Go Where Other Pools Can't
Above Ground Fibreglass Pools: We Go Where Others Can't
Sloping site? Limited access? No flat ground? Thanks to our Maxi Rib technology, a Compass Pool can be installed almost anywhere, on hillsides, rooftops, raised decks and beyond.
A Pool for Every Site, Not Just the Easy Ones
For decades, homeowners with sloping, challenging or elevated sites were told their only option was an expensive engineered concrete pool, or major earthworks to prepare the site for a standard fibreglass pool.
Compass changed that. Our Maxi Rib technology allows a full-sized Compass fibreglass pool to be installed partially or completely above ground on almost any site, without retaining walls, without complex engineering, and without giving up the quality, colour or self-cleaning technology you'd get with an inground pool.
In most cases, a Maxi Rib installation costs significantly less than the concrete alternative, and far less than the earthworks needed to prepare a challenging site for a standard inground pool.
Three Ways to Install Your Compass Pool
Every site is different. Compass offers three proven approaches, and your local dealer will recommend the right one for your backyard.
The most popular option for flat or gently sloping sites. The pool is installed completely below ground level for a clean, integrated look.
Browse pool shapes →
For sloping sites, matching a deck height, or creating an infinity edge. No retaining walls, no major earthworks. Installed by authorised Compass dealers.
Learn more →
The pool sits entirely above natural ground level, perfect for rooftops, raised platforms or sites with no earthworks possible. Installed by authorised Compass dealers.
Learn more →Maxi Rib: The Technology That Changed Everything
One of the great technological breakthroughs in Australian pool manufacturing, pioneered by Compass.
Rib-Like External Structure
Special structural ribs attached to the outside of the pool shell provide the support needed for walls to hold firm under water pressure without being buried in soil.
Freestanding Capability
Maxi Rib pools are self-supporting. The ribs are filled with concrete on site, creating a monolithic structure that stands independently, with no retaining walls required.
Design Freedom
Infinity edges, waterfalls and raised deck integration all become straightforward. Any Compass pool shape can be built with Maxi Rib.
A Compass Innovation
Compass pioneered Maxi Rib for full-sized fibreglass pools, engineering that lets a complete Compass pool stand above ground where standard fibreglass shells simply can't.
Express Pools: A Faster Above-Ground Option
Express pools are a range of flat bottom Compass fibreglass pools specifically designed for partially or completely above-ground installation. The key difference: they're engineered for fast, straightforward delivery and setup, without the complex site works that a standard Maxi Rib installation requires.
Compass Express pools are designed to be quickly installed onsite with minimal construction work.
All Express pools are built with the same full fibreglass construction (ceramic core, Bi-Luminite or Vivid colours). A self-cleaning optional add-on is also available. Express Pools are a smarter, more durable alternative to shipping container pools, with no steel, no wood, and no risk of rust or rot.
Why Express beats a container pool
Above-Ground Pool Installations Across Australia
Real Maxi Rib installations from challenging and complex sites across Australia.
Infinity Pools Made Possible by Maxi Rib
An infinity edge pool creates the illusion of water merging seamlessly into the landscape. Thanks to Maxi Rib, a fibreglass infinity pool is now a realistic, cost-effective option, where previously only concrete was possible.
The pool shell is manufactured with a specific drop in the coping along the infinity edge, and the Maxi Rib system provides the freestanding support needed to raise that edge above ground level, creating the vanishing effect without costly concrete engineering.
Infinity edges, acrylic windows, waterfalls and deck integration, all with the durability, colour and self-cleaning technology of a standard Compass pool.
Every Compass Pool, Wherever It's Installed
Above ground or inground, every Compass pool includes the same technology and quality.
Self-Cleaning with Vantage
Australia's #1 self-cleaning pool system is available on every Compass pool, above ground or inground. No vacuuming, lower running costs.
Learn about Vantage →Ceramic Core™ Technology
Every Compass pool is built with our proprietary ceramic composite core, dramatically stronger than a standard fibreglass shell. Critical for above-ground installations.
Learn about Ceramic Core →9 Bi-Luminite + 5 Vivid Colours
Every pool shape in every installation type is available in all 14 exclusive Compass colours, 9 Bi-Luminite and 5 Vivid. Your above-ground pool can look just as stunning as any inground installation.
Explore colours →Industry-Leading Warranty
Lifetime structural warranty on Bi-Luminite series. The ceramic core and Maxi Rib engineering give us the confidence to back our pools for life.
Our Triple Warranty →We Go Where Others Won't
Hillsides, rooftops, basement courtyards, limited access sites. If others have turned your project down, call us. We have the technology and the track record.
Book a site visit →4.6★ on Google
Rated 4.6 stars on Google and 4.5 stars on ProductReview.com.au by hundreds of verified Compass pool owners across Australia.
Read our reviews →Frequently Asked Questions About Above-Ground Pools
Everything you need to know before deciding whether an above-ground installation is right for your site.
What is Maxi Rib technology?
Maxi Rib is a Compass Pools system that attaches special structural ribs to the outside of the pool shell during manufacturing. These ribs, filled with concrete on site, allow the pool to stand independently above the ground without needing retaining walls or extensive earthworks. It's an engineering innovation Compass pioneered for full-sized fibreglass pools.
How much does a Maxi Rib above-ground pool cost?
Maxi Rib pools typically cost between $12,000 and $25,000 more than a standard inground installation, depending on the site. However, in most cases this is significantly less than the cost of the concrete alternative, and far less than the earthworks required to prepare a challenging site for an inground pool. Your local dealer can provide a site-specific estimate after a free site visit.
Can any Compass pool shape be installed above ground?
Yes. Any Compass pool shape, from plunge pools to large family pools and Fastlane lap pools, can be manufactured with Maxi Rib for above-ground or partially above-ground installation. You don't have to compromise on size, shape or features.
What is an Express Pool?
Express pools are fully freestanding Compass pools that sit on a reinforced concrete slab, with no excavation required. They're made entirely from fibreglass (no steel or wood), so there's no risk of rust or rot. Express pools can arrive pre-plumbed and you could be swimming on delivery day. They're a smarter alternative to precast concrete pools, with all the same colour and self-cleaning options as a standard Compass pool.
Can I get an infinity pool on a sloping site?
Yes. In fact, sloping sites are often ideal for an infinity edge. The Maxi Rib system provides the freestanding support needed to raise one edge of the pool above ground, creating the vanishing-edge effect. Compass has been building fibreglass infinity pools on sloping sites for over 20 years.
Do above-ground Compass pools have the same features as inground pools?
Yes. Above-ground Compass pools have the same ceramic core, the same Bi-Luminite colour range, the same Vantage self-cleaning system option, and the same warranty as any inground Compass pool. There is no difference in quality or features between installation types.
How do I know which installation method is right for my site?
The best way is a free site visit from your local Compass authorised dealer. They'll assess the slope, soil conditions, access and your goals, then recommend the right approach. There's no obligation and no cost. Use the form below to book yours.
Not sure which option suits your site?
A free site visit is the fastest way to get a definitive answer. Your local dealer will assess the slope, access and conditions and tell you exactly what's possible.
Book a Free Site VisitBook a Free Site Visit
Not sure if your site works for an above-ground pool? Let a local Compass dealer come and assess it. Free, no obligation, no pressure. They'll tell you exactly what's possible and what it will cost.
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