For plenty of homeowners all across Australia, adding a swimming pool to their home is something they've dreamt about for years. Of course, there are plenty of things to consider, and one of the most fundamental choices is what type of pool to go for.

Above ground pools are often chosen over inground pools thanks to their reduced cost. However, semi-inground pools, which are planted partly into the ground, are becoming an increasingly compelling alternative.

Here are just five reasons you should pick a semi-inground pool over a above ground pool.

1. More Pleasing Appearance

One of the problems with above ground pools is that they don't tend to look very nice. As they come up a fair way from the ground, they obscure your view of most of your outside space, and the sides will start to get a bit grimy unless you clean them very regularly.

Semi-inground pools are a different matter altogether. They don't project nearly as high from the ground, and they can be nicely integrated with a property. For example, they're the perfect height to plant flowerbeds or bushes around to create a more attractive appearance. The fact that they are permanent structures instead of freestanding models is also an aesthetic plus.

2. Install Anywhere  

Another issue you're going to run into with above ground pools is that they can only be installed on even ground. Many outside spaces don't have enough even ground to accommodate them; keep in mind that even a slight slope, rise, or dip is going to be a problem.

However, it's not a problem you'll need to deal with when you opt for a semi-inground pool. They can even be installed across slopes, blending perfectly into the scenery.

3. Ongoing Reliability

Above ground pools are made to last, but they suffer from several inherent problems. Without soil and a framework surrounding them, plenty of pressure is placed on their sides, and those sides aren't protected from any bumps and knocks.

Even though a semi-inground pool comes up a little from the ground, it's about as structurally strong as a standard inground pool. The vast majority of wall-space will be cushioned against the soil and protected from the elements, so you can expect a semi-inground pool to last a lot longer than an above ground one.

4. Easier Entry

Above ground pools need to be climbed up if you want to get in. It's not going to be a problem for most users, but anyone with mobility issues is going to find getting into the pool either painful or downright impossible. Young children may also find entry difficult, and there's an increased risk of someone slipping and falling, especially when they are climbing down after taking a dip.

A semi-inground pool doesn't rise up from the ground nearly enough to make falls much of an issue, and getting in and out of them will be far easier.

5. Superior Efficiency

People often underestimate just how much it costs to heat a pool. According to recent research, the average swimming pool costs between $800 and $1,200 in annual running costs, so you could end up adding $100 to your energy bill each month.

It's not a figure that's likely to break the bank, but you'll obviously want to keep your costs as low as possible. Choosing a semi-inground pool instead of an above ground pool can help accomplish that goal. Above ground pools generally lose heat at a greater rate because heat can escape through the sides as well as from the top. A semi-inground pool sits mostly below the surface, so its sides are nicely insulated.