I bought a modest home 10 years back with a 21 foot diameter above
ground pool in the back yard (south side of home) in zone 4 weather
wise in the midwest (typical winter cold is 20 degrees F, rarely below
zero, occasionally near zero). Last year I went all summer without
opening the pool as our deck is in need of replacing and it never made
it to the top of the priority list.

My wife says we should take out the 20 year old pool and replace it
with a paver patio and some landscaping. I want to do this right as
the deck and patio need to last for many years as I doubt we will move
anytime soon. I am still young enough to do some work myself but I
don't want to be re-doing this in 5, 10 or even 20 years if it can be
avoided. Accordingly I am willing to splurge for the artificial
decking if it is truly a one-time expense for a guy aged 45.

Please point me to resources, locations or people so that I fully think
this project through. Any and all advice welcome regarding the deck,
landscaping, patio or just humor.

TIA,
One_Patriotic_Guy