how about a water/bog garden?

I like Darzy's deck idea but don't know if there is a way to do that. The pool has to stay filled with water and you wouldn't be able to clean it. Just curious, are you getting ready to rent and don't want the liability of a pool? I know you don't like the grass idea, but that's what I would do for renters. If you end up moving in you could do something for your taste. Here's a couple of examples. I think a combination of a garden and stone patio with the concrete border could be beautiful.

Where do you live? You could turn in into a koi pond.

You should check with your county before doing this ... I believe there is a law about "burying your pool". If you do this without notifying them ... when you go to sell one day, they WILL find it and the fine will be thousands of dollars.

Thank you for the advice, I will definately look into the compliance matter, didn't think about the permit aspect. I worry about the ponds with attracting mesquito's and also there being more of a maintenance responsibility on the renters.

The pool requires extensive repairs and we can't fully waive liability as the owner, so unfortunately fill it we must. I really like the shapped deck idea! I love the idea of breaking up the concrete and softening the look with a wood wood deck. What would you do with perimeter 3 border fences and garage wall? I know I shouldn't be spending too much.

PS we are from Toronto so we have all 4 seasons to keep in mind when landscaping.

Just out of curiosity, why the aversion to grass? If you're going to rent the property, I'd think a nice green back yard would make the home more attractive than a concrete/rock/tile/deck ... more useful, family/kid friendly.
Cheers!
George

EasyTurf, I can understand the owner's aversion to grass. I have had tenants, and most of them didn't want to maintain the yard properly, which understandably angered the neighbours. I like the wooden deck idea as well.

Are the fences and the garage yours? If so I would paint and/or stain one color. If they aren't yours use plants and shrubs to camouflage.

Make sure to let your tax assessor know that you have eliminated a pool. It should be reflected in a lower assessment..

A wood deck has to be maintained as well.

And lower insurance.

A deck means lower insurance?
We have some owners installing EasyTurf specifically because they don't trust the tenants to have green thumbs :) That's one of the nice things about it - no maintenance, to include watering.

Could you send me the pool-LOL

I may sound funny but if you're unsure I can suggest some fun things for the time being... remove all the water, let it dry. 1) let some kiddies use the space to learn roller skating :) 2) once we let our wannabe rock-group friends perform in our dry pool with cheap lights on the rims of the pool. Trust me the party rocked...and we all saw and heard them from top...with barbecue and snacks to entertain us of course (Acoustics of the pool were dynamic). 3. Just put some chairs in and have a small party of yours...food is spread on the edges. Indulge in some star gazing...Like I said these are fun suggestions.

Also it'll be the best dance floor for night parties...and mini camping tents in a small plot can make kids joyous!

Where I live there is a market for second hand pools. Is it possible to remove the pool and sell it and use the funds for a maintenance free area for future tenants?

Thanks for great ideas! lol I love throwing party's and the idea of the band in the emptied pool is fab! just not the right time, but thank you for the suggestions! Kind Regards.

We have contracted for pool filling and landscaping on the weekend of the 26th so I will post pictures of what we ended up going with. Hopefully it works.