
Pool surround turf in Savannah transforms the deck and surrounding area around your pool into a safe, comfortable, and low-maintenance outdoor living space. Savannah's hot, humid summers with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms and high water tables create real challenges for natural grass around pools: centipede lawns thin out under the constant moisture, salt from pool chemicals burns patches, and the sandy soil stays soggy where drainage is poor. Synthetic turf eliminates these problems. It drains quickly, resists chemical damage, stays cooler underfoot than concrete, and gives you a usable deck surface in 24 to 48 hours. Whether you're in a historic Victorian home in the Historic District, a mid-century ranch in Midtown, or a newer two-story home in Pooler or Richmond Hill, we install high-performance pool surround turf that handles Savannah's climate and stays beautiful for years. We work with homeowners to choose the right product, face weight, and infill for safety, drainage, and durability around water.
Why Pool Surround Turf Matters in Savannah's Climate
Savannah's coastal Lowcountry climate is punishing for natural grass around pools. The combination of heat, humidity, near-daily summer thunderstorms, and a high water table means real grass around your pool deck stays wet, compacts, and dies back faster than anywhere else. Add pool chemicals, salt splash, and the constant foot traffic of swimmers, and a natural lawn becomes a muddy, bare patch within one season. Synthetic turf solves all of these problems at once: it drains instantly, resists chemical and salt damage, and provides a safe, soft surface that doesn't get slippery when wet.
- We remove the existing sod or bare soil, grade and compact the base, and install a high-drainage underlayment so water flows away from the pool and foundation.
- We choose a turf product with the right pile height and face weight for pool use, typically 50 to 75 ounces per square yard, so it resists matting and holds up to wet feet and chlorine.
- We use antimicrobial infill or zeolite-based materials to resist mold and odor in Savannah's humid climate and to handle the standing water risk from summer storms.
- We install the turf with sealed seams and secure edging so water doesn't pool at the perimeter and cause the turf to lift or shift.
- We advise on rinse-down and light cleaning after pool season to keep the turf fresh and free of mineral buildup from Savannah's hard water.
The result is a pool deck that stays dry underfoot, resists damage from chemicals and salt, and remains beautiful through Savannah's long, wet summers. For more detail on how we handle drainage and base prep, see our full residential artificial grass installation page.
Key info: In Savannah, pool surround turf must drain faster than real grass because the water table is already high and summer thunderstorms drop 2 to 3 inches of rain in an hour. A poorly installed base or turf without proper slope will cause water to pool, rot the backing, and lift the seams.
For permitting questions specific to Savannah, the City of Savannah Planning and Development Department can advise on grading permits if your project involves significant earth movement or changes to drainage patterns on your property.
How We Install Pool Surround Turf in Savannah
Our pool surround turf installation follows a proven sequence designed for Savannah's climate and soil conditions. We start with a site visit to assess drainage, sun exposure, pool chemistry, and foot traffic patterns. We then remove old sod or bare ground, grade and compact the base, install drainage underlayment, lay the turf, seal the seams, and finish the edges so water sheds away from the pool and foundation. The entire job typically takes 2 to 3 days for a 400 to 600 square foot deck.
- We visit your site, measure the pool deck and surrounding area, and discuss your goals for color, texture, and infill type based on your pool use and Savannah's climate.
- We call 811 for a utility locate and mark any private lines (irrigation, low-voltage lighting, pet fences) that we need to avoid during excavation.
- We remove the existing sod or bare soil and excavate to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, depending on your soil type and drainage needs.
- We grade the base so water slopes away from the pool and foundation, then compact the soil with a power plate to eliminate settling and soft spots.
- We unroll the synthetic turf, trim it to fit the pool deck and any irregular edges, and seam it with polyurethane adhesive and a seam roller to create a watertight bond.
- We infill the turf with antimicrobial zeolite, Envirofill, or silica sand (your choice, based on pet use and Savannah's heat) and brush it in evenly.
- We edge the perimeter with aluminum or plastic border, secure it, and do a final rinse and brush to fluff the pile and settle the infill.
We provide written specs for the turf product, face weight, pile height, infill type and weight, and base depth before we start, so you know exactly what you're getting and why.
Real example: A homeowner in Ardsley Park had a 500 sq ft pool deck that flooded after every summer storm because the old sod was compacted and the grade sloped toward the pool. We excavated 6 inches, installed a 4 inch compacted base with a perforated drainage layer, sloped it away from the pool, and laid 65 ounce polyethylene turf with antimicrobial zeolite infill. The deck now drains in minutes, stays cool underfoot, and has held up beautifully through two hurricane seasons.
For more on our repair and seam work, visit our turf repair and seam repair page.
Pool Surround Turf Installation Methods
| Approach | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full base prep with drainage | Excavate 4 to 6 inches, compact soil, install 4 inch compacted base with perforated drainage layer, slope away from pool, then lay turf and infill. | Savannah properties with high water tables, poor existing drainage, or clay and sandy soil that compacts and holds water. |
| Shallow base on existing concrete | Clean the concrete, install 1 to 2 inch underlayment to cushion and improve drainage, lay turf and infill, seal edges. | Existing concrete pool decks that drain well and need cushioning and a softer, safer surface for bare feet. |
| Turf over pavers with sand base | Install turf over existing permeable pavers with a thin sand and geotextile base, creating a soft surface while maintaining drainage between pavers. | Properties with decorative paver decks where you want to keep the paver structure and add cushioning and color on top. |
| Repair or replacement of failed turf | Remove old turf, inspect and repair the base, install new underlayment if needed, lay new turf with sealed seams and fresh infill. | Existing pool decks where the turf has lifted, melted, or failed due to poor drainage, seam separation, or chemical damage. |
Pool Surround Turf Cost in Savannah: What to Expect
Pool surround turf in Savannah typically starts at $9 to $12 per square foot installed, depending on the turf product, infill type, base depth, and site conditions. A typical 400 to 600 square foot pool deck runs $3,600 to $7,200. Larger decks, complex shapes, poor drainage requiring deeper base prep, or premium turf products push the cost higher. We always quote after a site visit because Savannah's high water table, clay and sandy soil mix, and existing drainage patterns vary widely between neighborhoods.
Factors that affect the final cost include:
- The turf product and face weight: premium polyethylene or nylon turf rated for pool use costs more than basic polyethylene.
- Base depth and compaction: properties with poor drainage or clay require a deeper, more robust base, which adds labor and material cost.
- Infill type: antimicrobial zeolite or Envirofill costs more than silica sand but lasts longer and resists mold in Savannah's humidity.
- Site access and shape: tight spaces, steep grades, or irregular edges require more hand work and material waste, raising the per-square-foot cost.
- Removal of old turf or sod: if there is existing failed turf or heavy sod, removal and disposal add to the price.
We recommend getting 2 to 3 estimates from local turf installation companies so you can compare product specs, base approach, and pricing. A low quote that skips base prep or uses thin underlayment will fail in Savannah's climate; the cheapest option is rarely the best value. See our full pricing page for detailed cost examples and what's included at each price point.
Pool Surround Turf Near Me: What Savannah Homeowners Should Know When Hiring
Hiring the right turf installation company for your pool deck is critical because poor base prep, thin underlayment, or weak seams will fail in Savannah's humid, wet climate and high water table. Before you book, verify that any installer you consider is fully insured, provides a written spec with turf product name, face weight, pile height, infill type and pounds per square foot, and base depth and compaction method. Ask for references and photos of finished pool decks, especially in Savannah or similar humid climates. Check that they understand local drainage and soil conditions, and never accept a quote for turf laid directly on bare dirt without a proper base.
Additional points to check:
- Request a certificate of insurance naming general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and verify it's current and matches the company name.
- Ask about the warranty on the installation workmanship, which should cover seams, edging, and infill settling for at least one to two years.
- Confirm that the company calls 811 before excavation and marks private lines (irrigation, lighting, pet fences) to avoid damage during base prep.
- Understand whether permits are required for your property: some Savannah HOAs require approval for pool deck changes, and grading that alters drainage may need a city permit.
- Ask how they handle cleanup and whether old sod and excavated soil are removed from the site or left in a pile for you to manage.
We're a local turf installation company in Savannah since 2013, fully insured, and we provide written specs and references for every job. Call us at (912) 666-2653 or request a free estimate online to discuss your pool deck project with no obligation.
Pool Surround Turf in Savannah: Pricing Guide
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard pool deck turf installation | Starting at $9/sq ft | Includes full base prep, 4 inch compacted base with drainage layer, turf, seaming, antimicrobial infill, and edging for Savannah properties |
| Premium or specialty turf for pools | Starting at $12/sq ft | High-performance polyethylene or nylon turf rated for pool chemicals, premium infill options, and enhanced seam sealing for durability |
| Turf over existing concrete or pavers | Starting at $8/sq ft | Thinner underlayment installation on hard surfaces that already drain well, saving excavation and base prep labor and material cost |
| Pool deck repair or failed turf replacement | On estimate | Cost depends on extent of base damage, whether seams need rework, and whether old turf must be fully removed and disposed |
| Travel and site visit | Included | No separate travel fee for Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Garden City, Port Wentworth, Tybee Island, and surrounding areas |
| Free estimate | No charge | On-site visit, measurement, written spec, and pricing within 24 hours, no obligation to book, call (912) 666-2653 |
Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (912) 666-2653.