Transform An Old Swimming Pool Into A Stunning Backyard Escape Guests Will Love

If your in-ground swimming pool has outlived its usefulness, you might be a little shocked at the cost of removing it. Full removal can cost over $20,000 depending on the type of pool you have. In fact, YouTuber Lily Brook got a quote of more than $70,000 to replace her broken swimming pool. Then, she would still have the additional costs of swimming pool maintenance, including monthly chemicals and cleaning, electricity to run the pumps, annual deep cleaning, and equipment repairs. She was also quoted over $10,000 to have it removed and filled in, which would have left her with a plain lawn. 

Fortunately, she came up with a better idea. Instead of spending a small fortune, she decided to turn it into a cozy garden oasis that her family and guests can enjoy. Sunken gardens hold and retain water better than a typical garden, while keeping plant roots cool in hot weather and supporting a healthy soil ecosystem. They also create a microclimate that protects delicate plants. In addition, they add curb appeal by adding visual dimension to the yard and create an intimate, private outdoor space to relax and entertain.

After cleaning out the old pool, Brook still needed several truckloads of dirt to level it out. She notes that they moved and smoothed all of it themselves, which took weeks of work. Then they added a pergola, which can boost home value, to the outer deck, built raised beds with roses inside the pool area, and added a fire feature. There was also stonework, small water features, and a watering system added. While Brook admits that there is still ongoing work needed, such as garden maintenance, it is far less expensive than maintaining a swimming pool.

A sunken patio garden, like in the video, can be enhanced with hedges to protect against wind, and a pergola can even be added over the top with flowering vines. There are many other ideas that you can implement into your own swimming pool project. For example, you can create a waffle garden like those that were used by indigenous people. This method utilizes compacted grids and varying levels to create microclimates and conserve water while growing food.

If your pool has areas with varying depths, consider turning the deeper end into a secluded DIY backyard garden pond. It can be filled with koi and bordered with flowering shrubs and fragrant vines, like jasmine or honeysuckle, and Japanese-inspired statues. Whatever you decide, make this your dream garden, and you'll feel like you are on vacation every time you go into your backyard.