How much does a semi-inground pool cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a semi-inground pool cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a semi-inground pool cost?

$7,000 – $25,000 average installed cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$7,000 – $25,000 average installed cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

Average semi-inground pool cost

A semi-inground pool costs $7,000 to $25,000 installed on average. The cost of semi-inground pool materials is $2,000 to $15,000, while the labor cost for semi-inground pool installation is $2,000 to $10,000. Semi-inground pools are ideal for sloped yards but not as customizable or long-lasting as fully inground pools.

Average cost of a semi-inground pool - Chart
Average cost of a semi-inground pool - Chart
Average cost of a semi-inground pool
National Average Cost $16,000
Minimum Cost $4,800
Maximum Cost $46,000
Average Range $7,000 to $25,000

  • Semi-inground pools typically refer to partially buried above-ground pools.

  • Some contractors raise an inground pool and surround it with a retaining wall, but that option costs more than average.

Get free estimates from semi-inground pool installers near you.

Semi-inground pool cost by size

The cost of a semi-inground pool installation depends mostly on its size:

Semi-inground pool cost by size
Pool size Average cost (materials only)
12' round $800 – $1,100
15' round $900 – $1,800
18' round $1,100 – $2,600
24' round $1,700 – $3,200
12'x24' oval $1,500 – $2,000
12'x24' rectangle $1,500 – $4,500
18'x33' oval $2,600 – $3,000

A semi-inground pool in a home's backyard
A semi-inground pool in a home's backyard

Semi-inground pool cost by material

Steel is the strongest and most affordable material for semi-inground pools, while fiberglass and concrete are the most expensive. Inflatable or flexible above ground pools may cost less, but these pools are not strong or sturdy enough for semi-inground designs.

Semi-inground pool cost by material
Material Average cost (materials only) Details
Above ground
Steel $800 – $3,000 Durable but prone to rust
Resin $900 – $3,500 Doesn’t rust but can fade or crack
Aluminum $1,000 – $4,500 Lighter than steel but expensive
Inground
Vinyl $6,300 – $8,400 Liner needs to be replaced regularly
Fiberglass $10,500 – $26,400 Low maintenance and long-lasting
Concrete $16,500 – $28,800 Most expensive option

Semi-inground pool cost calculator

The cost to build a semi-inground pool depends on the materials, labor rates, shape, and other factors:

Semi-inground pool cost factors
Factor Average cost
Materials $2,000 – $15,000*
Labor $5,000 – $10,000
Total cost $7,000 – $25,000

*Including the pool and any retaining wall materials

Factors that affect the cost of installing a semi-inground pool include:

  • Shape – Small, round semi-inground pools tend to cost less than oval and rectangular pools.

  • Location – The construction team will be using large equipment. Costs increase if the path is too narrow, the slope is too extreme, or if there are obstacles in the way.

  • Time of year – Installing a pool during the fall or winter may cost less than during the pool industry's busy season.

  • Liner – A vinyl pool liner costs $3,000 to $7,500 for a replacement. Pools with liners typically need a replacement every 6 to 10 years.

  • Water –The cost to fill a pool with water is $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons when you use a garden hose or $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons for a water delivery service.

  • Maintenance – Professional pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 monthly. Smaller swimming pools require fewer chemicals, which reduces the overall maintenance cost. The support wall around semi-inground pools may also need maintenance or repairs over time.

  • Permit – Pool permits cost $100 to $300 on average. Contractors typically include the permit costs in their labor fees.

A concrete semi-inground pool surrounded by a patio with furniture
A concrete semi-inground pool surrounded by a patio with furniture

Labor

The labor to install a semi-inground pool costs $5,000 to $10,000 on average. Dropping an above-ground pool into the ground a few feet takes less work than constructing an inground pool and adding a retaining wall.

The installation may also require excavation, along with a plumber to run a water line and an electrician to run power to the pool pump.

Additional costs

Consider which features or add-ons you may want before hiring a contractor:

Get free estimates from semi-inground pool installers near you.
Additional semi-inground pool features and costs
Feature Average total cost
Pool lighting $500 – $1,700
Pool heater cost $1,300 – $2,400
Pool cover cost $35 – $750
Deck cost $25 – $50 per square foot
Pool safety fence cost $12 – $16 per square foot

Semi-inground pools vs. other pool types

Semi-inground pools are relatively low maintenance and better for sloped yards. They are more durable than above-ground pools but not as customizable or long-lasting as inground pools.

Pool cost by type
Pool type Average installed cost
Above ground pool cost $1,600 – $7,500
Inground pool cost $25,600 – $100,000+
Infinity pool cost $60,000 – $150,000+
Spool pool cost $20,000 – $40,000
Lap pool cost $40,000 – $80,000
Plunge pool cost $15,000 – $40,000
Shipping container pool cost $35,000 – $65,000
Swim spa cost $20,000 – $40,000
Cocktail pool cost $15,000 – $35,000
Endless Pool cost $26,000 – $75,000+
Indoor pool cost $110,000 – $220,000+

Semi-inground pool FAQs

What is a semi-inground pool?

A semi-inground pool is made by either partially burying an above-ground pool or partially raising an inground pool. They are popular in homes with sloped yards and take less time and money to install than fully inground pools.

How deep are semi-inground pools buried?

Installers typically bury semi-inground pools about 2 to 3 feet in the ground for a total depth of 3 to 8 feet on average. Some semi-inground pools have a shallow and deep end, while others have a single depth across the bottom.

Are semi-inground pools worth it?

Semi-inground pools are worth it if you want the appearance of an inground pool but the affordability of an above ground pool. Semi-inground pools typically cost less for excavation and installation, and you'll spend less to fill in the space if you choose to remove it later.

How long does it take to install a semi-inground pool?

Installing a semi-inground pool takes 2 days to 5 weeks to excavate, place the pool, and add a wall or enhancements. The project will take longer if you're building a deck or fence around the pool at the same time.

Get free estimates from semi-inground pool installers near you.

How long do semi-inground pools last?

Semi-inground pools last 7 to 15 years for quality above-ground pool materials with durable walls. If you use inground pool materials, they could last up to 75 years.

Getting estimates from semi-inground pool installers

Follow these guidelines when searching for semi-inground pool installers near you:

  • Compare at least 3+ estimates from experienced companies.

  • Search for members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).

  • Examine their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Beware of the lowest prices, which may indicate low-quality work.

  • Get a contract and warranty before any work begins.

  • Don't pay in full until the project is done.

Questions to ask semi-inground pool contractors

Ask these questions to help you choose a quality contractor:

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • What experience do you have building semi-inground pools?

  • Can I see a portfolio of recent pools you've built?

  • How long will the pool installation take?

  • Can I prepare my yard somehow before you start?

  • How much will it cost to maintain a semi-inground pool?

  • Do you offer a maintenance plan after the installation?

  • Do you offer any financing options?

  • What does the warranty cover?