how do i turn my pool into a garden

What is the purpose of the grid of string over the water?

What does summer mean in the garden?

Where is Suzie Hoyt's garden?

Is it good to have mums in November?

Who is Karen from Fine Gardening?

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Can you turn a swimming pool into a garden?

Fill your pool about three-fourths of the way up with the coarse stuff, more if your pool was deep enough for diving. If you plan to plant trees, use less coarse fill because their deep roots require a larger layer of fine quality soil. Flowers and grasses will do just fine with a couple of feet of good soil.

How do you make a garden out of a swimming pool?

InstructionsCut Drainage Holes in the Pool Bottom. Cut 1-inch-diameter holes in the bottom of the pool, spaced about 12 inches apart. ... Drill Drainage Holes in the Sides. ... Line the Pool With Mesh. ... Add Soil and Fertilizer. ... Prepare the Soil and Add Fencing. ... Plant Seeds or Seedlings. ... Water the Soil.

What can I turn my old pool into?

50 Alternative Uses For Your Empty PoolSkate park.Bulldog skate park.Roller rink.Racquetball court.Handball court.Volleyball “equalizer” court (tall folk in the deep end, short folk in the shallow end)Dog park.Cat corral.More items...•

How do you make an inground pool into a garden?

Ideas For Old Swimming Pools You'll need to add some holes to the bottom for proper drainage, and then ideally, add a shallow layer of gravel to help with drainage and to keep the holes from getting clogged up with soil, as well as to keep from losing soil that can wash out over time through the holes as it drains.

How do I make my pool landscape?

9 tips for poolside landscapingFencing for an in-ground pool.Turfgrass vs. artificial grass.Consider mulch and rocks.Plants for poolscapes.Hardscape features.Lighting options.Shade and seating around the pool.Banish mosquitoes around your poolscape.More items...•

How do you fill an unwanted inground pool?

How to fill in an inground swimming pool:Power off the pool by disconnecting the breaker box.Drain the pool.Drill holes at the bottom of the pool to prevent water collection.Demolish side walls. ... Backfill and compact. ... Finish with soil & sod.

Can I just fill my pool with dirt?

Filling your pool with dirt is the fastest and most affordable way to get rid of a pool because there's no need to remove your concrete or metal shell. This saves on both labor and hauling costs. However, filling a pool with dirt is still a delicate process that requires careful preparation, drainage, and demolition.

What do you do with your yard after removing a pool?

How To Repair Yard After Above-Ground Pool in 7 StepsDrain Water and Remove Pool.Determine the Damages.Check Electrical and Gas Lines.Remove Pool Base.Fill the Area with Soil.Add Grass Seeds.Water and Fertilize.

Is it OK to leave an inground pool empty?

Once water is removed (and subsequently, the interior hydrostatic pressure), if there's an influx of groundwater, it will push the pool up and out of place. As a general rule, you shouldn't keep any pool empty for longer than it needs to be. Get the work done that you needed to do and refill it as soon as possible.

How do you permanently cover a pool?

Rosie recommends that you cover your unused pool with a deck made from a composite material. Composite is a wood-polymer lumber made from wood waste mixed with reclaimed plastic from shopping bags and plastic film.

Can you earth in a swimming pool?

The following types of water MAY ground you: Swimming pool: Yes if you have a salt water pool and the water is in contact with a metal drain pipe going into the ground. Normal tap water in a pool can also be conductive, but again, it needs to be in contact with a metal fixture going into the ground.

Should I remove my pool?

You want to make your home more energy efficient, and the pool is wasting resources. The water used to fill the pool and the energy costs to keep it running can cause a significant spike in your utility bills. If the costs do not equal the benefit, it may be time to get an estimate to have the pool removed.

Can you make a pond out of a pool?

Instead of constantly cleaning and applying chemicals to it, consider allowing the swimming pool to go native: Turn it into a pond. By modifying the pool's basic structure somewhat and adding filtration, plants and animals, you could have an attractive backyard feature once more.

How do you use a kiddie pool as a garden?

0:045:13Kiddie Pool Gardening - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI went about an inch up from the from the bottom and drill the holes half inch holes about every sixMoreI went about an inch up from the from the bottom and drill the holes half inch holes about every six inches around for drainage you do need drainage.

Can plants grow in pools?

Colorful, lush plants will really transform the pool area into an oasis. There are a variety of full-sun perennials that will provide color, such as windflowers and day lilies. Perennials won't die after flowering, so the homeowner won't have to worry about cleaning up after them.

How do I turn my pool into a fish pond?

1:595:09Building a Natural Pond from a Swimming Pool - Ep 4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing if you've got chlorine is stop the chlorine. And if you do that it's just going toMoreThe first thing if you've got chlorine is stop the chlorine. And if you do that it's just going to happen naturally. The water will naturally become stabilized.

How to convert old swimming pool to garden bed - Permies

someone somewhere is having a pool dug. They are probably having to pay someone to take stuff away. Try a couple of local builders who constuct pools. If filling a space that large with stuff that will compost, be careful of fire.

converting swimming pool to pit greenhouse?

Looking for ideas for converting a square pool with rounded bottom to a pit-type greenhouse. A search of the web turned up nothing. Hoping to be able to use the existing pool as the foundation. What if we put a top over the pook, punched holes in the pool bottom and added a deep layer of gravel, a...

How to Convert a Swimming Pool to a Garden | eHow

Follow the process above, but stop short of filling the pool, perhaps 3 or 4 feet below the surface of the walls, to create a sunken garden, if inspection shows the walls are sound.

How to make a gravel driveway firm?

Tamp down the gravel and fill dirt with a mechanical tamper to make sure that it is well-compacted and firm. It should not shift or depress when walked on.

What is gravel used for?

Use gravel to fill in any irregularities or holes through out the fill dirt, including covering large rocks and other debris to create a smooth, level surface on that layer.

Do demolition companies haul dirt?

Construction and demolition firms routinely look for places to haul dirt from their excavations so you may get all you need free of charge merely by asking.

Can you make a garden ahead of time?

If you plan the garden ahead of time, you can shape hills and valleys or even leave space for a recirculating pool or fish pond in your new garden as you fill it, saving yourself the trouble of excavating those areas later.

Can you put a leaky pool in the ground?

Unfortunately, for many homeowners with older pools, they often do not, and become large, potentially dangerous holes in the ground instead of recreational areas. Repairs are costly, as is demolition, but if this is your situation and you want to make the most of it, convert your leaky pool into a pleasant garden. You can design your garden to be either level with the yard or a sunken garden with the top of the pool walls serving as handy built-in seating or shelf space for potted plants.

Who is Deborah Stephenson?

Deborah Stephenson is a homesteader, lifelong organic gardener, former zookeeper, naturalist, artist and anthropologist who brings an eclectic range of experience to her writings. When not writing she can usually be found puttering in her extensive gardens or exploring the national forest next door with her dogs.

Getting Started

Like any major project, your pool-to-garden conversion depends on proper planning and a solid strategy. Although your yard may have special or unique needs, you can expect to need the following list of materials and tools, if you plan to do the work yourself.

To Demo First, Or Not?

In many cases, homeowners simply drain the pool, drill drainage holes through the bottom, and add fill materials.

How to Fill

Coarse fill dirt is the best option for the bottom of the hole. This type of fill dirt has pieces of construction debris in it (masonry, large stones, etc.) and that will help to keep the hole from sinking as it settles.

A Final Word of Warning

This is a big project and we want to make sure you stay all nice and legal-like.

How to kill seeds in a raised garden?

The fastest way to kill growing seeds is to let them dry out. In the early stages of germination, keep the soil moist at all times. As the vegetables sprout and get larger, you can gradually reduce watering somewhat. Generally speaking, most plants need about 1 inch of water each week, through combined rainwater and irrigation. Raised planters, however, can dry out fairly quickly, so make sure to keep an eye on the plants.

How to make your own potting soil?

You can also make your own potting soil by blending peat moss, garden soil, and perlite or vermiculite in equal amounts. Thoroughly mix in a granular slow-release fertilizer with a balanced mix of nutrients. Follow the label directions for quantity. Read This Before You Add Fertilizer to Your Herbs. Kerry Michaels.

How much sun do you need to plant a pool?

Situate your pool planter in a sunny spot. Most flowers, herbs, and vegetables will require at least six full hours of sun each day. A planter filled with shade-loving flowers can work in a part-shade location. Fill your pool either with general-purpose potting soil or a combination of potting soil and garden soil.

How to transplant a plant in a pot?

Potted transplants should be planted at the same depth they were in their containers. Dig small holes, insert the transplants, then press down the soil around the plant. Make sure to follow spacing recommendations for each type of plant.

How often should I fertilize my garden?

Go easy on the fertilizer if you are growing herbs, as they will be most flavorful if the soil is somewhat poor in nutrients. Fruiting vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and zucchini, on the other hand, will benefit from feeding every month or so.

How to make a garden fence?

Prepare the Soil and Add Fencing. Smooth out the soil in your garden planter and pat it down gently. The surface should be flat but not tightly packed. Form furrows into the so il, if appropriate for your seeds.

Can you plant a splash pool?

It can be a great way to repurpose a family splash pool that is no longer being used by the kids. You can plant anything that has shallow roots, which includes most herbs and many vegetables as well as many annual flowers . Any standard rigid (not inflatable) kiddie pool will work, but the bigger the better.

What stops fish from eating from the pool?

The biggest thing stopping a decent increase in the fish population is oxygen. To regularly eat from the pool, Vanessa and Justin would need to incorporate a water filter/oxygenation system – which is something they’re looking at doing next. As you can see from the pictures, the water in this particular pond is rather ‘natural’. A biological filter would make the water clearer – so, if you wanted, it could still retain the pool’s original purpose (swimming!). Increased oxygenation also tends to keep algae from getting out of hand.

What do fish and plants feed on?

At the moment the pool is essentially a closed loop biological system. The plants feed off the nutrients supplied by fish and bird droppings, the fish feed off the plants and insect larvae (like dragonflies, etc.), and the algae regulates the CO2/oxygen levels. Zooplankton and mollusks (snails) feed on the algae, the crustaceans (shrimps) feed on the zooplankton, and the fish feed on the mollusks and the crustaceans.

What makes agriculture different from other production?

Working with living creatures, both plant and animal, is what makes agriculture different from any other production enterprise. Even though a product is produced, in farming the process is anything but industrial. It is biological. We are dealing with a vital, living system rather than an inert manufacturing process. The skills required to manage a biological system are similar to those of the conductor of an orchestra. The musicians are all very good at what they do individually. The role of the conductor is not to play each instrument but rather to nurture the union of the disparate parts. The conductor coordinates each musician’s effort with those of all the others and combines them in a harmonious whole.

Why are swimming pools bad?

Swimming pools get a bad rap in enviro-circles, and for good reason. They cost a great deal to construct – using a lot of CO2 intensive materials in the process – they waste huge amounts of water and energy for maintenance, use chemicals to keep them clear and ‘safe’, and they take up a lot of space that could be utilised for more productive purposes (like growing veggies!). Many people also just find them a lot of work to look after, which is especially annoying when their usage is often only seasonal at best.

Is azolla a good mulch?

Another plant introduced is azola – which is very high in nitrogen due to its special relationship with a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium. This makes it an exceptionally good mulch (azolla is said to increase rice yields significantly – " as much as 158 percent per year "). Of course, they also introduced plants that are great for human consumption – like kangkong, water chestnut and watercress.

Is Justin's back yard a permaculture garden?

Justin and Vanessa’s back yard is not only a productive permaculture garden, but also an extremely beautiful wildlife habitat. I think my camera and I will have to stop by again sometime….

Is algae bad for a pool?

As mentioned, algae is very important for the health of the pool – but you can have too much of a good thing. Algae blooms are to be avoided as they can suffocate life in the pool. A balanced algae population can be regulated in three ways: 1) reducing nutrient input (i.e. harvest some fish), 2) reducing light (i.e. add a translucent shade, or a living vine, over part of the pool), or 3) simply scoop some algae out if you get desperate and use it for mulch or compost.

What to do with unused pool?

It is easy to turn your unused swimming pool into a stunning natural pond which will encourage birds, frogs, bees and more to visit and make their home in your garden. Add ornamental or even edible fish, water plants and water lilies and you have the perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy your ever changing pond environment.

How many goldfish to control string algae?

Large numbers of fish, particularly goldfish, will control string algae. An average sized pool will require a couple of hundred goldfish to achieve control of string algae (don't worry you don't have to buy these all at once, build your numbers over time). Goldfish require minimal care, you can even choose not to feed them as there is always food ...

How to get chlorine out of a pool?

Follow these easy tips for success: - Turn off your pool equipment and allow the chlorine to evaporate out of your pool system. - If you have a salt water pool you may need to dilute or change your water - salt does not evaporate it merely concentrates as the water level drops.

How deep should a pond be for planting?

If your pond is greater than 1m deep you may need to create shallower areas for successful plant growth. We have many customers who have successfully used large tubs, upside down bins or even old plastic tables to create shallow areas for mass planting.

How long does it take for a pond to balance?

It will take some time for your pond's eco system to balance, allow 6 months after you have sufficient numbers of plants and fish in your system. The addition of healthy bacteria and zeolite will help speed up this process.

Can algae survive high salt levels?

Have the salt level tested, this is very important as both algae and fish can survive much higher salt levels than water plants and water lilies. A green pool is not an indication that your pond is ready for plants. - Once the salt level is below 1500 parts per million it is safe to add plants to your pool.

What is the purpose of the grid of string over the water?

Fish in the garden pond. The grid of string over the water protects the fish from hungry herons.

What does summer mean in the garden?

Summer in the garden means lush shrubs and perennials.

Where is Suzie Hoyt's garden?

Today’s photos are of Suzie Hoyt’s garden in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Over the past 10 years she has been transforming her yard into a beautiful garden. She and her family have done all the work themselves.

Is it good to have mums in November?

Fall mums are great, no doubt about it. They’re cheery and inexpensive, and they make a colorful impact when most plants are fading into fall oblivion. But come November, aren’t…

Who is Karen from Fine Gardening?

Back in May, Fine Gardening committed to planning and planting a garden for Karen, an emergency department nurse. It was a small way to say thank you for the efforts…

Getting Started

See more on millcreekgardens.com

to Demo First, Or Not?

How to Fill

A Final Word of Warning