How do you fertilize grass around your inground pool?

[famousdavis]

We got our new inground pool this summer. The sod around the pool is green but it's gotten a few dollar weeds that have invaded the sod (St. Augustine - Palmetto variety). I'd like to add some fertilizer and weed killer to the backyard sod, but I'm concerned that the ingredients in, say, Scott's Bonus S weed & feed -- they'll cause metal staining if any of those pellets fall into the pool water. (I don't know if there's a risk of staining, but I'm guessing there might be).

How do you safely fertilize the sod around your inground pool? Is it true there is a risk of metal staining by broadcasting fertilizer on the grass that surrounds your inground pool?

[Phillbo]

Use a spreader and keep your back to the pool .

And yes, the iron in the fertilizer will leave rust stains on your plaster. Vitamin C tablets will remove them though so don't panic if it happens .... ask me how I know :)

[sunofthebeach]

usa a drop spreader in the 1st 20 or so feet around you pool