Semi Inground Vinyl Pool

This type of pool is especially popular in Canada for properties with sloped or uneven terrain, as it allows for level installation without the need for heavy excavation. The surrounding area can then be landscaped or decked to blend seamlessly with the environment.

Key Characteristics

• Hybrid Installation: Merges the aesthetic of an inground pool with the installation convenience of an above-ground model, sitting partially below the surface.
• Ideal for Sloped Yards: Works well on uneven land, reducing the need for costly site levelling.
• Vinyl Liner Construction: The interior is lined with a watertight vinyl membrane, supported by robust steel or resin walls for long-lasting performance.
• Cost-Effective: Requires less digging and concrete work, making it a more affordable alternative to a full inground build.
• Customisable Design: Available in various shapes, sizes, and liner patterns, with the option to add surrounding decking, steps, or stone finishes for a refined look.

A semi-inground vinyl pool offers a balanced mix of durability, flexibility, and visual appeal, making it a smart investment for homeowners seeking the feel of an inground pool without the higher cost or extended construction time.

The cost of a semi-inground pool in Canada typically ranges from $16,000 to $22,000, depending on the pool’s size, materials, and design features. This makes it a more affordable option compared to a fully inground pool, which usually costs between $35,000 and $50,000 in areas such as Ottawa.

A semi-inground model offers a similar visual appeal and structural strength to a traditional inground pool but at a lower price point because it requires less excavation and concrete work.

Factors That Influence the Total Cost

• Pool Size and Shape: Larger or custom-shaped pools require more materials and labour, raising the overall price.
• Wall and Frame Material: Steel, aluminium, and resin frames differ in cost and durability, affecting the final budget.
• Liner Type and Thickness: High-quality vinyl liners cost more upfront but provide longer-lasting protection and lower maintenance costs.
• Site Preparation: Sloped or uneven yards may need grading or retaining walls, which can add to the expense.
• Optional Add-Ons: Decking, landscaping, lighting, and heating systems enhance aesthetics and comfort but increase costs.



For Canadian homeowners, a semi-inground pool delivers a balance between affordability and elegance—providing the appearance of an inground structure while keeping installation costs and timelines manageable.

Semi-inground pools are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, allowing homeowners to select a design that fits their backyard layout, space, and intended use. The most common configurations are rectangular, oval, and round, each offering different benefits in terms of style, depth, and swimming area.

Rectangular Semi-Inground Pool Sizes

Rectangular pools are a popular choice for modern backyards and lap swimming. Their straight edges make them ideal for decking and landscaping integration.

Common dimensions include:

• 8' × 16'
• 10' × 20'
• 10' × 24'
• 12' × 20'
• 12' × 24'
• 12' × 28'
• 16' × 28'

Oval Semi-Inground Pool Sizes

Oval pools provide a softer, more traditional appearance while maximising swim space within narrower yards.

Typical sizes include:

• 8' × 16'
• 10' × 18'
• 10' × 22'
• 12' × 24'
• 15' × 27'
• 15' × 30'
• 18' × 33'

Round Semi-Inground Pool Sizes

Round models are the simplest to install and maintain, offering a balanced shape that suits family recreation.

Common diameters include:

12', 15', 18', 21', 24', 27', and 30'

Whether you prefer a compact round pool for casual use or a larger rectangular model for exercise, semi-inground pools offer versatile sizing options that adapt easily to Canadian backyard designs and landscapes.

While semi-inground pools offer flexibility and visual appeal, they also come with certain drawbacks to consider before installation. These include limited design options, higher maintenance needs, temperature control challenges, and additional installation costs compared to above-ground alternatives.

Design and Feature Limitations

• Restricted Shapes: Most semi-inground models are available only in standard round or oval forms. Fully custom or freeform designs are rare and often costly.
• Depth Constraints: These pools generally offer shallower depths than fully inground models, making them less suitable for diving or deep-water exercises.
• Durability Concerns: Because some semi-inground frames are not engineered for full underground pressure, they may have a shorter lifespan than permanently installed inground pools.

Maintenance and Temperature Issues

• Higher Water Temperatures: Semi-inground pools tend to warm up faster since they’re less insulated by soil. In warmer regions, this can lead to uncomfortable swimming temperatures and higher cooling costs if a pool chiller is used.
• Increased Upkeep: The exposed pool walls, decking, and surrounding landscape require more attention than the simpler structure of a standard inground pool.

Cost and Installation Considerations

• Higher Upfront Costs Than Above-Ground Pools: Although cheaper than fully inground builds, semi-inground pools still need excavation, framing, and professional installation, which raises initial expenses.
• Extra Features Required: To achieve a finished look, homeowners often add fencing, decking, or retaining structures, which increase the overall cost and installation time.

A semi-inground pool remains a balanced mid-range choice, but it’s important to weigh these disadvantages against the benefits. Proper planning and quality materials can help minimise most of these challenges, ensuring long-term satisfaction with your investment.

A semi-inground pool combines the aesthetic appeal of an inground pool with the affordability and flexibility of an above-ground design. It is a smart choice for Canadian homeowners who want a durable, visually appealing pool that fits a range of landscapes and budgets.

Cost and Installation Benefits

• More Affordable: Semi-inground pools cost less to build than fully inground models since they require minimal excavation and reduced concrete work.
• Faster Installation: Most can be installed within several days, whereas traditional inground pools often take several weeks to complete.
• Flexible Placement: Their adaptable structure makes them suitable for sloped or uneven yards, avoiding costly ground levelling or retaining walls.

Design and Aesthetic Advantages

• Customisable Design: Available in many of the same shapes and sizes as inground pools, they can be tailored to suit different backyard layouts.
• Seamless Appearance: Because they are partially submerged, these pools blend naturally with the surrounding landscape, creating a unified and elegant outdoor setting.
• Enhanced Features: Homeowners can add decks, retaining walls, lighting, or water features for a polished look that rivals more expensive installations.

Durability and Maintenance Strengths

• Longer Lifespan: Built with reinforced steel, resin, or composite walls, semi-inground pools are sturdier and more weather-resistant than standard above-ground models.
• Simplified Upkeep: Their materials resist corrosion and decay, reducing the need for frequent repairs or surface maintenance.
• Naturally Warmer Water: Because part of the pool is below ground, it retains heat better than a fully above-ground model, extending the swimming season and lowering heating costs.

A semi-inground pool delivers a balanced combination of beauty, function, and affordability—making it a practical and stylish solution for homeowners seeking a long-lasting backyard feature with the feel of an inground pool at a fraction of the cost.

A semi-inground pool generally lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of materials, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance. Higher-end models built with reinforced walls and quality liners can exceed 20 years of use, while entry-level or above-ground–style structures may have a shorter lifespan. The pool’s liner or surface finish typically requires replacement earlier than the main frame, particularly for vinyl models.

Factors That Influence Lifespan

• Materials: The strength and durability of the wall panels, liner, and frame materials play the biggest role in longevity. Steel, resin, and composite walls tend to last longer than lightweight above-ground components.
• Installation Quality: Professional installation ensures proper drainage, stable ground support, and correct wall alignment—all of which prevent premature structural wear.
• Maintenance Routine: Regular cleaning, balanced water chemistry, and seasonal inspections help prevent corrosion, liner damage, and equipment failure, allowing the pool to reach its full lifespan.

Longevity by Material Type

• Above-Ground Grade Materials: Semi-inground pools built using above-ground materials typically last 7 to 15 years.
• Inground-Grade Materials: When constructed with stronger inground-standard components, some models can last 20 years or more, and concrete-based structures may endure up to 75 years with care.
• Vinyl Liners: Expect liner replacement every 10 to 15 years, even if the pool’s walls remain in good condition.
• Fibreglass Structures: Fibreglass semi-inground pools are long-lasting but may require resurfacing after several decades to address fading or minor surface cracks.



With proper installation and consistent upkeep, a semi-inground pool can provide two decades or more of reliable service, offering a durable and cost-effective solution for homeowners seeking long-term value.