Updated: 9 October, 2026
Quick answer: An above ground fibreglass pool is worth it if your block is sloping, rocky or hard to dig, or you want the pool level with your deck. It uses an inground-style fibreglass shell with extra support ribs, so it looks like an inground pool once decked. The shell costs a little more, but installation is usually cheaper because there's little or no excavation.
Above ground fibreglass pools are a great option for backyards where an inground pool isn't possible due to a slope, or where the groundworks and engineering required would be too expensive. They're also an ideal choice if you want a seamless transition from the back deck to your pool.
There are different types of above ground pools and they can vary significantly in price. A fibreglass above ground pool uses the same mould as an inground pool and looks the same as an inground pool when it's installed, but the construction is slightly different.
For the right block, yes. It's the simplest way to get the look of an inground pool where digging would be costly or impossible. Here's how it compares with the two options people usually weigh it against.
| Above ground fibreglass | Inground fibreglass | Vinyl liner (above ground) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sloping, rocky or hard-access sites; deck-level pools | Flat, diggable blocks | Lowest upfront budget |
| Excavation | Minimal to none | Full dig and spoil removal | Minimal |
| Shell price | Slightly higher than inground equivalent | Baseline | Lower |
| Install cost | Usually lower (less digging, less rock risk) | Higher on rocky or sloping sites | Lower |
| Install time | As little as 5 days; most up to two weeks | As little as 7 days | Varies |
| Surface | Smooth, non-porous gelcoat | Smooth, non-porous gelcoat | Vinyl; can puncture and fade |
| Lifespan / warranty | 25-year structural warranty on SPKD shells | 25-year structural warranty on SPKD shells | Liner replacement every 7 to 15 years |
| Adds home value? | Can, like other permanent pools | Can | Generally not |
"We speak to so many people who think a pool isn't possible for them. Our range of above ground pools can help people get the pool they've always wanted. You get the look of an inground pool on a site where you thought you would never see a pool."
Colm
Managing Director, Swimming Pool Kits Direct
A fibreglass pool needs to be backfilled to retain its structural integrity when the pool is filled with water. An above ground fibreglass swimming pool is built with extra support ribs around the pool shell so it is strong enough to be installed above the soil. An above ground shell is placed on material such as concrete or crusher dust, but the appropriate material should be discussed with the manufacturer as every site is different.
Pro tip: An above ground fibreglass pool will look the same as an inground pool when it is installed. The only difference is the extra support ribs that are built into the outside of the shell, which you won't see when tiling and landscaping is complete.
Put simply, yes. Pool fencing regulations differ across states and keep evolving to improve water safety, so check with your local council for the most up-to-date rules.
According to SPASA, the Australian Standard AS 1926.1-2012 is the pool fencing standard in NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, WA and the ACT, while Queensland uses its own standard (QDC MP 3.4). Under AS 1926.1-2012, a pool fence must be at least 1.2m high all the way around, with a 900mm non-climbable zone on the outside. (Source: SPASA, Australian pool fencing rules)
An above ground pool still needs a compliant barrier, and the pool walls alone usually won't count as one. In general, pools and spas capable of holding more than 300mm of water need a pool fence.
Yes. Your above ground pool needs to be approved. In NSW this can be a CDC or a DA approval, and once it's built you'll need to register it. In Queensland, you'll need to obtain approval from your local council or a private certifier. As with fencing, the approval process varies from state to state, so contact your council or certifier for current requirements. Every SPKD above ground kit includes certified engineering drawings to support your approval.
Above ground fibreglass pool kits from Swimming Pool Kits Direct start from $16,000, including the shell, filtration equipment and delivery to your kerb. Equipment packages start from $4,699 (Signature), $8,289 (Platinum) and $12,790 (VIP).
The shell is slightly more expensive than an inground shell; the saving is in the installation. With an above ground pool there's limited excavation and soil removal, which makes installation cheaper. Buying the shell and all the filtration equipment as one kit, delivered to your kerb, also lets you self-manage the installation. We deliver pool shells to QLD, NSW, VIC and the ACT. See if we deliver to your area.
For a full line-by-line budget (base, crane, trades, fencing and decking), read our above ground pool cost guide for 2026.
Finished Cape Classic above ground fibreglass pool with decking in an Australian backyard
Compare them all on our above ground pools page, or see how they stack up against our plunge pool costs.
When talking about above ground pools it can get confusing. A common misconception is that an above ground pool is a liner pool. However, with extra engineering, an inground fibreglass pool shell can be installed above the ground. This means you get the modern look and benefits of a fibreglass pool on a site that's too difficult for an inground pool.
In Australia, a liner pool usually has a steel structure with a vinyl liner installed over it as the waterproof surface. Its big benefit is a lower upfront cost. However, there are drawbacks:
Many homeowners still choose a liner for the lower upfront cost. If you want a pool that lasts and looks permanent, fibreglass is the stronger long-term choice.
It's a widespread misconception that raising a pool above natural ground level means costly retaining walls, or that you're limited to the pricey route of a concrete pool. An above ground fibreglass pool is a simple way to get the seamless look of an inground pool where an inground pool isn't an option.
The shell costs slightly more than an inground fibreglass shell because of the extra supports. The savings come in installation: minimal to no excavation means no costly digger hire, no surprise soil-removal bills and no risk of hitting rock. Above ground fibreglass installs can take as little as five days, and most are finished within two weeks.
And remember, DIY doesn't mean digging. With a kit, you manage the job and book the trades: base, crane, plumber, electrician and fencer. Customers who manage their own build typically save $10,000 to $30,000 compared with a fully installed pool of the same size. Read DIY vs installed fibreglass pools to see which suits you.
One of the most common questions we get is what goes underneath an above ground pool. The material depends on the site, and your certifier and engineer will guide you. It's essential the pool sits on an appropriate surface, usually crusher dust or a concrete slab. If there's a slope, discuss it with the manufacturer from the outset. Semi-inground pools still need a concrete ring around the pool to help prevent movement; our semi-inground pool guide explains how that works on sloping blocks.
Every above ground kit from Swimming Pool Kits Direct includes the shell, filtration equipment sized to your pool, certified engineering drawings for your approval and delivery to your kerb. Tell us which model you're looking at and we'll send you a full package price.