An unused or aging pool is one of the most expensive liabilities in a Long Island backyard. Thousands of dollars a year in chemicals, electricity, and maintenance — for something the family stopped using years ago. A pool-to-pond conversion turns that liability into a living asset: a natural ecosystem pond that requires a fraction of the upkeep, adds genuine curb appeal, and actually enhances your property value.
Scott Anderson Design specializes in pool-to-pond conversions throughout Nassau County. Scott's architectural background and two decades of water feature design experience make him uniquely qualified to reimagine your pool as something you'll actually love.
A pool-to-pond conversion repurposes your existing pool structure into a naturalized ecosystem pond. Rather than demolishing the pool entirely (which is expensive and disruptive), we use the existing shell as the foundation for a new water feature — installing a proper ecosystem filtration system, natural stone, aquatic plants, and optionally koi or goldfish.
The result looks nothing like a pool. Natural Long Island boulders, waterfalls, marginal plants, and gravel transform the hard concrete lines into something that looks like it was carved by nature. Your neighbors won't recognize it.
Pool-to-pond conversions vary significantly based on pool size, condition, and the level of naturalization desired. Because the pool shell is reused, conversion is often more cost-effective than a demolition and new-build. Conversions typically range from $15,000 to $50,000+ depending on scope.
A free site assessment is the only way to give you an accurate number — pool conditions vary too widely for a reliable ballpark without seeing it in person.
Most pool-to-pond conversions are completed in 1–3 weeks depending on pool size, weather, and the complexity of the stone and planting work. Permitting, if required, adds time before construction begins.
We schedule conversions in spring and fall when conditions are ideal for planting and ecosystem establishment.
The average inground pool costs $3,000–$5,000 per year to maintain in Nassau County (chemicals, electricity, opening/closing). A properly designed ecosystem pond typically costs $500–$1,800 per year in professional maintenance — and much of that can be DIY-handled between annual professional visits.
Permit requirements vary by town and village within Nassau County. Some municipalities require a permit to modify or fill a pool; others treat a conversion differently than demolition. Scott Anderson Design researches and handles all permitting on your behalf — it's part of our full-service approach and something we've navigated many times before Nassau County boards.
Yes — once properly converted with an ecosystem filtration system, a pool-converted pond is maintained the same way as any other ecosystem pond. Annual spring cleaning, cold-water bacterial treatments in fall, and routine skimming are typically all that's needed. The key is proper filtration sizing and liner installation during the conversion.
Absolutely. Converted pools often make excellent koi ponds because they already have significant water volume and depth. We size the filtration system appropriately for the fish load you want to support. Deeper pools are particularly well-suited for koi that need to overwinter outdoors in Long Island's Zone 7 climate.
Full pool demolition and removal is also an option — we can coordinate that work and design a fresh in-ground ecosystem pond in the cleared space. In some cases this gives more flexibility with shape and placement. We'll discuss both options during your free consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Free pool-to-pond consultation — we'll assess your pool and show you what's possible.