Using Artificial Turf Around Pool

19 years ago

Hi all,

I'm almost done with my pool build (it's getting PebbleTec next week) and so we're about to start with landscaping. We have two baby boys and we want a nice area for them to play on outside the pool fence and possibly put a play fort/slide structure on it.

We're in southern AZ and I'm dreading the thought of putting a real lawn in for that surface. I don't want to have to mow/fertalize/re-seed/etc and then deal with it looking brown part of the year and possibly getting cuttings and fertalizer in the pool.

I'm leaning towards a synthetic lawn product called SynLawn (www.synlawn.com) that looks pretty nice and I'm wondering if anybody on here has used it or know someone who has. Their top of the line product is called SynPlay and it's a high quality turf which doesn't require rubber in-fill that has a foam backing on it which is rated for up to 8 foot falls... that seems ideal for young boys on a climbing structure.

I've read the product can get pretty hot under intense sun, but is easily cooled quickly with a spray from a hose. Also the non in-filled stuff doesn't get as hot as the type that uses the rubber in-fill.

Anybody have any experience with the stuff?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

eskimopie
Original Author

19 years ago

Kiktavi, I'm not sure with what product Wynn had installed, but the one I'm considering (synplay) doesn't use any infill and is rated for falls as well. It also has a 10 year warranty against fading (better than the 8 year on the site you mentioned). Also, I can't say I was impressed with the installation pictures on the AGL site either, most of the pictures showed clear parallel lines running the length of the yard.

We had the SynLawn rep come out yesterday actually and he bluntly told us to order from Lowes. Lowes (in our area anyway) has a SynLawn display setup and their prices are significantly lower than directly from synlawn themselves. The Synlawn rep said they would still be the ones doing the installation and everything, but contracting it through lowes is just cheaper. I think we're going that route for sure...

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Comments (8)

mommyniki
19 years ago
My BIL has some type of synthetic grass. They just got it this spring. It looks really nice but it does get hot (we are in Gilbert, AZ). Infact, my 7 y.o. was over there and stood on their grass and said, "Our grass doesn't get hot like this." He couldn't figure it out. I don't know how often your boys are going to be outside playing on the grass during the summer so that might not be that big of an issue. I know that my boys are usually playing outside during the cooler months, summer time is spent inside or in the pool. Something to keep in mind.
lsbarkley
19 years ago
Eskimo,

I just recently put down artificial turf myself around the pool...pics posted on here under my fiberglass pics thread. I received a sample from synlawn but decided to go with artificialturfsupply.com. They have a heavier weight product with no infill and cost significantly less. Try them on the web and compare. I was very happy in dealing with them. As for heat yes I am in NJ and the grass does get quite hot but with a hose down does cool off immediately. It drains very well also. In AZ not sure how real grass gets but heat may be an issue..maybe if its that hot...over 100 degrees or something maybe use a play sprinkler? Try to get a sample from synlawn..should send for free and put it out there to test the heat it gives off. How about a canopy for the play area to provide shade also? Hope this helps.

LS
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itsakik
19 years ago
Dont use synlawn!!!I just saw it at the wynn and they are removing it. After 2 years its faded,stretched and hard as a rock!. I am a landscape designer of 20 years and I just installed AGL grass. Its exceptional. Its 30% cooler than synlawn, much softer. In fact its fall test rated upt to a 12' fall. Synlawn uses sand infill and its like walking on a hard raincoat. Really gross. I just installed 3000 sq ft. and my client is in love. SARAtoga is my favorite. Its 2 toned and the coolest to the touch.Really soft and beautiful AGLgrass.com
poolwebber
19 years ago
Can you tell me how to find your fiberglass pics thread? Thanks.
lsbarkley
19 years ago
I have enclosed the gardenweb link to my fiberglass pool pics and artificial turf. Thanks.

Ls

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Fiberglass Pool Pics
poolwebber
19 years ago
lsbarkley: thanks for posting the pics. Your pool looks great. Is the grass all artificial? It looks very natural and real! We are about to do the landscaping around our pool and we are considering artificial grass, especially after seeing yours. Have you been happy with it?
lsbarkley
19 years ago
Yes very happy with it and its all artificial. The biggest thing is probably making the seams where you cant see them but would trade that instead of real grass. Very happy.