| Type | Estimate (AED) | Time on site |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 120,000–230,000 for about 8 × 4 m | About 8–12 weeks on site |
| Plunge pool | 55,000–120,000 for 3 × 2 to 4 × 3 m | Shorter than a full pool, depending on access |
| Fibreglass shell | 75,000–180,000, catalogue sizes | About 2–5 weeks on site |
| Infinity edge | 280,000–500,000+, custom 8–12 m | Often 10–20 weeks or more on site |
Concrete
The usual choice for a villa garden. The pool is dug, a steel cage is fixed, concrete is sprayed or poured, and the shell is waterproofed and tiled. Shape, depth, steps and benches are all up to you.
The waterproofing is what matters most. Ask which system the contractor uses and when they will water-test the shell before tiling.
Plunge pool
A small, fairly deep pool for cooling off rather than swimming lengths. It suits courtyards, side gardens and townhouses where a full pool won't fit.
It costs less than a full pool but not proportionally less. It still needs a pump, filter, drawings and approval.
Fibreglass shell
The shell is made in a factory and lowered into a prepared hole, so there's less work on site and the build is quicker.
You choose from the maker's catalogue, so the shape and size are fixed. The shell has to be trucked in and lifted by crane, which can cancel out the saving on a tight plot.
Infinity edge
Water runs over one edge into a hidden channel and is pumped back from a balance tank. It works best on a raised terrace or a plot with a view.
The edge has to be level to the millimetre, and the extra tank, pipework and structure make it the most expensive option. Get the levels surveyed before you commit.
Questions about pool types
Which pool type is most common in Dubai villas?
Concrete. It can be built to any shape and size, steps and benches are poured in, and you choose the tile.
What is the smallest pool worth building?
A plunge pool of about 3 × 2 m. It's big enough to cool off and sit in, and it fits courtyards and townhouse gardens.
Can a fibreglass pool go into any garden?
Only if the shell can get there. It arrives in one piece, so a crane has to reach the garden from the road, sometimes over the house. Check access before you choose one.
Related: full cost guide and approvals you need first.