Here are creative options for an unused pool

Homeowners generally get years of enjoyment from their swimming pool. But as the seasons of life change, the use of the pool changes, too. Kids grow up and move away and pool parties are a thing of the past. Keeping up a pool involves the expenses of chemicals, upkeep and cleaning. Some pool owners begin to think it would be really nice to not have to spend the money or time caring for a pool.

Shutting down a pool goes beyond turning the motor off. Even if you drain it initially, rain water will partially fill the pool causing a hazard. Odors and a haven for mosquito breeding are the reasons for not choosing this option. Here are some good options for repurposing the space your pool occupies:

• Fill It. Collapsing a pool and filling it requires a permit. There are very specific requirements to filling in a pool that include how deep the pool needs to be collapsed, what the fill is to be, and capping electrical lines. Demolition will include collapse of the pools structure, and deck. Fencing will need to be removed and possibly some of the immediate landscape. You will need to provide access to your back yard for the equipment necessary to break down the walls and either haul off the debris, or use it as backfill in the pool cavity.

• Deck Option. This option doesn’t require the associated damage of removal. One company, Retire My Pool has an innovative way to retire a pool. They build a supporting structure of wood or metal in the empty pool . A deck of composite wood is built and fits in the water space at deck level. Existing water features or boulders can stay in place and add character to the deck. Pool equipment can be turned off and disconnected but, does not have to be removed. The deck becomes a new place for other activities like games or entertaining.

• Sunken Fire Pit. Similar to the deck option, building a fire pit in the pool space entails designing the pool cavity to accommodate seating around a fire pit. Depending on the rules for firepits in your jurisdiction, you may want to consider gas logs. Some things to consider include:

• Leveling the pool bottom. The sloping floor of the pool will need to be flattened out for seating. This may require a fill option which may entail needing equipment access. See some of the concerns mentioned in the ‘Fill it’ section.
• Access. You may be able to use the steps already in your pool. If you don’t have steps you will need to build some .
• Drainage: The build up of rain water can be managed by drilling or creating holes in the pool floor, prior to collapsing or covering the pool to allow accumulated rain water to seep into the ground below. With heavy rains you may want to think about a sump pump solution.

• Garden. This is another fill in option. After either removing the pool floor or large portions of it, backfill will be necessary to create the garden bed.

• Plan your garden to ensure proper soil mixtures are installed.
• Consider how you want to water the garden, hand water by a hose, or an irrigation system. Each option has cost implications.
• Drainage can be managed the same as for the sunken firepit concept.

• Pond. Creating a pond can be a beautiful adaptation for your pool. The Pond Gnome specializes in creating an oasis like setting. Moving water with aquatic life can transform your outdoor living area. There are many options with this solution. Here are a few considerations to ponder.

• Think about the level of maintenance you are willing to engage in or hire.
• Aquatic plant life will be a crucial consideration.
• Do you want fish in the pond? This will affect the design. Using boulders and rock formations, creating cave like places for the fish to hide from predators is a must.
• Preparation of the pool will take some effort. You will need to remove all the chemical residue that is harmful to an organic mini ecosystem that will be your pond.
• Remove the filtration system as it will not be needed. The pond will have a biofiltration system of its own.

With any of the options mentioned above, begin by checking with your local jurisdictions and your HOA if you have one before engaging any project.