If you’ve been considering installing a new pool in the Buckeye State, this guide will help you understand inground pool costs in Columbus.
How Much Does a Semi-Inground Pool Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $7,000 - $20,000
A semi-inground pool costs $12,000 on average, and it ranges from $7,000 to $20,000, depending on the size, type, and features. Your pool contractor can break down the costs in detail.
How we get this data
Photo: Dontstop / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Dontstop / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Semi-inground pools cost $30 to $80 per square foot.
They can cost 30% to 60% less than fully in-ground pools, making them an affordable alternative, especially for sloped yards
Approximately 30% to 40% of the total cost of your semi-inground pool will go toward labor.
Factors affecting the cost include pool size, materials, site preparation, and additional features.
Average Semi-Inground Pool Cost
Installing a semi-inground pool costs an average of $12,000, with a range between $4,000 and $25,000. Most homeowners spend $7,000 to $20,000. The final price depends on several factors, including the size of the pool and the materials you select. Semi-inground pools are the happy middle ground between aboveground and in-ground pools.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Semi-Inground Pool Cost by Size
The larger your semi-inground pool, the higher the cost, with prices ranging from $7,000 for a 10-foot-diameter pool to $25,000 for a 24-foot-diameter pool. Standard pools in prefabricated shapes will cost less than those with custom measurements. Most semi-inground pools are between 3 and 8 feet deep, depending on preferences.
Here’s how your semi-inground pool cost will vary based on size:
10 feet: $7,00
12 feet: $9,000
16 feet: $14,000
20 feet: $20,000
22 feet: $22,000
24 feet: $25,000
Semi-Inground Pool Cost by Material
The material used for your semi-inground pool will impact the cost, ranging from an average of $3,000 for steel to $22,000 for concrete. Choose vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete for building up the land around an in-ground pool, and steel, resin, or aluminum for partially sinking an aboveground pool into the land.
Here’s how your semi-inground pool material might affect the cost:
| Pool Material | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $22,000 | In-ground |
| Fiberglass | $15,800 | In-ground |
| Vinyl (liner) | $7,000 | In-ground |
| Aluminum | $4,000 | Aboveground |
| Resin | $4,000 | Aboveground |
| Steel | $3,000 | Aboveground |
Pool Installer Cost
Approximately 30% to 40% of the total cost of your semi-inground pool will be allocated toward labor, which often ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Sinking an aboveground pool into the ground will take less work than building an in-ground pool partially above ground, so labor costs will increase if that’s your plan.
When you hire a local pool installation company, they’ll charge for these tasks:
Excavation: $400–$1,500
Pool construction: $$1,000–$3,000
Plumbing and electrical work: $500–$1,500
Liner installation: $1,300–$3,900
Filling the pool: $90–$300
Additional Semi-Inground Pool Costs
Some additional cost factors (both mandatory and optional) will influence your semi-inground pool cost, including the following:
Site Prep: $400–$1,500 for excavation
Accessibility: $500–$7,000 premium if your lawn has a steep slope, limited access, or many obstacles
Permits: $250–$2,000
Insurance: $50–$300+ per year
Pool maintenance: $50–$100 per hour for professional maintenance
Cost to lay sod: $1–$6 per square foot
Cost to build a patio: $5–$50 per square foot
Cost to install a walkway: $10 per square foot
Cost to build a retaining wall: $360 per linear foot
Cost to spread mulch: $30–$120 per cubic foot
Cost to plant flower beds: $1,300–$6,300
Cost to install a pool deck: $3,000–$12,000
Cost to install a pool fence: $1,500–$10,000
Cost to install pool lighting: $625–$1,700 per light
Cost to install a pool cover: $200–$4,500
Cost to install a pool heater: $300–$5,700
Cost to install a pool enclosure: $1,000–$29,100
Cost to install a pool house: $24,000–$180,000
Cost to install pool water features: $400–$15,000
Photo: levkr / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Semi-Inground Pool
Cutting labor costs for semi-inground pool installations will save an average of $5,000, but you must have experience operating excavation equipment and managing outdoor construction projects. If you choose DIY, materials alone will range from $1,000 to $20,000, and you’ll spend about $2,200 per week to rent equipment.
Here’s why it’s better to hire a professional:
Improper leveling or unstable installation can lead to safety hazards and structural issues.
Pros can navigate building codes, inspections, and permit regulations.
Sloped or uneven yards require grading expertise.
Electrical and plumbing systems often require licensed installation.
A professionally installed pool often comes with a warranty.
If you want to help, you can DIY a few minor tasks to save money, such as the following:
Clearing the site before excavation begins
Building a surrounding patio or deck
Handling the landscaping after installation
Installing pool accessories
We strongly recommend consulting an in-ground pool company near you if you plan to install a semi-inground pool.
5 Tips to Reduce Costs When Installing a Semi-Inground Pool
When taking on this project, the most cost-effective approach is to opt for the sunken aboveground pool option. While less permanent in nature and appearance, you will spend less on materials and installation. You can also consider the following tips to save money:
Limiting pool size: Larger pools will always cost more, so consider the depth and dimensions you actually need. Decrease the size to save about $30 to $80 per square foot.
Choose your material carefully: Lower costs can be achieved by selecting a material like a vinyl liner ($7,000 on average) over concrete ($22,000) or fiberglass ($15,800).
DIY later stages of the project: While we don’t recommend DIYing your semi-inground pool, you can save money by doing the finishing touches yourself, including installing a pool deck ($3,000 to $12,000) or flower beds ($1,300 to $6,300).
Manage pool maintenance tasks yourself: Professional pool maintenance, including cleaning, skimming, balancing chemicals, and repairing liners, costs $50 to $100 per hour. Learn to do these tasks yourself to save thousands over the life of your pool.
Invest in a pool cover to cut down the need for a heater: Pool covers cost an average of $1,800, but they can help cut down on cleaning time, damage to your liner, and the need to run your heater if you invest in a solar cover.
Do Semi-Inground Pools Add Value to Your Home?
Pools have a return on investment (ROI) between 5% and 56%, and semi-inground pools increase a home’s value less than a full in-ground pool. The ROI is lower than for other home projects (such as landscaping) because pools are divisive. Some homeowners prefer not to deal with the maintenance, especially in cooler climates.
Next Steps
Cutting labor costs will save an average of $5,000, but you should hire a pool contractor for semi-inground pool installation.
Pros have the skills and experience to prevent safety hazards, structural issues, and coding noncompliance.
Save money by choosing a smaller pool size, selecting budget-friendly materials, and DIYing tasks like landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
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