The best artificial turf in San Jose can transform your pool area into a beautiful, mud-free space requiring little maintenance. It’s a great DIY project you can finish over the weekend, depending on how big your pool area is. To help you prep for installation, read through our detailed guide on how to install artificial grass around pools.
Step 1: Plan and Measure Your Pool Area
Before diving into the installation, take some time to plan and measure the area around your pool. Accurate measurements ensure you purchase the right amount of artificial grass and other materials.
- Measure the Area: Use a measuring tape to determine the length and width of the area. Start from one end and measure straight across to the opposite end, noting down the measurements. Do this thrice to make sure your measurements are as accurate as possible.
- Sketch a Layout: Draw a simple layout of the pool and surrounding area on graph paper, noting any curves, steps, or unique features. Include measurements for each section to create an accurate representation. This will help you visualize the space and plan the placement of artificial grass.
- Calculate Square Footage: Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage. If the area has irregular shapes, break it down into smaller sections, calculate each section separately, and then add them together. This will help you decide how much material you’ll need for your installation.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools
Here’s what you need to install artificial grass around your pool. Feel free to print out this check list!
- Artificial Grass: Choose a high-quality, durable artificial turf for pools. Look for UV-resistant options to prevent fading, plus hole-punched or flow-through backing for maximum drainage.
- Crushed Stone or Gravel: Provides a stable base and improves drainage. The gravel layer should be around 2-3 inches thick.
- Sand: Used to level the base and provide a smooth surface. This layer should be about 1-2 inches thick.
- Weed Membrane: Prevents weed growth. We recommend our Wildcat Weed Barrier+ for its outstanding weed protection with UV resistance.
- U-shaped Turf Pegs or Nails: Secures the turf in place. These should be rust-resistant for longevity, like our galvanized spiral nails.
- Seaming Tape and Adhesive: Joins multiple pieces of turf seamlessly. Only use seam tape and adhesive specifically made for artificial grass.
- Infill (Sand or Rubber Granules): Keeps grass blades upright and adds cushioning. Consider HydroChill infill for its cooling properties or Zeolite for odor protection.
- Drainage Tiles: Essential for pool installations. These are placed under the turf to facilitate water flow and boost drainage. Our PDS Tiles are one of your best options.
Tools Needed:
- Utility Knife with Extra Blades: For cutting and trimming the turf.
- Spade or Turf Cutter: For removing existing grass and soil. A turf cutter is more efficient for large areas.
- Vibrating Plate Compactor or Roller: For compacting the base. Check with your local hardware to see if you can rent one.
- Stiff-bristled Broom: For spreading infill and brushing the turf. Only use one with synthetic bristles because metal rakes can damage artificial grass.
- Tape Measure: For accurate measurements.
- Garden Hose: For rinsing the area. A nozzle with a spray function can help clean off debris.
- Shovel and Wheelbarrow: For clearing the ground and removing debris and soil from the installation site.
Step 3: Clear the Ground
To prepare the area, you’ll need to remove any existing grass or plants. Use a shovel to carefully remove the sod to a depth of about 3-4 inches. Be sure to dispose of the removed vegetation properly, ensuring that the area is clean and free of debris.
- Mark the Area: Use spray paint or stakes and string to mark the boundaries of the area you plan to cover with artificial grass. This helps you stay within the intended area during excavation.
- Remove Sod: Use a spade or turf cutter to cut through the sod and soil. Remove any roots or rocks that could interfere with the installation. Clearing these obstacles helps you lay down a smooth base for the artificial grass.
- Dispose of Waste: Collect the removed sod and plants and dispose of them according to local regulations. Proper disposal keeps the work area clean and environmentally friendly.
Step 4: Excavate for Drainage
Proper drainage is essential to prevent water pooling around your pool. Dig an additional 2-3 inches below the depth you cleared in the previous step. The slope should be angled slightly away from your pool.
- Check the Slope: Use a long, straight board and a level to check the slope of the ground. Place the board on the ground, set the level on top, and see if the slope is angled slightly away from the pool. A slope of about 1-2% (1-2 inches per 10 feet) is ideal because it allows water to drain away from the pool, preventing water accumulation.
- Excavate: Dig out an additional 2-3 inches of soil, maintaining the proper slope. This will help create a stable and well-draining base for your artificial grass.
Step 5: Install Drainage Matting (Optional)
Adding a layer of drainage matting can significantly enhance drainage, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. Drainage matting provides an extra layer to facilitate water flow, preventing water from pooling under the turf.
- Lay the Matting: Arrange the drainage tiles over the excavated area, making sure it covers the entire surface. This provides an extra layer to facilitate water flow.
- Secure the Matting: Use landscape staples or U-pins to secure the matting in place, particularly along the edges and seams. This keeps the matting from shifting during installation.
Step 6: Lay Down the Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric acts as a barrier against weeds, preventing them from sprouting and disrupting your perfect poolside oasis.
- Position the Fabric: Roll out the landscape fabric over the excavated area. This forms the first line of defense against weeds.
- Overlap Edges: Overlap the edges of the fabric by at least 6 inches to prevent gaps where weeds could sprout. Proper overlapping ensures complete coverage.
- Secure the Fabric: Use landscape staples or U-pins to secure the fabric in place, especially along the edges and seams. This prevents the fabric from moving or bunching up.
Step 7: Compact the Base
A stable and supportive foundation is crucial for your artificial grass. Use a tamper or rent a plate compactor to firmly compact the base material.
- Spread the Base Material: Evenly distribute crushed stone or gravel over the landscape fabric, creating a layer about 2-3 inches deep. This forms a solid foundation.
- Level the Base: Use a rake to spread the base material evenly. A level base is essential for a smooth artificial grass surface.
- Compact the Base: Use a vibrating plate compactor or hand tamper to compact the base material. This step is crucial for creating a stable and supportive foundation for your artificial grass.
Step 8: Install Border (Optional)
Installing edging around the perimeter of the pool gives a clean and finished look. Edging defines the boundary of the artificial grass area and prevents the turf from shifting. Use aluminum edging for curved sections and steel edging for straight edges.
- Position the Edging: Place the edging along the perimeter of the pool area. Check that it’s straight and level.
- Secure the Edging: Use stakes or nails to anchor the edging firmly in place. Drive the stakes or nails into the ground at regular intervals so the edging remains secure. Anchoring the edging keeps it in place, providing a neat appearance.
Step 9: Unroll and Position the Artificial Turf
Carefully unroll the artificial turf, making sure the blades face the same direction to mimic natural grass growth. Leave some excess material around the edges for trimming later.
- Unroll the Turf: Lay the artificial turf over the prepared base, starting from one end and working your way across the area.
- Position the Turf: Doublecheck if the blades of the turf are all facing the same direction to create a uniform appearance.
- Smooth the Turf: Use a stiff-bristled broom to brush the turf and help the blades stand upright. Brushing also helps to remove any wrinkles or creases.
Step 10: Seam the Turf
If your pool area requires multiple panels of turf, you’ll need to seam them together. This is common for larger areas where one roll of turf is not sufficient.
- Position the Seaming Tape: Lay the seaming tape along the edges where the turf panels will meet. Place the tape adhesive-side up.
- Apply the Adhesive: Spread the adhesive evenly over the seaming tape, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a generous amount to create a strong bond.
- Join the Panels: Carefully align the edges of the turf panels and press them together over the adhesive. Make sure the grass blades are not caught in the seam.
Step 11: Cut and Trim
Using a sharp utility knife, meticulously trim the turf to fit the exact shape of your pool area. It’s always better to start with a little extra and gradually trim down for a perfect fit.
- Trim the Edges: Use a utility knife to cut along the edges of the turf, following the shape of the pool area. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes.
- Check the Fit: Carefully check if the turf fits snugly around the pool and if there are any other features. Adjust as needed to achieve a clean finish.
- Secure the Edges: Use U-shaped pegs or nails to secure the edges of the turf. Space them about 6-12 inches apart to keep the turf in place.
Step 12: Secure the Turf with U-Pins
To keep your artificial turf in place, secure the edges with U-shaped pins. This step prevents the turf from moving or shifting over time.
- Place the Pins: Insert U-shaped pins along the edges of the turf, spacing them about 6-12 inches apart. The pins should go through the backing and into the ground securely.
- Secure the Pins: Push the pins deep enough to hold the turf firmly in place but not so deep that they are visible. Use a rubber mallet if needed to drive the pins in.
- Spread the Pins: Distribute additional pins throughout the area, especially in high-traffic zones, to prevent movement.
Step 13: Spread Infill Sand
Evenly spreading silica sand or another infill material over the entire turf helps keep the grass blades upright and provides a natural feel underfoot.
- Distribute the Infill: Use a drop spreader to evenly distribute the infill material over the turf. Start at one end and work your way across the area.
- Brush the Infill: Use a stiff-bristled broom to brush the infill into the turf. Brush against the grain to help the grass blades stand up.
- Check the Depth: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended infill depth, usually about 1-2 pounds per square foot. Message us if you’re not sure about how much infill you need.
Learn More
Need more help? At Artificial Turf Express, we offer a wide selection of high-quality artificial grass products and accessories specifically designed for DIY installations. You can order online or visit our showroom so we can walk you through your options. Get started by calling 408-960-2255 or messaging us today.