Ask five different websites what a semi-inground pool costs, and you’ll get five different answers, none of which seem to agree with each other. It’s enough to make anyone give up on research altogether and just start calling around.
Here’s why the numbers never match: there isn’t one price, because there isn’t one pool type. A semi-inground pool can be a simple 12×24 tucked into a slope, or a fully custom, stone-wrapped centerpiece with a tanning ledge and a built-in bar. Both are semi-inground pools, and both cost very different amounts.
Aloha Pools & Spas has served Southern Illinois for decades as part of our 57+ years in business. We understand that budgeting for a pool is intimidating and confusing- but we’re here to help you stay afloat.
This article breaks down what a semi-inground pool costs in the Marion area, what pushes that price up or down, and why the range is so wide.
Cost of Semi-Inground Pools in Marion, IL
Quick answer: semi-inground pools in the Marion area typically cost $17,000 to $60,000+, depending on size, materials, and customization.
This is a wide range, and we know that. You can make your pool as simple or as elaborate as you please. To get a semi-inground pool estimate before ever meeting with a sales representative, check out our semi-inground pool cost estimator!
What Makes Marion Different
Southern Illinois’ terrain is mostly flat farmland, with a water table that often sits higher than people expect. Flat ground is generally good news for construction, as excavation and hauling are much simpler with a blank (or, flat!) canvas.
That higher water table is the bigger factor to know about, especially for a semi-inground pool. A semi-inground build relies on a retaining wall doing real work, and a wall built where the water table sits close to the surface needs good drainage planning so groundwater doesn’t push against it over time. Our crews plan for this on every Marion build, but it’s worth knowing your yard’s water table may call for a bit of extra site prep.
Another note: this part of the country sits near a well-known fault line. It’s not something to lose sleep over, but many builders add a little extra reinforcement to retaining walls here, just to be safe.
Permitting in Marion
The City of Marion has its own dedicated swimming pool section in its municipal code that covers permit requirements and fees for pool construction. In this area, you must have a site plan, verified setbacks, and a fence or approved barrier around the finished pool. Illinois fencing standards are important to know up front. Barriers generally need to be at or above 48 inches, with limited gaps and a self-latching gate- a policy that takes planning.
If you’re in a planned community, HOA rules vary neighborhood by neighborhood, so check your HOA guidelines before finalizing your design.
Our team handles the municipal permitting process for you, but it’s worth starting the HOA conversation as early as possible.
Why the Price Range Is So Wide
The simple answer? Customization. A semi-inground pool is one of the most flexible products we build. Flexibility means options, and options mean price swings.
A basic semi-inground pool with a simple retaining wall and standard equipment sits at the lower end of our range. But most homeowners don’t stop there. Once people see what’s possible, they start adding things, and every addition changes the number.
Brick and Stone Perimeters
This is one of the most popular upgrades we see on semi-inground pools, and once you see one finished, you’ll understand why. Wrap a semi-inground pool in a brick or stone perimeter, and it no longer looks like a pool tucked into a hillside- it looks like the most glorious in-ground fire pit you’ve ever seen. It’s a striking look, and it’s the upgrade most semi-inground owners in our area choose. Depending on the material and how much of the pool you wrap, this typically adds a few thousand dollars, up to $10,000 or more, to your total project.
Decking
Wood and composite decking are another common add-on, giving you a proper place to set up chairs, a grill, and everything else that makes a backyard feel finished. Decking costs vary a lot based on size and material, so talk it through with an independent contractor for a number specific to your yard.
Other Popular Additions
Tanning ledges, extra steps, lighting packages, and water features are all common additions on semi-inground builds. None of these are required, but they’re worth considering while you’re budgeting, since most customers add at least one.
What This Means for Your Budget
If you want the simplest version of a semi-inground pool, you’ll be looking at the lower half of our range. If you’re dreaming of a brick-wrapped, fully decked, tanning-ledge version, plan for the upper half, or beyond it. Most of our Marion customers land somewhere in the middle once they’ve picked their must-haves, and it’s worth setting aside a little extra if you’re worried about accidentals.
Aloha Has Been Doing This a Long Time
Aloha has been a family-run pool business since 1969, and we’re still one today. Our construction crews include builders with more than a decade of hands-on experience, and every pool we build, semi-inground included, comes with our 5-year warranty.
We know Southern Illinois soil, weather, and yards, and that experience is backed by over 57 years of building pools across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a semi-inground pool cost in Marion, IL?
Semi-inground pools in the Marion area typically run $17,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on size, materials, and customization.
Why is the price range for semi-inground pools so wide?
As we’ve discussed, semi-inground pools are highly customizable. A basic build with a simple retaining wall will cost less, while upgrades like brick perimeters, decking, and tanning ledges push the price toward the higher end.
Do I need a permit for a semi-inground pool in Marion?
Yes- the City of Marion has a dedicated swimming pool section in its municipal code, requiring a permit, a site plan, and a fence or barrier that meets Illinois’s height and self-latching gate requirements.
Does Marion’s water table affect semi-inground pool pricing?
It can. A higher water table in parts of the region could require extra drainage planning for a semi-inground pool’s retaining wall. This may add to site prep costs depending on your yard.
Let’s Talk About Your Yard
Every yard is different, and the only way to get a real number is to have one of our reps take a look. If you’re ready to see what a semi-inground pool could look like in your backyard, connect with our Marion team or stop by and see us.
