Are you considering buying a pool? The first thing to decide is the type of pool, aboveground or inground. The first one lasts longer, while the second one is easier to maintain. It’s a tough choice! In such a case, you may consider semi-inground pools. It is an intermediate option between aboveground and inground.
In this article, you will learn what semi-inground pools are, their pros and cons, what types exist, how to install them, and what problems can occur during their use.
A semi-inground pool is one partly buried in the ground and partly above it. Usually, only a few inches are above the ground, but most of the pool is under ground level. Its design can be functional. Thus, you can make a minibar or a waterfall on the edges above the ground.
If we compare semi-inground pools with aboveground and inground ones, they have distinguishing features. For example, most of the pool’s parts are below ground level, so they are made from durable materials like concrete or fiberglass. As for transportability, they, unlike aboveground ones, cannot be folded and moved to another place.
In addition, semi-inground pools have several other pros and cons, which we will describe next.
Manufacturers make semi-inground pools using almost the same materials as inground pools. Therefore, you will find three main types: vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass.
Next, we will describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type so that you can compare and choose the most suitable option.
Vinyl pools consist of panels (plastic or metal), a layer of sand or cement, and a vinyl liner. These pools have the following advantages and disadvantages:
A concrete pool is created using shotcrete. It is a dry substance mixed with water to spray and shape the walls and floor of the pool. This type has the following advantages and disadvantages:
A fiberglass pool has a one-piece shell, which is manufactured in specialized factories from reinforced fiberglass. Such a pool has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Semi-inground pools’ price range is highly variable. The cheapest models start at $2,500, while expensive ones can reach $25,000 or more. It is affected by the size and the model’s material. Obviously, the larger the pool, the more expensive it is, and the price of concrete and fiberglass ones will also be higher than that of vinyl.
Depending on the budget, the cost of semi-inground pools fall into the following ranges:
| Low cost | Mid cost | High cost |
| $2,500-7,000 | $11,000-12,000 | up to $25,000 |
Depending on the material, the cost of semi-inground pools are in the following ranges:
| Type | Vinyl | Fiberglass | Concrete |
| Installation Cost | $21 per sq. ft. | $35-66 per sq. ft. | $55-72 per sq. ft. |
| Replacement Cost | $3,000-4,200 | $3,500-10,000 | $2,500 |
Vinyl pools are the cheapest option, as they cost an average of two to three times less than other types. However, from the long-term perspective, you will need to pay two to four times more often and sometimes up to six times more, because the vinyl liner needs to be replaced more often than concrete or fiberglass.
The cost of inground, semi-inground, and aboveground pools differ dramatically. It is primarily affected by the complexity of the installation and the material of the model. For this reason, inground pools are the most expensive, as they require a long installation period, which takes 16 to 18 times longer than the others, as well as 4 to 10 times more expensive materials.
The semi-inground pool installation process is almost the same as the inground one. It is simple, so everyone can carry out this process without installation specialists. It will require the following three steps:
You can install a semi-inground pool yourself, as they come as a kit that contains everything you need:
However, you will need to rent heavy equipment like an excavator to dig the pit if you don’t have your own. In that case, expect an additional $1,000-1,500.
Semi-inground pools have two design issues. If you are aware of this and keep an eye on these aspects, your user experience will not be spoiled! These include:
Semi-inground pools are a middle option between inground and aboveground ones. This type is ideal if you have uneven terrain or want to create a custom environment design.
However, in other cases it can also be a great solution, as it combines the benefits of both inground and aboveground. The main thing to keep in mind is to monitor the walls’ condition and regulate the water temperature (if needed).
You do not have to drain the water from a semi-inground pool during the winter. To winterize, you should follow these steps:
Yes, because the walls of semi-inground pools are made of durable materials that can withstand the pressure of the earth.
Semi-inground pools have an average lifespan of 10-20 years, roughly one and a half times longer than aboveground ones.
You can find semi-inground pools with depths ranging from 36″ to 8’ from shallow to deep end respectively.
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