Is It Safe to Bury an Above Ground Pool? What You Must Know

If you like the refined look of an in-ground pool but want a more cost-effective and quicker alternative, partially or fully burying an above-ground pool can be a smart solution. Yes, it is possible to bury an above-ground pool—provided the pool is specifically engineered to withstand underground conditions. With the right planning, proper drainage, and strict adherence to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, you can safely create the look of an in-ground pool without the higher cost.

Can You Bury an Above Ground Pool?

Certain above-ground pools can be safely buried, but it’s critical to choose a model designed for that purpose. Traditional rolled-steel pools typically aren’t built for underground use, as they lack the structural strength and corrosion resistance needed below ground. Instead, look for pools made from reinforced resin, insulated aluminum panels, or composite materials—these are engineered to withstand the pressure and moisture that come with burial. Always confirm that the manufacturer’s warranty covers full or partial burial before proceeding with installation.

Which Above Ground Pools Can Be Safely Buried?

Verona Semi-Inground/Inground (Steel-Resin Hybrid):

• Built with 52” insulated panels designed for full or partial burial.
• One of our most adaptable models for in-ground-style installation:
  24’ Round Verona Inground Pool

Whispering Wind Semi-Inground (Heavy-Gauge Steel):

• Designed explicitly to be partially or fully recessed.
• A solid option for those considering a recessed installation:
  18’ × 39’ Oval Whispering Wind

Embassy Sterling Semi‑Inground Pool (Galvanized Steel):

• Features a 52” galvanized steel frame with baked enamel top seats.
• Engineered to handle burial.
• Comes with a 40-year warranty—ideal for long-term partial or full recessing:
  21’ Round Embassy Sterling

Pools not rated for burial

Saltwater Ultimate Resin Frame:

• Highly resistant to corrosion, but walls are not reinforced for backfill pressure.
• Designed strictly for above-ground use:
  Saltwater Ultimate Above-Ground Pools

Legacy Outback Rolled-Steel:

• Standard 52-inch walls rely solely on internal water pressure for support.
• Burial voids the warranty:
  30’ Round Legacy Outback

Reprieve Entry-Level Steel:

• Budget-friendly model with ESP steel wall construction.
• Partial burial beyond 12–18” may compromise structural integrity:
  24′ Round Reprieve

Fully vs. Partially Buried Above Ground Pools

A fully buried pool is installed completely below ground level, typically with a concrete collar around the perimeter and a drainage system that connects to French drains. A partially buried (or semi-inground) pool is recessed between 12” and 48”, leaving some of the exterior wall visible for easier maintenance access.

Key differences

• Cost: Fully burying a pool requires extensive excavation, soil removal, and added concrete reinforcement—often increasing costs by $4,000 to $8,000 compared to a standard above-ground installation. Partial burial can reduce those costs by 30–40%.
• Depth limitations: Most manufacturers restrict burial depth to the horizontal seam beneath the top rail (typically 48–52”). Exceeding that depth usually voids the warranty unless the pool is specifically rated for full inground installation.
• Drainage demands: Fully buried pools must account for hydrostatic pressure on all sides and require comprehensive subsurface drainage. Partially buried pools only need drainage along the portions of the wall in contact with soil.
• Aesthetics & decking: A fully recessed pool allows for flush decking with surrounding materials like stone or wood, giving it a true inground appearance. Partial installations often require wraparound stairs or retaining walls to bridge the exposed pool walls.

How to Purchase Your Above Ground or Semi-Inground Swimming Pool

How to Bury an Above Ground Pool Safely

1. Confirm manufacturer approval: Get written confirmation that your specific pool model—including size, wall height, and materials—is rated and warranted for the depth of burial you plan.
2. Check local codes & call 811: Local regulations may require permits, specific setbacks, electrical bonding, or safety barriers. Always call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities.
3. Note: 811 is the “Call Before You Dig” service for the United States. Readers in other countries should search for their local equivalent utility location service before any excavation project.
4. Excavate & level: Dig the excavation 12–18” wider than the pool’s dimensions. Use a laser level to ensure the base is no more than ¼” off-level across the entire area.
5. Install sub-surface drainage: Set a perimeter French drain using 4” perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric. Slope the pipe ⅛” per foot toward daylight or a sump basin, and surround it with ¾” clean gravel.
6. Set base material: Use compacted crushed stone dust as the base layer. Add a ½” layer of foam padding for added insulation and to help protect against liner punctures.
7. Assemble the pool shell: Follow semi-inground installation guidelines. This often includes reinforced top rails, an 8–12” concrete collar, and extra buttressing for oval models.
8. Plumb & bond: Run schedule 40 PVC plumbing lines through the trench before any backfilling. Bond all metal components in accordance with NEC 680 electrical codes.
9. Backfill in lifts: Use clean sand or ⅜” pea gravel, compacting every 12”. Always fill the pool with water as you backfill to balance pressure and prevent wall distortion.
10. Finish grade & deck: Grade the surrounding soil to slope ½” per foot away from the pool. Install decking—such as coping, pavers, or composite boards—once the concrete collar has fully cured.
11. Final inspection: Schedule a local inspection to verify proper bonding, barrier installation, and anti-entrapment drain compliance before use.

We recommend hiring a licensed excavation contractor and a pool-experienced electrician for these stages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a pool not rated for burial: Burying a thin-wall model can void the warranty, leaving you without support if damage occurs.
• Skipping drainage: Without proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure can lead to panel failure or cause the liner to lift.
• Using native clay as backfill: Clay holds moisture and is prone to freezing. Use free-draining sand or gravel to prevent pressure buildup and frost damage.
• Over-compacting the base: Excessive compaction can create ridges or uneven surfaces under the liner, affecting both appearance and durability.
• Neglecting electrical bonding: Any buried steel structure must be bonded according to code to minimize the risk of electric shock.
• Ignoring access for service: Always plan space for an equipment pad and, if possible, leave at least one section of wall exposed for liner replacement and maintenance access.

Pros and Cons of Burying a Pool

Maintenance Considerations for Buried Pools

A recessed pool maintains water chemistry just like an above-ground model, but a few tasks become more critical:

• Pump & filter access: Keep equipment pad at or above grade and allow 3’ clearance for servicing.
• Wall inspection: During every liner change (7-10 years), inspect panels for corrosion or settling and repair foam over weld seams.
• Ground-water checks: Add a simple standpipe or clear-view inspection port to monitor rising water after heavy rains.
• Seasonal cover selection: Opt for a safety cover rated for semi-inground pools to keep debris out. See our guide to choosing the right pool cover for more information.
• Chemical balance & circulation: Because buried walls lose less heat, you may need to adjust chlorine dosage slightly lower in midsummer.

Can You Bury an Above Ground Pool - FAQs

What’s the difference between a regular above-ground pool and one that can be buried?

• Pools rated for burial feature reinforced resin, aluminum, or composite walls, often with an interlocking panel system and a manufacturer’s in-ground warranty—standard rolled-steel kits lack these upgrades. Learn more about safely burying an above ground pool.

How deep can you bury an above ground pool?

• Most semi-inground models permit up to 48” of burial. Fully-rated hybrids like the Verona can go completely inground if you pour the required collar. Always follow the brand’s depth chart.

Do I need a special liner for a buried above ground pool?

• No. However, although standard 20- or 25-mil beaded liners work, we suggest thicker 25-mil if the pool will be difficult to drain for repairs.

Is it cheaper to bury an above ground pool than install an inground one?

• Yes. Even with excavation, a buried hybrid pool typically lands at 40-60% of the cost of a comparable vinyl-liner inground build.

Is it safer to partially bury an above ground pool instead of fully burying it?

• Partial burial leaves a visible wall for inspection and can improve drainage on sloped lots, but both methods are safe when installed to code and manufacturer specs.