The semi-buried swimming pool is a good compromise between the above-ground swimming pool and the buried swimming pool. It’s a hybrid model offered in different materials, models and shapes. It is very coveted because it has many more advantages than disadvantages. Let’s discover the pluses and minuses of the semi-buried pool and also see what budget to plan for its construction.
Main characteristics of the semi-buried swimming pool
This pool cannot be dismantled once the swimming season is over, unlike the above-ground pool. It is a swimming pool of which only a part is buried. It requires stabilization of the ground, but if we compare with the inground or inground pool, the earthworks required for its installation are generally less important.
The ground slope is not at all a contraindication for this pool because its base can be buried only partially or completely. In the latter case, it is simply necessary to provide for the planning of the floor area on which the basin will rest. It is therefore the ideal model if you own a slope or even a terraced land but which, in addition, is perfectly suitable for flat land. The semi-buried pool can therefore be chosen in many configurations.
Advantages of the semi-buried swimming pool
Because of its many advantages, the in-ground swimming pool is more and more coveted and here is why.
- Comes in different shapes: round, oval, bean, square, rectangular, octagonal, peanut …,
- Available in various sizes: mini pool, large classic pool, swimming lane, the semi-buried pool can also be more or less deep,
- Designed in various materials such as wood, concrete, metal or – in the case of the semi-buried shell pool – in resin and polyester,
- There is a wide range of models allowing small budgets to still afford a beautiful pool since prices start around €1,200 excluding installation cost,
- Concept best suited to very uneven or very steep terrain,
- Of great robustness,
- Its access being at height, there is less risk of falls but it is nevertheless obligatory to install a security system,
- Keeps the water clean longer than in the case of an in-ground pool,
- Brings to the land a design note of the most beautiful effect once the surroundings of the semi-buried swimming pool are completely fitted out: it lends itself to any type of development such as a beach, stairs to access the pool, solid wood terrace, slab, in natural stone, concrete or composite wood for example, enough to harmonize it with the style of the house,
- Brings added value to the property and therefore enhances a real estate heritage,
- Significantly reduces the scope of repair work – and therefore the cost – in the event of a pool leak.
It seems important to us to insist on theobligation to secure your swimming pool even if it is semi-buried and therefore more difficult to access for young children. It only takes a few seconds of inattention for a piece of cabbage to fall into the water. The implementation of a security system does not dispense with being particularly vigilant.
Disadvantages of the semi-buried swimming pool
The semi-buried pool has few drawbacks, but it is still useful to know them before carrying out your project. You should therefore know that:
- Of the demolition work are absolutely necessary to install a semi-buried swimming pool.
- Because of its good reputation and the enthusiasm it generates with individuals, there are now more and more semi-buried models on the market, but some are not of excellent quality in terms of its design material. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a renowned pool specialist before investing so as not to regret your choice later.
- The semi-buried pool is subject to theimposition. Its construction must therefore obligatorily be declared, any omission leading to a rectification.
- Steps must be taken upstream since this pool cannot be dismantled. It should therefore be noted that:
- when the surface area of the semi-buried swimming pool is less than 10 m², no action is required,
- for a pool with an area between 10 and 99 m², a simple prior declaration of work enough,
- if the surface of the pool is 100 m² or more and the above-ground part is more than 60 cm high, a Request for a building permit is obligatory,
- when you want to protect your semi-buried swimming pool with a shelterif the area of the whole is greater than 20 m², you must apply for a building permit.
With regard to procedures, it is necessary to inquire at your town hall because the planning rules are specific to each municipality. The owner of a piece of land may be subject to specific restrictions.
Price of building a semi-buried swimming pool
As we have seen previously, work is needed to install a semi-buried swimming pool in your garden. In terms of financing, this is therefore added to the purchase price of the pool. These works are as follows.
- The earthwork pour :
- Pour the slab : the semi-buried swimming pool is never placed directly on the ground. The concrete slab is fundamental for:
- protect the pool, whether it is a hull or not,
- Avoid subsidence of the ground because once the pool is filled with water, this represents a considerable weight.
- The basin assembly if the owner of the land has opted for a kit model,
- The positioning the semi-buried swimming pool on the concrete slab,
- The sealing equipment and various accessories,
- The connection all electrical devices (heating, filtration, etc.),
- Lay the coating swimming pool,
- Backfill, i.e. fill in the hole taking into account the structure of the semi-buried pool. For this, either gravel or earth fill is used,
- Filling the basinthis is called the impoundment. So that the pressure of the ground on the buried part of the pool does not cause any damage, the impoundment must be carried out right away that the backfilling is complete.
A soil analysis is necessary because its nature can sometimes complicate the work. Anyway, we understand that the cost of building a semi-buried swimming pool should not be overlooked. It varies according to the difficulties encountered during the construction site due to the configuration of the land, the nature of the soil. It is also related to the size of the pool because the larger the pool, the more work is important. It is always necessary request multiple quotes before starting operations. This makes it possible to compare services and prices, which are calculated on a case-by-case basis.
For information, the price of building a semi-buried swimming pool varies from 2,000 to more than 25,000 € depending on whether the model chosen is steel, wood or shell. If you do not have a sufficient budget, it is better to opt for an above-ground swimming pool which does not require any earthworks since the latter simply arises on the ground.