How can I reuse an old pool area?

We have rebuilt the deck which used to be a pool deck. I have a free standing firepit and several flagstones I can put into the existing sand around the firepit. What my thought is to lay landscaping fabric over the sand before placing the flagstone and firepit and then spread white stone over the fabric to create a inexpensive outdoor area. Any thoughts on my thoughts.. any other options I might consider? Thanks, Doug

Stairway off the rebuilt deck.

Top view.

In time for spring in the NE

  6 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on May 19, 2019

    I wouldn't use the landscaping fabric,,will make laying in your stone more difficult. If you are preventing weeds, sterilize ground so nothing will grow by spraying it down with vinegar and salt.

    Sounds like a nice plan, enjoy your new seating area.

  • Seth Seth on May 19, 2019

    Do what Kelli suggested. However, I would use a landscape fabric over the sand. Not to prevent weeds (new weed seeds will settle on top of the fabric and can grow down through it over time), but rather to prevent your white stone from migrating down into your sand. Deck came out nice. Enjoy!

  • Sandra L Warren Sandra L Warren on May 20, 2019

    Landscaping fabric is a nightmare and would create more problems than it solves because roots grow through the fabric and are a nightmare to pull out. I really wouldn't use the fabric near the fire pit.

  • Kym Kym on May 20, 2019

    Have you got dogs? You could use the existing indentation to set a kiddie pool into the sand before adding the stones, then put flag stone around its edge so the pets have a small pool area, then when weather gets colder, remove the kiddie pool and use the stone area for a seating/gather area. Get a twofer out of it...if no pets, go with Kelli's suggestion

  • Clay B Clay B on May 20, 2019

    I only use fabric when using stones, as others have said, to keep your stones from sinking into the soil. Weeds will grow on top eventually. Use PREEN weed preventer and spray occasional weeds. I never use fabric with mulch, its a waste of money. Be sure to get the better fabric (not the cheap one), for using with stones. Well worth it. Home Depots is called Vigoro Matrix Grid Landscape Fabric, it's gray and looks more like fiberglass than window screening. Use back side of your rake when spreading stones, otherwise you'll snag the fabric. If the old pool area is sunken a bit, be sure to consider drainage for rain run-off; so you don't have a pool of rocks. a simple rock dry riverbed leading away to a lower area would do the trick most likely.

  • Mkl Mkl on May 20, 2019

    We had a similar situation when we moved into our house 30 years ago. The previous owners had placed the pool over the septic tank and 2 days before settlement a problem with the septic was discovered and we were left with a deck and no pool. I turned the area into an herb garden. Divided the circle into 8ths like a pizza . I used stone that was under the surface of the ground to segment the sections and around the circumference. put a birdbath in the center and then added plants, Taller plants in the center shorter on the outside. I kept chairs on the deck and it was a relaxing place to sit with the scent or herbs drifting up on the breeze.