We got a 10 ft pool and we didn't bury it at all. It's kind of the perfect depth for both kids and adults because as an adult you can sit in it on the bottom with your arms over the side like a hot tub. For little kids, they can reach the bottom so they feel a lot more comfortable. We just got a little Intex pool pump for it and it works fantastic! Once we get it moved into the privacy fence area we're going to build a little half deck/bench around one corner of it.