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No, cement cannot be used on its own except for rare circumstances, as it's only a binder to form other products, such as concrete or mortar. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to create a concrete or mortar mix. Concrete, for instance, needs cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Using the right amount of water and water temperature is essential to ensure you have the right concrete slump and the mix spreads easily and cures well.

Yes, you should screw your flange to the subfloor, including cement. The best way to get this done is to predrill holes into the concrete using a hammer drill and a ¼-inch concrete bit. Be careful when you’re ready to bolt your flange down, as you can accidentally crack it. You can avoid this issue by not installing the screws too deep. Or, you can opt for a flange with a stainless steel ring so you don’t have to worry about cracking the plastic.

Yes, concrete can set in rain, but it’s best if you pour concrete 4 to 8 hours before any rain to ensure it won’t impact its strength and appearance. Exposure to heavy rain during the early stages (the first 48 hours after pouring) can significantly reduce the structural integrity of the concrete. Over time, cracking is more likely due to softer concrete. 

Generally, you shouldn’t lay artificial grass straight onto concrete. You’ll want to add some sort of underlayment that acts as a cushion. This makes it a little bit safer for children running around a pool and is recommended to prevent injury in recreational settings. It also protects that artificial grass’ backing. Just glue the grass to the underlayment using the proper adhesive.