The Changing Backyard

The current pandemic has changed how we work, go to school, socialize, and especially how our homes are being used.  Our backyards are seeing more use than ever, and you may be looking out at yours, thinking about how to get the most out of it.

Don’t let your old swimming pool define the space.  Often older pools dominate the space and do not leave room to entertain.  You must wonder if it is the best use of space?  Removing the pool opens a world of possibilities that can add value to your home and increase the usable space in your backyard.  Do you want a large lawn area for the kids and dogs to run?  Or how about a large patio with a firepit or outdoor bar or kitchen?  Or all the above?  Installing a spacious patio with different gathering areas and diverse spaces can enable you to entertain and social distance. 

That’s not to say that installing or working with your current pool isn’t possible as well.  Today’s swimming pools place emphasis on the spaces around it and how it relates to other features in the backyard.  On average, the are slightly smaller and shallower than traditional pools.  The key is to balance out the pool cost (which is typically the largest) with the costs for the surround spaces.  The most value is added when everything is done to the same level.

MackLand’s landscape architects are here to help you design the backyard you are looking for.  We are following the CDC’s best practices and public health guidance to keep our clients and staff safe.  If you are in the Denver Metro area or the greater Chicagoland area, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Pool Removal

Concrete Bottom with Steel Sides

Looking for more usable space and to update their yard, our clients in Lake Geneva, WI called us to see about their pool removal options. The concrete pool deck covered from house to fence and did not provide for any green space in the yard.

The style of pool they had is one we see often – concrete pool bottom with steel sides. This style is also often seen with a vinyl liner. We broke up the pool bottom and removed the steel sides. The concrete pool deck was also broken up and used as structural fill.

We brought in clean fill material and compacted in layers. With this project, we brought them to rough grade instead of final with grass seed and erosion control blanket. Our clients are planning on installing a new, smaller patio and some garden space.

If you live in the greater Chicago or Denver areas please do not hesitate to give us a call about swimming pool removal or any of the other services that we offer. Also make sure to visit our experience page to see some of our previous pool removal work.

No one removes more pools than MackLand.