Many homeowners in Australia are choosing pool removals as a way to reclaim outdoor space that no longer suits their lifestyle. Whether the pool has become too expensive to maintain, is rarely used or is no longer safe for children or pets, removing it opens up a world of possibilities.
Once the removal is complete, the question becomes: what’s next?
Transforming that space into a functional, beautiful area can not only enhance your enjoyment of your home but also add long-term value. With some creativity and planning, your former pool zone can become a stunning part of your backyard once again.
Create a Lush Lawn for Versatile Use
One of the simplest and most versatile ways to reclaim the space left behind by pool removals is by installing a new lawn. Whether you choose natural grass or synthetic turf, a level green area provides the perfect setting for family games, pets or relaxing in the sun.
Natural lawn helps cool the area in summer and supports biodiversity, while synthetic turf offers low maintenance and year-round greenery. Either option gives you a blank canvas to set up outdoor furniture, a swing set or even a backyard cricket pitch.
Build an Outdoor Living Area
With the space cleared from a former pool, consider adding a deck or paved entertaining zone. An outdoor lounge, alfresco dining area or firepit setting transforms your backyard into a social hub for gatherings year-round.
Decking works well for slightly sunken pool sites, while paving can level the area and provide a stable base for outdoor furniture. Add shade with a pergola or sail, and include lighting for evening use. You could also incorporate a built-in barbecue or outdoor kitchen for extra functionality.
By turning your old pool area into a living space, you maximise your home’s usable square footage and create a new focal point in the garden.
Design a Productive Garden
If you’re looking to get more out of your outdoor space, converting the pool site into a garden is a great option. Raised garden beds, fruit trees and vegetable patches are perfect for this kind of transformation, especially if you enjoy homegrown produce.
The area left by pool removals often has excellent drainage, which can be beneficial for planting once the site has been properly refilled and levelled. You could also add pathways, compost bins or even a small greenhouse to create a practical and attractive garden layout.
A productive garden adds purpose to your backyard and can become a rewarding hobby for the whole family.
Install a Water Feature or Pond
If you miss the sound of water but not the upkeep of a full-sized swimming pool, a small pond or decorative water feature could be the ideal replacement. This adds visual appeal and creates a relaxing atmosphere in your yard.
A pond filled with native aquatic plants and perhaps some ornamental fish can support local wildlife and contribute to a calming garden design. You could also install a stone fountain or cascading water wall as a more modern feature.
These additions take up far less space and require minimal maintenance compared to a pool, while still delivering a tranquil outdoor aesthetic.
Create a Kid-Friendly Play Area
Families with young children often remove pools for safety reasons. The freed-up space offers the perfect opportunity to build a fun and secure play zone.
Soft-fall ground covering, climbing frames, sandpits and cubby houses all fit neatly into a standard pool footprint. You can design the layout with clear lines of sight from the house for easy supervision.
Adding a shaded section or integrating the play area into a wider lawn or garden layout keeps your backyard looking tidy while making it more usable for children year-round.
Focus on Native Landscaping
Another great approach after pool removals is embracing native landscaping. Using Australian plants that thrive in your local conditions creates a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden that attracts birds and pollinators.
You can include gravel paths, mulch groundcover and feature plants like kangaroo paw, grevillea or bottlebrush. Incorporating natural stone or timber elements can help blend the new landscaping seamlessly into the rest of your yard.
Native landscaping not only looks beautiful but also reduces water use and maintenance time, making it ideal for modern, sustainable living.
Consider Outdoor Structures or Storage
For those needing more functionality from their yard, the space from a removed pool can be used to build a shed, studio or even a home office. With remote work more common, many Australians are turning their garden space into productive areas.
A well-designed outbuilding can provide storage for tools, bikes and gardening equipment, or be converted into a quiet retreat. Ensure any new structure is built under council regulations and complements the overall design of your home and backyard.
Choosing pool removals is not just about eliminating a maintenance burden — it’s about opening up new possibilities for how you use and enjoy your backyard. Whether your goal is more space for kids, a lush garden or an inviting place to entertain, the options after removing a pool are nearly endless.
By investing in thoughtful landscaping and design, you can reclaim that area and turn it into a feature that adds both practicality and value to your home. With the right approach, your former pool space can become the best part of your outdoor living area.
