Does Pool Water Kill Grass?

Burn or Kill

• A variety of harsh chemicals compose pool chlorine. When chlorinated water sits on grass for an extended period of time (after draining or heavy use) the chemicals can potentially kill your lawn. In smaller doses, pool chemicals simply singe or "burn" grass.

Factors

• Several factors determine the extent of damage from pool water. First, diluted chemicals mitigate damage. Second, the amount of water drained or splashed from the pool onto grass is a big determining factor in the extent of damage. Lastly, extreme temperatures and sunlight can contribute to the extent of the damage.

Solutions and Reseeding

• If your grass comes into contact with chlorine (especially in the case of a pool being drained), the solution is simple: "Thoroughly flush the area with clean water," says Professor Zach Reicher of Purdue University. Professor Reicher recommends reseeding if the chlorine-tainted grass or turf has not grown back within two to three weeks.