Dubai's pool maintenance market is unregulated for pricing. Two companies can quote AED 250 and AED 600 per month for what appears to be the same weekly service — and both can be legitimate, because the difference is almost always in what is actually included. This guide gives you a clear picture of what things should cost so you can compare quotes honestly, rather than just on price.
Weekly Pool Service — What is Included
Typical cost: AED 350 to 450 per month for a standard villa pool. A proper weekly service should include: full water testing, chemical balancing with chemicals included, surface skimming, wall and floor brushing, vacuuming, skimmer and pump basket clearing, filter backwash, and equipment inspection. Be wary of quotes under AED 250 per month — at that price, the technician is either rushing or charging separately for chemicals, making the real cost much higher.
Equipment Repairs — What They Actually Cost
Pool pump repair: AED 150 to 400 for a seal or capacitor, AED 1,200 to 2,500 for full replacement. Filter sand replacement: AED 500 to 800 every 5 to 7 years. Salt chlorinator cell replacement: AED 800 to 1,800 every 3 to 5 years. Pool light repair: AED 150 to 400 for bulb or transformer, up to AED 1,500 for full housing replacement.
Acid Wash — The Big One
Typical cost: AED 1,500 to 3,000 for a standard villa pool. An acid wash removes stains and scale by stripping a thin layer of plaster. In Dubai's hard water, most pools need this every 2 to 3 years. Over-frequent acid washing shortens plaster life — each wash removes 0.5 to 1mm of material, and after 4 to 6 washes, re-plastering at AED 8,000 to 15,000 becomes necessary.
Red Flags to Watch For
Chemicals charged separately without being stated upfront. No water testing during the visit. Acid wash recommended at every annual visit. Vague invoices with no chemical readings. Pressure to replace equipment without a proper diagnosis.