7 Things You Can Replace Your Pool With

If you feel that having a swimming pool is no longer worth the expense and maintenance involved, you may have decided to have it removed. However, once your pool is gone, you will be faced with the decision of how to repurpose your yard.

Your options will depend, to some extent, on the method of pool removal that you choose. A pool fill-in is the cheapest and fastest method of getting rid of an unwanted pool, but there will be some limitations to what you can do with the yard space afterward. There are plenty of great ways you can reclaim yard space following a pool fill-in, but anything that involves construction will be out of the question.

If you choose to get a full pool removal, however, you will have many more options when it comes to repurposing the space. In fact, it will be as though a pool never existed there, which means you can do anything you want with your yard as long as it meets local building regulations and any homeowners’ association rules you must follow.

Here is a look at some of the ways you can get more enjoyment out of your yard once your pool is gone.

A Flower Or Vegetable Garden

Many people choose to use reclaimed yard space following a pool removal for a garden, and it is an appropriate option for pool fill-ins as well. Have the area filled with planting soil and start building the garden of your dreams. Perhaps you would like to create a beautiful flower garden that will attract butterflies and place a bench there for relaxing and reading.

Another option is to use the space to plant a vegetable garden. Vegetable gardening is becoming more popular as people focus on sustainability and healthy eating. There is something immensely satisfying about living off the land, and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that there are no pesticides on the vegetables you eat. This is also a great family project.

A Deck

If you plan to spend time outdoors entertaining, you might consider building a deck in the space your pool used to occupy or extending a deck or patio that you already had around your pool. This will allow you to create a large seating area that can accommodate outdoor sofas, chairs and tables where you and your guests can make the most of warm summer evenings and enjoy being close to nature.

A Fire Pit

If you love the idea of spending the evenings in your yard in front of crackling flames, a backyard fire pit will give you all those cozy vibes that are just as welcoming in summer as they are in winter. A fire pit is a great place to gather with friends and family, sip beverages and even roast hot dogs and s’mores.

Fire pits are surprisingly affordable, and you can build your own with basic materials if you are relatively handy. It is a great way to make your yard a multi-season space while adding ambiance and visual warmth to the area.

A Play Area

If you have kids, a backyard play area is a great way to use the space that was once occupied by your pool. This can be as simple or elaborate as your budget and tastes allow. Most kids would be happy to have a large, open yard space where they can kick a ball around, and perhaps you can add some soccer goals, a basketball net, or a volleyball net.

However, if your children are on the younger side, it’s hard to top the appeal of a classic playground-style yard with a swing set and slide. Kids can enjoy hours of fun, both alone and with friends, with a jungle gym and a sandbox. You might also place a playhouse in the yard for additional fun. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for any playground equipment you buy to ensure a safe space for your kids to play.

A Water Feature

If having a swimming pool is no longer serving you but you worry you’ll miss the calming effects of staring out across the water, consider installing a water feature in place of your pool. There are lots of kits and DIY design ideas for rocky waterfalls, fountains, and other water features you can create on your own, or you can have something professionally installed that will allow you to enjoy the sights and sounds of water in your yard.

Another good approach is installing a pond in your yard and stocking it with fish. Koi ponds are particularly popular right now thanks to their peaceful nature and aesthetic appeal. Koi fish are considered low-maintenance pets, and the ponds are attractive amenities that can raise your home’s marketability when it comes time to sell.

An Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a great way to get more use out of your yard, especially if you entertain often. It allows you to host and serve guests in a relaxing and peaceful setting and comes with the added benefit of raising your home’s resale value. It also allows you to get dinner ready while keeping an eye on your kids while they play outdoors.

A Grassy Lawn

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones, and it’s hard to go wrong with laying sod or planting grass seed and creating a grassy lawn where your pool used to be. This is a particularly attractive option if you have children or dogs, who will appreciate having more space to run around outdoors.

A grassy lawn is a flexible and adaptable choice. You can place outdoor furniture right on top of the grass if you like, and you can always set off smaller areas if you wish to create a mini garden or add some playground equipment. Lawns can improve the structure of your soil, reduce noise pollution and clean the air in your yard – not to mention the aesthetic appeal of all that greenery!

Reach Out To The Pool Removal Specialists

If you are ready to reclaim your yard, get in touch with Dirt Connections to learn more about our professional in-ground pool removal services. We can safely and efficiently remove your unwanted swimming pool, grade your yard, and leave it in the perfect condition for whatever use you have in mind. Call us today to take the first step toward getting the yard of your dreams!