Paddling pools offer welcome relief during the heatwave, but a few post-swim errors could ruin your lawn for good — including leaving it in one place for too long.
With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees this week and a rare red weather alert being issued, online searches for 'paddling pool grass' have increased by 230% as homeowners look for tips on lawn heatwave care.
Take a look at the tips to follow below:
1. Don't keep your pool in the same spot
"Paddling pools can damage your grass and, in some severe cases, kill your lawn entirely," says Craig Wilson, Co-founder and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream.
"This is due to the lack of sunlight the grass underneath receives, whilst the sheer weight of the pool can also cause soil compaction, with the grass unable to receive an adequate amount of air and water needed for a healthy lawn."
Instead of keeping your pool in the same spot all summer, move it every 48 hours to help your lawn breathe.
"By keeping your paddling pool in the same spot for longer than 48 hours, it can block out essential sunlight, air and nutrients needed to help your grass grow healthily," adds Craig.
2. Opt for a light-coloured paddling pool
Did you know that the colour of your paddling pool could cause more damage to your lawn? According to Craig, darker pools absorb more heat from the sun, warming the grass underneath.
"Try and opt for a lighter coloured pool to help reduce the chance of overheating the lawn and turning it yellow."
3. Don't empty your pool onto the lawn
While small splashes won't cause harm, emptying the pool onto your lawn can turn it yellow and lead to root rot.
Craig suggests: "I'd advise that you use buckets to empty your paddling pool into a proper drain or move the pool to a gravelled or well-drained area of your garden where you can safely tip out the contents without damaging the ground."
4. Scatter new grass seeds if it turns yellow
And if your grass turns yellow, it might be time to scatter new seeds. Simply rake away the brown, dead grass and loosen the topsoil. Then, scatter fresh new seeds into the ground and water around 2-4 times a day.
You'll have a beautiful, lush lawn in no time.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
