Ground Cover/Grass near pool deck?

[Bart]

My pool is currently under construction but will someday need something planted beyond the concrete pool deck. The pool is on a hill so they dug out one side and built up the other, and it's the down hill side of the pool that I'll need to take care of.

I'd like something that is fairly tough (will be able to handle being walked on a little and also able to handle pool water (SWG) splashing on it). Erosion controll is a plus since it's on a hill. And I'd also like something low (or no) maintenance.

Good old grass seems like a quick and easy option but I don't want to have to worry about mowing/weed wacking.....too much time required, too much mess created.

So, what are some of the best groundcovers to border the pool deck?

Thanks!

Here's a link to some photos of the pool:
va-blue-ridge-pool-pics-t24552.html

 

[dmanb2b]

If you can post a pic of the area, maybe that will help us brainstorm for ya I was thinking river rock, but that wouldn't be to comfortable to walk on.

 

[Bart]

Thanks! Youre' too fast. I planned to post a link in my original posting......It's there now.

 

[Bart]

Anyone, anyone?

Maintenance free ground cover for area next to pool deck?

 

[Melt In The Sun]

I looked at the photos, but it's hard for me to see exactly which area you're looking to cover. Some clarification would help

 

[Shane1]

Check out this link http://www.amwua.org/plants_for-pools.html . Its for Arizona but you may be able to find one for you area.
Have you considered Faux grass? It has came along way and some of the products are really amazing.

 

[dmanb2b]

I was thinking the same about faux grass...here is a pic of my friend's backyard renovation...he had astro turf put down for his putting green and surrounding rough

 

[FinsUp]

Have you considered Liriope as a possibility?

Here's a link that might be helpful: http://landscaping.about.com/od/ornamentalgrasses/p/liriope_grass.htm

You only have to mow it once per year in the Spring, it spreads via rhizomes, is excellent for erosion control and tough to kill. As with any plant, I would recommend reading up on it before deciding if it's right for you or not.

 

[Richard320]

How about Ice Plant? The stuff spreads out like a carpet, seems to thrive no matter how much abuse it gets. Caltrans plants it a lot along freeways, it's thick enough that it will slow down a car. I don't know how it does with salt, but I'm guessing okay, 'cause I've seen it planted near the beach, in sand.

It is considered invasive, though. Webpage

 

[Melt In The Sun]

I thought ice plant too, but I didn't think it would make it in the VA winters. Looked and it's rated for zones 5-9, so it might just work! VA is mainly zones 6 and 7.

 

[Bart]

Thanks for all the ideas folks! Sorry for the delay, but here's a few more pics of the area. I'm looking for a ground cover for the small flat area just outside of the concrete froms. The ground is semi-flat up there and then drops off down a hill.