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Can You Bury an Above Ground Pool? Complete Safety Guide

By Pool Repair Question • Updated February 22, 2026
Above Ground Hard 3-5 days 48 views

Is it safe to bury my above ground pool partially or completely?

I'm so tired of looking at my above ground pool sitting there like an eyesore in my backyard! I've been dreaming of sinking this thing into the ground to make it look more like a proper inground pool, but I keep getting mixed advice from different sources.

Some people are telling me I can just dig a hole and drop it right in, while others are warning me about structural issues and safety concerns. I really want to make this work because I can't afford a full inground installation, but I also don't want to create a dangerous situation or waste money on a project that's doomed to fail.

What's the real deal here? Can I safely bury my above ground pool completely, or are there specific limitations I need to know about? I'm willing to do whatever reinforcement work is necessary if it means I can finally have the pool setup I've been wanting.

Dear Dan K.,

Quick Answer

You should never fully bury a standard above ground pool as it's not engineered to handle soil pressure and can collapse or fail catastrophically. However, semi-inground installation is possible with proper reinforcement and specific pool models designed for this purpose.

Tools & Supplies Needed

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Is it Safe to Bury My Above Ground Pool Partially or Completely?

Quick Answer

No, you should never fully bury a standard above ground pool. Above ground pools are not engineered to withstand the lateral soil pressure that comes with burial, which can cause structural failure, collapse, or dangerous blowouts. However, semi-inground installation is possible with specific pool models and proper reinforcement techniques.

Why Full Burial Is Dangerous

Above ground pools are designed to hold water pressure from the inside while being supported by external bracing and the pool deck. When you bury them, several critical problems occur:

Step-by-Step Semi-Inground Installation Process

If you want a partially buried look, follow these steps for a safe semi-inground installation:

  1. Choose the right pool model - Select pools specifically rated for semi-inground use, consulting manufacturer recommendations
  2. Plan your excavation depth - Never bury more than 18-24 inches of the pool wall (consult manufacturer specifications)
  3. Excavate properly - Dig the hole 2-3 feet larger than the pool diameter on all sides
  4. Install drainage system - Place a French drain system around the pool perimeter to manage water drainage and prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup
  5. Create proper base - Install 2-3 inches minimum of sand base, perfectly level and properly compacted
  6. Add wall reinforcement - Install additional wall bracing or concrete collar
  7. Use proper backfill material - Use pea gravel or crushed stone, never dirt or clay
  8. Install retaining wall - Build a decorative retaining wall around the exposed portion
  9. Ensure proper grading - Grade soil away from pool to prevent water accumulation
  10. Add safety features - Install proper fencing and safety equipment as required by local codes

Professional Installation Requirements

Semi-inground installation requires specific expertise and should involve:

Safety Warning

CRITICAL: Never attempt to fully bury a standard above ground pool. The risk of structural failure, injury, or property damage is extremely high. Always consult with qualified pool professionals and obtain proper permits for any non-standard installation.

This article is for informational purposes only and may contain errors. Always verify technical specifications and safety procedures with your equipment manufacturer's documentation or consult a qualified professional before performing repairs. See our terms.
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Tags: #above ground pool #semi-inground #installation #pool safety #structural integrity