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Above Ground Pools

Install a pool almost anywhere

From hillsides to rooftops and almost anywhere in between,Compass Pools have options for every site

Do you have a sloping site or need your pool above ground level?

As building technology and architectural design has progressed over the years it has become far more common to see people building homes on sloping or difficult sites. This often means that when it comes time to put a pool in the ground, we have to get creative with our approach.

Many brands of Fibreglass Pools are limited to simple flat sites – essentially the pool needs to be fully inground to ensure the structural integrity of the floor and walls. Luckily we knew 20 years ago that we could provide a cost effective design solution which would prevent pool buyers from having to spend tens of thousands extra on complex ground works or specially-engineered concrete pools.

Our Australian Design Award-Winning MaxiRib ™ system allows you to install a Compass Pool completely out of the ground. Our experienced dealer network has now been installing Compass Maxi Rib pools across New Zealand for nearly 25 years in places you wouldn’t believe (including rooftops).

3 ways to install a Compass Pool in your backyard

Fully in-ground pools

To this day, the most common installation is a fully inground pool. If you have a flat site, this will almost always prove to be the most cost-effective option.

Partially above ground pools

In some cases, the design of your pool area may call for your pool to be out of the ground up to 1m. These situations often occur when you want your pool to meet the height of an existing deck, retaining wall or other design feature. Your Compass Pool dealer may suggest a specialised out-of-ground coping beam or our specially engineered Maxi-Lite system to ensure your pool remains strong and reliable.

Fully-above ground pools

Many people think that if they want to install their pool significantly above natural ground level that they will need to conduct major earthworks and build retaining walls. This isn't true. We invented the Maxi Rib system to eliminate the extra work and reduce the added engineering costs the other pools would require. In most cases installing a Compass MaxiRib Pool will be more cost effective than the added earthworks/retaining or Concrete Pool alternatives.

Talk to your Local Compass Pools Dealer if you:

  • Have a sloping site which will require some or all of your pool walls to be above ground level
  • Want to include a vanishing/ infinity edge with your pool or windows in the wall of your pool
  • Wish for your pool to be installed on a deck/patio area above natural ground level
  • Want to install a pool close to a building
  • Need your pool to be partially out of ground for landscape design reasons
 Contact us 

more features:

Self-Cleaning

Imagine owning a swimming pool that saved you money, used less chemicals and CLEANED ITSELF! Upgrade your Compass pool with a unique water circulation system designed to reduce chemical usage, eliminate cold spots and keep your pool clean of debris without the need for regular hand vacuuming or any other cleaning equipment.

Learn more

Bi-Luminite Colour Technology

Bi-luminite technology helps the interior surface of your pool come to life when filled with water. Using two specialised colour layers creates an amazing 3D effect which illuminates the large colour chips gives each pool a unique finish that can’t be replicated. Oh…and did we mention that the Bi-luminite colour system also provides an added level of structural and cosmetic protection to your Compass pool?

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Ceramic core

Compass Pools has been manufacturing innovative fibreglass ceramic pools for decades. Our patented ceramic core technology allows us to build you a tougher and more durable pool, which is designed to cope with seasonal ground movement, and the effects of long-term immersion in pool water.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About Above-Ground Pools

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 Pools 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.

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