You may think old tires are useless and destined for the garbage dump. Since tires are made from non-biodegradable materials, recycling them is one way to help Mother Nature. You might be amazed at how garage junk can be transformed into a charming DIY pool.
Instead of throwing them into landfills, turn old tires into a delightful garden feature that you and your family will adore. Done right, this easy-to-make DIY project can really transform your garden.
What You’ll Need
- Old Tire: A large tractor or truck tire works best, but you can use smaller tires for compact spaces.
- Pond Liner: Thick plastic or rubber sheeting to hold the water.
- Shovel: For digging.
- Sand: For leveling and protecting the liner.
- Scissors or Utility Knife: To trim the liner.
- Decorative Stones or Gravel: For lining the edges.
- Water Plants and Decorations (optional): Lilies, reeds, or floating plants for aesthetics.
Steps to Create a Tire Pool
- Choose a Location
Pick a sunny or partially shaded spot in your yard. Avoid placing the pond near trees with lots of falling leaves, as they’ll end up clogging the water.When I built mine, I placed it near a flower bed. It blended beautifully with the garden and made watering plants easier.
- Prepare the Tire
Wash the tire thoroughly with soapy water to remove dirt and grease. If the tire has a sidewall, cut it away using a utility knife to create a wider opening.Cutting the tire was easier than I expected, but I recommend wearing gloves for safety. The edges can get sharp!
- Dig a Hole
Dig a hole slightly larger than the tire. The depth should match the height of the tire, so it sits flush with the ground. Add a layer of sand at the bottom to create a level base and protect the liner from punctures.Pro tip: Take your time leveling the sand—it’s worth it to avoid a wobbly pool later!
- Place the Tire and Add the Liner
Position the tire in the hole and drape the pond liner over it, making sure it extends well beyond the edges. Press the liner into the tire’s interior, smoothing out wrinkles as you go. Trim the excess liner, leaving a few extra inches around the edge.A friend suggested using large binder clips to hold the liner in place temporarily while smoothing it out, and that worked like a charm.
- Fill with Water
Slowly fill the tire with water, adjusting the liner as needed to prevent folds or sagging. The weight of the water will hold the liner in place. - Decorate the Edges
Cover the edges of the liner with decorative stones, gravel, or bricks. This not only hides the liner but also adds a natural, polished look to your pond.I added smooth river rocks, and the combination of textures made the pool look much more professional than I expected.
- Add Plants and Decorations
Place aquatic plants like water lilies or reeds inside the pond to create a natural habitat. You can also add floating decorations like small fountains or LED lights for a whimsical touch.I planted some water lettuce and added a small solar-powered fountain to bring some life to the pool.
Give it a try and create your own little backyard pool!
