11 Tips For Renovating Yard Space After Removing An Above-Ground Pool

An above-ground pool can be a wonderful asset for homes that don't have physical space for an in-ground pool, or for families who are on a tighter budget. While they can provide respite from the heat of summer, they also can leave an ugly and barren eyesore of a spot when you decide to retire it from your yard. Instead of seeing this bald portion of your yard as an obstacle, you can reframe your thinking by adopting a number of ideas and tips for renovating this space in your yard after removing an above-ground pool. 

Since the grass will already be dead, this makes for the ideal footprint for a number of purposes; you'll also likely have a generous area to work with when you decide to rework the space. In the absence of grass, you can convert this spot into a vegetable or butterfly garden, you can pave the area to create a detached patio, you can retrofit it with a playground for children, or you can install a water feature to admire. The possibilities are about as vast as your imagination.

Many above-ground pools are large and some may be round (although there are also others which are rectangular or oval in shape). Once you have decided to retire yours, you'll be left with a spot in your yard that looks ugly and naked, but you'll also have only dead grass to remove, which will make preparing the soil easier than starting from scratch elsewhere in your yard. You can line the perimeter of the spot with pavers or rocks to create an intentional-looking garden, then fill the inside with your favorite pollinator-attracting plants. 

Similar to the idea of a butterfly garden, you can just as easily craft a circular vegetable garden in the middle of your yard. Remember, prior to planting your veggies, amend the soil as needed. And, of course, be sure that you will be able to irrigate this area of your yard, double checking that either a hose or in-ground sprinklers will be able to reach your plants. If you need some help getting started, check out these old-fashioned ways to revive your garden soil.

Trampolines can bring a load of fun to your yard, but many homeowners are reticent to install them due to the havoc they can cause on your lovely lawn. After removing your above-ground pool, however, this could be the ideal time to invest in that backyard diversion. If you want to avoid your grass being impacted any more than the footprint left by the pool, choose a trampoline with a circumference that is smaller than the pool was; this will provide space for mounting the trampoline. Also, be sure to add a mulch to keep mud away.

Creating a paved patio is an ideal way to make use of that empty space left by your above-ground pool. You can keep it very simple, just adding bricks or pavers in the exact footprint, or you can get much more creative by implementing plants around the area as well. If you're new to the idea of creating a patio, here's how to lay pavers for a rounded patio in your backyard. While you can hire a professional, you'll be paying a premium for their services, making this a good DIY project.

There's something inexplicably serene and grounding about a koi pond. If you're craving some more peace in your backyard, why not the area left by your above-ground pool to jumpstart the installation of a koi pond? While they can be expensive and involved to create, they can be well worth the effort. Lacking inspiration to make your ideal feature? Check out these 30 koi pond ideas that will help you find your inner peace.

Sometimes you just want to get things back to normal after a big change. If you're simply craving a larger backyard and visual continuity after getting rid of your above-ground pool, laying fresh sod in the spot can help you achieve that lush and expansive yard you're seeking. Remember to purchase high-quality sod and irrigate properly in order to have the best results.

For a more laid-back renovation of your yard following the removal of an above-ground pool, why not add a gravel surface, then install a picnic table and benches? This will provide you with a comfortable space to enjoy a meal with loved ones, without being too difficult to pull off. While gravel is pretty straightforward to apply, you'll need to keep on top of weeds to make sure the area looks good all summer long. Don't worry, though, the overlooked solution for preventing weeds in gravel is so simple.

Wanting to trade your above-ground pool for another type of water activity? A hot tub can be a great and more mature way to use the space. A small hot tub can be fitted with a deck around it to make the most of the area, as well as to give it a more well-integrated visual with the rest of your yard.

Fire pits are iconic features in backyards, which truly have appeal year round, from roasting marshmallows to simply providing a spot to gather with friends and family. Add some gravel around the fire pit to prevent muddiness and some Adirondack chairs for comfort, space permitting. If you're wanting more four season appeal, try this one easy DIY that makes a fire pit way more versatile. 

Letting nature take over the former spot of your above-ground pool is a simple and low-maintenance hack. There are a few steps required to get the soil ready for the ground cover plants you choose, such as removing any dead grass and loosening the soil. If your above-ground pool was in a sun-drenched portion of your yard, choose a ground cover that will thrive in even the harshest sun. 

If you have kids or grandkids in your backyard, installing a playset for them is a fabulous way to reuse the footprint that was left by your former above-ground pool. Since playgrounds will generate a lot of foot traffic, not to mention the actual structure being firmly planted in your yard, it can make the most of the large area left by your old pool. You'll want to place mulch or some other sort of barrier between the dirt and your play area to avoid creating a mud pit.