19 Stunning Sunken Above Ground Pool Ideas

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Get the In-Ground Look for a Fraction of the Price

You want a beautiful backyard pool. But the high cost of an in-ground installation is a major hurdle. Standard above-ground pools can feel like a compromise, often looking disconnected from your landscape. The good news is you don't have to choose between budget and beauty. Creating a sunken or semi-inground look is the perfect solution. This guide gives you 19 sunken above ground pool ideas to seamlessly integrate a pool into your yard. You can build a stunning backyard feature that looks custom-made.

1. The Multi-Level Deck Surround

A multi-level deck is a great way to handle a sloped yard. It also creates distinct zones for lounging, dining, and entering the pool. One level can sit flush with the pool's edge for easy access. A lower level can house a dining table or fire pit. This approach breaks up a large deck, making the space feel more organized and intentional. Use different wood stains or materials to define each area.

2. The Walk-Out Basement Integration

If your home has a walk-out basement, use it to your advantage. By building a deck off the main floor that extends over the lower patio, you can nestle the pool right into the structure. The pool wall becomes part of the architecture. This design makes the pool feel like a natural extension of your home. It provides easy access from the main living area while creating a covered patio space below.

3. The Hillside Terrace Design

A sloped yard is an opportunity, not an obstacle. Use terracing to create a flat area for the pool. Build a retaining wall on the downhill side and backfill the uphill side to create a level spot. This method makes the pool look completely in-ground from the uphill perspective. You can plant cascading flowers or shrubs in the retaining wall to soften the look.

4. The Rustic Stone Retaining Wall

Give your partially sunken pool a natural, organic look with a stone retaining wall. Instead of a wooden deck, use natural stone or manufactured stone blocks to build up one side of the pool. This is ideal for yards with a slight grade. The stone blends beautifully with garden beds and other landscape features. The result is a pool that looks like a natural pond or spring.

5. The Modern Concrete Encasement

For a clean, minimalist aesthetic, encase your partially sunken pool in concrete. Pour a concrete collar around the pool's edge and a surrounding patio. This creates a seamless, high-end finish similar to a custom gunite pool. The concrete can be stamped or stained for different effects. This design is durable and low-maintenance, perfect for a modern home.

6. The Full Wooden Deck Wrap

This classic approach involves building a deck that completely surrounds the above-ground pool at coping height. This makes the pool feel fully integrated and provides 360-degree access. It's a simple and effective way to hide the pool walls entirely. The deck provides ample space for furniture, planters, and storage.

7. The Minimalist Half-Buried Look

Sometimes less is more. Sinking the pool only halfway into the ground creates a functional and stylish feature. The exposed portion acts as a safety barrier and a convenient seating ledge. This design requires less excavation than a fully sunken pool. Finish the surrounding area with simple pea gravel or a lush lawn for an uncluttered look.

8. The Privacy Fence Combo

Integrate a privacy fence directly into your pool deck design. Build the deck around the pool and have the fence serve as one of the deck's walls. This creates a secluded, intimate corner in your yard. You can use horizontal wood slats for a modern feel or a classic vertical fence. Add hooks for towels and shelving for sunscreen to make it functional.

9. The Integrated Garden Bed

Soften the edges of your pool deck with built-in garden beds. Surround the sunken pool with a deck, but leave cutouts for planting. Fill these with ornamental grasses, hardy perennials, or even small shrubs. This biophilic design helps the pool structure blend into the landscape. It breaks up the monotony of a large deck surface.

10. The L-Shaped Deck with Lounge Area

An L-shaped deck is a smart use of space. It wraps around two sides of the pool, providing easy access while leaving the other two sides open to the lawn. This design defines a clear poolside zone. Use the larger part of the 'L' for a dedicated lounge area with sofas and a coffee table, separate from the main entry point.

11. The Circular Deck for a Round Pool

Complement the shape of a classic round pool with a circular or octagonal deck. Building the deck around the pool creates a harmonious and balanced look. This design provides ample space for walking around the entire pool. It feels intentional and custom-designed, elevating the standard round pool into a central feature.

12. The Tropical Oasis with Lush Plants

Create a vacation vibe by surrounding your sunken pool with tropical plants. Use large-leafed plants like banana trees, canna lilies, and elephant ears. Bury the pool partially and use the exposed walls as the back of a raised garden bed. The dense foliage will make the pool feel like a secluded lagoon.

13. The Sleek Composite Decking Finish

For a durable and modern look, use composite decking. It requires less maintenance than wood and comes in various colors, like gray, tan, and dark brown. Build a clean, simple platform deck around your sunken pool. The uniform color and texture of composite material give the entire setup a polished, high-end feel.

14. The Pool-to-Patio Transition

Connect your pool area to an existing patio for a cohesive outdoor living space. Sink the pool next to your stone or paver patio. Then, build a small wooden deck or steps to bridge the height difference. This creates a smooth transition from your home's seating area to the water. It makes the pool feel like part of a larger, well-planned space.

15. The Built-in Bench Seating

Maximize space on your pool deck by incorporating built-in benches. Build them along the edge of the deck, facing away from the pool or along a privacy wall. This provides permanent seating without cluttering the space with furniture. It’s a smart design for smaller yards.

16. The Nighttime Ambiance with LED Lighting

Plan for nighttime enjoyment. Install LED lighting into your deck stairs, under the deck railing, or around the pool coping. This not only improves safety but also creates a dramatic and inviting atmosphere after dark. Use warm white light for a cozy feel or colored lights for a fun, party mood.

17. The Waterfall Feature

Add the soothing sound of moving water with a waterfall feature. You can buy pre-made waterfall kits that are easy to install on the edge of most pools. Build a stone or wood enclosure around it to make it look built-in. This feature adds a touch of luxury and helps circulate the pool water.

18. The Infinity Edge Illusion

For a truly high-end look on a sloped lot, create an infinity edge illusion. Sink the pool into the hillside and build a deck or patio on the uphill side. Leave the downhill wall of the pool exposed. When you're in the pool or on the deck, the water will appear to stretch to the horizon. This is a complex but stunning design.

19. The Paver Patio Surround

Instead of a wood deck, surround your sunken pool with a paver patio. This is a durable, low-maintenance option that offers a different aesthetic. Sink the pool so the coping is just above the patio level. This creates a clean edge and an in-ground feel. Choose pavers that match your home's exterior for a cohesive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to sink an above ground pool?

Yes, it is generally much cheaper. While you add costs for excavation and decking, the total price is typically thousands of dollars less than a traditional in-ground pool installation. The pool unit itself is less expensive, and the labor is often less intensive.

How do you landscape around a semi-inground pool?

Landscaping is key to blending the pool into your yard. Use a mix of materials. Build a deck or stone patio to create a level area around the pool. Use retaining walls for sloped areas. Plant ornamental grasses, shrubs, and perennials in surrounding garden beds to soften the edges and add color.

Can you bury any above ground pool?

No, not all above-ground pools are designed for burial. Pools intended for sinking have stronger walls to withstand the constant pressure of the surrounding soil and moisture. Always check the manufacturer's specifications. Using a pool not rated for in-ground or semi-inground installation can void the warranty and lead to structural failure.

Conclusion

An above-ground pool doesn't have to look temporary. With smart planning and creative design, you can create a beautiful, permanent feature that rivals the look of a costly in-ground pool. By sinking the pool and building a deck or patio around it, you can craft the backyard you've always wanted. Which of these ideas inspired you the most? Share your thoughts or your own project in the comments below!