The Millstone Times January 2019

HOME IMPROVEMENT

3 Ways To Repurpose Unwanted Pools Pools are great if you have the time, money, and motivation to keep them in working order. Unfortunately, they’re expensive to keep up. If you’re not using it often, there may be better ways to use the space. Deck: If you enjoy hosting outdoor gatherings or want to create a private area to sit back and relax, transforming your pool into a deck may be a good option for you. The price will vary depending on your pool’s surface area, the shape of the pool, whether you want benches or different levels built in, and what materials you want to use. A contractor can give you an estimate based on these criteria, but to give you a general idea, typical deckovers cost around $11,000 and take approximately a week. Because you can plan your deck in a way that doesn’t damage the pool, this is a safe option. If you ever tire of the deck, you can rip it out and go right back to the pool. Patio: A sunken patio can give you the same functionality as a deck with- out the higher price tag. This is because the sunken patio incorporates features like the steps and handrails into the design, saving you money. To build your sunken patio, level the bottom of the pool, then choose the seating, plants, and other features you want to include. You should also consider building a fence around your patio to prevent people from falling in. Greenhouse: Temperatures underground provide a stable environment for plants to grow, so turning an unwanted pool into a greenhouse makes good sense. This option not only eliminates the cost of pool upkeep, it also helps you cut down on the grocery bill by giving you a year-round source of home-grown food. If you’re interested in growing your own fruits and veggies year-round, ask a contractor if your pool can be converted into an underground greenhouse.

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