The Above Ground Pool Goes Underground

What do you get when you cross an above ground pool with an in ground pool?  An inexpensive, attractive, and super fun way to spend the summer months (and beyond). I just learned how much it costs to have an in ground pool installed in the back yard. Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spare on a luxury item like a backyard in ground swimming pool. But I do think I could swing the cost of an above ground pool, which is a fraction of the cost.

Traditionally not the most attractive piece of backyard decor, the above ground swimming pool has come a long way in terms of looks. For example, oval shaped above ground pools can now be installed without the use of buttresses, which are unattractive and take up a good deal of yard space. Additionally, the walls of above ground pools are specially coated — not only to resist corrosion, scratching, and UV rays — but to offer the consumer a variety of attractive colors and designs. When you add features like pool decks and creative landscaping, today’s backyard above ground pool feels like a luxury get away.

So, where does the underground element come into play when we talk about above ground pools? If decorative walls, pool decks, and beautiful landscaping still don’t make the addition of an above ground pool in your backyard an attractive option, then why not install the above ground pool into the ground like you would an in ground pool? Impossible? No. The superior construction and corrosion resistance of some above ground pools allow them to be installed as semi-in ground and even mostly in ground pools. By installing an above ground pool underground, so to speak, you can have the look of an in ground pool without the cost of an in ground pool. Beauty and affordability together!

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33 thoughts on “The Above Ground Pool Goes Underground”

  1. David Wolf

    Hey there! I’ve been reading your weblog for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give
    you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up
    the excellent work!

    1. Bob Hall

      I bought a house with an above ground pool installed semi inground. Now I cannot find any pool company to replace the 15 year old liner. They all say when the pool is drained the walls will probably collapse and the track will most likely be rotted out.

      1. Trey Collier

        Above ground pools aren’t typically designed to be put in the ground. So there is that possibility! More likely after 15 years the soil has settled and may no longer be pushing in on the walls, but the bottom track may be near the end of its useful life. Local pool dealers may not want to take on this project due to these possible issues. Either keep patching the current liner, or make it a do-it-yourself replacement. Good luck.

  2. Nick andriaccio

    Are u still in the pool business, Ray? I’m sinking an above ground pool I ground and have some concerns. I would like to tap your expertise.

  3. Sylve

    I am extremely inspired together with your writing talents and also with the layout for your weblog. Is this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s uncommon to look a great weblog like this one these days..

    1. Trey Collier

      I have no idea how I missed your reply Sylve! I’m so sorry. No, we do this on our own. I’m not any writing talent, but if you need good, sound ideas with common sense and experience behind them, then we are your source! Thanks :P

  4. Jacky Criado

    I want to put a pool in my backyard but my builder say’s even putting an above ground pool in the ground is going to cost me 20k is there a less expensive way to do this

  5. Glenda Evans

    Does anyone know where I might get directions on putting up a 27′ above ground pool? We have the pool, just that we didn’t get any directions on what the steps are. Help!

    1. jwharwell

      Hi Barry!

      There are several 27′ pools on the website below that would be perfect for putting in the ground. If you are having trouble choosing one, you can contact BackyardCityPools at 888-751-0101. Anyone there will be able to help you pick the pool that is right for you!

      Above Ground Pools

  6. Above Ground Swimming Pool

    Above ground pools are much better than in ground pools. There can be some privacy in above ground pools as compare to in ground pools.

  7. shelley

    If we would put an above ground pool in the ground, is there a brand of pool that is better than the others to do this?

  8. Ray

    I’ve put a couple hundred above ground pools in the ground. I recommend only going about half way down and then build the deck up to it. It’ll still seem in the ground an will give you less trouble when you have to replace the liner.

    1. Nick

      I’m installing an aboveground pool semi in ground. I’m building a retaining wall six inches away from the wall of the pool. I’m concerned about standing water around the bottom track of the pool freezing and popping the pool wall out of the track. I’m installing an under drain around the pool and am wondering if there is anything else I should do.

      1. Trey Collier

        That’s a very valid concern. What area of the country are you in Nick? I ask because if you put the pool in the ground the dirt should touch the walls. This provides support for the walls. If you build a retaining wall to keep dirt away from walls then you are putting an above ground pool like normal in a bigger hole.

        With the latter, you need a way to drain the excess water away from area. With the former, you need to be below frost lines and that’s a question of local building code officials in your area. Here in Memphis, our frost line is 8-12inches (probably less than that) In more northern climates, it may be 3 to 4 feet.

        Either way, great question.

  9. Mauro Henriquez

    My up ground pool ruptured two days ago. its 38′ by 18′ . and the whole plastic needs to be replaced and i want to know if you replace the whole plastic or you just fix the hole ?

  10. Best Pools

    So many people balk at the idea of an above ground pool, even though they are several thousands of dollars cheaper. Some of our customers have sent us pictures of the decks they’ve built around our pools – they are magnificent!

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