Can I Put A Pool On Grass? (Without Killing It?)

Summer has arrived, and what could be better than spending a long lazy day in the swimming pool? Most of us look forward to splashing about in the pool in our own backyard without having to drive to a public pool or visit your neighbors to swim in their pool. 

You can safely place an above-ground pool on grass without killing it, but you will need to take precautions to prevent the grass from dying. The best way to keep your grass alive is to place a tarp underneath a temporary pool or to remove the grass from underneath a permanent pool.

If you don’t have a swimming pool and can’t afford to install one or don’t have much available space in your backyard for a swimming pool, how can you cool down in the summer heat? What are the alternatives? Do you buy a kiddies blow-up pool, or are there ways to build a temporary swimming pool, or can you install one above-ground in your backyard? 

Can I Put An Above-Ground Pool On Grass Without Killing It?

You do not necessarily need to install a pool into the ground in your backyard – there are other options. If you don’t have much yard space and would like to preserve the lawn that you do have and have probably spent time grooming, consider an above-ground pool.

However, one of the downsides to an above-ground pool is there is a chance that your carefully maintained and cultivated grass could be damaged and perhaps even killed! Depending on the type of above-ground pool that you choose will determine if your grass will indeed survive the experience or not.

The placement of your above-ground pool in your backyard is crucial. Firstly, check your local regulations to see if you are allowed above-ground pools in your area – you never know what the rules may be! Secondly, decide if the pool will be a permanent fixture or a temporary, seasonal addition to your backyard.

The final consideration is where to place the above-ground pool. You cannot place an above-ground pool on a slope or gravel or next to thorny trees or bushes! Most above-ground swimming pools are made from laminated PVC and will rip or tear if they are not correctly installed on a solid foundation. 

If you have a permanent pool solution in mind and space available, you would certainly need to dig up the grass and remove it to another area to prepare the ground for the pool installation, or risk killing your grass!

If you place your above-ground pool directly on top of your grass permanently, it will die off.

If the pool is temporary, there are methods to use to ensure that your grass will survive a pool placed on top of it.

What Types Of Above Ground Pools Are Available?

Above-ground pools are generally free-standing pools with steel, plastic, or wooden frames, but some permanent pools are built into a deck. Others are simply inflatable. All above-ground pools are available in different shapes and sizes, so there should be a pool available to fit your space.

No matter the style, shape, or size of the above-ground pool, they all need a space of their own, whether permanently or temporarily.

A permanent above-ground pool could cause the least damage to your grass as you would need to remove the existing grass before preparing a foundation bed for the pool. It is not advisable to place a permanent pool directly on top of the grass as not only will it die, but it could cause problems for the pool.

A permanent pool needs a solid foundation base. The base can be made from sand, concrete slabs, or any material which can provide a solid base able to withstand the heavy weight of the pool when it is filled with water. This base will provide better support for the above-ground pool if the grass is removed first!

When considering the placement of a temporary above-ground pool, if you are going to place it on top of your grass, you could risk damaging the grass. However, the beauty of a temporary pool is that it can be removed once you have finished with it, and you can attend to the task of reviving your grass with some TLC!

How Long Can Grass Be Covered Before It Dies?

If you are going to place a temporary above-ground pool on top of your lawn, follow the installation procedures to protect your grass from damage as much as you can. 

Above-ground pools harm grass because of the pressure exerted on it from the water in the pool and the overflowing chemicals used in the pool to keep the water clean and bacteria-free.

All these different factors contribute to the lifespan of your grass. Another factor is how often the pool is used. Swimmers jumping in and out of the pool can damage the grass around the pool by causing muddy tracks and could damage the grass underneath the pool simply by jumping up and down in the pool.

The grass underneath the pool will not grow while it is covered as it will not see the sun and will not receive enough air. Grass will go dormant to protect itself after 24 hours, but it should grow back once the pool is removed. 

Follow these top tips to prolong the life of your grass when covered with a temporary above-ground pool:

• If the pool is small and inflatable, move it to a different spot every day. Drain it at the end of every day and pour the water over the space where the pool was located that day. The grass will start to suffer if the pool is in the same location for longer than two days.
• Medium or large pools cannot be moved every day, so placing a tarp or a ground cloth underneath the pool can protect the grass.

• Try to move your medium or large pool to a different location at least every two weeks to preserve the grass. This might mean emptying the pool until it is light enough to move, but the water can be poured out over the flattened grass. Ensure that the chemicals in the water have had time to off-gas before pouring over your grass, or it could cause brown patches on the grass.

Wrapping Up

Above-ground pools can become a permanent fixture in your backyard. Your available space and budget determine the pool for you, whether a temporary or a permanent solution.

If you don’t have a huge working budget or are worried about ruining your lawn, then an inflatable pool is the way to go! An above-ground pool of any size or shape can provide hours of fun for the entire family, so enjoy your time together!