What to do with this space?

I have a similar issue with a 30 x 15 pool that was placed lower inground with decking all around it. No longer want pool. Most of it is gone with the exception of pool sides and a swamp. Its disgusting and I don't go out in my back yard that was once my oasis. Single mom, three kids. No help. Need I say more. I have also thought about a sunken area with fire pit. Any other suggestions? On a budget, but need a solution as its been this way for 8 yrs. Thankfully, I have a full privacy fence and neighbors do not see this horribly enbarrasing eyesore. I maintain the front. Its all an illusion. Ha ha

I forgot to mention the "swamp" is at least 4'-5’ in depth as above ground pool was 4’ deep

Thanks for all the ideas, after mowing more grass and having very humid summers, I had another pool put in the same spot. it's only 21 foot around. I still have room to mow the sides of the steep sand mound without running into the pool.

I had the same issue for a while. I just took down the extra deck and seeded it. only problem is now its just more grass to cut.

I'd treat it like part of the "yard" . Like you do with a terraced deck. Instead of heading to the grass, head there..Make wide wide steps do to it. Put a over sized fire pit with lots of seating around it. I'd add some large pots in the seating area. On the upper part-add a 3 groupings of low pots here and there. Maybe more lattice to hide the underneath part. another idea would be a beautiful fountain with same extra pots and seating, depending on the ages,it would become sort of a hidden retreat depending on the foliage you pick

I'm late to the conversation and I see that you replaced it with another pool already, but I was thinking maybe a Japanese rock garden as a place for meditation.

Put in a trampoline if you have kids. Or a fire pit with seating

What did you end up doing? Ou above ground pool blew out, now we don’t know what to do with space. Was considering a waterfall, dog play area and fire pit..

Fire Pit area of Seating?

Second thoughts, Why not have a pond with fish or a fountain or sunken garden or fill it in with soil after you have built a will inside to hold it. or make a gravel garden with seating and flower pots!

Put a above ground swimming pool in.

Put a trampoline in.

Make a huge fire pit area.

Make raised planter beds with gravel sidewalks for access.

Hello Claire, I would put some stairs to enter the middle, then set up a gorgeous circular patio with a sofa fire table and chairs!

I would add railings to the entire area around the hole and maybe three sets of stairs with railings that lead down to another sunken deck area, you could get a large sectional, gas fire pit table and planters or a dining area.

In ground trampoline.

I would plant a tree in the middle and surround it with a rock garden with solar lights, or….

do a heated (or not) foot spa. Put comfortable chairs all the way around with each having their own little table on a level around your area. Then have your water in it on the ground level so your guests can put their feet in that warm/cool water. A jacuzzi for your feet!

I would remove that part of the deck and use the space for a firepit and seating.