The Ultimate Guide to Semi Inground Steel Wall Pool Installation

Posted on October 14, 2024October 14, 2024 by Jason Somers

Would you like to increase the value of your home and enhance your backyard? Adding a swimming pool to your property allows you to take full advantage of the hot summer season. Two options available to you include above-ground pools and inground ones. While both types have their advantages, they also have several drawbacks. If you want the best aspects of both types, consider installing a semi-inground pool in your yard.

Semi-inground pools are partially buried in the ground, which allows them to have more curb appeal than above-ground pools. At the same time, they don’t cost nearly as much to install as fully inground pools. Before you install a semi-inground pool on your property, you need to understand the specifications and permit requirements associated with this type of project.

What Is a Semi-Inground Swimming Pool?

A semi-inground pool offers the kind of versatility that isn’t available with above-ground or fully buried units. If you buy an above-ground pool, you can choose to install it out of the ground, which allows you to attach it to a backyard deck. Inground pools are buried completely underground, which means that they are flush with the grade of your backyard.

As for semi-inground pools, they are partially out of the ground. If you choose this type of pool, you can fit it into your existing patio without issue. While most of the pool will be installed underground, part of it can be raised between one to four feet above the ground. With this type of pool, you can manage installation costs and increase the value of your home.

Keep in mind that the costs associated with this type of pool depend on the materials you use. Your pool can be made from concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. The installation process varies based on the material you select.

Semi-Inground Pool Specifications

The main spec for a semi inground steel wall pool install is 52″, which is the size of the paneled walls that need to be installed around the perimeter of your pool. This marks the depth of the swimming area. These walls are made with 230 galvanized steel, which offers ample durability. The specific shape and configuration of your pool should suit your existing landscape.

Semi-Inground Pool Shapes

These pools are available in four distinct shapes, which include ovals, free form, round, and Grecian. You can customize each shape with ladders, decorative coping edges, and fiberglass steps. The edges can be made with custom cement, wood, or pavers. If you opt for cement decking, your options include stone aggregate, color concrete, or stamped concrete.

Accessories for Semi-Inground Pools

Semi-inground pools can be equipped with the same accessories as the other pool types. For example, you can install heaters, sanitation, and lighting to enhance the function and aesthetics of your pool.

Heating Options

There are several powered heaters that you can install in your swimming pool, which include propane, natural gas, and electric systems. For example, electric heat pumps are designed to increase the water temperature in your pool by drawing in heat from the surrounding air.

This type of heating system requires an ambient air temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to function properly. At colder temperatures, the pump won’t be able to take enough heat from the air to warm the water in your pool. Some modern electric heat pumps are equipped with scroll compressors that can work at lower temps.

If you select a gas pool heater, the system can use either propane or natural gas. These units heat copper coils that come into contact with the water and heat it to your preferred temperature.

You don’t need a specific air temperature to use a natural gas or propane heater, which means that you can go for a swim even after the summer season gives way to fall. The main drawback to gas heaters is that they are expensive. You might spend upwards of $300-$500 per month to operate a gas heater. Natural gas is typically around half the price of propane.

Sanitation Systems

There are several types of sanitation you can install in your pool to keep the water clean, which include chlorine, ozone, and salt systems. Pool chlorine, or hypochlorous acid, is a substance that’s able to inactivate and eliminate different pathogens. This chemical can also destroy contaminants from the environment to improve the quality of the water. Chlorine is effective at preventing algae growth in your pool. The various types of pool chlorine you can buy for your system include the following:

• Chlorine tablets
• Granular chlorine powder
• Fast-acting liquid
• Pure chlorine gas

Chlorine gas can be dangerous and should only be placed in your pool by qualified companies or professionals. Pool ozone is a type of gas that can be produced by an ozone generator. These systems are able to turn oxygen molecules into ozone via ultraviolet light or corona discharge.

A corona discharge system can create a high concentration of ozone. However, these systems come with high upfront costs. If you buy either ozone generator, you’ll need to connect it to your pool’s circulation system. Ozone is strong enough to kill viruses, parasites, and bacteria. It’s highly recommended that you sanitize your pool with a combination of chlorine and ozone.

Saltwater sanitation systems work by creating chlorine that won’t irritate your skin. These systems produce chlorine with electrolysis, which is a process that uses salt cells to create the chemical. While these systems provide more comfortable pool water, they are costly to maintain.

Lighting Options

Adding lighting to your semi-inground pool allows you to take a swim at night. Your lighting options include LED white or color. LED pool lights are energy-efficient and can last for years. Even though the initial cost is higher than other types of lighting, your monthly energy savings will quickly make up for it. When shopping for LED lights, you can buy pre-programmed lights or color-changing systems. A more affordable option is to purchase floating LED lights.

Installation Timeline for Semi-Inground Pools

The typical construction time to first swim for a semi-inground pool is seven days. However, the timeline for this type of project depends on the deck finish of your choice. If you buy concrete decking, the duration of the project could be around 14 days.

Depth of a Semi-Inground Pool

Semi-inground pools have increased in popularity among homeowners because of their depth. These pools maintain a constant depth of 52″ from one end to the other, which makes it easier to use them for recreational activities and family games. You’ll also benefit by eliminating the costs of creating a deeper end to your pool. Deep pools require liners that can increase your project costs by thousands of dollars.

Semi-Inground Pool Cost

The cost of a semi-inground pool depends on many factors, such as the types of accessories you purchase and the heating system you buy. You can expect this pool to cost anywhere from $20,000-$30,000. This price estimate includes the installation costs and all the equipment.

The Relevance of Permit Expediting

If you wish to build a semi-inground pool in California, you’re required to obtain a building permit beforehand. California maintains building codes for every significant renovation and construction project. These codes are designed to ensure that properties are safe for occupants and visitors.

For example, let’s say that you want to renovate your basement. If you don’t obtain a building permit before starting work on the project, the finished basement may not be up to code. If you go through with the project, you may damage the structural integrity of your home.

To obtain a permit in California, you must apply for one from your local building department. When submitting your application, make sure you include project designs and site plans. County officials will consider your plans and determine if they’re up to code.

While the permitting process is necessary when you’re building a semi-inground pool, it can take a long time for your permit to be approved. The entire process could be delayed if the building department is dealing with a significant backup of applications. Delays can also occur if the county asks you to make corrections to your application. Anything that extends the timeline of your project will inflate your costs.

You can avoid these issues and obtain your permit without delay by requesting permit expediting services. Permit expediting can streamline the approval process by helping you identify issues with your application before you submit it. Over time, expediters build strong working relationships with city officials, which can be invaluable when you’re trying to obtain approval for your project.

Conclusion

Semi-inground pools allow you to benefit from the curb appeal of an inground pool and the affordability of an above-ground one. You can customize these pools to your liking by installing lights, heaters, and sanitation systems.

Before you start installing your pool, apply for the right permit. With the proper permitting, you’ll know that the project is legal and up to code. You can expedite the permitting process to avoid delaying the project timeline. Consider a semi-inground pool to enhance your home and potentially increase its value.