Artificial turf is great around a pool in place of real grass. The challenge is if you wish to install it over stone or cement in close proximity to the water. In a normal installation the sod is removed and 3 to 4 inches of topsoil excavated. Then a crushed aggregate is hauled in and compacted, the turf is then nailed down and a infill is applied. During this phase we can apply a safe non toxic mineral that helps prevent the smell when pets use it like real grass, and yes you can hose it off.

For a stone and cement application a double sided tape is utilized which could break down when constantly exposed to water.

I have to say there's nothing better than artificial turf near the pool. Before artificial turf I always problems with the chlorine splashing this area and hurting the grass, also two other Big benefits. Before when the gardener cut the lawn there were trimmings all over the pool and the filter needed to be cleaned more often. Before artificial turf my kids would run through the line and track dirt and grass clippings into the pool, now I have fired the Poolman and only clean the pool with the pool sweep. 

There has absolutely no drawbacks to artificial turf.