How to cover a sloped section beside a pool install?

[MilesT]

I am interested in knowing how best to lay low maintenance stones as ground cover over sloping ground in front of a new pool build. The area will be fenced and I don't want to mow grass, or lay mulch as it needs to be replaced annually. The slope will be planted with ground covering shrubs and I imagine I will first spread the area with several inches of soil for plants with shallow growing roots, then cover the area with geotextile to stop weeds but still allow water for the plants.

Then I would like to use rock or stones but am concerned they may wash down the slope. Does anyone have experience with doing this? The large area is roughly 26m by 8m.

Not keen on using any plastic pebblelock because of cost and wont be able to dig thru and add plants.

What do people suggest? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @MilesT,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I reckon you’re on the right track, thinking about geotextile and stone as a low-maintenance option, but on a slope beside a pool, there are a few key things to consider so the stones don’t migrate downhill over time. 

Start with a stable base by lightly compacting the soil once you’ve added enough for your groundcover shrubs. Laying down a quality geotextile mat will help hold the soil in place, block weeds, and still allow water through to your plants. You should then secure it in place with pins such as these Integrated 200mm Geotextile Pins. 

When it comes to the stone itself, angular crushed rock is a better choice than smooth river pebbles. The rough edges interlock, which makes them much less likely to slip or wash away on a slope. A size between 20 and 40 mm usually works well. I'd suggest something like this Ki-Carma 20mm Salt And Pepper Decorative Stones would be a good option.

To keep everything in place long term, think about edging and slope control. Installing retaining structures such as sleepers, or garden edging at the base and along the sides of the slope will stop stones from migrating. On steeper slopes, breaking the area into short tiers with edging or sleepers every few metres can help slow water runoff and further stabilise the surface.

For your groundcover plants, simply cut neat “X” slits in the geotextile and plant directly through it. Over time, the shrubs will knit the soil together and make the slope even more stable. Choose hardy varieties that can cope with poolside conditions like reflected heat and the occasional splash. Creeping boobialla would be a good option.

Once everything is in place, maintenance should be minimal. You may need to rake the stones occasionally to smooth out any movement and keep an eye out for the odd weed around planting holes, but overall, it will stay tidy without the annual upkeep that mulch requires.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[EricL]

Hello @MilesT 

I propose doing a terraced approach to control the erosion. Using this technique even if you have a heavy down pour the gravel will not get washed away. I've placed a sample image below to give you an idea of how it can be done.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric