Artificial turf around pools in Austin

Artificial turf stays green without watering, which appeals in a city where sprinklers run one day a week. It also gets very hot in the sun. Here is what to weigh before putting it next to a pool.

Watering rules

Under Austin's Conservation Stage, automatic sprinklers may run one day a week, before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Hose-end sprinklers and drip irrigation get two days a week.

Turf gets hot

A study by UNLV and the Desert Research Institute found green artificial turf peaked about 69°F hotter than irrigated grass, with surface readings as high as 169°F. Fixr also says artificial grass may get hotter than natural grass. Plan shade, and keep a cooler path from the pool.

No Austin Water rebate

Austin Water's WaterWise Landscape rebate does not cover artificial turf. The rebate is for turning healthy lawn into native or adapted plants, and work started before Austin Water approves it doesn't qualify.

HOA rules

Texas law bars HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. The law doesn't mention artificial turf, so check your HOA's rules before you buy.

What it costs

Fixr puts artificial turf at $5 to $12.50 a square foot installed, or about $4,259 for an average project of about 630 square feet. It says turf lasts 8 to 20 years with care, and most last about 10. In rainy areas, Fixr suggests turf perforated to drain quickly.