Infinity Pool Overhaul

The Brief

Our client, a high-profile expatriate family residing on Palm Jumeirah, approached us with an ageing infinity pool that had become a liability rather than a luxury. Built over a decade ago, the pool featured cracked porcelain tiles, inefficient filtration causing persistent algae blooms, and a dated design that clashed with their newly renovated villa. They sought a complete overhaul to create a seamless, resort-style infinity edge overlooking the Arabian Gulf, incorporating smart technology for remote control and low-maintenance finishes. The budget was capped at AED 420,000, with a strict nine-week timeline to align with the family's summer return from Europe, avoiding the peak heat of Dubai's July months.

Scope & Materials

We executed a comprehensive renovation, stripping the pool to its structural core and rebuilding with premium, durable materials suited to Dubai's harsh climate. Key elements included:

• Full demolition and removal of 180 square metres of existing concrete and tiling, using hydraulic breakers to preserve the infinity edge foundation.
• Installation of a new reinforced concrete shell with 15cm-thick walls, treated with anti-corrosive epoxy coatings to withstand saline water exposure.
• Lining with 20mm-thick Italian porcelain tiles in a bespoke azure blue mosaic pattern, sourced from Sicis, offering UV resistance and non-slip safety ratings.
• Integration of a variable-speed pump system from Speck Pumps, reducing energy consumption by 40% and filtering 250 cubic metres of water per cycle.
• Addition of underwater LED lighting with 24 individually programmable fixtures from AquaLight, enabling colour-changing sequences via app control.
• Construction of a natural stone waterfall feature using 5-tonne slabs of Turkish travertine, fed by a 10,000-litre reservoir for consistent flow.
• Finishing with a Dekko non-slip deck surround in 60cm-wide Ipe hardwood planks, treated for humidity resistance and extending 3 metres around the pool perimeter.
• Installation of a Pentair chlorinator and ozone sanitation system, eliminating chemical odours and maintaining pH balance automatically.

Our in-house team of certified engineers and subcontractors handled all trades, from structural waterproofing to electrical integration, ensuring compliance with Dubai Municipality standards.

Timeline

We delivered the project precisely within the nine-week window, minimising disruption through phased execution and daily site management. Milestones included:

• Weeks 1-2: Site preparation, full demolition, and structural assessments; removed 45 tonnes of debris without impacting neighbouring properties.
• Weeks 3-4: Rebuilding the pool shell and installing the reinforced concrete base; applied initial waterproofing layers tested to 5 bar pressure.
• Weeks 5-6: Tiling and feature installation; fitted the porcelain mosaic and travertine waterfall, with interim water tests confirming no leaks.
• Weeks 7-8: Systems integration and decking; wired the LED lights and pump controls, followed by the Ipe hardwood surround and final sanitation setup.
• Week 9: Final inspections, water filling to 1.2 metres depth, and client handover; all systems operational, with a 3-year warranty issued on-site.

This structured approach ensured zero delays, with weatherproof tarps and night shifts deployed during unexpected sandstorms.

Before → After

Before the overhaul, the infinity pool was a faded relic: cracked tiles exposed rusted rebar, the water murky from a failing filter that required weekly manual cleaning, and the edge blurred by uneven coping stones. Surrounding the pool was weathered concrete that trapped heat and posed slip hazards, turning what should have been a serene retreat into a maintenance nightmare for the family.

After our intervention, the pool emerged as a striking centrepiece, its crisp azure tiles reflecting the Gulf sunset with flawless clarity. The enhanced infinity edge now merges seamlessly with the horizon, while the waterfall adds a soothing cascade audible from the villa terrace. Energy-efficient systems keep the water pristine with minimal intervention, and the Ipe deck provides cool, luxurious lounging space—transforming the area into a private oasis that elevates the entire property.

Client Quote

What You'd Pay

For a similar infinity pool overhaul on Palm Jumeirah, expect to invest between AED 350,000 and AED 550,000, depending on scale and specifications. Base costs cover demolition, structural reinforcement, and standard tiling at around AED 1,800 per square metre for a 150-square-metre pool. Premium upgrades like custom mosaics or smart automation can add AED 50,000-100,000, while larger features such as heated spillovers or integrated spas push towards the upper range. Site accessibility and soil conditions in Dubai's reclaimed islands may increase groundwork by 10-15%, but our fixed-price model mitigates surprises, delivering value through durable materials that reduce long-term upkeep by up to 30%.