By Colm, Managing Director, Swimming Pool Kits Direct
Most people who ask about above ground pools have already been told their block is too hard. The slope is too steep, there is rock under the lawn, or the digger cannot get down the side of the house. That usually leads to the same assumption: the only fix is a concrete pool with a much bigger budget.
It is not. An above ground fibreglass pool uses the same style of fibreglass shell as an inground pool, built with extra support so it can sit above the soil. Once it is decked or landscaped, it can look much like an inground pool. And because there is little to no deep excavation, a lot of the cost people fear never shows up.
Article Summary
- Above ground fibreglass pool kits from SPKD include the shell, certified engineering drawings and delivery to your kerb.
- Equipment packages currently start from $4,699 for Signature, $8,289 for Platinum and $12,790 for VIP.
- Your final above ground pool cost depends on pool size, equipment package, base, crane access, trades and the finish around the pool.
- Above ground builds are often cheaper to install than inground pools because there is minimal excavation and less risk of rock or soil removal costs.
- DIY-managed projects can save $10,000 to $30,000 compared with a fully installed pool of the same size.
An above ground fibreglass pool kit from Swimming Pool Kits Direct starts from $16,000, including the shell, filtration equipment and delivery to your kerb. Equipment packages start from $4,699 for Signature. Your final cost depends on the pool size, the package you choose, the base your site needs, and whether you manage the trades yourself or use a full installer.
Here is where the money goes on a typical above ground fibreglass pool project.
| Cost item | What it covers | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pool shell + kit | Above ground fibreglass shell, skimmer box, hydrostatic valve, pool returns, engineering drawings and delivery to your kerb | From $16,000 depending on model |
| Equipment package | Pump, filter, chlorinator, minerals, lights, cleaner and handover kit | Signature from $4,699; Platinum from $8,289; VIP from $12,790 |
| Base / pad | Crusher dust or a concrete slab, as specified by your engineer or certifier | Site-dependent; get a quote |
| Crane + placement | Lifting the shell into position | Site-dependent based on access, reach and power lines |
| Plumbing + electrical | Connecting the equipment; licensed trades required | Get 2 to 3 local quotes |
| Fencing + approval | Compliant pool barrier and council or private certifier approval | Varies by state and council |
| Decking / surrounds | Timber or composite deck, paving or landscaping to finish the look | Your choice; usually the biggest variable |
The biggest line item people forget is the finish around the pool. A deck is what turns an above ground pool into the backyard centrepiece, so budget for it from day one rather than treating it as an extra.
The shell itself costs slightly more than the inground version of the same model, because it is built with extra support. The savings usually show up in the installation.
“We speak to so many people who think a pool is not possible for them. Our range of above ground pools can help people get the pool they have 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
SPKD's above ground range covers compact plunge pools through to longer family-friendly models.
| Model | Size | Depth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3m Yarra | 3m x 1.9m | 1.23m to 1.49m | Courtyards and townhouse yards |
| 4m Yarra | 4m x 1.9m | 1.23m to 1.62m | Narrow spaces |
| 3m Lennox | 3.6m x 2.5m | 1.31m flat | Soaking and cooling off |
| 5m Lennox | 5m x 2.5m | 1.31m flat | Families with young kids |
| 4m / 6m Royal Slimline | 4m or 6m x 2.5m | 6m: 1.23m to 1.87m | Long, narrow blocks |
| 5m / 6m / 7m Cape Classic | 5m to 7m x 3.5m | 1.23m to up to 1.98m | Entertaining, with bench seating |
Every above ground model can run as a saltwater, mineral or freshwater pool, just like the inground range. If you want to see how the shell construction differs, read how above ground shells differ.
Most people get this part wrong. DIY does not usually mean you are physically building the pool yourself. It means you are managing the job. You buy the kit, then book the trades yourself: base, crane, plumber, electrician and fencer. The project-management margin is the part you keep.
Across SPKD's range, customers who manage their own build typically save $10,000 to $30,000 compared with a fully installed pool of the same size. If you would rather not coordinate trades, SPKD can still connect you with experienced installers in your area, and you still get the same shell and equipment.
Pro tip: Start your fencing quote and your council or certifier enquiry the same week you order your pool. They are the two steps most likely to add weeks if you leave them until the shell arrives.
For a full breakdown of the trade-off, read DIY vs fully installed.
A vinyl liner pool will usually be cheaper upfront, but it is not the same product. Liners wear out and typically need replacing every 7 to 15 years, most are oval, and they do not add value to your home the way a fibreglass pool can. A fibreglass above ground pool has a smooth, non-porous gelcoat surface, lower maintenance, and a 25-year structural warranty on the shell.
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 in the ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC. Tell the team which model you are looking at and they can send you a full package price.
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