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

September 6, 2025

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.

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

Inground pools require extensive excavation and precise planning. From soil testing to permits, the process is detailed and time-intensive. The concept for an inground swim spa is like a dream to most people, having an entire swim spa system in your backyard seems like so much fun! But there a few things to consider before planning your ultimate backyard makeover. If you want a luxurious, long-lasting pool, an inground option is the best choice, but if you need a budget-friendly, stylish option, a semi-inground pool is a great alternative.

Reasons to Build a Swimming Pool in the Fall (Charlotte, NC)

They will be the best guide for you in terms of creating the design and helping you understand the true cost of adding necessary wall modifications.
From smooth curves to sleek edges, they’re designed to elevate the look and feel of your entire outdoor space.
Modular pools however have overcome this because they are completely self-supportive.
Dig trenches from your power supply to the pool area for electrical conduits.

Factors that influence Endless Pool cost

There are patches to fix liners or other hard surface pool types. Fiberglass is also an excellent choice if you need to reinforce an irregularly shaped object or pool that would be hard to form with a more traditional material. Fiberglass also doesn’t wear as easily as a standard pool coating. Round pools start at 12 feet in diameter, with 24-foot-diameter pools, which can fit four to five people, being the most popular choice, Carnes says. This versatile pool can be installed in a variety of ways, such as a traditional above ground pool, in-ground pool, semi-in-ground pool, or even into a slope or hill. With its round, oval, and free-form models, the Optimum Pool offers a solution for every backyard. Your above-ground backyard pool will need a level concrete pad. All Endless Pools models (except our SP105) are versatile for all three pool installation types. When doing your backyard pool planning, keep in mind that our Original Series pools can be super-insulated, conserving heat and helping to contain your energy costs. Insulation comes standard with our Endless Pools swim spas; their cabinets all feature our three-layer Tri-Thermic® Barrier System of insulation. There you have it – the top shipping container swimming pools of the year. Whether you want a lap pool, plunge pool, or something else, explore all the shipping-container pools Ecopool has to offer. Semi inground pools may not have the mass appeal that inground swimming pools do, or the DIY-friendliness of an above ground pool.

Construction Process

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.

Designed with a striking blue and brown aesthetic, the wood used is actually composite.
This can be one of the more tricky ways of installing a fiberglass pool.
Most above-ground pools aren’t designed to withstand being buried more than a few inches, with a rare few allowing up to halfway.
Designed to mimic the nuanced beauty of natural elements, this architectural membrane elevates your pool into a luxurious retreat.
And there will be some grass damage from the wheels or tracks of the machine, especially if they are hauling dirt away.

How long does installing a container pool take?

In the United States, our modular pools are sold primarily direct from our factory near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our team of expert product specialists are available to assist you. Yes, a modular pool can be installed completely above ground. That means they were newly manufactured and then used to ship cargo overseas. The benefit of using these new containers is that they are still in excellent condition after their first trip before being repurposed into an Ecopool. In the United States, there are thousands of counties, cities, townships, and territories.

BUILT TO LAST

If you buy two identical above-ground pools and partially submerge one, the submerged one will not last as long (also potentially voiding the manufacturer’s warranty as well). Besides their differences in wall construction, the two types are very similar in a care and maintenance point of view. Test chemicals once a week, backwash the filter and maintain the same minimum run time to keep the pool blue. Both types of pools can use the same pumps, filter types, skimmers, lines, and most other mechanicals.

Any Length. Any Width. Any Depth.

If you are want to have a pool somewhat in the ground and are on a budget, go with an above ground pool partially in the ground. Safety is paramount, so ensure all electrical installations comply with local codes. Dig trenches from your power supply to the pool area for electrical conduits. Install a GFCI breaker suitable for the pool's pump and lighting system. To explore locations and installation options for your Endless Pools Original Series pool, take our online Home Tour. Imagine taking in competition pools with movable bulkhead after you emerge from a swim!

COVID and Swimming Pools: Building Your Perfect Pool in a Pandemic

With a variety of options from baja ledges, benches, stairs, and more, you can design your own in our 3D configurator. Our pool interiors set us apart from others, featuring smooth, flat surfaces instead of the typical corrugated metal. Unlike competitors who simply spray the inside of the pool, our pools are enhanced with 8-layers and a polymer membrane lining. With our inside information and guide, you can take the lead and coordinate your own pool installation. You can install it yourself and save thousands by becoming your own general contractor. In this guide, we will walk through all the steps on what you need to do. You’ll become the maestro of conducting your own pool installation. Radiant Pools are made from aerospace-grade aluminum and steel, ensuring long-lasting strength and resistance to rust or corrosion. Installing an inground swim spa is not only possible but also a fantastic way to elevate your backyard into a luxurious retreat. From confirming the feasibility of a swim spa in the ground to navigating the detailed installation process, this guide has covered the essential steps, costs, benefits, and challenges. Whether you opt for a fully inground or semi-inground setup, careful planning and professional expertise are key to creating a functional and beautiful addition to your home. An inground swim spa is a compact, versatile water feature that combines the functionality of a pool and a hot tub, designed to be fully or partially buried in the ground. Decking, pavers, rock wall, lights, are not part of the pool kit but are examples of what can be done to your backyard to make this pool look spectacular. Insulated aluminum rectangular, for those who want only the best! A constant energy savings that saves you money from the first day of operation. This distinct design enhances and seamlessly blends into your property. It’s the ideal pool for those who love hosting and want their pool to be the centerpiece of their gatherings. In fact, choosing between the two is a bit like deciding between a custom-built home and a stylish modular house—each offers its own blend of beauty, function, and value. Semi-inground pools offer a unique, elevated look that can be integrated into deck designs for a stylish finish. Compared to a fully inground pool, a partially in-ground pool installation requires less excavation; that means less cost and less time.