Maxi Rib versatility
Maxi Rib technology lets a Compass fibreglass pool be installed fully or partially above ground — the ideal solution for sloping sites, split-level backyards, tight blocks, and hillside properties where a traditional in-ground pool simply isn't possible. It's also what makes premium design features like infinity edges and elevated deck-integrated pools available in fibreglass, not just concrete.
Three ways to install an above-ground fibreglass pool
Maxi Rib technology makes all three of the installation options below viable on virtually any site. Whether you have a flat block, a moderate slope, or a genuinely difficult hillside, we'll do a free on-site assessment and recommend the right approach for your property.
1. Fully in-ground. The standard installation for flat or gently sloping blocks. The pool sits entirely below finished ground level — the most common installation for suburban Newcastle backyards. Best for: flat blocks, standard suburban lots. Advantage: cheapest excavation profile, easiest access for young children, cleanest visual line with surrounding paving.
2. Semi-inground. Part of the pool sits below ground, part sits above — typical on gently to moderately sloping sites, or where you want a raised feature edge for seating or landscape integration. The above-ground section is finished with cladding, stone, timber, or matched to the home's materials. Best for: sites with a natural slope, homes with an elevated outdoor area, or backyards where a raised pool edge doubles as bench seating. Advantage: less excavation than fully in-ground, more design options.
3. Fully above-ground. The pool sits entirely above natural ground level, supported by engineered footings and finished all around with cladding or a surrounding deck. This is where Maxi Rib really shines — on steep hillside blocks, tight urban sites where excavation isn't practical, or as a deliberate elevated feature (infinity edges, terrace pools, pool-deck combinations). Best for: hillside properties, split-level yards, sites with rock, poor access, or where you want the pool as a visible architectural feature. Advantage: opens up sites that would otherwise be unbuildable.
Compass’s Maxi Rib construction is a reinforced rib structure that lets a pool shell be installed in-ground, semi-inground or fully above-ground — opening up sites that would defeat an ordinary pool.
Every site is different — find out for free.
Some blocks that look impossible are actually straightforward once we see them; others need a semi-inground design to work well. We do free on-site assessments across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens — measure the site, check access, and give you an honest recommendation before you commit to anything.
Not every backyard is a flat, easy block. Maxi Rib gives the shell the structural rigidity to be installed however your site demands — sunk fully in-ground, raised as a feature, or somewhere in between on a slope.
That flexibility means more homes can have a pool, and more design possibilities — from a raised plunge pool as a courtyard centrepiece to a full in-ground family pool on a level block. On steep or split-level sites across the Hunter, Maxi Rib is often the only reason a pool becomes possible at all.
Beyond difficult blocks, Maxi Rib also unlocks premium design work — infinity edges, elevated deck integrations, and pools that sit as a landscape feature rather than being hidden below ground. What used to require concrete construction is now available in a fibreglass pool with the same warranty coverage and the same fast install as any other Compass shell.
What that means for you
Maxi Rib versatility questions — answered
Is my block suitable for an above-ground fibreglass pool?
Most sites are suitable for a Compass Maxi Rib installation — including sloped blocks, split-level yards, small courtyards and even urban sites where excavation is limited. The best way to find out is a free site inspection — we'll assess your specific block and tell you exactly what's possible.
How high above ground can a Compass pool be installed?
With the drop-edge beam system, a Compass Maxi Rib pool can be installed with over 1 metre above ground on the high side. This enables dramatic above-ground installations and pool-deck integrations that are impossible with standard fibreglass pools. Every site is assessed individually, as the exact height depends on pool shape, site conditions and structural requirements.
Can an above-ground fibreglass pool have an infinity edge?
Yes — infinity and vanishing edge installations are made possible by Maxi Rib technology. The raised wall on one side creates the overflow effect, with a holding tank below. This is one of the most popular applications of the Maxi Rib system for hillside and view properties across the Hunter.
Does an above-ground pool cost more than in-ground?
The cost varies depending on how much of the pool is above ground and what site preparation and retaining structures are required. In some cases, a partial above-ground installation on a sloped block can actually be more cost-effective than extensive excavation and retaining walls. A site inspection will give you accurate pricing for your specific situation.
What does the above-ground finish look like?
The above-ground portion of the pool can be finished in almost any material to match your home — timber decking, stone cladding, rendered blockwork, corten steel, tiling, or a mix. Because Maxi Rib is a structural pool shell (not a decorative feature), the exterior finish is separate design work you can specify to fit the aesthetic you want.
Do I need engineering certification for an above-ground Compass pool?
Above-ground and semi-inground installations require site-specific structural engineering and certification — particularly for footings, retaining, and the pool platform. We handle this as part of every project, working with a registered structural engineer and coordinating certification. You don't need to arrange it separately.
Can I integrate the pool with a deck at the same level as my house?
Yes — this is one of the most popular Maxi Rib applications. The pool can be positioned so the water surface sits flush with an elevated deck or a first-floor terrace, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. It works especially well on split-level Newcastle homes where the living area sits above the natural ground.
Which Compass pool shapes are available in Maxi Rib?
The majority of Compass pool shapes are available in a Maxi Rib version — including the Fastlane, X-Trainer, Vogue, Contemporary and Sanctuary ranges. When you enquire, we'll confirm which shapes fit your site and your design brief; some very large shapes have specific engineering requirements when installed above ground.
