Above‐Ground Fibreglass Pools: Pros, Cons, and Installation Tips

It’s a scorching summer day, the sun’s blazing down, and instead of sweating it out, you’re cooling off in your very own above-ground fibreglass pool. Best of all, you didn’t break the bank or wait months for installation. More and more Aussies are choosing above-ground fibreglass pools - and it’s easy to see why.

Not long ago, above-ground pools were limited to vinyl liner designs, which had a bit of a reputation - prone to leaking and liner tears, expensive to maintain and more hassle than they were worth. Or concrete plunge pools, which are fantastic, however expensive to buy and install and often beyond the reach of most budgets. But those days are behind us. Today’s purpose-built fibreglass above-ground pools are solid, stylish, and far easier and cheaper to install than concrete or vinyl options. They're built to last and built with DIYers in mind.

Got a tricky or sloping block? Tight access? Or just want something that can be installed quickly without digging up your backyard? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and step-by-step installation process to help you figure out if an above-ground fibreglass pool is the right fit for your home and budget.

Why an Above-Ground Fibreglass pool?

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s quickly clear up what we mean by a purpose-built above-ground fibreglass pool - because it’s a big leap forward from what was available just a few years ago.

Back then, if you wanted a fibreglass shell to sit partially or fully out of the ground, the only option was to have the manufacturer add heavy-duty buttresses to a standard inground shell. It worked, but it wasn’t pretty for your budget with those extra supports costing as much as the shell itself.

Then came the cheaper models: lighter shells with weaker floors and walls that had to be installed on a concrete slab, propped up with visible bracing bars to stop the sides from bowing once filled with water. Aside from the extra installation time and expense, those bracing bars made it tricky to finish the pool properly with decking or cladding. 

Today’s purpose-built above-ground fibreglass pools are a different story. They’re engineered specifically to sit out of the ground - no concrete slab, no ugly bracing, no awkward workarounds.

1. Smart on Cost (Without Cutting Corners)

Purpose-built above-ground fibreglass pools are designed to keep things simple. And simple means more cost-effective. There’s no need for a concrete slab to support the floor or stabilising bars to stop the walls from bowing out. If part of the pool is going in the ground, you can reuse the soil you’ve just dug out (as long as it's clean - no rocks, tree roots, etc.), so you’re not paying to remove it and replace it with cement stabilised backfill.

It’s not about going cheap - it’s about choosing a product that works with your site and saves you from unnecessary extras. In fact, many of our customers save up to 50% on installation compared to inground options, all while getting the same high-quality fibreglass shell used in premium builds.

2. Quick, Cheap and Easy Installation

A pre-cast concrete plunge pool can weigh up to 12,000kg’s. The cost to deliver and lift the pool in by crane is often well over $15,000. Tack on the cost and logistics of arranging a concreter to pour the base slab and suddenly both you and your budget are under pressure. Installing a vinyl liner is a big job that is not DIY friendly. It is best left to the professionals. And fibreglass inground installs involve coordinating multiple trades, waiting on weather, excavation and backfilling. 

Lightweight above-ground fibreglass pools cut out most of that. The shell arrives in one piece and is lifted onto a compacted ground base. Plumb up the filtration fittings and then turn the hose on. They are DIY friendly without the exorbitant delivery and crane costs. With fewer moving parts and no long cure times, you're far less likely to hit delays.

Whether you install a 4m plunge pool or go all in with a 9m family pool, you can easily be swimming in a few days, instead of watching the summer roll by.

3. Great for the Not-So-Flat Backyard

Not every yard is a level playing field. If your block’s got a bit of a lean or tricky access, an above-ground setup might just make life easier.

You can install them partially or fully above ground, backfill (if needed) with native soil, and skip the engineering headache. They’re built specifically for this type of job, so you’re not retrofitting an inground shell and hoping for the best with a workaround product.

This kind of flexibility makes a huge difference for homeowners working with tight or sloping spaces.

Rather than pouring funds into excavation and costly retaining walls, you can install the pool above ground and use stylish decking, cladding, or retaining features to turn challenging landscapes into a one-of-a-kind outdoor haven.

4. Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting

Fibreglass is known for being a low-maintenance option, and that holds true whether it’s above or below ground. The smooth surface helps prevent algae build-up, so you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time having fun.

Better yet, many Australian fibreglass pool suppliers offer a 25-year structural warranty, ensuring your investment will stand the test of time.

You’re also avoiding issues like liner repairs and replacement, resurfacing, or unexpected cracks down the line. It is why vinyl liner structural warranties are generally 7 years and 10 years for pre-cast concrete plunge pools.

The Downsides of Above-Ground Fibreglass Pools

While they have lots of benefits, above-ground fibreglass pools aren’t perfect for every situation. Here’s what to consider:

1. Your Size and Shape Options Are Set

Unlike concrete pools, which can be custom-built to any size or shape, fibreglass shells aren’t made to order. They’re pre-moulded, meaning you’ll choose from a range of standard designs.

Now, that doesn’t mean boring - there are modern shapes, plunge options, family-friendly layouts, and more. But if you’re after a totally custom design with vanishing edges, curves galore, or a built-in swim-up bar, you might feel a little boxed in.

2. You’ll Want to Plan for the Finish

Above-ground pools don’t just sit there looking great out of the box - you’ll want to think through the finishing touches. That could mean:

• A deck or platform to make getting in and out easy

• Cladding or screening to hide the exposed shell

• Pool fencing that meets Aussie safety regulations (non-negotiable).

These are all manageable, especially if you budget and plan for them upfront. And done well, they actually become standout features that pull the whole outdoor area together.

3. It Has a Different Visual Profile

Because the pool sits above (or partially above) ground level, it’s going to look a bit different compared to a traditional inground setup. Some homeowners love that elevated look - it gives you a clean, modern focal point. Others prefer something more low-profile.

Here’s the thing: with the right design touches - think timber decking, screens, planter boxes, or some strategic lighting - you can make an above-ground fibreglass pool feel just as polished and permanent as any other pool style.

So, yes - it looks different. But different can look brilliant with a bit of creative thinking.

Installing Your Above-Ground Fibreglass Pool

Installing a pool can sound like a big job - and sure, there’s a bit to think through. But with a purpose-built above-ground fibreglass pool, you’re not signing up for months of project management or half your backyard turning into an excavator and bobcat playground. 

Most of our customers are surprised by how straightforward the process is. Just to be upfront, straightforward doesn’t mean you can kick back and let the magical installation fairy wave a wand. There is still work to do however if you know how to use a phone, you’re qualified. 

Here’s how it usually plays out.

Step 1: Get Your Site Sorted

Before the shell arrives, you'll want to prep your space. That means:

• Getting local council approval before installing your pool 

• Measuring and marking where the pool will sit

• Making sure a crane can access the site (whether down the side or over the top of your house)

• Getting the ground level and prepared by compacting the soil.

If your yard’s on a slope, don’t stress. You can partially dig in one side or build up around the base. There’s no need for major earthworks or structural gymnastics.

Step 2: Place the Shell

This is the fun bit. Your fibreglass pool arrives in one solid piece and is craned into position. 

Because it’s purpose-built for above-ground use, there’s no need for a concrete slab or stabilising bars. 

Step 3: Hook Up Your Plumbing and Filtration

As soon as the crane has taken off the lifting straps, you can start connecting the plumbing from the skimmer box and return jets to your equipment station. Once this is finished, turn on the hose and start filling up your soon-to-be sparkling pool. 

You’ll need to:

• Run Class 9 PVC piping to comply with Australian Standards 1839:2021

• If you are running your pipework through a ground trench, pressure-test your pipework before filling in the trench

• Fit two-way valves if the pump is being installed below the waterline of the pool.

Pro tip: A variable speed pump is worth it. They whisper quiet on low speed (great if your pump is under a deck) and will slash your pump running costs by up to 85%. Most pool owners get their money back within 18 months and after that, you are saving hundreds a year in reduced power bills. Winner, winner chicken dinner. 

Step 4: Deck, Fence, Landscape

Now we’re into the creative part - the bit where your pool area starts to feel like a proper backyard oasis.

• Build your decking (composite timber is an excellent low-maintenance choice) or clad around your pool with any type of finish that will have the neighbours casting admiring looks over the back fence

• Install compliant pool fencing (a must-have under Aussie law)

• Add your landscaping, lighting, and maybe a few outdoor chairs to admire your handiwork.

By the end of it, you’ll have a pool that looks amazing, works beautifully, and didn’t take a full reno budget to get there.

Are Above-Ground Fibreglass Pools Right for You?

If you’re exploring pool options and weighing up what’s going to work best for your backyard, chances are you’ve already realised that not every setup suits every site.

The good news? An above-ground fibreglass pool isn’t a compromise - it’s a smart, flexible solution designed to meet homeowners where they’re at. Whether your block is sloped, space is tight, or you’re just not up for a drawn-out construction process, this style of pool could be the one that ticks all the boxes.

Here’s when they make a lot of sense:

• You want a quality pool without the full-scale dig

• You’re working with uneven ground or limited access for excavation machinery

• You’d rather not deal with concrete curing or extended timeframes to have your pool up and running

• You’re comfortable getting hands-on, or at least coordinating parts of the install yourself.

This isn’t a quick-fix pool you grab from the local hardware store. It’s the same premium-grade fibreglass shell you’d find in top-tier inground installations - engineered specifically for above-ground performance. That means easier installs, less structural fuss, and more flexibility when you’re working with a site that’s not exactly “builder’s dream” territory.

Of course, if you’re chasing a fully custom design, a flush-deck finish, or something truly architectural, an inground option might suit your plans better. And we can help with that, too.

But for many Aussie homeowners, an above-ground fibreglass pool is the clever choice that gets them swimming faster, without blowing up the budget - or the backyard.

Bringing Your Pool Vision to Life

Installing your own pool might feel like a big leap - but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, the right product, and a bit of planning, it’s absolutely achievable. We’ve seen plenty of homeowners do it - most with no building background at all.

Above-ground fibreglass pools offer a practical, proven option for homeowners who want quality without complexity. Whether your site’s a bit tricky, your timeline is tight, or you just want to take control of the process, they give you the flexibility to make it happen - without cutting corners.

At Complete Fibreglass Pool Kits, we’ve helped people all over the country get pools into places that would’ve been in the “too hard basket” a few years ago. And we don’t just ship you the shell and wish you luck - we walk alongside you through the whole process.

Whether you’re still early in your research or you’re halfway through planning, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions. No jargon. No pushy sales tactics. Just practical advice, honest answers, and a pool that’s built to last.

If you’re ready to bring your backyard to life - or just want help figuring out if an above-ground fibreglass pool is the right fit - we’re here when you need us.