---
title: Minnesota Pool Overhaul with a Repurposed Railroad Car
description: "Explore this beautiful in-ground pool project with a unique feature: a railroad car repurposed as a play spot for kids."
image: https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/pool%20with%20converted%20caboose.jpg
---
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# Minnesota Pool Overhaul with a Repurposed Railroad Car
## The Client
The Kanning family desperately needed to update their pool since it was cracked and in disrepair, so they searched online for a solution. After interviewing multiple companies and getting quotes, they came across Outdoor Innovations Landscaping and became enamored with their expert knowledge and beautiful backyard designs. However, they had a unique goal in mind for their pool overhaul project—repurposing the railroad car on their property to serve as a focal point and conversation starter.
Location: Shakopee, Minnesota
Project Type: Residential
Timeline: 2 months
Explore the project gallery below, and then continue reading to discover the *why* and *how* behind this project!
### Project Gallery
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/aerial%20shot%20of%20pool.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/pool%20with%20converted%20caboose.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/umbrella.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/chairs.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/retaining%20wall.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/paver%20and%20pool.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/pool%20with%20diving%20board.jpg)
[](https://outdoorinnovations.com/hubfs/Case%20Studies/Kanning%20Case%20Study/outdoor%20bar.jpg)
## The Challenge
With the home being in a relatively flat and easy-to-access area in Shakopee, Minnesota, the biggest challenge proved to be the existing caboose on the property. Since the old pool was in bad shape, it was an arduous task to remove the old landscaping and redo everything for the new space—all while ensuring the caboose and surrounding property weren’t damaged.
## The Solution
Since the outdated pool and surrounding space were in major disrepair, the team immediately knew that it would cost more in the long run to repair the pool and surrounding areas only for it to break down again in a year or two. The Outdoor Innovations team wanted to do it right, so they proposed a complete redo of the space.
While it was a greater investment for the Kanning family, they chose quality and happiness over the short-term solution and cheaper bid. They decided that it would be more worthwhile to use an expert team and quality materials so their space was built correctly and had years of life left in it.
## The Results
In just two months, the Kanning family got to enjoy the final results of their new backyard space. They were beyond satisfied with the outcome of their project.
The backyard space was refreshed with a brand-new pool, new walls, and a paver pool deck. The railroad car was refreshed and repurposed as a play spot for the kids and offered a unique feature in the backyard. Using special equipment and the OIL team’s expertise, they were able to remove the old landscaping pieces without knocking the caboose into the pool. A new pavilion was built with surrounding fire tables
With their brand new, secluded pool area and backyard space, the Kanning family was able to enjoy their amenities with their grandchildren in a nice, private setting—and have confidence that their space was going to last for years to come.
## Related Articles
[ Making a Splash with a Luxury Design and Multilevel Space 02/14/2025](https://outdoorinnovations.com/blog/making-a-splash-with-a-luxury-design-and-multilevel-space)
[ Bringing Sports and the Outdoors to a Minnesota Backyard 02/14/2025](https://outdoorinnovations.com/blog/bringing-sports-and-the-outdoors-to-a-minnesota-backyard)
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