Particular pools and situations
Protecting the pool during garden works
Landscaping, irrigation changes and planting next to a pool can undo a week of pool care in an afternoon.
Garden works around a pool produce soil, sand, cement dust, cut vegetation and fertiliser — all of which can end up in the water. Fertiliser adds phosphates and nitrates that feed algae; soil and dust cloud the water and load the filter; cement and grout residues can raise pH sharply. Irrigation changes may also send water and soil towards the pool edge.
These guides adapt pool care to a particular season, household or type of pool.
A short plan with the landscaper helps: covering the pool or fencing off the edge, keeping stockpiles and mixing away from the water, and agreeing that no wash-down goes towards the pool. When the works finish, a thorough clean, a filter service and a rebalance bring the water back.
The short version
Soil and dust
Cloud the water and load the filter quickly.
Fertiliser
Adds nutrients that feed algae.
Cement and grout
Can push pH up sharply if washed in.
Before, during and after
Before
Agree with the landscaper where materials are stored, mixed and washed down, away from the pool.
During
A cover or barrier at the pool edge, and more frequent basket emptying and skimming.
After
Vacuuming, filter cleaning, testing and rebalancing, with a phosphate test if fertiliser was used nearby.
Agree with the landscaper
No wash-down towards the pool
Tools and wheelbarrows rinsed elsewhere.
Irrigation spray direction
New sprinklers should not spray into the pool.
Planting near the edge
Choose plants that drop little into the water.
Common questions
Should the pool be covered during works?
If a cover can be fitted safely, it keeps most dust and debris out.
Why did the pH jump after the works?
Cement or grout residue washed into the pool is a common cause.
Can new irrigation affect the pool?
Yes. Spray and run-off carry soil and fertiliser into the water.
Related pool care guides
- Dealing with a contamination incident in a private poolPool care for a related situation.
- Looking after a plunge poolPool care for a related situation.
- Cleaning the coping and deck around a poolA routine task that prevents the same trouble.
- Cleaning an infinity edge and its troughA routine task that prevents the same trouble.
This guide sits under pool cleaning. Browse all pool care guides. We look after pools at homes and commercial properties across Dubai.
Ask about your pool
Tell us where the pool is and what you are seeing. A photograph of the pool and the plant room helps us plan the visit.
Phone
+971 56 181 0106Talk through what the pool is doing and book a time for us to see it.
WhatsApp
Send a messageThe easiest way to send photographs of the pool and plant room.
Next step
Garden works planned near the pool?
Tell us the dates and scope. We will suggest protection during the works and a recovery visit afterwards.