Permanently Killing Grass Around a Pool: Why Salt Fails

Pool salt (sodium chloride) is on hand. Can it permanently kill grass/weeds in small areas before laying rock? Previous herbicides failed—grass returned aggressively.

Salt Is Not a Permanent Solution

• Salt damages soil structure, kills beneficial microbes, and leaches—harming nearby plants and waterways.
• Nature abhors bare ground; weeds recolonize quickly via wind, birds, foot traffic.
• No legal product gives permanent vegetation control.

Effective Long-Term Approach

1. Lay landscape fabric (woven, UV-stabilized) over prepared soil.
2. Cover with 3–4 inches of rock/gravel.
3. Spot-spray any emerging weeds immediately with a contact herbicide (e.g., glyphosate or pelargonic acid) before they root through fabric.
4. Inspect monthly; early removal prevents establishment.

Fabric + rock + vigilance beats salt every time—and protects your pool and landscape.