For homeowners
Turn your space into a productive food system.
Have an unused pool? Great. No pool? That's fine too. Garden Pool systems can be designed around ponds, tanks, greenhouses, indoor spaces, and other environments. Whether you need help designing the system, planning the build, or managing the entire project, Garden Pool can assist with one step, two steps, or the complete process.
A Garden Pool is a system, not a pool
No pool? No problem.
A Garden Pool is a design philosophy and integrated food-production system — not a requirement to own a swimming pool. The original Garden Pool began with a converted backyard swimming pool, but Garden Pool systems have since been adapted to many different settings and structures. We can design around the space, structure, water source, climate, and goals you already have.
- —Existing swimming pools
- —Ponds
- —Above-ground tanks
- —Custom water features
- —Greenhouses
- —Indoor growing spaces
- —Garages and enclosed structures
- —Backyard structures
- —Other site-specific configurations
The process
Three steps, taken as far as you want
The original Garden Pool process, still the way a home system gets designed and built.
Step 01
Consultation & 3D Design
Garden Pool evaluates your site, structure, water source, climate, goals, and project requirements — whether that centers on an existing pool or another setting. Using photographs, measurements, and site information, a designer develops a custom 3D model showing how a Garden Pool system can be integrated into your property.
- —Site, structure, and goal review
- —Photograph and measurement intake
- —Custom 3D model of the proposed system
- —Design carried out in the tradition of the Garden Pool Certified Designer program
Step 02
Material List & Build Plan
Once the design is finalized, Garden Pool develops a detailed materials list and practical build guidance based on your custom design, so you know what the project actually involves before work begins.
- —Materials required
- —Major system components
- —Estimated project scope and construction sequence
- —Approximate material costs
- —What can be done by you, volunteers, or contractors
Step 03
Project Management
Garden Pool can help guide implementation by coordinating with you, volunteers, tradespeople, and contractors through the build.
- —Build sequencing and technical guidance
- —Contractor and volunteer coordination
- —System installation guidance
- —Troubleshooting
- —Commissioning and startup assistance
Flexible engagement
We can help you with one step, two steps, or the whole process.
Historically, many Garden Pool builds were completed in roughly three days or less — though that depended entirely on location, crew, and project difficulty. It is a typical past result, not a guarantee for your project.
Questions
Common questions
Do I need a swimming pool to build a Garden Pool?
No. The original Garden Pool was built inside an unused swimming pool, but Garden Pool designs can be adapted to ponds, tanks, greenhouses, indoor spaces, backyard structures, and other environments. Every system can be designed around the site, climate, available resources, and the owner's goals.
Can any swimming pool become a Garden Pool?
If you do have a pool, most can be adapted — but suitability depends on the pool's structure, condition, depth, orientation, sun exposure, and local climate. A consultation determines what is possible on your specific property.
Do I have to remove the swimming pool?
No. The Garden Pool approach was developed around converting an existing pool in place rather than demolishing it. Whether that is the right choice for your site is confirmed during the consultation.
Can I build it myself?
Many people do. The design and build plan are prepared so that an owner-builder, volunteers, or hired trades can carry out the work — or any combination of the three.
Can Garden Pool work with my contractor?
Yes. Garden Pool can provide the design and build plan directly to your contractor and coordinate with them during construction.
What does the 3D design include?
A custom model of the proposed system on your property showing structure, layout, and how the major components fit together — used as the basis for the materials list and build plan.
Can Garden Pool help if I only want the design?
Yes. We can help with one step, two steps, or the whole process.
Do I need fish?
Not necessarily. Aquaponic components are one option among several. Whether fish make sense depends on your goals, climate, and how much system management you want.
What types of crops can be grown?
Crop selection depends on your climate, season, and the system configuration chosen for your site, so it is decided during design rather than prescribed in advance.
How much water does a Garden Pool use?
Water use depends on system size, climate, and configuration. Reducing evaporation and reusing water are central design goals, and estimates are made for your specific site.
Can the system be customized for my climate?
Yes — climate is one of the first inputs in the design process, and Garden Pool has designed systems for a range of climates.
No pool is required. The original Garden Pool was built inside an unused swimming pool, but today's systems are designed around whatever space, structure, and water source you already have. Answers that depend on site conditions — suitability, water use, crop selection — are confirmed during a consultation rather than promised in advance.