I usually apply a small amount in various problem areas, and the attractant in the bait draws snails to the bait stations. One note of caution. As with all metaldehyde-based products, caution should be exercised where small children or pets are present. Read the product instructions prior to usage. If you have a pool, chances are that you also stock diatomaceous earth, which is used in the filter.
Some gardeners report that it is an effective snail control.
The DE is spread on the ground around the problem areas. It's recommended that you heap it in a band one inch high and three inches wide. When snails crawl over it, the DE gets under their shells and eventually kills them. No pesticides or chemicals. DE consists of amorphous diatomaceous earth plus varying percentages of crystalline silica.