What’s the Difference Between an Inground Pool and a Semi-inground Pool?

Introduction: Making a Splash with the Right Pool Choice

Ever wondered if an inground pool or a semi-inground pool is the better fit for your backyard—and your lifestyle? You’re not alone. According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, over 10.4 million residential pools are installed across the United States, and more homeowners are choosing semi-inground options each year for their versatility and affordability.

Here’s the truth: choosing the wrong type of pool can cost you more than money—it can impact your home’s value, your family’s enjoyment, and your long-term maintenance budget. Think of your pool as the foundation for summer memories—whether it’s fully sunken or partially raised, the structure you choose matters.

Many people assume a semi-inground pool is just a dressed-up above-ground pool. But in reality, it offers far more style, strength, and adaptability than you might expect.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between an inground pool and a semi-inground pool, helping you make an informed and confident decision. Whether you’re considering a traditional inground pool or exploring the flexibility of a semi-inground build, understanding the nuances can help you create the ultimate backyard retreat.

What Is an Inground Pool?

Definition and Overview

An inground pool is a swimming pool that is fully installed below ground level, creating a smooth, flush transition between your pool and surrounding surfaces. These pools are typically constructed using:

Fiberglass
Concrete (gunite or shotcrete)
Vinyl liner

Known for their durability and upscale aesthetic, inground pools are often considered a premium backyard investment. They offer a timeless look and can be customized to fit virtually any design vision.

Benefits of Inground Pools

Increases Property Value: A well-designed inground pool can significantly enhance home resale value.
Seamless Aesthetic: The flush installation creates a clean, resort-like appearance.
Design Versatility: From freeform pools to geometric lap pools, customization options are nearly endless.
Landscaping Integration: Inground pools blend beautifully with patios, gardens, and other hardscaping elements.

Explore our range of fiberglass pool designs to see how these pools can elevate your outdoor space.

What Is a Semi-inground Pool?

Definition and Construction

A semi-inground pool is partially installed into the ground, typically extending 12 to 24 inches above grade. This hybrid design bridges the gap between above-ground and fully inground pools. Like their inground counterparts, semi-inground pools can be made from fiberglass, giving them strength and style.

Unique Features

Adaptable to Uneven Terrain: Ideal for sloped or rocky yards where full excavation may be difficult or expensive.
Faster Installation: Less digging means quicker project turnaround.
Cost-Effective: Offers the look and feel of an inground pool at a more accessible price point.
Custom Finishes: Add decking, retaining walls, or landscaping to achieve a high-end appearance.

Cost Comparison: Investment vs. Value

Initial Installation Costs

Inground Pools: Generally cost more due to extensive excavation, additional labor, and premium materials.
Semi-inground Pools: More budget-friendly, especially in challenging terrain, as they require less digging and site preparation.

Long-Term Expenses

Inground Pools: May have higher maintenance and repair costs over time, especially for concrete finishes.
Semi-inground Pools: Depending on the materials used, may require liner or structural replacements more frequently.

Aesthetic Appeal: Seamless vs. Stylish

Visual Integration

Inground Pools: Offer a clean, seamless look that blends into the landscape like it’s always been part of the yard.
Semi-inground Pools: Stand out with intentional design elements like raised decks, stone walls, or unique coping finishes.

Customization Opportunities

Inground Pools: Provide more freedom to incorporate landscaping, water features, and lighting.
Semi-inground Pools: Can still be highly personalized with creative decking, fencing, and integrated seating.

Maintenance Considerations

Cleaning and Upkeep

Inground Pools: Require more complex filtration systems and may need professional servicing.
Semi-inground Pools: Easier to access for routine maintenance like skimming, vacuuming, or equipment checks.

Durability and Longevity

Inground Pools: Especially fiberglass models, can last for decades with proper care.
Semi-inground Pools: May be more exposed to the elements and may require more frequent inspections and maintenance.

Installation Time and Complexity

Timeline Expectations

Inground Pools: Can take several weeks to months depending on design complexity, permitting, and weather.
Semi-inground Pools: Typically installed in a few days to a couple of weeks—ideal for homeowners eager to enjoy their pool sooner.

Site Requirements

Inground Pools: Require full excavation, soil testing, and often more extensive permitting.
Semi-inground Pools: More adaptable to uneven or rocky terrain, reducing the need for heavy excavation.

Design Flexibility: Shapes, Sizes, and Layouts

Inground Pool Design Options

Shape & Size: Freeform, geometric, lap pools—whatever your vision, inground pools can make it a reality.
Add-ons: Integrated spas, tanning ledges, waterfalls, and more are all possible.
Space-Saving Options: Even small inground pools can pack a stylish and functional punch in compact backyards.

Semi-inground Pool Adaptability

Perfect for Narrow Lots: Their partial installation makes them great for tight or oddly shaped spaces.
Tiered Yard Solutions: Ideal for properties with elevation changes or multi-level landscaping.

Temperature Regulation and Energy Efficiency

Heating Considerations

Inground Pools: Retain heat more efficiently thanks to full ground insulation, reducing heating costs.
Semi-inground Pools: May lose heat faster due to partial exposure but can benefit from solar covers or heat pumps.

Cooling in Warmer Climates

Inground Pools: Stay cooler in extreme heat since they’re fully surrounded by earth.
Both Pool Types: Benefit from shade structures, pergolas, and pool covers to manage water temperature.

Structural Considerations: Stability and Durability

Material Performance Over Time

Fiberglass Inground Pools: Highly resistant to algae, cracking, and fading.
Semi-inground Pools: Can be reinforced with concrete or partial inground pool retaining walls to improve structural integrity.

Weather and Soil Conditions

Inground Pools: Perform best in stable soil and moderate climates.
Semi-inground Pools: Work well in rocky, sloped, or shifting terrain, offering more flexibility in challenging environments.

Family and Safety Considerations

Child and Pet Safety

Inground Pools: Can be secured with automatic safety covers, perimeter fencing, and motion alarms.
Semi-inground Pools: Naturally more difficult for young children or pets to access due to their raised structure.

Accessibility

Inground Pools: Typically accessed via built-in steps or ladders.
Semi-inground Pools: Easily paired with wraparound decks or platforms for accessible and stylish entry points.

Choosing the Right Pool for Your Lifestyle

Key Decision Factors

Before making your choice, consider the following:

Budget: How much are you willing to invest upfront and long-term?
Yard Conditions: Is your yard flat, sloped, or rocky?
Aesthetic Goals: Do you prefer a sleek, low-profile look or a more elevated design?
Family Needs: Who will be using the pool, and how often?

When to Choose an Inground Pool

You’re looking for a long-term investment with strong resale value.
You want a luxury, resort-style pool that integrates seamlessly with your landscaping.
You have a flat yard and the time for a longer installation process.

When a Semi-inground Pool Makes Sense

You’re working with a sloped or uneven yard.
You want a quicker, more affordable installation without sacrificing style.
You’re open to customizing with decking or partial exposure features.

Conclusion: Dive into the Right Choice

Whether you choose an inground pool or a semi-inground pool, both options offer unique benefits tailored to different needs and lifestyles.

Your dream backyard starts with understanding your space, your goals, and how you want to use your pool. Think about the long-term—how you want to feel when you step outside, how your family will grow with the space, and how your investment will serve you over time.

Consulting with a professional pool designer can help you bring that vision to life—safely, beautifully, and within budget. Because your backyard deserves more than a pool—it deserves a destination.

Choosing between an inground pool and a semi-inground pool isn’t just a construction decision—it’s a lifestyle choice. With the right information and expert guidance, you can transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary that reflects your taste, suits your property, and brings joy for years to come. Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a personalized pool consultation tailored to your vision and property.