I've got a large swimming pool that I no longer want, and I'm considering some options for what to do with the space. My daughter wants a basketball court, my mom is all about a koi pond, but I really prefer to plant some trees there. I think making it into a tree area might be the easiest route, but I'm not sure how to fill the pool properly. What steps do I need to take to convert it into a space for trees?
3 Answers
If you’re looking for a koi pond, I totally get the appeal – but make sure you really want that! I filled in my pool around ten years ago and made it a paver patio with a pavilion. Couldn’t be happier with that decision, especially since it creates more usable outdoor space. Just keep in mind that if you go the sport court route, plan for what you might want to do with that space later on when the kids outgrow it.
Honestly, turning the pool into a basketball court might not be the best long-term solution. Kids often outgrow their interest in basketball, and then you'll be stuck with a slab of concrete that you have to deal with. A better way to maximize that space might be to consider turning it into a koi pond or even a fish farm. They’re pretty enjoyable if you’re into that kind of thing! But if you're leaning towards trees, definitely think about hiring someone to remove the pool and then fill it in properly, so you won’t have any foundation issues later.
Before you do anything, you definitely need to remove the pool. Filling it in without doing that could lead to big headaches down the line. Depending on your soil type, I would recommend drilling holes in the concrete and using fill dirt to pack it in after it’s removed. If you’re thinking of placing something over it later, like grass or a patio, using crushed concrete can save you some cash and ensure a solid base underneath.
Exactly! Filling without removing the pool doesn’t make sense if you want to avoid future issues.
That’s good advice! I want to make sure whatever I choose has lasting value.