Semi-Inground vs Above Ground Pools: Which One is Right for You?

September 7, 2025

Once the groundwork is completed and leveled, it’s time to drop the pool in. Fiberglass pools are pre-formed in a factory and shipped in one solid piece. They arrive onsite with a trailer and get lifted with a crane into place just like a modular house. As with any pool, the selected location should be acceptable for a pool installation. There will be public swimming pool construction that will have to be removed from the install site to be dealt with, and there may be some roots or rocks, but that’s about it. This is by far the biggest concern in burying an above ground pool. When an AG pool is in the ground and full of water, then nothing can really happen to it. The water in the pool creates an outward pressure that disallows the surrounding earth to misshape or cave it in. Some pool design trends, for example, that emphasize smaller sizes or a focus on a specific lining color may catch your eye simply because they are visually appealing. However, those design elements can help you save money by lowering your heating costs.

Radiant Thermal Insulated Above Ground, Semi InGround & In Ground Pools

But this type of system also costs more money to purchase and install is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than an above-ground pool. An above ground pool that can be installed above ground, semi-inground and inground. Hybrid Pools Hybrid above ground pools combine the advantages of a steel pool with a resin pool. The materials used, both resin and steel, allow you to benefit from the advantages of both types of pools in one and also provide durability and effectiveness over the years.

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This is 50% greater than other panel wall pools that have an R-10 value. Easy Assembly Ultimate Radiance Pools Can be installed by most homeowners!!! Maintenance Free Ultimate Radiance swimming pools will resist oxidation, will not rust or tarnish, will never warp or crack.

Are You Ready for an In-Ground Swim Spa?

First, you'll need to select and prepare the site where the Ecopool will be installed. This involves clearing the area of debris, ensuring it's level, and confirming there are no underground utilities where you plan to excavate. Using stakes and string, outline the area based on the dimensions of the pool, adding an additional 12 inches on each side for the foundation. It’s a bit like marking the boundaries for a new kingdom, except much more practical. When creating your above-ground backyard pool plans, feel free to dream big.

Your Choices Are Limited

Cost Comparison: Upfront and Long-Term

However, depending on the company and design, the production time for shipping container pools varies from a few weeks to a few months. Semi-inground pools can be installed at varying depths—completely above the ground, partially recessed, or even fully inground. This makes them adaptable to a wide variety of backyard designs and elevations, including properties with hills or slopes. Most Endless Pools can be installed in-ground, partially in-ground, or above-ground. If your pool planning goals include simplicity and cost-efficiency, then an above-ground backyard pool should be high on your list of pool installation types. For handy homeowners planning a DIY pool installation, the open space of your backyard helps to make it easier.

Get Started On Your Ecopool

This container pool is a haven for both avid swimmers and families, providing expansive space for play, exercise, and ultimate relaxation.
Once the pool plaster is in, the pool can be filled with water and the chemical balances are established.
The partially in-ground installation preserves sightlines for an airier, friendlier vibe.
A contractor or subcontractor can perform an site inspection and assess your specific needs.

This is a swimming pool that is fully installed below ground level, seamlessly integrating into your backyard landscape. For the first time ever, modular pools are no longer constrained by pre-set sizes or transportation size limits. Our revolutionary modular system transforms to match your exact vision, whether you're imagining an intimate backyard retreat or a grand aquatic resort. Both semi-inground and above-ground pools bring fun, relaxation, and value to your backyard. The best choice depends on what works for your space, budget, and long-term plans. Both semi-inground and above-ground pools give you a backyard oasis, but their designs and installations set them apart.

How are Swim Spas different from Modular Endless Pools?

With FastTrack, we’ve transformed the pool experience from disruptive to effortless. Your pool arrives pre-built, precision-crafted, and ready to fill—no delays, no downtime. On-ground loading and connections in as little as 30 minutes. Our EP Series, EP-Plus Series, and EP-Pro Series Pools are of course modular pools, as Endless Pools has been making great strides in modular pool production since 1988.

The homeowner wants to have the level of the pool deck coming off a higher level of their house.

This swimming pool is noncorrosive and virtually maintenance-free. A truly modular pool design is like having a set of LEGOs at your disposal but for constructing your dream pool. This innovative approach allows you to connect multiple container pools, creating any shape and size to precisely fit your needs and space. The most common sizes for shipping container pools are 8′ wide by 20′ to 40′ long, which are the dimensions of most shipping containers. Depending on the manufacturer, some semi inground pools can be saltwater. Due to the steel used in some, like the Stealth Pool, you cannot use salt water. Salt chlorine generators installed in Stealth Pools will void any manufacturers warranty due to its highly corrosive nature. You'll find that a semi-ground swimming pool is significantly deeper than a regular above-ground pool, but doesn't cost nearly as much as a traditional in-ground pool. Still, a fully in-ground pool can make a gorgeous centerpiece for any backyard. And with Endless Pools, you get amazing function to go with your picture-perfect form. Endless Pools' Fastlane product series contains several items ready to install in new or existing swimming pools. With the ability to be installed inground, above-ground, or partially above-ground, the possibilities are endless. Design your pool with a window, ledge, stairs, benches, and more.

Their yard had an extreme slope to it, so on one side of the pool, it was in the ground only 21”. On the backside though, it was completely in the ground(54”). They wanted their pump and filter on the backside of the pool, so I had to notch out the earth and place them below the ground level.