An above-ground pool you’re no longer using doesn’t have to be removed immediately, there are legitimate and creative ways to repurpose the structure before making the final decision. That said, repurposing works better for some pool types and situations than others, and there are scenarios where straightforward removal is the cleaner answer.
This guide covers the most practical repurposing options for Hunter region homeowners, along with honest trade-offs for each.
Common Reasons People Consider Repurposing
Before exploring options, it’s worth understanding why repurposing is appealing:
- Cost: Removal has an upfront cost ($1,500 to $5,000 for a standard above-ground pool), and repurposing feels like it avoids that cost
- Environmental: “Waste not, want not”, keeping the structure in use rather than sending it to landfill
- Uncertainty: The owner isn’t sure yet whether they’ll want the pool again in future
- Aesthetics: The pool is still structurally sound but not being used as a pool
Fair enough on all counts. But it’s also worth being honest that some repurposing ideas require significant work, and many owners eventually remove the pool anyway, having spent money and effort on the interim use first.
Repurposing Option 1: Raised Garden Bed
This is the most popular and practical repurpose for a small-to-medium above-ground pool. The pool structure, a rigid or semi-rigid shell, forms the walls of a large raised garden bed.
How it works:
- Drain and clean the pool thoroughly
- Puncture or drill drainage holes in the base every 30cm
- Line the interior with geotextile fabric (prevents soil from washing through drainage holes but allows drainage)
- Fill with quality garden soil mix to within 200mm of the top
- Plant vegetables, herbs, flowers, or dwarf fruit trees
Suitability by pool type:
| Pool Type | Garden Bed Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round steel-wall pool (Bestway, Intex frame style) | Excellent | Holds shape; sturdy walls |
| Hard-sided oval (Zodiac, Aqua) | Excellent | Good for long raised bed |
| Soft-sided inflatable ring top | Poor | Structure collapses without water |
| Above-ground fibreglass/acrylic | Good | Very durable; harder to drill drainage |
Cost: Mostly labour and materials ($200 to $800 for soil, drainage fabric, and plants). Very low cash outlay.
Trade-offs:
- A steel-wall pool becomes a permanent feature, the pool is effectively converted, not preserved for future use
- Garden beds retain moisture and can accelerate corrosion of steel-wall pools over time
- Very large above-ground pools (7m+ diameter) create enormous garden beds that are hard to manage
- May look out of place aesthetically if not finished with appropriate surrounding landscaping
Repurposing Option 2: Aquaponics or Fish Pond System
An above-ground pool can be converted to an aquaponics system, a combination of fish farming and hydroponic plant growth, or simply used as a fish pond or water feature.
How it works: Aquaponics uses the pool as a fish tank; nutrients from fish waste are used to grow plants in growbeds positioned around or above the pool. This is a well-established system used by urban food producers and hobbyists.
Suitability: Oval and round steel-wall pools of 3,000-12,000 litres work well. The existing pump and filter can be adapted to manage water circulation for aquaponics.
Cost: $500 to $3,000 to set up basic aquaponics, including grow beds, air pumps, and initial fish stock.
Trade-offs:
- Requires active, ongoing management, this is not a “set and forget” system
- NSW has regulations on which fish species can be kept in private aquaculture systems; check with DPI
- The pool fencing obligation may continue if children can access the water, check the Swimming Pools Act 1992 definition of “swimming pool” (pools capable of holding water to 300mm+ depth and accessible to young children may still be subject to fencing laws)
Repurposing Option 3: Sandpit or Play Area
For families with young children, a small above-ground pool converted to a sandpit or play area is a popular choice. Drain, clean, and fill with washed river sand to create a large, contained play area.
Suitability: Small round above-ground pools (3.5-5m diameter), particularly older soft-sided models where the structure is still sound.
Cost: Very low, sand fill for a 5m diameter pool is approximately $400 to $700 delivered.
Trade-offs:
- Cats are attracted to large sandpits; cover when not in use
- Sand needs to be replaced periodically as it becomes contaminated
- Pool walls degrade over time without water; monitor for sharp edges or structural failure
- Soft-sided pools degrade faster in the sun once drained
Repurposing Option 4: Backyard Skating Rink (Temporary)
In climates that get cold enough, which Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rarely do, above-ground pools are sometimes converted to temporary ice skating rinks in winter. This is more of a novelty in the Hunter region’s subtropical climate and not a realistic option for most homeowners here.
Repurposing Option 5: Outdoor Furniture Storage or Workshop
Large above-ground pools with rigid steel walls can be adapted as simple outdoor storage enclosures, adding a cover, shade cloth, or temporary roof structure to create a covered storage or work area. This is more of a makeshift solution than a proper conversion.
Trade-offs: Not particularly practical or aesthetically pleasing. If outdoor storage is the need, removing the pool and building a proper garden shed is usually a better investment. See our guide on building a shed over a filled-in pool area for ideas on using the space after removal.
When Repurposing Is a Good Idea
Repurposing genuinely makes sense when:
- The pool is structurally sound and not leaking
- You want to use the space actively (garden bed, aquaponics) and commit to maintaining it
- You’re not planning to sell within the next few years
- The pool size and shape suits the intended use
When Removal Is the Better Choice
Removal is usually the cleaner choice when:
- The pool is deteriorating (leaking, cracked, rusty wall panels)
- You want to use the space for something that doesn’t fit the pool footprint (paving, turf, future building)
- You’re planning to sell, a disused, repurposed above-ground pool is rarely a selling point
- The maintenance burden of the repurposed use doesn’t suit your lifestyle
An abandoned pool, even one “repurposed” in theory, creates mosquito breeding conditions, visual mess, and safety concerns over time. See our abandoned pool mosquito and health risk guide for why leaving a pool unused is rarely a good long-term outcome.
The Middle Path: Winterise Before Deciding
If you’re genuinely uncertain, winterising or mothballing the pool while you consider options is a reasonable short-term approach. This doesn’t commit you to removal, avoids running maintenance costs while the pool is unused, and keeps the structure in reasonable condition while you decide.
DIY Pool Removal: Is It Easier for Above-Ground Pools?
For small above-ground pools, DIY removal is genuinely more accessible than for in-ground pools. A small soft-sided pool can be drained, disassembled, and taken to a waste facility by a reasonably handy homeowner over a weekend. For larger steel-wall pools, disassembly still requires equipment to handle the wall panels safely and dispose of the liner and frame.
See our DIY vs professional pool removal guide for an honest assessment of what’s involved. For larger above-ground pools or if you need the waste disposed of, professional above-ground pool removal is often more cost-effective than the time and hire costs of a DIY approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a repurposed above-ground pool still need a pool fence under NSW law? It depends on the repurposed use. If the pool still holds water to a depth of 300mm or more and a child under five years could access it, fencing obligations technically continue under the Swimming Pools Act 1992. Converting to a garden bed (no water) or filling with sand eliminates the water hazard and the fencing obligation. Confirm with your council if you’re unsure.
Can I sell my above-ground pool instead of repurposing or removing it? Yes, above-ground pools in working condition have active second-hand markets in the Hunter region (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree). If the pool is in good condition, listing it for sale with buyer-organised collection is worth trying before committing to disposal or repurposing.
Is a repurposed above-ground pool considered a swimming pool for council purposes? Not if it no longer holds water. Once drained and repurposed (e.g., as a garden bed), it is no longer a swimming pool under the NSW definition. Notify your council and deregister from the NSW Swimming Pools Register.
How long will an above-ground pool last as a raised garden bed? Steel-wall pools used as garden beds typically last 5-15 years before rust or structural failure becomes an issue, depending on the original material quality and how well the garden bed retains moisture. Better-quality Australian-made pool walls last longer than imported budget frames.
Does repurposing avoid the need for removal entirely? Not permanently, it delays it. Eventually the structure will degrade or the repurposed use will end, and removal will be needed. Factor this into your decision: repurposing now means removal later (potentially at higher cost or with a more deteriorated structure).
Not sure whether to repurpose or remove your above-ground pool? Contact Hunter Pool Removals for an honest assessment and free quote, covering Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Hunter Valley.