I used to think backyard pools had to be either way above ground or totally buried, until I stumbled across semi-inground pools. Total game-changer. They strike that perfect balance between style and practicality.
Whether your yard’s on a slope or you’re working with a tighter budget, these pools offer tons of flexibility without skimping on looks. I love how they blend into the landscape and create that resort feel without the price tag of a fully inground setup.
If you’re dreaming of a backyard upgrade, these 19 semi-inground pool ideas might be just the spark you need.
1. Classic Rectangle With Wooden Deck
Wood and water create magic together! A rectangular semi-inground pool surrounded by wooden decking gives you that resort feel without emptying your wallet.
The natural wood tones complement the sparkling blue water perfectly. You can even add built-in benches along the deck for extra seating when friends come over for summer barbecues.
2. Sloped Yard Solution
Got a hill that’s been driving you crazy? Turn that problem into a poolside paradise! Semi-inground pools work wonderfully on sloped properties, with one end buried deeper than the other.
The exposed side can feature decorative stonework or siding that matches your home. Many homeowners add a small waterfall feature on the higher end, creating a natural flow down into the pool.
3. Budget-Friendly Metal Wall Design
Money tight? No problem! Metal wall semi-inground pools offer incredible value without sacrificing style or durability. These affordable options use galvanized steel or aluminum panels for structure.
The walls can be painted or covered with siding that complements your home. Many homeowners surround these pools with simple gravel or concrete patios, adding colorful planters and string lights to create atmosphere without breaking the bank.
4. Cocktail Pool For Small Yards
Sometimes called “spools” (spa + pool), these compact semi-inground options pack big fun into tiny spaces! Perfect for yards under 500 square feet, cocktail pools typically measure 10-15 feet long.
Despite their small size, they can include jets for resistance swimming and bubbling relaxation. The semi-inground installation allows for beautiful raised edges where you can perch with your favorite beverage while dangling your feet in the water.
5. Modern Geometric Design
Sharp angles and clean lines define this contemporary take on semi-inground pools. Geometric shapes like hexagons or L-configurations create visual interest while maximizing swimming space.
Concrete or composite decking in contrasting colors frames the water dramatically. LED lighting underneath the water surface highlights the angular design at night, while minimalist furniture and potted grasses complete the modern aesthetic without cluttering the space.
6. Natural Rock Integration
Why fight nature when you can embrace it? This design incorporates existing rocks and natural features into your semi-inground pool landscape.
Large boulders can serve as dramatic diving platforms or visual anchors. Native plants growing between rock formations create a seamless transition between pool and landscape.
The result feels less like a constructed pool and more like a natural swimming hole you discovered in your own backyard.
7. Vinyl-Lined With Pergola Cover
Affordable vinyl liners make semi-inground pools accessible to more homeowners. The customizable liner comes in dozens of patterns – from tropical blue to natural stone looks.
Adding a wooden pergola over one end creates a shaded retreat for hot days. Climbing vines like wisteria or jasmine trained over the pergola add fragrance and dappled shade.
String lights woven through the structure extend your swimming hours into magical evenings.
8. Infinity Edge On Hillside
Views for days! A semi-inground infinity edge creates the illusion that your pool water merges with the horizon beyond. When built into a hillside, one edge appears to disappear into the landscape.
Water flows over the edge into a catch basin below, then recirculates back into the main pool. Though more complex than standard designs, this showstopper maximizes your property’s natural elevation changes while creating a luxury resort feel right at home.
9. Concrete Paver Surround
Concrete pavers offer endless design possibilities around semi-inground pools. Available in countless shapes, colors, and textures, they create durable, non-slip surfaces perfect for wet feet.
Arrange them in herringbone, basketweave, or circular patterns for visual interest. Many homeowners choose contrasting border pavers to frame the pool area distinctly.
Best of all, individual pavers can be replaced if damaged without redoing the entire surround.
10. Partial Sun Shelf Installation
Lounging in shallow water while soaking up rays feels like vacation every day! A sun shelf (also called a tanning ledge) creates a flat, shallow area perfect for water chairs or simply cooling off.
In semi-inground designs, this shelf can be strategically positioned where the pool rises above ground level.
Some homeowners add bubbler fountains or colorful underwater lighting to this area. Kids especially love this shallow play space within the larger pool.
11. Split-Level Deck Integration
Playing with different heights creates visual drama! This design incorporates your semi-inground pool into a multi-level deck system that follows your yard’s natural contours.
Upper decks might connect to your home while lower sections embrace the pool. The varying levels create natural zones for dining, lounging, and swimming.
Railings between levels can incorporate lighting for safety and ambiance after dark.
12. Fiberglass Shell With Waterfall
Pre-formed fiberglass shells make installation quick and relatively simple. These ready-made pool forms come in various shapes and sizes, perfect for semi-inground applications.
Adding a stone waterfall where the pool rises above ground creates both visual interest and soothing sounds.
The waterfall conceals equipment while providing natural filtration as water cascades over rocks. Many homeowners add underwater lights that illuminate the falling water at night for dramatic effect.
13. Mediterranean-Inspired Tile Accents
Transport yourself to the Greek islands or Spanish coast! Vibrant ceramic tiles in blues, whites, and yellows create Mediterranean magic around your semi-inground pool.
Use decorative tiles along the waterline or on the exposed outer walls. Whitewashed surfaces and wrought iron accessories complete the look.
Potted olive trees, lavender, and rosemary planted nearby add authentic Mediterranean fragrances to your backyard escape.
14. Kid-Friendly Beach Entry
Families with young children love beach entries! This gradual slope into the water mimics a natural shoreline, eliminating the need for steps or ladders.
In semi-inground designs, this feature works beautifully where the pool meets ground level. Small children can splash in just inches of water while adults supervise from nearby lounge chairs.
Some homeowners add sand-colored concrete or actual sand around this area to enhance the beach feel.
15. Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Connect your semi-inground pool directly to your home for year-round enjoyment! Position it near sliding glass doors or a covered patio to create a seamless indoor-outdoor living space.
A retractable cover or enclosure extends swimming seasons in colder climates. The semi-inground design allows the pool to sit at a height that aligns perfectly with interior floor levels.
This creates a luxurious resort feel where your living room seems to flow directly to your pool.
16. Composite Decking Surround
Low maintenance meets high style with composite decking! Unlike wood, these engineered boards resist rotting, splintering, and fading – perfect for wet pool environments.
Available in numerous colors and textures, some even mimic exotic hardwoods. The semi-inground design allows the deck to be built at the perfect height for sitting on the edge and dangling your feet in the water.
Many composite products stay cooler underfoot than traditional concrete, making them comfortable for barefoot pool-goers.
17. Fire And Water Feature Combination
Opposites attract in this dramatic design that pairs your cool pool with warm fire features! Semi-inground pools with raised edges provide perfect platforms for fire bowls, fire tables, or built-in fire pits.
The reflection of flames on water creates magical evening ambiance. Some designs incorporate fire features that appear to float on the water’s surface.
The height difference of semi-inground installation makes these features visible from throughout the yard, creating a stunning focal point.
18. Container Pool Conversion
Shipping containers find new life as semi-inground pools! These rectangular metal structures make perfect pool shells when reinforced and waterproofed.
Buried partially in the ground, they offer industrial chic style at reasonable prices. The exposed sides can be painted, clad in wood, or surrounded by plants to soften the look.
Container pools typically range from 20-40 feet long, making them suitable for medium to large yards.
19. Nighttime LED Lighting Design
Transform your semi-inground pool into an evening showstopper with strategic lighting! Color-changing LED lights installed below the waterline create magical nighttime effects.
The partially exposed walls of semi-inground designs provide additional surfaces for uplighting or integrated light strips. Some systems sync with music or can be controlled via smartphone apps.
Pathway lighting leading to the pool enhances safety while extending your outdoor entertaining hours well past sunset.