Bermuda Grass Around a Salt Water Pool

Salt Water Pools

• Salt water pools, also known as saline pools, have gained in popularity over chlorine pools. In 2007, approximately 75 percent of all newly installed pools were based on salt water systems, according to the Florida daily newspaper, "Ocala Star Banner." Salt water pools are easier and less expensive to maintain than their chemical counterparts, and they don't have the strong, irritating smell that comes with chlorine-treated pools. Home gardeners may worry, however, that the salty water from the pool will damage nearby plants or grass. In the case of Bermuda grass, this is not an issue.

Bermuda Grass

• Bermuda grass is a popular warm-climate turf grass. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, it thrives in full sunlight and adapts to a wide range of soil types. The grass is desirable for its tough nature -- it needs little watering and has a dense texture that stifles weed growth. It does go dormant in the fall, however, and turns from bright green to straw-colored during its dormancy. Temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit may kill off parts of the grass, according to Missouri Botanical Garden.

Salt Tolerance

• Bermuda grass is generally hardy, but one of the things it is most prized for is its ability to tolerate salt. In fact, it is one of the most salt-tolerant turf grasses with the ability to tolerate between 16 and 18 millimhos per centimeter, according to the Colorado State University Extension. In contrast, most other popular types of turf grass only tolerate between 3 and 6 millimhos per centimeter. For this reason, Bermuda grass is a popular choice in coastal golf courses, residences and home landscapes.

Other Considerations

• If your Bermuda grass is faltering, it is not likely due to the water in your pool. The occasional splash of salty water will actually benefit Bermuda grass, according to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In addition, Bermuda grass survived being completely submerged for two days under saltwater in the Southern California's Salton Sea. The primary cause of problems with Bermuda grass comes from a lack of light: Bermuda grass will not grow well in the shade. If your pool and the surrounding area is shaded, perhaps by a tree, consider removing the cause. Not only will this allow your Bermuda grass to flourish, but it may remove the problem of debris dropping into your pool as well.