If you’re considering adding a swimming pool to your backyard, you’ve probably come across semi-inground pools.
There is a lot of information out there about above-ground and inground pools, but the support for semi-inground pools is not as prevalent.
As their name indicates, a semi-inground pool is a combination of both.
This article is meant to clarify some of the questions surrounding semi-inground pools before you make your decision.
Why do people get semi-inground pools?
Often, people get this type of pool because of the existing design of their backyard.
In the old days, if you didn’t have a big flat space, you couldn’t have a pool. Today though, pools can be made to fit all types of slopes and even rocky out-croppings!
When I say big flat areas, I also mean that sometimes underground powerlines, pipes, and cables, or terrain may mean that an inground pool isn’t an option.
Now, a semi-inground pool might be!
If you were to put a semi-inground pool where you want one, you would still be able to excavate cautiously around it to avoid harming anything under the ground that may be there.
Usually, the semi-inground pool requires half to wear less than half a pool’s worth of excavating.
Remember – choosing to install a semi-inground pool is also a decision based on aesthetics. Even if they did not have to have a semi-inground pool, some people just enjoy their look!
Inground pools Vs semi-inground pools
When you’re looking at putting in a pool, it’s nice to know what you’re buying and what your options are.
Semi-inground pools can be installed completely inground, completely above ground, or partially inground.
From a structural standpoint, a semi-inground pool can be as strong as an inground pool.
As mentioned earlier, they can even be fully enground which can cost less than a traditional inground pool install.
And to top it off, a semi-inground pool will be installed in days, not weeks.
So, if you want a pool sooner and cheaper than a fully inground pool, a semi-inground pool may be the best option.
Above-ground pools Vs semi-inground pools
It is possible to install an above ground pool in to the ground (half-in like a semi-inground pool).
But there is still a difference with using an above ground pool for this purpose.
An above ground pool is meant to be a temporary structure that can be relocated if need be.
There is no reason an above ground pool can’t be installed in the ground as a semi-inground pool, but it is not promoted to do so and not going to last as long as a semi-inground pool.
Installing a semi-inground pool
The biggest difference with a semi-inground pool relative to other pools is simply how deep in the ground the pool sits.
Dimensionally semi-inground pools have the same dimensions of an inground pool and run from about twelve x twenty-four feet and twenty x forty feet.
Because semi-inground pools have flexibility in how they are installed, homeowners should be able to meet their local height codes and swimming pool requirements.
Semi-inground pools are simple to install, being made of interlocking extruded aluminum frames and walls.
They are corrosion proof and have double the strength of steel beams, just like an inground pool.
Semi-inground pools have many choices of exterior finishes available to help with aesthetics. These include aluminum, wood, and vinyl.
6 common semi-inground pool problems
So now that we’ve looked at semi-inground pools in detail, now it’s probably worth a look at the issue that we said we’d cover in this article: the common issues semi-inground pools can face.
It’s worth considering these before you decide to install one in your back yard.
Semi-inground pool problems #1: Water temperature
The one downside to having a semi-inground pool is that you might have to work harder at keeping the water cooler than you otherwise would likely need to with a fully inground pool.
The reason for this is because of the large amount of wall (at least part of it) being above ground level.
This situation creates potential for the pool water to become warmer.
Heads Up! To make it easier, you might even have to cool the water digitally with a pool chiller, which will just add to the costs.
Semi-inground pool problems #2: Maintenance
A semi-inground pool requires more upkeep compared to other pool types just to keep it in good shape.
Specifically, if the walls are not in good shape, they will require a lot of maintenance.
In a semi-inground pool, the walls are pivotal. If you do not take care of the walls as needed, your pool may cost you a lot money.
Semi-inground pool problems #3: Limited options
Semi-inground pools also make it more difficult to create a custom design.
If you’re looking for a pool that doesn’t have a standard rectangle shape (like an asymmetrical shape or curves) then you may want to consider an inground pool.
There are not many shape options when it comes to semi-inground pools.
Semi-inground pool problems #4: Lifespan
So if you’re getting a semi-inground pool for aesthetic purposes or for other financial purposes, being aware of a lifespan will help set your expectations.
A semi-inground pool will usually last ten years before it needs resurfacing, and this is assuming you will be maintaining it adequately.
For Comparison sake, an above-ground pool will last about seven to fifteen years. Comparatively, a fully in-ground pool will last about thirty years.
Semi-inground pool problems #5: More chemical checks
If you have any kind of pool, you have to do chemical tests.
For a semi-inground pool, though, you need to maintain the levels perfectly (either chlorine or saltwater) so the walls don’t deteriorate.
Semi-inground pool problems #6: Expense
A semi-inground pool can be expensive.
This is due to the fact that its esthetics and styling costs are usually more costly.
Final thoughts on semi-inground pool problems
A semi-inground pool can really enhance any backyard.
They are faster to install than a complete in-ground pool, and they can be installed in places which an in-ground pool may not normally be installed.
Furthermore, a semi-inground pool will be more permanent than a basic above-ground pool but less permanent than a complete in-ground pool.
When it comes to cost, semi-inground pools can be costly, and require the most maintenance of all pool forms.
While semi-inground pools have a lot of good positives, its always worthwhile knowing about the negatives before investing thousands of your dollars on an investment.