26 Semi Inground Pool Ideas
So, you’re thinking about a semi inground pool? Good choice.
Honestly, it’s like the middle child of pools—less expensive and dramatic than a full inground, but way fancier and sturdier than a temporary above-ground one.
Today, we’re going through 26 semi inground pool ideas that’ll inspire you, make you jealous of yourself (yes, that’s a thing), and hopefully help you land on the design that screams you.
Ready? Let’s dive—oops, I mean, let’s step—into it.
1. The Classic Deck Wrap
Wrap your semi inground pool with a wooden deck, and suddenly, it looks like a resort feature.
Bonus: you get a comfy spot for tanning and drinks. Ever sat on a pool edge with your legs dangling in? Pure happiness.
2. Stone Wall Statement
A stone retaining wall around your pool instantly upgrades it from “backyard” to “backyard oasis.”
Rustic vibes? Check. Instagram-worthy? Double check.
3. Pool With Pergola Shade
Pop a pergola over part of the deck for shade. It’s practical, stylish, and gives you that Mediterranean “sip wine by the pool” vibe.
4. Modern Minimalist Lines
Go with straight edges, sleek tiles, and a neutral deck.
This look screams modern luxury without screaming “I spent my kid’s college fund on this.”
5. Waterfall Feature Fun
Attach a small waterfall feature. It’s soothing, dramatic, and makes your pool feel like nature had a hand in it.
6. Fire Pit + Pool Combo
Put a fire pit near the edge. Trust me, the mix of water glow and firelight at night? Chef’s kiss.
7. Semi Inground Saltwater System
Ditch chlorine and go saltwater. It’s gentler on the skin and feels way more “spa day” than “public pool.”
8. Infinity Edge Illusion
Yes, you can pull off a mini infinity edge even with semi inground pools if your yard slopes. It looks ridiculously bougie.
9. Tiled Exterior Walls
Instead of plain panels, wrap the pool’s outer wall with decorative tiles. Suddenly, your pool has an outfit change.
10. Built-In Bench Seating
Install a bench inside the pool. Perfect for chilling, sipping a drink, or pretending you’re at a swim-up bar.
11. Wraparound Seating Outside
Build wraparound benches or lounges around the deck. It makes entertaining friends way easier—plus, nobody complains about seating.
12. Pool Lighting Magic
Add underwater LED lights. Want to swim in neon pink at 10 pm? Done.
13. Tropical Landscaping
Surround the pool with palms, bamboo, and lush greenery. Close your eyes, and boom—you’re on vacation.
14. Above-Ground Glass Walls
If you’re really bold, add glass panels on one side. Expensive? Yes. Cool factor? Off the charts.
15. Semi Sunken Hot Tub Add-On
Pair your pool with a half-sunken hot tub. It’s like having a summer hangout and a winter retreat in one.
16. Kid-Friendly Shallow End
Design your pool with a gradual slope or shallow ledge. Great for kids… or adults who want to sit half in, half out with a margarita.
17. Rustic Cabin Vibes
Use dark wood decking and stone edging to give your pool that mountain-lodge aesthetic. Add fairy lights, and you’re set.
18. Pool + Bar Setup
Build a bar counter along one side of the deck. Instant entertainment zone.
Who needs vacation when you have a margarita 10 feet from your pool?
19. Plunge-Style Semi Inground
Keep it small and deep. A semi inground plunge pool is low-maintenance but still insanely refreshing on hot days.
20. Poolside Dining Area
Extend the decking into a dining zone with a table and chairs. Pool parties just got way easier.
21. Elevated Lookout Deck
Build the deck higher than the pool with a lookout-style vibe. Perfect if your yard slopes or overlooks a view.
22. Mosaic Bottom Art
Go fancy with a mosaic tile design at the bottom. Maybe a sunburst, maybe a dolphin—whatever says “this pool is mine.”
23. Built-In Storage Seats
Use the decking to hide storage under benches.
Towels, floats, and sunscreen stay organized, and your yard doesn’t look like a pool toy explosion.
24. Privacy Wall or Fence
Add a privacy wall with wood slats or greenery. Because let’s be honest, nobody wants the neighbors judging your cannonballs.
25. Lighting Along the Deck
Install deck lights around the edges. It keeps things safe and sets the mood at night. Who doesn’t love that twilight glow?
26. The Luxe Combo: Pool + Spa + Deck
Go big. Do a semi inground pool with a deck, spa, lounge chairs, and all the bells and whistles. Is it extra? Yep.
Will you ever want to leave your backyard again? Nope.
Tips Before You Commit
Let’s get real: semi inground pools are amazing, but they still need some thought before you take the plunge (pun intended this time).
- Budget realistically. The pool is step one. Decks, landscaping, and extras can double costs fast.
- Think about maintenance. More features = more cleaning.
- Match your home’s style. A rustic pool next to a super modern house? Sometimes cool, sometimes awkward.
- Plan for safety. Fencing, covers, and slip-proof decking save you headaches later.
Why Semi Inground Pools Are Worth It
Semi inground pools offer the best mix of affordability, durability, and style.
They fit in tricky yards (slopes, uneven ground), they look more permanent than above-ground, and they’re customizable to your taste.
Plus, you can enjoy that “vacation-at-home” vibe without completely wrecking your wallet.
And here’s the kicker: they last.
With proper care, these pools stay strong for 10–20 years, which is a pretty sweet ROI when you think about all the backyard BBQs, late-night swims, and lazy Sundays you’ll rack up.
Final Thoughts
Alright, friend, there you have it—26 semi inground pool ideas that prove you don’t need a billionaire’s bank account to have a killer backyard oasis.
Whether you keep it simple with a wraparound deck or go all-out with waterfalls, fire pits, and tiki vibes, the key is making it yours.
