If you have an unused pool on your property, you have many options with what to do with it. You may choose to keep the pool as is, let it fill in with dirt, or fill it in with different materials. If you are looking to maintain the pool and use it, you will need to ensure it meets applicable safety guidelines.
You may also look into cleaning the pool and hiring a pool service to maintain the pool. For additional activities, you can turn the unused pool into a pond, add a deck, or have a natural swimming pool.
If your property allows, you may choose to turn the pool into a garden, use it as a hot tub, or install a water feature to keep a reminder of the pool on your property. Whatever option you choose, there are many ways to put your unused pool on your property to use.
What do you do if you don’t want an inground pool?
If you don’t want an inground pool, there are several other options available to you. Above ground pools are a great alternative to an inground pool as they are cheaper and often easier to install. Another popular option is an inflatable pool, which can be extremely affordable and easy to set up.
Alternatively, you could opt to build a deck around a hot tub, or simply buy a hot tub to get the pool feel without the larger commitment. A small wading pool or shallow lap pool is also an option for those that want a bit of cooling off without taking up a lot of space.
Can you leave an inground pool empty?
Yes, you can leave an inground pool empty. This can be beneficial in the colder, winter months when swimming is no longer possible. By doing so, you can save money on maintenance and water costs. Additionally, emptying your inground pool may also provide additional benefits to your property.
If your pool requires frequent repairs or causing any damage to your home or landscape, emptying it can help alleviate this issue.
Before draining your pool, you should contact your local water provider to determine if there any regulations or laws in place that restrict water removal. After doing this, you can begin the process of draining your inground pool.
Start by turning off any pump or filtration systems and remove any ladders and lights. Make sure to shut-off the water supply and use a valve to prevent water from refilling the pool. Use any available outlet for draining the water and inspect the quality of the water to ensure it’s safe for plants and wildlife.
Once the pool is empty, you should inspect the surface for any cracks or damage and repair as necessary. Additionally, cover the pool with a tarp or tarps to prevent dirt, debris, and animals from getting into it during the winter months.
Fill in any gaps between the tarps and pool to protect the surface from freezing temperatures. Finally, consult a professional to ensure that the pool is drained correctly and safely.
Can you just fill in a pool with dirt?
No, it is not possible to fill in a pool with dirt. Pools are typically made of reinforced concrete and other materials that are not suited to direct contact with soil. If dirt is placed directly into the pool, it will eventually dissolve and start to cause damages, such as cracked walls and burst pipes.
Additionally, even if the dirt is placed in some way that prevents it from coming into direct contact with the pool walls, it will still eventually settle, making the water depth uneven and negatively impacting the structural integrity of the pool.
Therefore, it is not recommended to fill a pool with dirt.
Does removing a pool decrease home value?
It is possible that removing a pool can decrease a home’s value, depending on several factors. The general real estate market in the area, the age and condition of the pool, and the potential appeal of the outdoor space post-removal can all have an impact.
If the local market is suffering, then the removal of the pool may do little to increase the overall home value. If the pool is an outdated model or in poor condition, buyers may view its removal as a detriment to their purchase.
Lastly, if the outdoor space does not offer much appeal without the pool, then potential buyers may decide that the home is not a viable option for them.
Ultimately, the decision to remove or keep the pool should be made based on what will bring the most value to the property. A professional home inspector or local real estate agent can provide insight on the issue and help the homeowner to make an informed decision.
How do I permanently close my inground pool?
If you are looking to permanently close your inground pool, there are several steps that should be taken. The first step is to make sure that your pool is clean and free of any debris. Any loose items should also be removed to ensure that they don’t interfere with the closing process.
Once the pool is clean, it’s time to take the necessary measurements to calculate the amount of pool products you will need. The products that you will need can include a winterizing kit, pool cover, and pool plugs.
Once you have the required components, you should add winterizing chemicals to your pool to help prevent algae growth throughout the winter. Then add a winterizing solution to your filter, as well as your baskets.
After the solution is fully distributed, it’s time to take the plugs out of the wall fitings and skimmer baskets, and replace them with freeze plugs and gizzmos.
Once that is completed, it’s time to cover your pool. This will help protect the pool and the components from additional damage caused by the cold weather. You can use a variety of covers such as floating, solid, or mesh pool covers.
Whichever type you choose, be sure that it is properly weighted down and stabilized to ensure long term use and prevent any accidental entry.
Finally, you can consider running a winterizing line. This is an underground pipe that runs from the pool equipment and goes deep into the ground. This will help protect the pipes and equipment from cold weather damage.
By taking these steps, you will successfully close your inground pool in a permanent fashion.
How much dirt is needed to fill in a pool?
The amount of dirt needed to fill in a pool depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the pool, the type and thickness of filler material to be used, and the desired depth of fill. Generally speaking, for a circular pool, if a standard fill material (such as sand) is used and the desired fill depth is at least 6 inches, then the process of filling in the pool will require roughly 1 cubic yard of dirt per 10 feet of pool diameter.
For a rectangular pool, the exact volume of dirt for filling would need to be calculated based on the measurements of the length and width of the pool, as well as the desired depth of fill. To calculate the volume of dirt needed for a rectangular pool, use this formula: Length x Width x Desired Depth x Multiplying Factor (1.
2 for sand or 0.8 for soil).
How hard is it to remove an inground pool?
Removing an inground pool can be quite a challenge, as it is a large and complex task that typically involves a lot of heavy machinery and skilled labor. The exact difficulty of removing an inground pool depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the pool, its age, the type of materials it’s made of, the size of your backyard, and the local climate.
Typically, the larger the pool, the more difficult the process will be.
The first step in removing an inground pool is to drain the pool of all water. Once the pool is empty, the next step is to remove the walls and floor surface. It is necessary to take special precautions not to cause any damage to the surrounding soil or nearby structures during this process.
After the walls and floor are removed, the pool basin will need to be filled in with additional soil. Depending on local regulations, a swimming pool company may be required to provide the new soil and make sure it is the appropriate material for a proper fill-in.
Finally, the pool equipment, such as the pool pump, will need to be removed. The pool heater, filter, and any other equipment may also need to be taken apart and disposed of. After all of the pool components have been safely removed, the area can be landscaped with sod or other materials as desired.
In summary, removing an inground pool can be quite a challenge. It is important to understand the scope of the project and be fully aware of any local regulations before beginning the process. Make sure to plan the project well in advance and have the appropriate safety measures in place.
Doing research beforehand and speaking with a pool removal expert can make the process much easier.
What can be done with an unused inground pool?
An unused inground pool can be utilized in a variety of ways. It can be filled in with soil and the area can be landscaped. Depending on the size of the pool, it can become a great garden area, or opened up to create more space for a lawn.
Additionally, the walls of the pool can be left standing, and the pool can be used as a planter for plants. For those looking to get creative, the pool can be filled with water and made into a garden pond or even a swimming pond.
It can also be filled with sand and turned into a sand pit for children. If converted into a natural swimming pool, it can be filtered naturally with plants and rocks for a more environmentally-friendly pool.
Unused inground pools can also be used as a natural ice rink if filled with water in the winter months and kept frozen. Finally, the pool can be filled with light, buoyant objects such as rubber ducks, tennis balls, and inner tubes to create a play area for kids.
How do you remove a built in swimming pool?
Removing a built in swimming pool can be a difficult and labor-intensive process. First, all of the water must be drained from the pool, usually done by draining it out of the bottom of the pool or by using a pump.
Next, the pool walls and floor must be broken down. This can be done with a jackhammer, chisel, and shovels. Once the pool is destroyed, the debris and any loose material must be removed, which can involve scooping it out by hand or renting a dumpster to get rid of everything.
Finally, the area must be filled in with soil or gravel and leveled off, smoothed, and covered with sod. Depending on the size of the pool, this entire process can take a few days to a few weeks. Therefore, it is important to have the right tools, materials, and manpower to safely and efficiently remove a built in swimming pool.
How do you fill a concrete pool?
Filling a concrete pool is a big job, and it should be done properly to ensure the safety and longevity of the pool and its surrounding areas. Here are the steps you should take to fill your concrete pool:
1. Prep your pool. Make sure that the walls, floor and stairs of the pool are in good condition with no leakage. Repair any cracks, crevices, or damage before moving on to the next step.
2. Clean the pool. Make sure to fully sweep and vacuum all surfaces in the pool to ensure all debris is removed. Remove floating debris and use a net to remove debris from the bottom of the pool.
3. Measure the exact water line. Determine where you would like the water line to sit on the sides of the pool and measure from the ground to that point. This is important for ensuring the pool does not overflow.
4. Turn off all pool equipment and power sources. Make sure everything is shut off and disconnected, as well as unplugged from the power source.
5. Begin filling your pool. Use a hose or truck to fill your pool from the nearest source. Take your time and fill the pool slowly to be sure you get it to the right water level.
6. Check the water chemistry. Make sure to test the water chemistry levels after the pool is filled to make sure they are safe. Add the necessary chemicals if needed.
7. Turn your pool equipment back on or reconnect them. Make sure to turn your pump and filter back on and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to start them up again.
Following these steps will ensure that your concrete pool is properly filled and safely ready to enjoy.
Can I use a pool as a pond?
Yes, you can use a swimming pool as a pond. It will require some modifications of the pool’s structure and environment to make sure the aquatic plants and animals living in the pond are healthy and thriving.
You will want to make sure that it has a deep enough depth, with adequate filtration and aeration, as well as plenty of shade and protection from the elements. You’ll also need to consider adding submerged or floating plants, both for oxygenation and to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Additionally, some form of biological filtration may be necessary to maintain water quality. If you choose to stock the pond with fish, you’ll want to research their environment and the necessary level of care to keep them healthy.
Depending on the type of pool and your desired results, it may require a significant amount of time to properly turn it into a pond.
How do I turn my old pool into a pond?
Turning an old pool into a pond is a great way to upgrade your yard or add a peaceful and inviting outdoor space. While this type of pond construction and landscaping project can be complex and requires a great deal of planning and manual labor, the end result can be a beautiful and functional ecosystem.
Start by draining the water from the pool and carefully remove any dirt or debris that may still be in the pool. Once it is completely emptied and cleaned out, you can begin digging down and shaping the bottom of the space.
Depending on the depth and size of the pool and the aquatic wildlife you are wanting to introduce to the area, you’ll need to determine the depth of the pond maintenance required. Excavate the center and shallow side areas of the pool to the desired depth.
If the sides of the pool have not been leveled out, dig those out as well, sloping them gently towards the center.
Once the area is excavated, create an edge and additional water feature, like a waterfall or stream. Line the area with either pond liner or plastic pond liners so that it is water tight. Backfill the area around the edges and over the liner with pea gravel, and set large rocks or boulders around the sides and between the streams and falls.
While you are doing this, make sure to calculate the total capacity of the pond, considering the amount of water that will be evaporating and the water placed into the areas with various features.
Once the pond is built and the liner is in, begin to fill it with clean water. Test the water for its pH levels and nitrogen compound levels, and adjust these levels accordingly. Introduce some plants and fish, and wait for the pond to become a part of the larger environment.
There should be a nice balance developed between the plants and the fish. If this balance is consistently disrupted, it could be a sign that there are too many fish in the pond or that the pond is overcrowded with different species.
With a little bit of maintenance and some hard work, you can turn your old pool into a peaceful and inviting outdoor pond space.
Can you convert a concrete pool to saltwater?
Yes, you can convert a concrete pool to saltwater. Doing so involves several steps including having a professional inspect the pool, preparing and replacing pool plumbing, having compatible pool components, and mixing and adding salt to the water.
The first step is having a professional inspect your concrete pool for an assessment to determine the extent of work that needs to be done. During this assessment, the technician will determine if an additional filtration or circulation system needs to be added to the pool.
This can prevent any existing calcium build-up or other mineral deposits from accumulating again.
The second step involves preparing and replacing the existing pool plumbing with compatible pool components. In order to install a salt water chlorine generator, a salt chlorinator, a pool heat pump and a circulation pump, all of the plumbing needs to be compatible.
If incompatible piping is discovered, it needs to be replaced.
The third step is to mix and add salt to the water. This is done by dissolving salt in the pool on the shallow end, and then circulating the water until the salt is fully dissolved in the entire pool.
The proper concentration of salt concentration needs to be maintained, which is 3,500 – 4,500 parts per million.
Finally, the pool chemicals need to be properly balanced and monitored. This involves testing and balancing the pH levels and regular maintenance of the pool.
By following these steps, you can successfully convert a concrete pool to saltwater.
Can a saltwater pool be converted to freshwater?
Yes, it is possible to convert a saltwater pool to freshwater. There are two main ways to do this, depending on the type of pool you have. If you have an above-ground pool, the simplest and most cost effective way to convert it is by installing a saltwater chlorination system.
This system uses electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine, which is then dispersed into the pool water. For an in-ground pool, the more complex process involves draining the existing water, adding a fresh mix of chemicals, and refilling with clean water.
In both cases, it is important to get the chemical balance correct to ensure the safety of swimmers. Additionally, the older the pool, the more time and money it will likely cost to convert it.