@ Ba Beltramo, I think this dilemma might be better solved if we we had pictures, as suggested by rahnch but if that is too difficult to provide, it would help if you supplied more information about exactly where this pool sits as opposed to the home and what size and shape it is including the lay of the land, pool fencing etc... I'm a little concerned about some of the suggestions that even talk of possibly destroying the pool although I have nothing personally against the suggestion providing you are well informed and take into account what will best suit you personally. After reading you dilemma heading again, "Re-design the space AFTER pool" I'm now assuming that the pool may already be gone and you have a huge hole where it once sat?? If that's the case, then it could be as simple as filling the hole in as you suggested yourself. If the pool is still in place and you are considering filling it in, then I would be concerned about your thoughts to effectively destroy it when I personally know just how costly is it to have a pool in the first place with many people who could only dream of having one!! At the end of the day, your property must work for you but I would hope you give it allot of thought before you do anything.

It really depends on the style of pool you are after. No.5 is a great look for a formal pool with full width steps leading in. This can be a stunning look when connected to an alresco or formal outdoor dining area, like this (by Natural Pools): Or even this one: The steps then become multi level seating for all ages. Children can sit on the top step, while adults can sit lower down and rest their elbows back on the higher step. This can be annoying, however, if you want to be swimming laps (short laps in a 9.0m pool) and would prefer to touch to the wall. Another detail to keep in mind is the exposed points on your steps. For a tiled pool, these can be quite sharp and a higher potential for scraped feet or legs. No. 4 has three exposed points, No.1 has one and No.5 does not have any. So if you didn't want the full width steps, I would go for No.1. It has a clean line of a continuous ledge across the pool and then the one step below that for access. All the best with your project!

Thanks Ill, our pool was a difficult shape and position so the best solution for us was the lovely timber which does have a small gap between it and the pebble crete so helps with sand and dirt but leaves will always find their way in especially if you trees nearby. It looks lovely, we use a long handled gadget with a rectangle pad to recoat every six months depending on weather. We have changed to British Paints Aqua Deck which does a better and less expensive job. Also be careful with any use of real timber up to the edge of the pool as it can leech out and stain your pool. cheers

We have purchased limestone pavers (30mm depth) for the coping and surround around our saltwater pool. In readiness for their laying and sealing, our research on line shows that limestone is an excellent paver for around salt water pools. However, a couple of tile cleaner professionals said the pavers will need to be pretreated with a densifier solution to 'Harden up' the limestone and prevent corrosive salt water from eating away at the limestone over time. Then one coat of sealer. Just 2 coats of sealer will not be enough to counteract the salt water, they say. Why is nothing ever simple? Has anyone got any thoughts or experience on how limestone and saltwater interact? Appreciate any advice.