Mulch Around Above Ground Pool
An above-ground pool is an excellent way to stay cool and enjoy the summer sunshine, but maintaining it can be a chore. You have many choices to make when installing a pool that includes landscaping, fencing, and designing your outdoor area. Let’s explore which mulches are best for you to use around an above-ground pool.
Best Mulch for Around an Above Ground Pool
There are many considerations when choosing mulch for your above-ground pool. You probably want something that is long-lasting and will not need to be replaced often. It is also important to select one that has good drainage and weed suppression qualities. You also want it to be easy on the feet when you walk on it. When it comes to selecting mulch for around your above-ground pool, several choices stand out.
Wood chips do a good job suppressing weeds, especially if you choose something like pine, cypress, or cedar. These woods have natural chemicals and oils that help prevent weeds. They are soft on the feet, have bug repellent qualities, and will prevent grass from growing around your pool. Natural stone is another good alternative for preventing grass from growing around your pool. If you want some extra protection, you might try placing a landscape cloth underneath the mulch, such as burlap or another environmentally friendly alternative.
How Do I Keep Grass from Growing Around My Above Ground Pool?
The best way to keep grass from growing around your pool is to install at least three inches of mulch, regardless of the type of mulch that you choose. Many people pick rubber mulch because it has some weed suppression properties. As rubber mulch breaks down, it releases toxic chemicals into the soil that can kill plants, including those you want to grow. While this makes for effective weed control, it might not be the best choice for your health or that of your family.
Mulch Alternatives for Around an Above Ground Pool
Here are a few of the more popular choices when it comes to mulch for your above-ground pool.
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is a popular alternative for many reasons. The first is that it is made from recycled tires, so it does not break down quickly over time. This means that you do not need to refresh it to keep it fluffy and soft. It also has some downsides. The first is that it does not have the best drainage. Also, it breaks down in sunlight and releases toxic chemicals into the soil when it does.
Wood Chips
Wood chips are another popular alternative for mulch around pools. You have many choices in color and texture. They have excellent drainage on the surface, but they can remain damp underneath. This can encourage the growth of fungus and mold. When applied properly, wood mulch has excellent weed suppression properties, but you will need to refresh it throughout the season and replace it every two to three years because it degrades and compacts.
Some wood mulches, such as cedar and cypress also have excellent insect repelling properties. Wood chips are a cheap alternative, but it is suggested that you get those that are of finer texture and soft, rather than large wood chips to be hard on the feet.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is another popular alternative for placing around above-ground pools. It has excellent drainage properties and is good at repelling weeds. It is a little more expensive than wood chips, and it does tend to break down in about four or five years in areas that are walked upon frequently. If traffic around the pool is light, pea gravel can last for many years. It does not compact due to the shape of the stones, which means that it retains its softness and qualities for many years to come.
As you can see, you have many alternatives and choices to make when it comes to landscaping around your above-ground pool. Choosing the right mulch for you means that you can enjoy your pool for many years to come. It is important to think about the short and long-term effects of any decision you make. Hopefully, this article has given you a few things to consider and some of the available choices to create an outdoor space that you will enjoy for many years.
