pool or pond

[rosie]

We have an above ground pool which is 3/4 way in the ground about 5ft deep and ovalish in shape. It has decking on two sides and garden all round.
Its a pretty area I dont want to pull the pool out. But the cost of electricity in NSW is getting ridiculous and ontop of that the chemicals.
The kids aren't using the pool much anymore. So can I turn in into a an above ground pond? Would it look silly? Or look like a dirty pool?
I thought i could remove the liner and turn it into a chicken coup but the foxes would be able to get on top.
Any ideas would be welcome

[guzzigirl]

would it be possible to cut the top third off so all you are left with is the below ground section? Alternatively, would it be worth turning it into a rainwater collection tank?

[rosie]

Thanks GG, Im very tempted, but I dont have a roof nearby to collect the run off, and a bit concerned about breeding mozzies

[mousiehousie]

5 ft deep ? That's a deep inground pool The depth would be the worry wouldn't it ? Hard to grow anything in it.

[Pam]

One could use besser blocks to raise plants Mousie.

Rosie, it's definitely doable. It's simply a matter of getting the balance right. Given that you already have decking etc there, I think you have the potential there for quite a nice little pond

A bit of reading from Mr Google:

http://www.google.com.au/#hl=en&source= ... fc5f369f9b

Don't forget our pics.

[hoddo]

I think its a great idea some nice big goldfish a few waterlillies, the depth is good as it wont get to hot for fish over summer but I would advise you run a small pump and gravel filter to keep the water oxygenated and to remove toxins

[rosie]

Thanks all, Pam your link was great, this is the first time I have seen an "above ground pool" converted into a pond.
Will put in some more thought on this project. I haven't got anything to loose

[Gumtree]

fish in will help control mozzys

[Waterlilly]

for anyone interested in turning their pool into a gold fish pond. We had great success with turning a large in ground pool into a gold fish pond. Lots of plants, gold fish, visiting birdlife and even had a turtle arrived (a creek several blocks away), also visiting cormorants, herons and a water rat. Provided the greatest interest and entertainment.
On sale of our house the turtle was relocated to the creek - buyers were intending to refurbish the pool, so bulk of fish and plants were cleared out.

[DrDuncs]

Don't forget you may still need to comply with any council regulations re fencing.

[Waterlilly]

valid point, however the pool was an operating swimming pool for 20 years as our boys were growing up and had regulation height fencing - this was all disguised with gardens. The pool still had to be secured as we had not reduced the depth. We were fortunate to have a 1400 sq meter house block with trees established over thirty years. It was a great pleasure....but all got too big.

[Elijah Magarey]

Good idea! yes of-course you can use it as pond on your garden, an above around pool can be converted into a useful pond, you can drop some small gold and other colored fishes and some plants into that pond it will look beautiful.

[Keo]

I agree with everyone else, pond for the win! The above ground quarter should be easy enough to hide if you can't cut it down to ground level. Just build up soil rocks plants etc around it depending on it's structural properties.

[tangles]

Hey all, I have done exactly what you are looking for. However I had to go a few steps further because I wanted a Koi Pond. When I emptied the wTER i FOUND THAT THE LINER BEING OLD WAS VERY BRITTLE AND AFTER 14 YEARS HAD SERVED ITS PURPOSE. Oops. Anyway if you intend to have many fish you will have to consider filtration and thats a big subject. I ended up putting in bottom drains, a large filtration system and now sit and watch 25 large Koi swim around. If you want more info I will gladly supply. Please do your home work because it really isnt just a case of throwing in a small pump, a waterfall and goldfish.

[Keo]

Photos?