Dubai’s endless sunshine makes a backyard or community pool feel essential, yet the same heat silently drains billions of litres of fresh water into the sky. New research reported by The National calculates that more than one billion litres evaporate from swimming pools across the Emirates each year. That is roughly the volume of 400 Olympic-size pools — water that has already been desalinated at great financial and environmental cost.
In a nation where each drop is produced by energy-hungry desalination plants, wasted pool water matters. Below, Aquasplash unpacks the study’s key findings, explains why evaporation is so extreme, and — most importantly — shows how the right swimming-pool accessories can cut losses by up to 95 per cent while saving owners money on chemicals and electricity.
1 Why UAE Pools Evaporate So Quickly
1.1 Extreme Heat and Low Humidity
Average summer highs above 40 °C super-charge evaporation. Hot air with low relative humidity greedily absorbs surface moisture.
1.2 Persistent Wind
Even a gentle Gulf breeze sweeps the thin, saturated layer of air away from the pool surface, resetting the evaporation cycle.
1.3 High TDS and Water Chemistry
Desert dust and intensive chlorination increase total-dissolved-solids (TDS). Elevated TDS raises the vapour pressure differential and accelerates water loss.
1.4 Year-Round Usage
Unlike cooler climates, Dubai never truly “closes” pools for winter. Pumps and heaters run 12 months a year, compounding losses.
2 Counting the Cost of a Billion Lost Litres
| Impact Area | What 1 Billion L of Evaporation Means |
| Desalination Energy | ≈ 14 GWh of electricity — enough to power 1 000 UAE homes for a year |
| Chemicals Replaced | ≈ 1 500 t of salt and chlorine re-dosed to restore balance |
| Owner Expense | AED 80–120 million in makeup-water charges and operational overhead |
| Carbon Footprint | ≈ 5 800 t of CO₂ from electricity used to desalinate and pump replacement water |
(Calculations based on DEWA tariff of AED 2.3/m³ and 5.8 kWh electricity per cubic metre of desalinated water.)
3 Pool Covers: The Research-Backed Solution
Scientists quoted in The National say the simplest fix is to use pool covers whenever the water is idle Independent studies reviewed by the US EPA show that solid or bubble-style covers prevent up to 95 % of evaporative loss. Additional perks include:
- Energy savings — covers trap solar heat, cutting heater runtimes by 50–70 %.
- Chemical savings — reduced UV exposure slows chlorine breakdown.
- Cleaner water — less wind-blown dust means lighter filtration loads.
3.1 Choosing the Right Cover
| Cover Type | Best For | Typical ROI* |
| Solar Bubble Blanket | Villas, lap pools | 6–9 months |
| Automatic Track Cover | High-end residential, hotels | 18–24 months |
| Mesh Safety Cover | Seasonal closures, safety compliance | 12–15 months |
*ROI based on water, energy and chemical savings in Dubai climate.
4 Beyond Covers — Five More Accessories That Slash Water Waste
| Accessory | How It Helps | Aquasplash Pick |
| Liquid Evaporation Suppressant | Forms an invisible mono-layer that reduces daytime loss by ~30 % | EcoBlanket™ dosing cartridge |
| Windbreak Panels | Glass or polycarbonate walls cut surface wind shear | Custom tempered-glass screens |
| Variable-Speed Pump | Runs lower RPM at night, minimizing surface turbulence | Pentair IntelliFlo3 |
| Automated Water-Level Sensor | Detects leaks versus evaporation; stops over-filling | LevelGuard Pro |
| Smart Backwash Valve | Times and measures filter rinses to avoid unnecessary dumping | AquaMate Digital Backwash Controller |
All items are in stock at Aquasplash.ae with same-day Dubai delivery.
5 Maintenance Habits That Make a Difference
- Cover Consistency Train staff or family to deploy covers the moment swimmers exit.
- Night-Time Filtration Schedule circulation cycles after sundown to limit daytime agitation.
- Shade Integration Add pergolas or sail shades over shallow ends to lower surface temp.
- Leak Audits Monthly bucket-test ensures you’re not confusing plumbing leaks with evaporation.
- Chemical Optimization Maintain pH 7.2-7.6; off-balance water accelerates loss through steam.
6 Sustainability and CSR for Commercial Facilities
Hotels and community managers can publicise water-saving measures as part of Dubai’s Green Building Regulations and ESG reporting. Simple signage showing “This pool cover saves 6 000 L of desalinated water every day” turns conservation into a brand asset guests notice.
7 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a solar blanket over-heat my pool in August?
A: Bubble covers can be left partially rolled back during extreme heat. Many owners run them overnight only for maximum savings without overheating.
Q: Do liquid covers affect water chemistry or swimmer comfort?
A: Modern formulations are biodegradable, non-toxic, and pH neutral. You’ll never feel or see them.
Q: How long before an automatic cover motor pays for itself?
A: On a 10 m × 5 m villa pool, energy-plus-water savings average AED 8 000 per year. A mid-range autofilm system (AED 14 000) pays back in under two seasons.
8 Action Plan for UAE Pool Owners
- Measure current loss — Mark the waterline, track drop over 48 hours.
- Install a high-quality cover — Expect immediate 50–95 % reduction in evaporation.
- Upgrade supporting accessories — Pump, sensors, windbreaks.
- Monitor and adjust — Compare DEWA bills and chemical logs quarterly.
- Tell your story — Share savings data with neighbours or guests to inspire wider change.
Aquasplash – Turning Evaporation Insights into Real-World Savings
Research shows UAE pools lose a staggering billion litres of precious water each year. Aquasplash is here to make sure your pool isn’t part of next year’s statistic. Shop industry-leading solar blankets, automatic covers, variable-speed pumps, and smart monitoring tools — all curated for Dubai’s climate and backed by expert installation.Ready to save water, slash bills, and swim smarter? Visit Aquasplash.ae today or call 800-AQUA (2782) for a free evaporation audit and personalised accessory bundle.