15+ Smart Pool Removal Ideas for Your Backyard

Thinking about ditching that old pool and reclaiming your backyard space? Let me guide you through some fabulous ideas to breathe new life into your outdoor space.

1. Install a Fire Pit for Gatherings

A welcoming fire pit area where the pool used to be.
A welcoming fire pit area where the pool used to be.

Turn the former pool zone into a fire pit area, perfect for roasting marshmallows and late-night chats. I’ve seen this simple addition become the highlight of many backyards.

Consider these options:

  • Outdoor Fire Pit: Transform your backyard into a cozy retreat with a stylish and durable fire pit.
  • Patio String Lights: Enhance the ambiance with elegant string lights, perfect for evening gatherings around your fire pit.
  • Comfortable Outdoor Seating: Encourage relaxation with plush outdoor seating designed for comfort and style.

2. Design a Meditation Space

A peaceful meditation space takes the place of the pool.
A peaceful meditation space takes the place of the pool.

Set up a dedicated meditation space with a simple platform and calming plants. It’s a personal retreat for finding peace and mindfulness.

A few relevant products:

  • Outdoor Meditation Cushion Set: Enhance comfort in your meditation area with soft, durable cushions. Experience tranquility today.
  • Organic Bamboo Platform: Create a serene environment with a sustainable bamboo platform for your meditation practice.
  • Calming Outdoor Plants: Add natural beauty and peace to your space with easy-to-maintain outdoor plants.

3. Set Up a Pergola and Lounge

A relaxing pergola lounge replacing the pool.
A relaxing pergola lounge replacing the pool.

Install a pergola with comfy seating to create a shaded lounge space. It’s an inviting spot for relaxation and socializing.

Try these:

  • Outdoor Pergola Kits: Enhance your backyard with a stylish pergola, perfect for shade and outdoor gatherings.
  • Weather-Resistant Outdoor Furniture: Transform your space with comfy, weather-resistant seating for ultimate outdoor relaxation.
  • Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy ambiance with enchanting string lights perfect for evening enjoyment.

4. Build a Relaxing Deck

A functional deck replacing an old pool area.
A functional deck replacing an old pool area.

Construct a deck for lounging and entertaining, complete with lounge chairs and a pergola. This setup is perfect for soaking up the sun and hosting gatherings.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Relax in style with comfortable lounge chairs perfect for sunbathing and enjoying your deck.
  • Pergola Kit: Install a stylish pergola to provide shade and elegance to your outdoor living space.
  • All-Weather Patio Cushions: Enhance comfort with durable cushions designed to withstand the elements on your patio.

5. Create a Cozy Patio Retreat

A transformed pool space into a cozy patio retreat.
A transformed pool space into a cozy patio retreat.

Convert your pool area into a patio retreat with comfortable seating and a dining space. It’s a favorite among my clients who love to entertain and unwind outdoors.

Explore these options:

  • Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture Set: Enhance your patio with stylish wicker furniture for comfortable seating and entertaining outdoors.
  • Patio Dining Set with Umbrella: Transform dining experiences with an elegant patio set, perfect for family and friends gatherings.
  • Outdoor Solar Lanterns: Add ambient lighting to your retreat with eco-friendly solar lanterns for evening relaxation.

6. Cultivate a Vegetable Garden

A flourishing vegetable garden replacing a pool.
A flourishing vegetable garden replacing a pool.

Use the space for a vegetable garden with raised beds and trellises. Growing your own food is both rewarding and sustainable, as I always tell my gardening workshop participants.

A few choices to try:

  • Wooden Raised Garden Beds: Transform your space into a lush oasis with these durable and easy-to-assemble garden beds.
  • Heavy-Duty Garden Trellises: Support your climbing plants effortlessly with sturdy trellises designed for vegetable gardens.
  • Organic Vegetable Seeds Variety Pack: Start your own sustainable garden with this variety pack of organic vegetable seeds.

7. Create a Rock Garden

A visually striking rock garden in place of a pool.
A visually striking rock garden in place of a pool.

Design a rock garden with a variety of stones, succulents, and ornamental grasses. It’s a low-maintenance option that adds texture and interest to your yard.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Assorted River Rocks: Enhance your garden’s texture and aesthetics with assorted river rocks. Perfect for any landscape design.
  • Succulent Plants Set: Add a touch of green with a variety of easy-to-maintain succulents for your rock garden.
  • Ornamental Grasses Seeds: Bring movement and elegance to your garden with diverse ornamental grasses. Plant them easily today.

8. Create a Fitness Area

An invigorating fitness area in place of a pool.
An invigorating fitness area in place of a pool.

Turn your pool space into an outdoor gym with a yoga platform or workout equipment. It’s perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking to exercise in the fresh air.

You might give these a try:

  • Outdoor Yoga Mat: Elevate your outdoor workouts with a durable yoga mat, perfect for all surfaces.
  • Adjustable Dumbbell Set: Enhance your strength training with an adjustable dumbbell set, ideal for versatile workouts.
  • Weather-resistant Exercise Bench: Boost your fitness routine with a sturdy bench, designed for outdoor exercise sessions.

9. Design a Zen Retreat

A calming Zen garden where the pool once was.
A calming Zen garden where the pool once was.

Transform the area into a Zen garden with rocks, sand, and a water feature. It’s a serene escape that many of my clients love for meditation or quiet reflection.

Might be a good match:

  • Zen Garden Sand: Create calming patterns and enhance tranquility with soothing, high-quality Zen garden sand.
  • Premium Japanese Garden Rocks: Add a natural aesthetic with these carefully selected premium Japanese garden rocks for balance.
  • Outdoor Water Fountain: Elevate your Zen garden with a soothing outdoor water fountain for added serenity.

10. Install a Solar Panel Array

An innovative solar panel array in place of the pool.
An innovative solar panel array in place of the pool.

Consider a solar panel array to power your home sustainably. It’s an eco-friendly choice that turns your pool area into a powerhouse.

Check these products out:

  • Solar Panel Kits: Harness the sun’s energy effortlessly with these easy-to-install solar panel kits.
  • Solar Inverter: Maximize solar power efficiency with a reliable inverter for your home energy system.
  • Mounting Brackets for Solar Panels: Securely install your solar panels with durable and adjustable mounting brackets.

11. Install a Water Feature

A beautiful water feature replacing the pool.
A beautiful water feature replacing the pool.

Add a water feature like a fountain or pond for soothing sounds and visual interest. Many of my clients find this a delightful way to keep the charm of water without the hassle of a pool.

You might like:

  • Outdoor Water Fountain with Pump: Enhance your garden’s tranquility with this charming outdoor fountain, perfect for soothing water sounds.
  • Garden Pond Kit: Create a serene backyard oasis with this complete garden pond kit, easy for any DIY enthusiast.
  • Solar Garden Waterfall: Upgrade your landscape with a solar-powered waterfall, offering sustainable, peaceful water flow all day.

12. Create a Pet Play Area

A fun-filled pet play area replaces the pool.
A fun-filled pet play area replaces the pool.

Transform the space into a pet play area with agility equipment and shaded spots. It’s a playful paradise for your furry friends.

May just do the trick:

  • Pet Agility Tunnel: Encourage your pet’s agility with a durable tunnel, providing endless fun and exercise.
  • Pet Agility Hurdle Set: Enhance your pet’s jumping skills with adjustable hurdles designed for safe and enjoyable training.
  • Shade Canopy for Pets: Provide a cool, comfortable space with a portable shade canopy for your furry friends.

13. Set Up an Outdoor Kitchen

An inviting outdoor kitchen replaces the old pool.
An inviting outdoor kitchen replaces the old pool.

Convert the space into an outdoor kitchen with a grill and dining area. It’s a must for those who love cooking and dining under the stars.

A few things you might like:

  • Stainless Steel Propane Grill: Upgrade your backyard dining with a sleek grill perfect for outdoor cooking adventures.
  • Weatherproof Outdoor Dining Set: Enjoy meals under the stars with a durable and stylish outdoor dining table and chairs.
  • LED Outdoor String Lights: Add ambiance to your outdoor kitchen with charming and energy-efficient string lights.

14. Install a Swim Pond

A charming swim pond replacing the traditional pool.
A charming swim pond replacing the traditional pool.

Opt for a swim pond that combines the natural beauty of a pond with the functionality of a swimming area. It’s an eco-friendly alternative that my clients adore.

Give these a look:

  • Swim Pond Liner: Ensure a secure and leak-proof base for your swim pond. Easy installation for lasting quality.
  • Pond Filtration System: Maintain crystal-clear water effortlessly. Keep your swim pond fresh and inviting year-round.
  • Aquatic Plants for Ponds: Enhance your swim pond’s ecosystem with beautiful, thriving aquatic plants. Create a natural paradise.

15. Build a Treehouse

A delightful treehouse replacing the pool space.
A delightful treehouse replacing the pool space.

If you have the right trees, consider a treehouse for a whimsical escape. It’s a unique feature that delights kids and adults alike.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Treehouse Building Kit: Start your treehouse project with ease using a comprehensive building kit. Simplify your construction.
  • Outdoor Wood Sealer: Protect your treehouse with a quality wood sealer, ensuring longevity and durability.
  • Safety Climbing Rope: Enhance safety with a reliable climbing rope for easy access to your treehouse.

Text: Joyce Peterson