Why poolside infill choice matters

Pool decks push turf harder than lawns. Infill has to handle splash-out, sun, and constant foot traffic while keeping fibers upright and surfaces cool and clean. The right blend improves safety, comfort, drainage, and lifespan.

  • Heat control: Lighter, coated sands run cooler than dark rubber.
  • Hygiene: Antimicrobial coatings help resist microbial growth in wet zones.
  • Drainage stability: Proper gradation and roundness prevent compaction and ponding.
  • Safety and feel: Rounded particles reduce abrasion and support softer landings.

Best infill options for poolside turf

Rounded silica sand

Clean, washed, rounded silica sand is the dependable poolside base infill. It is inert, UV stable, and provides ballast without sharp edges.

  • Benefits: Affordable, stable, good fiber support, low glare when color matched.
  • Specs to look for: Rounded, washed, kiln dried, 16 to 30 mesh depending on pile height.
  • Use: Primary layer for most pool decks.

Acrylic coated antimicrobial or cooling sand

Coated sands add two wins over plain silica. Cooling technology can lower surface temps when hydrated, and antimicrobial additives help keep infill fresher between cleanings.

  • Benefits: Reduced heat, cleaner surface profile, color stable coating.
  • How to use: Install as a top layer over rounded silica, often 20 to 40 percent of total infill weight.
  • Care: Lightly mist on very hot days to activate cooling polymers where applicable.

Zeolite as a specialty additive

Zeolite is a porous mineral that can help with odor control in areas pets frequent. It can hold moisture, which may aid evaporative cooling in dry climates.

  • Use: Blend lightly, typically 10 to 25 percent of total infill, when pet odor management is a priority.
  • Tip: Do not rely on zeolite as the only topdress in constantly soaked zones. Pair with rounded silica for stability.

What to avoid around pools

  • Black SBR crumb rubber: Runs hot, can mark decks, and can migrate.
  • Angular or crushed sand: Abrasive underfoot and more likely to compact.
  • Organic shells or cork blends: Can swell, break down, and float when saturated.
  • Calcined clay or absorbent fines: Can get muddy and clog drainage.

How much infill to use

  • Pile up to 1.25 inches: about 1.0 to 1.5 pounds per square foot.
  • Pile 1.25 to 1.75 inches: about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per square foot.
  • Pile over 1.75 inches: about 2.0 to 3.0 pounds per square foot.

Always confirm the turf manufacturer spec for your exact product and deck conditions.

Installation and maintenance checklist

  • Base: Well draining, compacted aggregate with a slight slope away from the pool.
  • Edge containment: Secure borders to lock infill and turf in place.
  • Dry install: Spread infill dry in lifts, power broom between passes for even distribution.
  • Top off: Add a final pass of coated cooling or antimicrobial sand as the top layer.
  • Rinse routine: Hose down after heavy salt or chlorine splash-out to minimize residue.
  • Seasonal check: Re-broom and top off thin spots. Keep infill out of drains and off coping.

Quick picks by scenario

  • Families and kids: Rounded silica base with antimicrobial coated sand top layer for cleaner play.
  • Saltwater pools: Rounded silica plus coated sand that resists color fade and stays stable with salt.
  • Pets on deck: Rounded silica base with a light zeolite blend, then antimicrobial coated sand as the top layer.
  • High heat climates: Rounded silica base with a cooling coated sand top layer, and plan periodic misting during peak heat.
  • Shaded, damp decks: Stick with rounded silica and antimicrobial coated sand to discourage microbial growth.

Compatibility and safety notes

  • Material safety: Choose washed, dust controlled sands. Look for coatings that are non toxic and heavy metal compliant.
  • Antimicrobial claims: Use products with EPA registered antimicrobial additives where offered by the manufacturer.
  • Chlorine and salt: Silica and acrylic coated sands are chemically stable in normal pool environments.

Why FusionTurf pairs these infills

For poolside systems, FusionTurf typically uses a rounded silica foundation for ballast and blade support, then tops it with 20 to 30 percent coated antimicrobial or cooling sand. This stack balances comfort, cleanliness, and long term stability without the heat or mess of black crumb rubber.