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

You want that dream backyard pool. The one where you can sit with a drink, watch the kids splash. And feel like you’re on vacation without going anywhere.

But let’s be honest. In-ground pools cost a ton.

And regular above-ground ones? They feel like a consolation prize. Like, yeah, it’s a pool. But it sticks out next to my flowers and patio.

Good news: You don’t have to choose between saving cash and loving how your yard looks. Sinking or semi-burying an above-ground pool is the sweet spot. It blends right into your landscape, looks custom, and won’t make you mortgage the house. Below are 19 ideas I’ve seen work—some from friends, some from projects I’ve ogled online—to turn that “meh” above-ground into your yard’s star.

1. The Multi-Level Deck Surround

Sloped yards used to feel like a curse, right? Like, why does my yard have to be a hill when I just want a flat spot for a pool? Enter the multi-level deck. It fixes the slope and gives you separate zones—no more mixing lounge chairs with the grill.

One level sits right at the pool’s edge, so you can step in without tripping over a ladder. The lower level? Throw a dining table there, or even a fire pit for cool evenings. My neighbor did this, and it’s wild how much it makes the space feel “planned” instead of chaotic. Pro move: Use different wood stains for each level—light for lounging, dark for dining—to keep things from blending into one big deck blob.

2. The Walk-Out Basement Integration

If your house has a walk-out basement, you’ve got a secret weapon. Build a deck off your main floor that hangs over the basement patio, then tuck the pool right in between. Suddenly, the pool wall doesn’t look like a random metal sheet—it looks like part of your house.

This is genius for convenience, too. You can step out of your kitchen, grab your towel, and hop in—no trekking across the yard. And the space under the deck? It becomes a shaded patio for rainy days or when the sun’s too brutal. My cousin has this setup, and she swears it’s the reason she uses her pool 10x more than her friends with “regular” above-grounds.

3. The Hillside Terrace Design

Slopes aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities. Here’s how it works: Build a retaining wall on the downhill side, then fill the uphill side with dirt to make a flat spot for the pool. From the top of the hill? It looks 100% in-ground. You’d never guess it started as an above-ground.

Softening the look is key. Plant cascading flowers (like petunias) or low shrubs in the retaining wall gaps. They’ll spill over and hide the “construction” feel. I saw this at a Airbnb once, and I actually asked the host if it was in-ground—she laughed and said it saved her $20k. Ouch, but worth it.

4. The Rustic Stone Retaining Wall

Want your pool to feel like a natural spring or pond instead of a “pool”? Ditch the wood deck and go for a stone retaining wall. Build it up on one side of the semi-sunken pool—great for yards with a tiny slope, not a full hill.

Natural stone is beautiful, but let’s be honest: it’s heavy and expensive. Manufactured stone blocks work just as well and are way easier to handle. My mom did this with her pool, and now it blends right in with her rose beds. Guests always say, “I forgot this was above-ground!” Mission accomplished.

5. The Modern Concrete Encasement

For that clean, “I hired a designer” look? Wrap your semi-sunken pool in concrete. Pour a concrete collar around the edge and a matching patio around it. It looks just like those fancy gunite pools—you know, the ones that cost as much as a car—but for way less.

Concrete’s tough, too. No rotting wood or fading stains. You can stamp it to look like stone or stain it gray for that minimalist vibe. My brother-in-law did this for his modern house, and it’s so sleek. He says the only maintenance is hosing it off—perfect for someone who hates yard work.

6. The Full Wooden Deck Wrap

This is the classic “hide the pool wall” trick—and it still works. Build a deck all the way around the pool, at the same height as the pool’s edge. Suddenly, the metal or plastic sides are gone. Poof.

It’s simple, but effective. You get 360-degree access—no more squeezing around one side to get to the ladder. And the deck space? Tons of room for chairs, planters, even a storage box for pool toys. My first pool was like this, and I loved how it felt “built-in” without the built-in price tag.

7. The Minimalist Half-Buried Look

Sometimes less is more. Sink the pool only halfway into the ground. That exposed part? It’s not a flaw—it’s a safety barrier (great if you have little kids) and a built-in seating ledge.

Digging half as much means less time, less money, and less mess. Finish the around it with pea gravel or just keep the lawn—no fancy deck needed. I saw this at a friend’s tiny yard, and it’s brilliant. No clutter, just a clean, functional pool that doesn’t take over the space.

8. The Privacy Fence Combo

Want your pool to feel like a little secret nook? Mix your deck with a privacy fence. Build the deck around the pool, then make one side of the deck a fence—no extra structure needed.

Horizontal slats look modern; vertical ones feel classic. Add hooks for towels and a small shelf for sunscreen, and it’s basically a poolside mudroom. My neighbor with nosey next-door neighbors did this, and she says it’s the best money she spent. Finally, a place to swim without an audience!

9. The Integrated Garden Bed

Decks can feel sterile, right? Break that up with built-in garden beds. Build your deck around the sunken pool, but cut out little rectangles or circles for plants. Fill them with ornamental grasses, perennials, or even small shrubs.

It’s called “biophilic design” or whatever, but basically, it makes the pool feel like it’s growing out of your yard. My aunt did this with lavender—smells amazing, looks soft, and hides any weird deck edges. Plus, bees love it. Win-win for you and the planet.

10. The L-Shaped Deck with Lounge Area

Small yards need smart space use—enter the L-shaped deck. Wrap it around two sides of the pool, leave the other two open to the lawn. It defines the “pool zone” without closing off the whole yard.

Use the bigger part of the L for a lounge area—think outdoor sofas and a coffee table. Keep the smaller side for the pool ladder and towels. My friend with a 10x12 backyard did this, and it’s crazy how much it feels like a real outdoor room. No more tripping over chairs to get to the water.

11. The Circular Deck for a Round Pool

Round pools are classic, but they can look a little “basic” with a square deck. Fix that with a circular or octagonal deck. It matches the pool’s shape, so everything feels cohesive—like it was made for each other.

You get tons of walking space around the whole pool, too. No more “single file” to get to the other side. My cousin had a round pool with a square deck for years, then switched to circular. She says it’s like night and day—suddenly, the pool looks intentional, not afterthought.

12. The Tropical Oasis with Lush Plants

Want to feel like you’re in Bali without booking a flight? Surround your semi-sunken pool with tropical plants. Big-leafed stuff like banana trees, canna lilies, or elephant ears—they make the space feel lush and exotic.

Bury the pool partway, then use the exposed wall as the back of a raised garden bed. Fill that bed with your tropical picks. The foliage will wrap around the pool, making it feel like a secluded lagoon. I did this with my last pool (in zone 8, so they survived winter!) and it was my happy place. Even on rainy days, it felt like a vacation.

13. The Sleek Composite Decking Finish

Wood decks are pretty, but man, do they require work—staining every year, fixing splinters. Composite decking is the lazy person’s (read: smart person’s) solution. It’s durable, doesn’t rot, and comes in colors like gray, tan, or dark brown.

Build a simple platform deck around your sunken pool with it. The uniform look makes everything feel polished—like a high-end renovation, not a DIY project. My dad switched to composite last year, and he says he’s saved 10 hours a summer on deck maintenance. Time he now spends in the pool. Worth it.

14. The Pool-to-Patio Transition

If you already have a patio, don’t make the pool a separate thing—connect them. Sink the pool right next to your stone or paver patio, then build a small deck or steps to bridge the height gap.

Suddenly, your patio and pool feel like one big outdoor space. You can sit on the patio with a meal, then hop in the pool without moving your stuff. My neighbor did this, and it’s so seamless—I forgot the patio was there first. It just looks like she planned the whole thing from the start.

15. The Built-in Bench Seating

Small yards can’t handle bulky outdoor furniture. Enter built-in benches. Build them along the deck edge—facing away from the pool or against a privacy wall—and you’ve got permanent seating without the clutter.

My friend with a tiny backyard did this, and it’s a game-changer. She can fit 4 people on the bench, plus two chairs, and still have room to walk. Bonus: Add a storage compartment under the bench for pool noodles and floats. No more tripping over them!

16. The Nighttime Ambiance with LED Lighting

Pools aren’t just for daytime—night swims are magic. But you need light, and not just a boring floodlight. Install LED lights in the deck stairs, under the railings, or around the pool edge.

It’s safe (no more tripping in the dark) and atmospheric. Warm white light feels cozy for quiet nights; colored lights are fun for parties. My sister did this with blue lights, and it looks like a mini resort after dark. She says her kids beg to swim at night now—win for everyone.

17. The Waterfall Feature

Want luxury without the high cost? Try a waterfall.

You can buy pre-made kits. They hook onto most pools—no fancy pipes required. Build a small stone or wood box around it to hide the pump. Then it looks like it’s always been there.

The sound alone makes it worth it. It’s soothing, like being by a stream. Plus, it moves the pool water around. That helps keep it clean.

My mom put one in last year. She says it’s the most relaxing part of her pool. Even when she’s not swimming, she sits close by just to listen.

18. The Infinity Edge Illusion

This one’s a bit more work, but wow—if you have a sloped lot, do it. Sink the pool into the hillside, build a deck on the uphill side, and leave the downhill wall exposed. When you’re in the pool or on the deck, the water looks like it stretches to the horizon.

It’s the “infinity pool” look for a fraction of the cost. My cousin’s friend did this, and I swear, every photo she posts gets comments asking if it’s a resort. Fair warning: You’ll need to hire someone for the excavation, but the payoff is chef’s kiss.

19. The Paver Patio Surround

Wood decks aren’t for everyone. If you prefer something sturdier (or just hate wood), go for a paver patio around your sunken pool. It’s low-maintenance, durable, and comes in tons of styles.

Sink the pool so the edge (called coping) is just above the patio. It creates a clean line that looks in-ground. Pick pavers that match your house’s exterior—tan pavers for a brick house, gray for stucco—and it’ll all tie together. My neighbor did this, and it’s held up through 5 winters with zero issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to sink an above ground pool?

Oh, absolutely. Yeah, you’ll pay for excavation and decking, but even then? It’s thousands less than a real in-ground pool. The pool itself is cheaper, and the labor is way less intense. My cousin saved over $30k doing this instead of in-ground. She used the extra money for a new grill and outdoor fridge. No regrets.

How do you landscape around a semi-inground pool?

Landscaping is what makes it look “real.” Mix materials—deck and stone, not just one. Use retaining walls if your yard slopes. Then add plants: ornamental grasses soften edges, shrubs add height, perennials add color. Avoid anything too messy (like trees that drop leaves) or too close to the water (roots can mess with the pool). Keep it simple, and it’ll blend right in.

Can you bury any above ground pool?

Nope—big mistake if you try. Only pools made for sinking have strong enough walls to handle soil pressure and moisture. Always check the manufacturer’s label. My friend tried burying a regular above-ground pool once… it caved in after 6 months. Voided the warranty, had to buy a new one. Learn from his mistake.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing: An above-ground pool doesn’t have to feel temporary. With a little planning and some creativity, it can look just as nice as an in-ground one—without the sticker shock. Whether you’re working with a slope, a small yard, or just want something that fits your style, one of these ideas will work.

I still think about that tropical oasis setup… maybe next time I redo my pool. Which one’s speaking to you? Is it the minimalist half-buried or the infinity edge illusion? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up!

19 Stunning Sunken Above Ground Pool Ideas