiluted chlorine spill, quickly dilute it with fresh water. By following these measures, your lawn and pool can peacefully coexist. And remember, if you’re ever unsure, water it out or contact the professionals.