20 Semi-Inground Pool Ideas For All Types Of Budgets And Yard Sizes
Semi-inground pools offer the perfect middle ground between above-ground and fully inground swimming pools.
They’re partially buried in the ground, giving you flexibility in design while potentially saving on installation costs.
Whether you have a small backyard or a sprawling estate, there’s a semi-inground pool option that can transform your outdoor space into a personal oasis.
1. Deck-Surrounded Oval Pool
Imagine lounging on warm wooden planks that hug your oval-shaped swimming haven! A deck-surrounded design elevates the entire pool experience by creating a cohesive outdoor living space.
This approach works wonderfully for sloped yards where one side of the pool sits higher than the other. The deck cleverly disguises any height variations while providing ample space for furniture and sunbathing.
2. Natural Stone Border Pool
Who says pool edges have to be boring? Using natural stone as a border creates a rustic, organic look that blends beautifully with surrounding landscapes.
Flagstone, limestone, or locally-sourced rock can be stacked to form walls around exposed sections of your pool. The varying textures and colors of natural stone add visual interest and a touch of mountain resort luxury to even modest-sized yards.
3. Concrete Patio Pool Combo
Concrete offers nearly unlimited design flexibility at a fraction of the cost of some fancier materials. A stamped concrete patio surrounding your semi-inground pool creates a cohesive, low-maintenance entertainment area.
Colors can be mixed into the concrete before pouring or applied after, allowing you to match your home’s exterior or create an entirely new look. This durable option withstands poolside splashing and heavy furniture without damage.
4. Sloped Yard Infinity Edge
Got a hillside property? Turn that challenge into your pool’s most striking feature! Semi-inground pools on slopes can incorporate a vanishing edge that creates the illusion of water extending to the horizon.
While traditionally associated with luxury resorts, simplified versions can be created for residential properties with the right terrain. The water flows over one edge into a catch basin, then gets pumped back into the main pool, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
5. Cocktail Pool for Small Spaces
Limited space shouldn’t limit your pool dreams! Cocktail pools (sometimes called plunge pools) typically measure 10-15 feet in length and can fit in even postage-stamp yards.
These compact gems can be semi-inground with beautiful tile work and seating ledges around the interior. Add powerful jets and you’ve got a hybrid pool/spa that’s perfect for cooling off, entertaining, or relaxing after a long day.
6. Budget-Friendly Resin Pool
Wallet feeling a bit light? Resin pools offer semi-inground installation options at a fraction of concrete pool prices.
Once partially buried, add an affordable wood or composite surround to hide the exposed portions. The result looks surprisingly upscale despite the modest investment, making this an excellent option for first-time pool owners.
7. Radiant Heating Extended Season Pool
Chilly climate got you down? Extend your swimming season dramatically with built-in radiant heating systems installed during your semi-inground pool construction. Unlike traditional pool heaters that warm the water, radiant systems heat the deck and coping areas around the pool.
This creates a comfortable barefoot zone even on cooler days and reduces evaporative heat loss from the water surface, keeping your pool swimmable well into fall.
8. Timber-Frame Exposed Wall Pool
Rustic charm meets modern swimming with timber-frame construction for the exposed walls of your semi-inground pool. Think mountain lodge aesthetics brought to your backyard!
Pressure-treated lumber or cedar creates a striking visual contrast against sparkling water. The wood can be stained to match your home or left natural to weather gracefully over time, developing a distinctive silver-gray patina that only improves with age.
9. Contemporary Concrete and Glass Pool
Minimalist design enthusiasts, rejoice! A semi-inground pool with one transparent acrylic or glass wall creates a stunning architectural feature that doubles as pool art. The visible wall can be illuminated with color-changing LED lights for nighttime drama.
The contemporary style works beautifully when the exposed side faces a patio or outdoor living area, allowing guests to appreciate the underwater view while staying perfectly dry.
10. Steel-Walled Economical Pool
Pinching pennies? Steel-walled pools offer remarkable durability at budget-friendly prices when installed in a semi-inground configuration. Modern steel pool walls feature advanced polymer coatings that resist rust and corrosion for decades.
The exposed portion can be disguised with stone veneer, wood panels, or even hardy climbing plants for a green wall effect, transforming this economical choice into something that looks far more expensive.
11. L-Shaped Corner Pool
Corner lots or awkward yard layouts? An L-shaped semi-inground pool maximizes available space while creating distinct zones for different activities. One section might be shallow for kids or lounging, while the other provides depth for swimming. Add corner steps where the two sections meet for easy entry and exit.
12. Vinyl-Lined Customizable Pool
Craving personalization without premium prices? Vinyl-lined semi-inground pools offer remarkable design flexibility at mid-range cost points. Choose from dozens of liner patterns that mimic expensive materials like tile or natural stone.
Modern vinyl liners are surprisingly durable, with warranties extending up to 25 years. The structure can be partially buried, with only a small portion above ground that’s easily concealed with landscaping or decking.
13. Salt Water System Pool
Sensitive skin? Salt water systems provide a gentler swimming experience than traditional chlorine pools and work perfectly with semi-inground installations. The system converts ordinary salt into chlorine through electrolysis, maintaining water clarity without the harsh chemicals.
Your eyes won’t burn, your skin won’t dry out, and the water feels silky smooth. Plus, you’ll spend less time measuring and adding chemicals throughout the season.
14. Grecian-Style Classic Pool
Timeless elegance never goes out of style! The Grecian shape—essentially a rectangle with cut corners—adds architectural interest to semi-inground installations without complicating construction. This classic design works beautifully when surrounded by concrete coping and traditional tile. The cut corners create natural spaces for entry steps or seating areas. For a truly Mediterranean feel, surround your Grecian pool with terracotta pots filled with olive trees or lavender.
15. Raised Garden Border Pool
Green thumbs, take note! The exposed walls of a semi-inground pool create the perfect opportunity for raised garden beds that soften the pool’s edges with vibrant plantings. Select drought-tolerant perennials that won’t drop leaves into the water.
Ornamental grasses, succulents, and flowering plants like coneflowers or black-eyed Susans create a living border that changes with the seasons, bringing butterflies and hummingbirds to your pool area.
16. Tiki-Themed Tropical Pool
Vacation vibes all summer long! Semi-inground pools with exposed walls provide the perfect backdrop for a tropical tiki theme that transforms your backyard into an island getaway.
Add bamboo fencing to disguise exposed pool walls, string lights overhead, and surround with tropical plants like cannas or banana trees in large containers. Complete the look with a thatched umbrella or two and serve those fruity drinks with little paper umbrellas!
17. Fiberglass Shell Quick-Install Pool
No patience for lengthy construction projects? Pre-formed fiberglass shells can be installed semi-inground in as little as 3-5 days, compared to weeks or months for other pool types.
The smooth, non-porous surface resists algae growth and requires minimal maintenance. Many models feature built-in steps, benches, and even tanning ledges for added functionality without custom construction.
18. Split-Level Deck and Pool Combination
Playing with elevations creates visual interest! A split-level design incorporates your semi-inground pool at one height with an adjacent deck at another, connected by wide steps or a gradual transition.
The upper deck might feature dining furniture and a grill, while the lower level surrounds the pool for lounging. The different zones create natural gathering spaces for various activities.
19. Child-Friendly Beach Entry Pool
Families with little ones adore beach entries! This gentle slope mimics a natural shoreline, allowing gradual entry into the water without steps or ladders. While typically associated with inground pools, this feature can be adapted for semi-inground installations with careful planning.
The entry can be finished with slip-resistant material that transitions from the deck into the water. Parents appreciate being able to sit in shallow water while supervising young swimmers.
20. Privacy-Screened Intimate Pool
Nosy neighbors? The vertical space created by semi-inground pool walls provides an excellent structure for privacy screens that transform your pool into a secluded retreat.
Options range from natural bamboo or reed screens to modern slatted wood panels or even outdoor-rated fabric curtains that can be drawn when desired. Add climbing plants like jasmine or clematis for fragrance and additional screening that improves with each growing season.