To Sand or Not to Sand

[nehsmit]

Hi all,

Noobie here with my first post. Just started building a beach theme pool and yard in NJ. Designs call for sand all around pool, fire pit, and cabana. Have a modified beach entry to sun deck with 2 steps down after that. I am really torn at this point on sand or no sand. Ive heard pros and cons to both but more negatives than positives overall.

I was hoping to hear from those who have sand to get actual experience and real life answers. Ive read all about it online but want to hear from actual sand users.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kimkats]

I cannot recall seeing any of the current for recent past builds with ANY sand near their pool. There is so many things and reasons not to in my eyes. If you want to poke around some try going to the "Under Const" part of this site and see if you can find any.

Problems-sand in pool from feet, wind, run off, cats using it as a litter box, almost impossible to keep it "clean" from leaves and yard trash, weeds and things growing in it.

It would look so neat in the beginning. The daily living with it will be the hard part.

Kim

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

I've never seen sand around a pool either. We don't even recommend using mulch around the pool because it ends up in the pool. I agree with Kim it will eventually all end up in your pool. I would try to find some gravel or stones that give you the look but not the maintenance.

 

[nehsmit]

Thank you both for your input. Really appreciate it. Looks like I need to look for alternatives as most everyone I have spoken with has said the same.

 

[MarianParoo]

I have pavers around the pool that have a sand-based grout. Over the years, between age, ants, settling, etc., a lot of that sand has broken out and ended up in my pool. Not good.

 

[AUSpool]

We swam in a hotel pool with a sandy beach at one end, the sand was every where and the staff were constantly cleaning it and trying to put the sand back.

 

[bmoreswim]

I can't even imagine having "open" sand around my pool. No way for me.

 

[Nectarologist]

Consider grass if you want a natural look. I did grass around 3/4 of my pool and love it. No problem with clippings in the pool. I can tell you that with sand windy days will blow it into the pool. I had dirt around my pool for the first summer while everything settled and when it was windy the sand sized dirt was blown into the pool. Also heavy rains will give the same result. The puddles will splash sandy water up, over the coping and into the pool. But...if you have a robot it will get it up for you.