Question
I have a lawn severely damaged by saltwater from a saltwater swimming pool. It is now bare ground. Nothing growing. How can I repair this and remove the effects of the salt contamination. Wanted to put down sod but was concerned it would not grow. Any ideas?

Answer
Leland:

Salts are persistent in soil and deadly to plants.  However, if the concentration is not too heavy, it may be repaired.  Have a common soil test done.  If the results are not to far out of acceptable range, correct with compost applied approx one inch deep, tilled in and watered frequently before planting again.
If damage is heavy, dig soil out and replace to six or more inches (as deep as salt intrusion.)  Then, resew.
High quality compost has a high cation exchange capacity which counteracts salt damage.
There may be added salts from the chlorination or chemicals in the pool.
As a buffer strategy, I would compost the whole lawn, heavily around the pool.  Average appl. 3/8" topdressed in fall or winter for a winter grass, about one cubic yard (CY) per thousand sq. ft (M).  Heavy appl. 3/4 inch topdressed, about two CY/M.