in buffalo NY, not without a pool permit. otherwise it will cause the
neighbors and permit office and inspectors to go crazy scratching their
heads and arguing like mine did. then they will make you crazy when
they tell you to remove it.
our 1990 pool brought out the best and the worst in our neighbors at
construction time. make sure your construction time is very short.
depending on your yard, a safety fence may cost you more than you
think.
our 24ft round above ground pool is partly "underground" on the uphill
edge due to the slope of the hill of the yard. it has never been a
problem since 1990 because:
topsoil is over rocky soil with sedimentary rock below it. pool was
installed by the experienced pool installer guys who knew how to dig
into UNDISTURBED GROUND and then the experienced sidewalk installer
guys did a 4" thick concrete driveway/sidewalk pour around 3/4ths of
the perimeter of the pool [and a full driveway]. the entire uphill side
of the pool leaving a 6" gap away from the pool sides.
the water is not drained from it, but you don't do that with an above
ground pool, even when the entire above ground pool sits above the
ground. the pool could collapse from wind if you drain it.
a rule we had as our 2 kids were growing up was to always have a pool
but never own a pool that was deeper than the shortest child's chin. in
case of panic just stand up. and no deep dish bottom or pitched bottom,
just flat. light colored liner, no surprises. both kids loved the pool
and became confident swimmers. even though the 4 ft walls usually hold
only 42" of water there is a safety fence requirement you will never be
sorry about. if you bury the pool you will need the 4ft or whatever
size fence is required by your place. otherwise if the fence size is 4
ft the pool and its deck might be self-fencing if the steps flip up and
lock in some designs. neighborhood kids have been welcome to visit with
a parent. with now our 12 year old Pomeranian dog around, we still
worry about possible danger of the dog drowning and have a sturdy pool
ladder always in the water that dog, kids, and adults can use. enjoy
your new pool! the installers are always busy in summer so coordinate
the purchase/installation prices and dates for ASAP.

wrote:
I'm interested in putting in an above ground pool, but to save on the
cost of a large deck around it, I'd like to bury it. Our soil is very
compact, clay like, no rocks at all. I have read you can back fill with
sand and bury up to within 6" of the top of the pool. I understand rust
can be a problem, but would most likely use rubberized water proofing
material on the steel priori to burial.

Can this be done?

Any advice would be great. Thanks!