Why Convert Instead of Remove?
If you have an unused in-ground pool draining your wallet on maintenance, chemicals, and insurance, you have two options: full demolition or conversion. Full pool removal involves breaking up the entire shell and hauling away all the concrete, which costs $10,000 to $30,000. Converting the pool into a garden costs $5,000 to $15,000 and gives you productive outdoor space instead of a hole in the ground.
Pool conversion is also faster — most projects take 2 to 4 weeks compared to 4 to 8 weeks for full removal.
Step 1: Check Local Requirements
Most cities require a pool decommission permit before you can fill in a pool. This typically costs $200 to $500 and involves an inspector verifying that the pool has been properly drained, drainage holes have been punched, and the fill material meets local standards.
Some jurisdictions also require you to disconnect the pool pump electrical circuit, cap the gas line (if you have a pool heater), and cap the water supply line. Hire licensed contractors for these disconnections — attempting them yourself risks code violations and safety hazards.
Call your local building department before starting any work. Requirements vary significantly between cities and counties.
Step 2: Drain the Pool
Pump out all remaining water using a submersible pump ($50 to rent for a day). Do not drain pool water into storm drains — most cities prohibit this because chlorinated water harms waterways. Instead, drain to your yard's landscaping or to the sanitary sewer if your city permits it.
After draining, scrub the pool surfaces to remove algae and chemical residue. Let the shell dry completely before proceeding.
Step 3: Punch Drainage Holes
This is the most critical step. Without drainage holes, your filled pool becomes a bathtub that collects rainwater underground, causing the fill to settle unevenly and creating a permanent swamp in your yard.
Drill or jackhammer several 2-inch holes through the pool floor, spaced every 4 to 6 feet. For concrete pools, rent a rotary hammer drill with a concrete bit ($50 to $75 per day). For fiberglass pools, a standard drill works. The holes allow water to drain into the soil below the pool shell.
Some contractors also crack the pool walls at the bottom to improve lateral drainage. This is especially important in areas with clay soil or high water tables.
Step 4: Fill the Pool
Fill the pool in layers:
Bottom layer (50% to 75% of depth): Clean fill material — broken concrete, gravel, or clean rubble. This creates a drainage layer and reduces the amount of expensive topsoil needed. Do not use organic materials like wood, yard waste, or demolition debris with paint or chemicals. Organic material decomposes over time, causing the fill to settle and create sinkholes. Budget $1,500 to $3,000 for fill material delivered by truck.
Middle layer: Landscape fabric over the rubble to prevent topsoil from washing down into the drainage layer.
Top layer (12 to 24 inches): Quality topsoil mixed with compost. This is your growing medium. Budget $800 to $2,000 for quality topsoil delivered and spread.
Step 5: Design Your Garden
A converted pool offers unique advantages as a garden:
The sunken design provides natural wind protection, creating a microclimate that can extend your growing season by 2 to 4 weeks in spring and fall.
The depth variation between the shallow and deep ends creates natural terracing opportunities. Use the shallow end for a patio or walkway and the deep end for raised beds or a small pond.
The concrete walls retain heat during the day and release it at night, acting as a thermal mass that protects plants from late-season frosts.
Popular conversion designs include vegetable gardens with raised cedar beds, ornamental gardens with pathways and seating, koi ponds using the deep end, and combinations of all three.
Step 6: Install Irrigation and Plant
Install a drip irrigation system connected to a timer ($100 to $300) before planting. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing water waste and keeping foliage dry to prevent disease.
Choose plants based on your climate and the amount of sunlight your pool area receives. Most pools were designed for maximum sun exposure, making them excellent locations for vegetables, herbs, and sun-loving flowers.
Cost Summary
Pool decommission permit: $200 to $500
Utility disconnection (electrical, gas, water): $200 to $500
Submersible pump rental: $50
Jackhammer or drill rental: $75
Fill material (rubble/gravel): $1,500 to $3,000
Landscape fabric: $50 to $100
Topsoil and compost: $800 to $2,000
Raised bed materials (optional): $300 to $800
Drip irrigation: $100 to $300
Plants and seeds: $100 to $400
Total: $3,375 to $7,725
For the full step-by-step process, read our pool to garden conversion guide or use our cost calculator for a personalized estimate.