15+ Creative Pool Conversion Ideas for Your Home

Are you staring at a pool you no longer use or want? You’re definitely not alone, and trust me, there’s a world of creative possibilities just waiting for you to explore.

1. Zen Rock Garden

A tranquil Zen rock garden replaces the pool.
A tranquil Zen rock garden replaces the pool.

Embrace minimalism with a Zen rock garden. This approach uses sand, rocks, and minimal planting for a serene, low-maintenance retreat.

These products might be useful:

  • White Sand for Zen Gardens: Enhance tranquility with fine white sand, perfect for creating soothing patterns and textures.
  • Decorative Zen Garden Rocks: Add natural elegance with decorative rocks to complement your serene Zen garden landscape.
  • Japanese Maple Tree: Introduce calmness with a Japanese Maple, providing delicate foliage and year-round beauty.

2. Herb and Vegetable Garden

Fresh produce growing where the pool once was.
Fresh produce growing where the pool once was.

Cultivate a herb and vegetable garden for fresh produce right at home. I love helping clients grow their own food, turning pool spaces into productive patches.

Might be a good match:

  • Raised Garden Bed Kit: Elevate your gardening game with a sturdy raised bed. Perfect for organizing your veggies!
  • Organic Vegetable Seeds Pack: Start your garden with a variety of organic seeds. Enjoy fresh produce from home!
  • Gardening Tool Set: Equip yourself with essential tools. Simplify your gardening tasks effortlessly!

3. Children’s Play Area

A fun play area for kids in a reimagined pool.
A fun play area for kids in a reimagined pool.

Turn the pool into a children’s play area with a sandbox or play equipment. It’s a fantastic way to keep the little ones entertained while repurposing the space.

May just do the trick:

  • Sandbox with Cover: Transform your pool into a sandbox to spark endless adventures and creativity for your kids.
  • Outdoor Playset with Slide: Add a playset with a slide for exciting activities that keep children engaged all day.
  • Children’s Picnic Table: Install a picnic table for kids to enjoy snacks and crafts right by their play area.

4. Fire Pit Lounge

A warm fire pit lounge replacing the pool.
A warm fire pit lounge replacing the pool.

Convert your pool into a cozy fire pit lounge for those chilly nights. One of my favorite projects involved creating a circular seating area around a central fire pit, which became the ultimate gathering spot.

Useful items to consider:

  • Outdoor Fire Pit Table: Add warmth to your evenings with a stylish fire pit table. Perfect for outdoor gatherings!
  • Weatherproof Patio Furniture Set: Get cozy with a comfortable patio furniture set. Ideal for relaxing around the fire!
  • String Lights for Outdoor Use: Enhance your ambiance with charming string lights. A magical touch for any outdoor space!

5. Artistic Sculpture Garden

Artistic flair with sculptures in a former pool.
Artistic flair with sculptures in a former pool.

Display your favorite pieces in an artistic sculpture garden. It’s a unique way to showcase art and add a creative touch to your backyard.

A few things you might like:

  • Outdoor Sculpture Pedestal: Elevate your favorite pieces with sturdy pedestals, enhancing visibility and aesthetic appeal.
  • Water Feature Fountain Kit: Add soothing water features to complement your sculptures and create a serene atmosphere.
  • LED Garden Spotlights: Highlight sculptures with adjustable LED spotlights for dramatic nighttime displays in your garden.

6. Greenery and Landscaping

A lush garden flourishing in a once-empty pool.
A lush garden flourishing in a once-empty pool.

Fill the pool with soil and create a lush landscaped garden. This is perfect if you’re a plant lover like me and want to create a green escape right at home.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Organic Garden Soil: Transform your pool into a garden haven with rich, organic soil perfect for plants.
  • Assorted Perennial Flowers: Add vibrant color and life to your garden with easy-to-maintain perennial flowers.
  • Garden Landscaping Stones: Enhance your garden’s aesthetics with decorative stones for a sophisticated look.

7. Artistic Water Feature

A soothing water feature brings tranquility.
A soothing water feature brings tranquility.

Convert your pool into an artistic water feature like a fountain or waterfall. This creates a calming ambiance while adding visual interest to your garden.

You might like:

  • Outdoor Fountain Pump Kit: Transform your pool with a fountain pump, adding serene movement to your water feature.
  • Decorative Waterfall Spillway: Enhance ambiance with a decorative spillway, bringing the soothing sound of cascading water.
  • LED Pool Lights: Illuminate your water feature with LED lights, creating a captivating nighttime display.

8. Outdoor Cinema

Movie magic under the stars in a former pool.
Movie magic under the stars in a former pool.

Set up an outdoor cinema with a projector and comfy seating. This takes movie nights to the next level and becomes a hit with family and friends.

Check these products out:

  • Portable Projector: Enhance your movie night with a high-quality portable projector for stunning outdoor visuals.
  • Outdoor Projector Screen: Set up a seamless viewing experience with a durable outdoor projector screen.
  • Weatherproof Bluetooth Speakers: Enjoy high-quality sound with weatherproof Bluetooth speakers designed for outdoor use.

9. Sunken Garden Retreat

A sunken garden oasis in a former pool space.
A sunken garden oasis in a former pool space.

Imagine turning your unused pool into a sunken garden with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. I’ve seen clients transform their pools into stunning retreats, perfect for morning coffee or evening unwinding.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Outdoor Patio Furniture Set: Enhance your garden retreat with cozy seating for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
  • Solar Garden Lights: Illuminate your sunken garden at night with eco-friendly solar-powered lighting for a magical ambiance.
  • Flower and Plant Seed Assortment: Transform your pool into a lush garden with a variety of vibrant flower seeds.

10. Rugs and Cushions Galore

Comfortably chic with rugs and cushions.
Comfortably chic with rugs and cushions.

Turn the space into a cozy lounge by adding outdoor rugs and cushions. This simple addition makes the area feel inviting and comfortable.

A few helpful options:

  • Outdoor Area Rugs: Enhance your outdoor space with weather-resistant rugs for a stylish and comfortable lounge area.
  • Floor Cushions: Add colorful, plush cushions for a cozy and inviting outdoor seating experience.
  • Decorative Lanterns: Create ambient lighting with elegant lanterns to transform your lounge into a serene paradise.

11. Outdoor Dining Experience

Dining alfresco in a reimagined pool space.
Dining alfresco in a reimagined pool space.

Transform your pool into an outdoor dining area with a long table for gatherings. I love how this idea turns underused space into a focal point for festive meals.

Products that could assist:

  • String Lights: Create a magical atmosphere with ambient string lights perfect for outdoor dining evenings.
  • Outdoor Dining Table: Host elegant gatherings with a spacious outdoor dining table that fits all your guests comfortably.
  • Foldable Outdoor Chairs: Enhance your setup with versatile foldable chairs, making seating arrangements flexible and convenient.

12. Pet-Friendly Zone

A welcoming garden for pets where the pool was.
A welcoming garden for pets where the pool was.

Create a pet-friendly zone by filling the pool and adding pet-safe plants and paths. Your furry friends will love having a space to roam and explore.

Give these a look:

  • Pet-Safe Artificial Grass: Upgrade your yard with pet-safe artificial grass, perfect for comfortable play all year round.
  • Non-Toxic Outdoor Plants: Enhance your garden with non-toxic plants that are safe for curious pets to explore.
  • Pet Pathway Stones: Create adorable pathways with durable stones, allowing safe and enjoyable walks for your pets.

13. Grassy Lawn Conversion

Seamless lawn where the pool used to be.
Seamless lawn where the pool used to be.

Fill and level your pool for a grassy lawn perfect for picnics or play. This creates a seamless green space that feels like a natural extension of your yard.

Explore these options:

  • Landscape Filling Soil: Level your converted lawn with quality soil to ensure a lush, even grassy surface.
  • Grass Seed Mix: Plant versatile grass seed mix that thrives in your climate for a vibrant and durable lawn.
  • Manual Lawn Roller: Use a manual lawn roller to compact soil and promote even grass growth in your new lawn.

14. Outdoor Yoga Studio

A tranquil yoga space replaces the pool.
A tranquil yoga space replaces the pool.

Transform your pool area into a serene yoga studio. This peaceful setting enhances your practice while offering fresh air and tranquility.

A few suggestions:

  • Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat: Elevate your practice with a durable, eco-friendly yoga mat. Enhance comfort and stability outdoors.
  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Create a soothing ambiance with a compact Bluetooth speaker for relaxing music during yoga.
  • Outdoor Yoga Mat Cleaner: Keep your yoga mat fresh and clean with an easy-to-use, natural mat cleaner spray.

15. Natural Element Touch

Rustic charm with natural elements in a pool conversion.
Rustic charm with natural elements in a pool conversion.

Incorporate natural elements like wood and stone to create a rustic feel. I’ve used reclaimed wood in projects to add warmth and character to these spaces.

Possibly handy products:

  • Reclaimed Wood Planks: Transform your poolside with reclaimed wood planks for a warm, rustic ambiance.
  • Natural Stone Stepping Stones: Add charm with natural stone stepping stones, perfect for an earthy, elegant poolside path.
  • Wooden Pergola Kit: Create a cozy shaded area with a wooden pergola, enhancing your pool’s rustic appeal.

Text: Joyce Peterson