Fibreglass Above Ground Pool vs. In-Ground: Which One Is Right for You?

So, you’ve made the call to put in a DIY fibreglass pool. Good on you. It's one of the smartest ways to add serious value to your backyard without paying through the nose for a full-service, full-price installation. But now you’re staring down the big question:

Above-ground or in-ground?

It’s a fair ask, and the answer isn’t always black and white. Both options have their perks, and what’s “best” really depends on your block, your budget, and how hands-on you want to be.

Got a sloping block? An above-ground fibreglass pool might be the perfect solution - no need to dig half your yard away or build retaining walls that cost more than the pool itself. Chasing that sleek, flush-deck resort look? That’s where an in-ground fibreglass pool shines.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about looks. It’s about how you use your pool, how much you want to spend, and what kind of maintenance you’re prepared to do once it's in the ground (or above it). Whether you’re dreaming of sunset swims with the kids or just need a place to cool off after mowing the lawn, this is your no-nonsense breakdown of above-ground vs in-ground fibreglass pools.

What’s the Difference? Above-Ground vs In-Ground Fibreglass Pools

Before you start picking tiles or choosing a filter, you’ve got to decide on one major thing: are you going above-ground or in-ground?

Let’s break down both options so you can get a clear picture of what’ll work best in your yard.

Above Ground Fibreglass Pools 

(Great for tricky sites, sloping blocks, and saving on dig costs)

What is it?

An above-ground fibreglass pool sits partially or fully above your natural ground level. Purpose-built fibreglass above-ground pools are lightweight (up to 80% lighter than a pre-cast concrete pool) and supported by a compacted earth base - no slab needed, and no unsightly wall bracing bars sticking out of the sides.

Fortunately, we’re well past the days of ugly duckling vinyl liner pools propped up in the corner of the yard. Modern above-ground fibreglass pools are built to impress with clean lines and solid engineering. Wrap it in raised decking, timber screening, stone cladding or even a vertical garden, and it won’t just fit your yard, it will steal the show.

When does it make sense?

Above-ground installs are a smart solution if your site isn’t ideal for excavation - think sloping blocks, tight access, or rocky ground. Instead of digging your yard to bits or spending thousands on retaining walls, you can work with the existing terrain and build up, not down. Less mess, much cheaper delivery and crane costs, faster to install and less bribing of mates to lend a hand.

Where’s the catch? So they can be freestanding, the extra fibreglass and reinforcing add to construction costs, which means the shells are more expensive compared to their in-ground pool cousins.

 Advantages of Above-Ground Pools 

• Lower install costs – skip excavation, soil removal, concrete slabs, etc. and save thousands on crane hire and delivery costs.
• Faster to finish – with the right preparation, your pool can be swim-ready in one day
  
  
• Easier maintenance access – the walls of the pool are accessible for future upgrades like lights, heating or spa jets
  
• No design compromise – modern fibreglass shells look sharp, with no wall bracing bars
  
• Style potential – surround it with decking, wrap it in timber or stone, and it’ll become the star of the yard

Key Considerations:

• Style matters. Think about how you will integrate your above-ground pool so it doesn’t look out of place
  
• Budget for finishing touches like decking or cladding to make it feel complete
  
• On the right site, it’s an incredibly smart, stylish, and practical solution
  

In-Ground Fibreglass Pools 

(Best for flat sites, larger entertaining zones, and that timeless integrated look)

What is it?

If you’re picturing that classic Aussie pool, the one that sits flush with your alfresco or lawn, wrapped in paving or flowing seamlessly into a landscaped garden, you’re thinking of an in-ground fibreglass (or concrete) pool.

The fibreglass shell is craned into a pre-dug hole, backfilled, and then tied into your space with decking, paving, or lawn. Thanks to the walls being supported by backfill, the manufacturing cost is also cheaper.

When does it make sense?

In-ground pools are ideal for flat or gently sloped sites with decent access for excavation. And while they involve a few more stages upfront (digging, backfilling, bond beam, paving) once they’re in, they’re done. No coming back later to build a deck, clad walls, or finish off loose ends. It’s a bit like ripping off a Band-Aid, do the hard bit once, then enjoy it.

You also get more freedom with the layout. Go big with paving and poolside lounges, or keep it tight and tidy to suit smaller yards. And without raised structures to work around, you’ll often have more usable space around the pool.

Advantages of In-Ground Pools:

• Lower shell cost – because they don’t need extra structural reinforcing, in-ground fibreglass shells are cheaper to manufacture than above-ground models
  
  
• Potentially lower overall budget – while excavation is a cost, a flat-site install with simple landscaping often works out cheaper overall than a fully decked-out above-ground build
  
  
• More usable space around the pool – no raised decks means more flexibility for furniture and entertaining areas

Key Considerations:

• You’ll need to plan ahead – once the pool’s in, it’s in. So make sure the layout, fencing, and finishes are locked in early.
  
  
• Limited site access may require additional crane hire or hand-digging.
  
  
• Design flexibility comes standard – whether you want a compact courtyard pool or an expansive entertaining zone, in-ground gives you more room to work with.

Key Factors to Help You Choose the Right Pool

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s actually a good thing.

Whether you’re leaning towards above-ground or in-ground, the best choice comes down to a few key factors: your block, your budget, your timeline, and the style you’re chasing.

Here’s how to break it down.

Your Site: Flat or Sloped?

Your block often decides for you.

If your yard’s flat with good access and soil, you’re spoilt for choice. Go fully in-ground or above-ground. Both will work, it just comes down to the style you’re after.

Got a slope? That’s where above-ground fibreglass pools come into their own. Instead of carving half your yard away or forking out for retaining walls, you can build into the contour of the land. No rock-breaking, no soil mountain, and less time negotiating with trades to bring it in on budget.

Your Budget: What Are You Comfortable Spending?

DIY fibreglass pools already save you a stack compared to full-service installations, which means whatever option you choose, your piggy bank is already in front.

Budget may dictate which way you go. If you are happy with a freestanding above-ground fibreglass pool on flat ground without decking or cladding, this is a budget-friendly option. If you are weighing up between an 8m in-ground pool or an 8m above-ground pool and have a steep slope to play with, above-ground will generally be cheaper, even with building a deck. Flat block and easy access? In-ground will be cheaper.

Either way, the real value comes from choosing fibreglass. A properly installed fibreglass pool, above or below ground, is seen as a long-term lifestyle upgrade. It adds equity, not just eye candy.

Vinyl liner pools? Let’s just say buyers aren’t exactly lining up for those. They’re often viewed as temporary, and most people worry about liner tears and the guaranteed cost of replacing the liner every 5 to 7 years. Concrete pre-cast above-ground pools or concrete in-ground pools built onsite are always more expensive than fibreglass or vinyl liner pools.

Your Timeline: Need It Ready by Summer?

We always remind our customers, you’re not just installing a pool for this summer. You’re installing it for the next 10, 15, maybe even 20 years so don’t choose a pool based on “getting in for Christmas”. Christmas comes once a year. You look at your pool every day and it’s important you love it.

Above-ground fibreglass pools typically involve fewer installation stages. That often means a smoother, quicker path from delivery to first swim.

There’s usually no excavation, no soil removal, and no waiting on concrete bond beams to cure. Once your base and retaining (if needed) are sorted, it’s install, plumb, fill, fence and enjoy. The simplicity of the process is a big win, especially for DIYers or sites with limited access.

Inground fibreglass pools, by comparison, tend to take longer purely because there are more moving parts. Excavation, backfilling, bond beam work and paving all adds layers of time and coordination. That’s not a bad thing, just something to plan for if you’ve got a specific project deadline in mind.

Whether you’re building into an existing landscape or starting from scratch, knowing the timeline, and what affects it, helps you plan smarter, not faster.

Aesthetics & Style: What Look Are You Going For?

This isn’t a beauty contest. Both options can look brilliant. The real question is: what suits your yard, your home, and your lifestyle?

If your block calls for an above-ground pool, lean into it. With the right touches like raised decking, built-in benches, glass balustrades, maybe even a cheeky vertical garden, it can become the showstopper of your backyard. Just treat the pool and surrounds as one cohesive space, not an afterthought bolted on like a garden shed.

If you’ve got the luxury of going in-ground, you open the door to bigger pool zones and easier layout flexibility. Because you're not propping up the pool or building elevated platforms, it's often cheaper to pave or landscape larger entertaining areas. Think lounges, umbrellas, and enough space for that firepit you’ve been threatening to build for five summers straight.

The bottom line? Don’t pick based on what someone on Instagram did. Pick based on what fits your site and the vibe you’re chasing. Either way, a well-planned DIY fibreglass pool is going to look the business.

Maintenance: Which One’s Easier to Look After?

If you’ve chosen fibreglass, you’re already making life easier for yourself.

Whether it’s above-ground or in-ground, a DIY fibreglass pool is built to be low-maintenance. The non-porous gelcoat surface naturally resists algae and bacteria, which means fewer chemicals, less brushing the walls, and no resurfacing headaches down the track.

Why fibreglass is a winner on maintenance:

• No need for acid washing or resurfacing
  
• Smooth walls - easier to keep clean and compatible with robotic cleaners
  
• Less risk of black spot algae
  
• Works with mineral, freshwater and saltwater systems
  
• No grout lines, no sharp edges - just a smooth finish that lasts
  
  

Over time, that simplicity adds up. In fact, over a 10-year period, a fibreglass pool can be up to 80% cheaper to maintain than a concrete pool.

Above-ground or in-ground, the maintenance benefits are the same. Once it's in and balanced, you'll spend more time swimming and less time brushing walls or topping up chemicals.

Looking for the full comparison?

Want more on fibreglass pool maintenance? Check out our guide:

DIY Fibreglass Pool Installation: Above or Inground – Can You Actually Do It?

You bet. And you’ve got two clear options.

If you’re the hands-on type, you can take the owner-builder route and manage the install yourself from site prep to handover. Or, if you’d rather leave the grunt work to someone else, you can bring in a pool installer who works with owner builders or hire a licensed local pool installer to do it all for you.

Either way, a reputable DIY pool provider should be able to connect you with installers in your area. That way, you get all the cost-saving benefits of a DIY pool kit and a head start lining up trades.

What’s in the kit?

Most DIY fibreglass pool kits include:

• A pre-moulded fibreglass shell built to Australian Standards
  
• Pump, filter, and chlorinator
  
• Engineering plans for council approvals
  
• Dig sheet to guide excavation
  
  

And what makes us different?

At Complete Fibreglass Pool Kits, we back you the whole way:

• You’ll get exclusive access to our step-by-step DIY video library - the only one of its kind in Australia
  
• You’ll have seven-day-a-week phone support from real people who can point you in the right direction
  

Want a look at what’s actually involved?

Check out our DIY Fibreglass Pools: Pro Tips for a Flawless Installation

So… Which One’s Right for You?

Still on the fence between above-ground and in-ground? Let’s make it simple.

Both pool styles can look incredible, both are long-lasting if you go with fibreglass, and both can absolutely add value to your home. Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh it up:

Still Not Sure Which Way to Go?

Choosing between an above-ground and in-ground fibreglass pool isn’t always a quick decision. There’s the site to think about, the budget, the timeline, and how you actually want to use the space, now and in the long run.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

We’ve helped over a thousand Aussies from Perth to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and everywhere in between, build their dream pool. Sometimes in the ground, sometimes out of it, but always built for their space, their budget, and their lifestyle.

Whether you’ve got rough sketches on the kitchen bench or a full plan ready to go, we can help you weigh it all up.

Reach out for a quick chat - we’ll help you make the call that’s right for your backyard (and your wallet)