Pool Was Draining: Why We Removed Our Above-Ground Swimming Pool

It was a VERY difficult decision, but we have decided to take down our 28' swimming pool. In a way, nature helped us make up our mind. One morning after a severe thunderstorm, I walked outside to water the chickens and did a double take. The pool (winter cover still partially intact) was completely hollow looking. Sometime during the night, the weight of the rain had pushed down on the tarp, and somehow tugged at the liner underneath. It was just enough of an opening that the force of the water was able to slip through the side.

(My next door neighbor must of thought it rained A LOT that night!) :) With the pool completely empty, and the tarp ripped at the sides, it was just another example of how our pool was draining our patience and becoming a money trap.

 

With pool supplies going up in price, higher utilities from running the pump day and night, and with a leaky filter draining water around the pool, we were harvesting mosquitoes like crazy. Then we had the decision to either readjust the liner, fill up the pool again and order another winter cover, or just let it go...

 

I listed the pool on Craigslist for free and it was gone the next day! The guy kept thanking us profusely for his "treasure" and I said, "No, THANK YOU!"

 

My treasure is the PERLITE found underneath the plastic liner (The pool was already installed before we purchased our home.)  I went online and haven't seen too many people talk about recycling pool perlite, but upon research, I've read over and over it is non toxic. Perlite is a form of volcanic glass that is mined all over the world. In fact I purchased a bag several months ago to add to my potting soil mix. Now that I have an entire "beach" of perlite, I plan to add it to all my raised beds.

Not wanting to tear down our deck, I'm trying to figure out a creative way to use the space. Stay tuned!

 

Lessons We Learned

Owning a swimming pool can provide years of enjoyment, but it also requires ongoing maintenance, repairs, chemicals, electricity, and water. As our interests shifted toward gardening and homesteading, we realized the space could be put to much better use.

One unexpected bonus was discovering the layer of perlite beneath the pool liner. Perlite is a lightweight volcanic material commonly added to potting mixes because it helps improve drainage and soil aeration. Instead of sending it to the landfill, I decided to recycle it into my raised garden beds where it could continue serving a useful purpose.

Sometimes the best homesteading projects begin by repurposing something you already have. While it was sad to see the swimming pool go, we're excited about the possibilities for transforming this area into a productive garden space. I'll be sure to share updates as the project develops.