Getting rid of your swimming pool leaves you with the backyard version of a blank slate. Now is your chance to reimagine your backyard space and consider how you really want to use it. As most of your space was probably taken up by the pool, you can finally take a look at other major features that might make your yard great. Including a deck or a patio is kind of a given, but how can you enhance that seating space and make your yard the place you’ve always wanted to spend time in? Here are some great ideas to replace your swimming pool.
Outdoor Kitchens
Have you kept up with the trends in outdoor kitchens? It’s exciting. Appliance manufacturers and landscape designers have figured out how to create whole kitchens outside. That allows the chef in your family to stay in the action while you entertain and makes hosting in general much more feasible. Here are some of the great things you can include in an outdoor kitchen:
- Drink fridge
- Sinks
- Dishwasher
- Smoker
- Pizza oven
- Barbecue
- Warming drawer
- Counterspace
- Kegerator
Native Gardens
Those who have a green thumb have a big opportunity to add gardens when they remove the pool. You’re probably focused on conserving water after wasting so much with a pool, and, if so, the trends of native gardening and xeriscaping may be right for you. These gardens are all about choosing plants adapted to the environment in your specific slice of Texas. These plants need less water and overall less intervention from you, which means more enjoyment and less weeding.
Firepits or Fireplaces
Who doesn’t want to gaze into a fire on a cool starry night? If you’re interested in adding a firefeature to your new yard, you have a lot of options. There are many models and designs available, but the basic options include:
- Fire pits: These usually feature a real, open flame. They can be low-cost and rustic or very elegant and made of high-end materials.
- Fire features: Fire features usually do not involve a real flame or, if they do, are not really meant to be cooked on. They are usually about the aesthetics of the fire, not the crackling, smell, or even the heat.
- Fireplaces: Usually, fireplaces offer fire for the light, heat, and aesthetics of burning logs. But you usually don’t cook on them.
Gazebos
The sun can be a lot in our climate. If you want to be outside more to enjoy your space, but you don’t want to always be sitting in direct sunlight, a large gazebo is a great option. It combines well with other features too. For example, it can shelter a small water feature to prevent as much evaporation. Or it can protect an outdoor fireplace from the elements.
Recreation Space
Sometimes all you really want is a large lawn. Those with young kids who need space to play with toys, play structures, or just to run around might want to just have a well-maintained lawn where their pool once was.
