Artificial Grass vs. Natural Grass: What's Best?
Do you love the look and feel of real grass under your feet on those beautiful spring and summer days outside? Perhaps you’re on the other side and you love the sound of low maintenance that artificial grass offers?
Can you have real grass or artificial grass around your swimming pool? It’s a question we get asked a lot! When it comes to landscaping around your swimming pool, the choice between artificial grass and natural grass can be a tough one and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Our team of Gold Coast pool builder will dive into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision around this crucial landscaping decision.
The Pros of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass provides a low maintenance solution. One of the biggest advantages of artificial grass is that it requires very little maintenance. You won’t need to mow, water, or fertilise it, saving you time and money in upkeeping it all year round.
Artificial grass offers durability. It is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. It won’t get muddy or patchy, making it a great option for high-traffic areas around your pool.
It looks great. Modern artificial grass looks very realistic and can provide a lush, green appearance year-round. It also comes in various shades and textures, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your aesthetic preferences and ties in with other elements of your pool or entertainment that you are looking for.
Nowadays, homeowners are opting for artificial grass inside pool areas to provide an extra layer of safety around the pool. It’s often made from non-toxic materials and can be softer underfoot, reducing the risk of slips and falls around the pool area.
The Cons of Artificial Grass
The upfront cost of installing artificial grass can be higher than natural grass. However, this can be offset by the lower maintenance costs over time. The cost can also depend on the quality of artificial grass you opt for.
Artificial grass tends to retain heat. Most available options on the market get quite hot in direct sunlight, which might make it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot during those hot Gold Coast summer months.
If you are environmentally conscious, it’s important to consider that artificial grass doesn’t require water or pesticides. It is made from synthetic materials that can have a negative environmental impact. Additionally, it doesn’t provide the same benefits to local wildlife as natural grass.
The Pros of Natural Grass
Natural grass offers beauty when maintained well. There’s something undeniably appealing about the look and feel of natural grass. It provides a soft, cool surface that’s perfect for lounging around the pool. Pull out the picnic rug and relax!
There are several environmental benefits to having grass around your pool. Natural grass helps to absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and support local ecosystems. It also helps to reduce heat in the surrounding area.
The initial cost of planting natural grass is generally lower than installing high end artificial grass that looks like natural grass. However, this can vary depending on the type of grass and the condition of your soil.
The Cons of Natural Grass
Natural grass does require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure it looks great all year round. Natural grass requires regular mowing, watering, and fertilising to keep it looking its best. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially during the summer months where regular water is required.
Natural grass does have an element of wear and tear if it is not maintained appropriately. High foot traffic can cause natural grass to become patchy and muddy, especially around the pool area where water splashes can create wet spots. It’s important to continually water your grass around the pool to dilute any chlorinated water spill over – or even better, opt for a mineral pool!
Pesticides and Fertilisers can be harmful to the environment. Maintaining a healthy lawn often requires the use of chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment and potentially to your family and pets so it’s important to consider this.
What should you choose?
Ultimately, the choice between artificial grass and natural grass around your swimming pool comes down to your personal preferences. If you value low maintenance, durability, and year-round aesthetic appeal, artificial grass might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer the natural beauty and environmental benefits of real grass and don’t mind the extra upkeep, natural grass could be the way to go.
Consider your lifestyle, budget, and the specific conditions of your pool area to make the best decision for your home. Whichever option you choose, both artificial and natural grass can create a beautiful and functional space for you to enjoy your pool to the fullest.
Some of our clients will opts to have an area of artificial grass within the pool area to reduce the costs of tiling a large area, but to also provide a low maintenance internal pool area. Again, it all comes down to personal preference.
Ready to get started on your pool journey? Contact our team of Gold Coast concrete pool builders and let’s turn your swimming pool into a reality.