Help me make the tarp around my temp pool pretty!!!!

I would simply roll the tarp under until it reaches the pool where the metal supports are. Then the area you need to cover is much smaller. In those spots you could use paver blocks, stones, or even some potted plants.

I myself would cut it down so there is not so much excess sticking out. Yes the tarp cost a good bit, but it could also cause a tripping hazard when kids are around. It does not have to be that large, just mark where you need to put the pool support feet so it will be in the same place next year. Putting down some kind of rug will leave no more water than rain or someone splashing in the pool, just get something easy to move and rinse both the tarp and the rug and let them both dry before putting it back on the tarp. Wherever you have the tarp the grass will die. Putting anything wood on the tarp may cause ripping in the tarp due to the cut corners of the wood and the pressure of feet or anything on it.

I agree with Cindy, make the tarp area as small as possible and keep it in place /hide it with large flower pots

make squares out of wood palates. Like mine decks. You can place them anywhere. Move them around and pile them up when not in use.

I would buy some indoor outdoor carpet place it over your tarp, I would put a picnic table and umbrellas and maybe a few chairs.

What about rolling it up and just covering it with some bark mulch?

You could cover it and maybe 10 ft out with sand, make your own beach! Add some shells and planters of beach grass.

I like the idea of rolling up the brown tarp to the edge then installing indoor/outdoor fake grass carpet that your hubby wants.. We've use indoor/outdoor carpet for many years on a 'patio' that is actually an extension of our driveway that goes back beside our garage. (We live on a corner so no backyard, but this works) Last year we got the faux grass kind and I love it. It drains much better than the other indoor/outdoor carpet that (also) comes on a roll. We've had blue, green & gray but I like this one the best and it is much easier to clean and dry when it's time to put it all away. Our patio may be 'makeshift' but with the green carpet, a patio table with chairs, umbrella, grill, a simple green plastic bench with an opening for plants on the ends, a blue double seat chair and a blue privacy fence. It is very restful and cooling. I put flowers along the garage where there is about a 3 ft strip of dirt and add pots on the tables and a long the edge of the carpet to give it some pretty color.

You could take one side of the pool and make the carpet extend out further. Add lounge chairs, a patio set, flower in pots or dig a garden around an edge. That would make it look pretty and still maintain your brown tarp, Maybe do some this year and plan more for next year so the expense is broken up or at least planned so you have some time to save. Buy everything on sale. Remember everything goes on sale eventually. Why give that extra money to the high paid CEO. Keep it for yourself. LOL . I'd be a little concerned about adding sand around it because it would get all over wet feet and probably a lot would end up back in the pool.

HTH

Add potted plants....hostas & elephant ears are easy to maintain & looks great. A friend of mine did that to her pool

I would add a tiki bar to the astro turf.

Bigger BLUE tarp. Airbrush the pool gun metal blue or yellow,,,and can you guess what's next? Finish with portholes on the side, and it's a Submarine! Yes, kid's will love to swim in a Yellow Submarine! Border tarp with large flat stone. Simple and semi permanent. I could come up with a new theme every year! Have fun😃

I agree with the suggestions of using fake grass to keep the area comfortable and also it will help to keep the pool more clean.