How Much Does a Semi-Inground Pool Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
A semi-inground pool costs $12,000 on average, and it ranges from $7,000 to $20,000, depending on the size, type, and features. Your pool contractor can break down the costs in detail.
Installing a semi-inground pool costs $12,000 on average, with a range between $4,000 and $25,000. The final price depends on a few cost factors, including the size of the pool and the materials it’s made of. Semi-inground pools are great for small yards, work on steep slopes, and can even save you money over installing a fully in-ground pool. Here’s how to get an accurate estimate for your semi-inground pool project.
Semi-Inground Pool Cost by Size
Semi-inground pools are the happy middle ground—pun intended—between aboveground and in-ground pools. They’re ideal for homeowners who are not ready to take the plunge for the cost of an in-ground pool and for those who simply prefer the aesthetic.
Of course, the larger your semi-inground pool, the more you'll pay for labor and materials. Standard pool sizes that come in prefabricated shapes will cost less on average than custom measurements. Overall, semi-inground pools will be between three and eight feet deep depending on your preferences.
Size is critical when choosing your swimming pool design. Let's examine the most common semi-inground pool sizes and their average costs.
| Pool Size (Diameter in Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 | $7,000 |
| 12 | $9,000 |
| 16 | $14,000 |
| 20 | $20,000 |
| 22 | $22,000 |
| 24 | $25,000 |
Semi-Inground Pool Cost by Material
The material you choose for your semi-inground pool will play a major role in your total cost. You have six main options: vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete if you plan on building up the land around an in-ground pool, and steel, resin, and aluminum if you plan on partially sinking an aboveground pool into the land.
| Pool Material | Average Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $22,000 | In-ground |
| Fiberglass | $15,800 | In-ground |
| Vinyl (liner) | $7,000 | In-ground |
| Aluminum | $4,000 | Aboveground |
| Resin | $4,000 | Aboveground |
| Steel | $3,000 | Aboveground |
Vinyl
Vinyl pool liners are flexible to fit a range of unique pool shapes and cost less to install than most other liner types. You'll pay an average of $21 per square foot for a semi-inground pool liner made of vinyl. However, you'll need to replace it every 10 to 15 years. The price to replace a vinyl liner costs an average of $2,500.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass semi-inground pool liners cost between $35 and $66 per square foot. Fiberglass offers a lifespan of up to 25 years, allows you to spend less on maintenance, and provides a middle-of-the-road price for a semi-inground pool installation. You may encounter size and shape restrictions, so be prepared to pay extra for custom shapes.
Concrete
While concrete pools have the longest lifespan—up to 75 years—they can be difficult and costly to maintain. You'll also pay between $55 and $72 per square foot for semi-inground pools made of concrete. However, you'll have more options to customize your pool’s look with tiles and stone.
Steel
An average-sized steel-framed pool will cost $800 to $3,000 for materials alone. Not only does this make it the most affordable, but steel is the strongest for semi-inground installation, even though they are prone to rust over time.
Resin
Resin will run you between $1,000 and $3,000 for semi-inground pool materials. The good news, however, is that it is resistant to rust, oxidation, and does not overheat like steel. However, it can crack and wear down more quickly.
Aluminum
For anywhere between $1,000 and $4,500, aluminum pools have the same rust-free perks of resin and even tougher strength against extreme temperatures.
Pool Installer Cost
You'll put about a third of the total cost of your semi-inground pool toward labor, or about $3,000 to $7,000. Hiring the right local pool installation company ensures a smooth process from start to finish.
Sinking an aboveground pool into the ground a few feet will take less work than building an in-ground pool higher aboveground level, so labor costs will increase if that’s your plan. Labor fees also depend on additional plumbing, electrical alternatives, and design elements that require a mason or retaining wall specialist.
When you hire a pool installer, these are the tasks they’ll charge for:
Excavation: $800–$2,000
Pool construction: $$1,000–$3,000
Plumbing and electrical work: $500–$1,500
Liner installation: $1,300–$3,900
Filling the pool: $90–$300
Additional Semi-Inground Pool Cost Factors
In addition to size, materials, and labor, there are some other cost factors you’ll want to consider for your semi-inground pool budget.
Aboveground vs. In-Ground Installation
Let's clear up some confusion. A semi-inground pool accounts for both:
Semi-aboveground pool models sunk several feet into the ground.
Semi-inground pool raised several feet above the ground.
There are pros and cons to both scenarios. Sinking an aboveground pool provides a slightly more permanent appearance, offers deeper pool depths, and costs less on average. However, they are not as durable and long-lasting as in-ground pools raised and surrounded by a retaining wall. Raised in-ground pools offer more design options, last much longer, and blend better with your landscape.
Given the additional work involved in raising an in-ground pool partially above the ground, this option is more expensive.
Site Prep
Residential excavation costs range between $400 and $1,500 for an in-ground swimming pool. A semi-inground pool will cost less on average than a fully in-ground pool, but you may end up paying more to level the ground for your pool if you’re choosing a semi-aboveground pool due to sloped land.
These pool designs are ideal for sloped lawns due to the wall's extreme stability, but you may need to call in a local specialist to ensure that the ground is sturdy and level enough to hold the water and structure.
Homeowners should concern themselves with having proper pitch to direct water away from the pool at the patio level and proper drainage to prevent water from building up underneath the pool.
Accessibility
Remember that your construction team will need to access the area with large equipment. If your lawn's slope is too extreme or there are many obstacles in the way of reaching the site, you could pay more for your team's time and labor to complete the excavation and pool installation manually rather than with heavy machinery.
Permits
The cost of building permits ranges from $250 to $2,000 for outdoor projects like a semi-inground pool. Your pool installation contractor will likely include this in their fee and know how to seek out the local paperwork. However, if you're taking on the installation yourself, be sure to check your local town office for permit requirements and prices.
Homeowners Insurance
The added cost to your homeowners insurance varies widely. However, you will likely see an increase in your premium to protect the pool itself and anyone spending time by the water.
Pool Maintenance
Professional pool maintenance costs an average of $50 to $100 an hour, though there are many tasks you can do on your own. Chemicals will cost about $15 a month if you balance them yourself.
Semi-inground pools require slightly more maintenance over time than a fully in-ground model. No matter the type of model you choose, you may need to care for the supporting wall around the pool. Repairs can cost an average of $700 but range from $250 up to $1,200 or more, depending on the type and severity of the damage.
Common Semi-Inground Pool Add-Ons
Once you've chosen the best pool structure for your yard, start brainstorming all the fun ideas to make your poolscape unique. Here’s a look at some common upgrades that you may want to include in your budget.
Cost to lay sod: $1–$6 per square foot
Cost to build a patio: $5–$50 per square foot
Cost to install a walkway: $10 per square foot
Cost to build a retaining wall: $360 per linear foot
Cost to spread mulch: $30–$120 per cubic foot
Cost to plant flower beds: $1,300–$6,300
Cost to install a pool deck: $3,000–$12,000
Cost to install a pool fence: $1,500–$10,000
Cost to install pool lighting: $625–$1,700 per light
Cost to install a pool cover: $200–$4,500
Cost to install a pool heater: $300–$5,700
Cost to install a pool enclosure: $1,000–$29,100
Cost to install a pool house: $24,000–$180,000
Cost to install pool water features: $400–$15,000
Pros and Cons of Semi-Inground Pools
Semi-inground pools could be a great fit if you’re not sold on aboveground or in-ground pools. Arguably, the biggest pro of semi-inground pools is the cost savings, as they cost less than installing an in-ground pool. You’ll pay four to six times less for a semi-inground pool while enjoying a visually pleasing setup, especially if you build a nice pool deck or incorporate masonry work. This is a fitting option for sloped yards because you can design the pool to work with the slope instead of doing a full excavation for an in-ground pool.
A drawback of building a semi-inground pool is the lack of options for the shape. Most of the time, you can only choose from round, square, or rectangular. You’ll also have to keep a closer eye on the water temperature for semi-inground pools compared to an in-ground pool since the temperature tends to run higher. Higher pool water temperatures are uncomfortable for swimmers and can throw off the chemical balance of the water, leading to bacterial growth. And finally, semi-inground pools aren’t easily disassembled like an aboveground pool—you’ll have to remove it or fill it in. So before you commit to one of these pool designs, make sure that it’s the right add-on for your home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Four to six times less costly than in-ground pools | Limited shape options |
| Visually pleasing when combined with a deck or masonry work | Water temperatures can run high |
| Works well for sloped yards | Permanent installation |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Semi-Inground Pool
Cutting out the labor cost for semi-inground pool installation will save an average of $5,000 from your bottom line. However, you must have experience operating excavation equipment to take on the project. Safely putting in the pool shell and pool equipment requires expertise to avoid costly mistakes.
If you have the skill and experience necessary to install the semi-inground pool yourself, the pool materials alone will range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on design, and size. DIY excavation costs add around $2,200 per week to rent the equipment as well as the cost of obtaining local permits.
When you skip hiring a professional, you can run the risk of installing an unlevel or structurally unsound pool—which could lead to personal injury, an unsafe pool, and issues with structural stability. We strongly recommend that you consult an in-ground pool company near you if you plan to install a semi-inground pool. You can take on part of the process yourself to save some money, like building a surrounding patio or deck or taking care of the landscaping afterward.
5 Tips to Reduce Costs When Installing a Semi-Inground Pool
The best way to reduce the cost of building a pool partially aboveground is to opt for the sunken aboveground pool option. While less permanent in nature and appearance, you will spend less on materials and installation.
You can also consider the following to save some money on your installation costs:
Limiting pool size: Larger pools will always cost more given a particular material and location, so think carefully about the depth and dimensions you need. Limit the size to save on a per-square-foot basis.
Choose your material carefully: You can keep upfront costs lower by choosing a material like a vinyl liner over concrete or tile. However, you should think about long-term costs as well, including the longevity of your liner and how expensive maintenance will be over time.
DIY later stages of the project: While we don’t recommend installing your semi-inground pool yourself, you can save money by doing the finishing touches yourself, including installing a deck, patio, flower beds, and other landscaping features.
Manage pool maintenance tasks yourself: Pool maintenance costs like cleaning, skimming, balancing chemicals, and repairing liners can add up quickly. Learn to do these tasks yourself to save hundreds or thousands over the life of your pool.
Invest in a pool cover to cut down the need for a heater: Pool covers cost an average of around $1,800, but they can help cut down on cleaning time, damage to your liner, and the need to run your heater if you invest in a solar cover.
Are Semi-Inground Pools Worth It?
Semi-inground pools are worth it for prospective pool owners looking to bridge the gap between a large installation and a less appealing aboveground model. Not only will you cut costs during installation for excavation and materials if you sink an aboveground pool partially into the ground, but the cost to remove an aboveground pool or partially aboveground pool will be lower down the line if you change your mind.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of a semi-aboveground pool depends on the lining, but they last between seven and 15 years on average. This is right in line with what you can expect from a standard aboveground pool. In comparison, an in-ground pool can last up to 75 years with a well-maintained concrete liner.
Just like a traditional in-ground pool, semi-inground pools can be between three and eight feet deep. Lap pools, for example, are often an average of 4 feet deep, while a traditional pool may have both a shallow and deep end. The depth of your semi-inground pool depends on the liner you purchase, as well as how much excavation you plan to do before the installation.
Yes, a semi-inground pool can be heated just like any aboveground or in-ground pool. Keep in mind there are many ways to maintain the heat of your pool in addition to traditional heaters. Solar covers, proper insulation, and placement—in shade or full sun—will play large roles in keeping your pool toasty on those cooler days.
Your contractor will need several days to several weeks as far as a timeline to install your semi-inground pool goes. Adapting an aboveground pool to be semi-inground by excavating and partially burying the liner, for example, will only take three to five days, while installing an in-ground pool with a poured concrete liner and building up the land around it will require several weeks. Keep in mind that the process of hiring a pool contractor and applying for permits can add several additional weeks to the total timeline.
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