And for this reason, many people ask, “Can above ground pools be partially buried?” in hopes of receiving the best of both worlds. The short answer is that “Yes, they can!” However, there are some things that should be taken into account if you're going to go down this route.
The Partial In-Ground Option
Some pool installation professionals suggest putting an above-ground pool only halfway in the ground. Doing so reduces excavation costs and minimizes the risk of the pool collapsing inward if it needs to be drained.
Backfilling an above-ground pool that has been partially buried in the ground usually only requires waiting until the pool is filled with water and then filling the hole around the pool with the same earth that came out of the hole.
The pool must be filled prior to backfilling to prevent pool wall collapse and the water level in the pool must always be higher than ground level by at least 1 foot. Slurry is the best backfill material to use when completely burying an above-ground pool since it can better support its own weight.
Remove the dirt to a singe pile where you can cart it away later. Use larger shovels to remove much of the dirt if necessary and smaller shovels for more detailed work. Measure the depth of the hole you've created. The hole should be about two inches deep for best pool placement.
Filling your pool with dirt is the fastest and most affordable way to get rid of a pool because there's no need to remove your concrete or metal shell. This saves on both labor and hauling costs. However, filling a pool with dirt is still a delicate process that requires careful preparation, drainage, and demolition.
You need a much thicker pool wall to fully bury your pool. While the installation of your above ground pool will probably require some excavation to get a level surface to assemble your pool, that excavation process is not intended to sink your above ground pool completely into the dirt.
Dirt should not be used to backfill during pool installation. While it's affordable, it takes a long time to settle — from weeks to even months to fully compact. This causes a gap to form under the surface. Dirt is granular, meaning that it can shift and won't pack well.
Using gravel or rock is one of the most popular ways when landscaping around your above ground pool. These rocks are readily available and suitable for all climates. They range in sizes, shapes and colors so you can always find the style you need to compliment the rest of your yard.
a 3 ft deep hole filled with soil is likely to settle considerably. Maybe even a good bit more than 6 or 8 inches, depending on how well (if any) it was compacted during the back filling. If you can stand it, wait a couple of months (preferably more) and let it settle really well.
Many wonder though if above ground pools are exclusively used over grass, sand, or soil only and if installing it over concrete is impossible (for fear of it getting punctured). The good news is, yes, you can install your above ground pool on concrete if a sand or soil base is not possible.
Do not attempt to install an above-ground pool below ground where all sides of the pool are surrounded by dirt. The weight of the soil when it becomes saturated with water will cause the walls to collapse. Professional excavation is recommended if more than a few inches of slope must be removed for the pool to fit.
What is a Recessed Pool? Recessed Pools, also known as below-grade pools are above ground style prebuilt pool shells that are designed to function as an inground pool. They offer many advantages similar to an inground pool at the fraction of the cost.
A semi inground pool is exactly what it sounds like: a swimming pool that is partially installed in the ground and partially installed above ground. Usually, most of the pool is still inground, but part of the pool will be raised a few feet or more.
Installing a deck around your above-ground pool is a fairly straightforward way to make your pool more accessible and more enjoyable. Whether you build a deck all the way around your above-ground pool or just along one side, the extra space will give you and your guests a place to sunbathe and hang out at water level.
At an average of $0.004 per gallon, city water is the most inexpensive and most popular option. For 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, you'll pay between $60 and $120.
If your pool has outlived its usefulness and it would cost more to repair than you can afford, you can cover it. Building a deck over a pool presents a challenge similar to any raised deck, so be prepared for hard work, sore muscles and a great sense of accomplishment.
You can buy panels of lattice fences and easily install them around your pool. Certain lattice fences can wrap snugly around your above ground pool to save space. The wrap-around method prevents people from climbing over the pool's side, forcing them to use a gate (which can be locked) instead.
However, many kids who grew up begging their parents for a pool heard the same answer–No. Reasons varied, but a good portion of homeowners reject above ground pools because they believe it will always look tacky. It's true, inground pools are more versatile and can be better integrated into the surrounding landscape.
An above-ground pool is, by far, the least expensive option for a pool. Kids love them, and built-in fencing and locking gate options make them safe. The main disadvantage of an above-ground pool is that it generally adds no value to your home.
Wall Height
Many people wished they were deeper so the manufacturers started making 52 inch tall pools so that they would hold nearly 4 feet of water at 3' 10”. Now the most popular pools are 54” tall and they can actually hold 4' of water.