Water Feature Mistakes to Avoid in Dubai
Water features can turn your outdoor space into a calm, cool, and elegant spot. Whether it’s a fountain, waterfall, or reflecting pool — these type of luxury water features bring beauty, peace, and a fresh vibe to any landscape.
But in Dubai’s hot weather and dry conditions, even small design or maintenance mistakes can turn your water feature into a big problem.
At AV Landscaping, we’ve installed and maintained hundreds of water features across villas, hotels, and commercial spaces in Dubai. Here are the most common mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Dubai’s Hard Water
Dubai’s tap water has high minerals. This causes:
- White stains on tiles and stones
- Pump blockages from limescale
- Mineral deposits that ruin the look
✅ How to Fix It:
- Use filtered or softened water
- For small fountains, use distilled water
- Do quarterly pump cleaning and descaling
2. Using the Wrong Materials
Some materials just don’t survive in Dubai’s heat and sand. Common problems:
- Plastic or resin fades, cracks, or melts
- Metal parts get rusty
- Light stones move or break in sandy soil
✅ Best Materials for Dubai:
- Stainless Steel 316 (resists rust and salt)
- UV-stable fiberglass
- Hatta natural stone – strong and local
3. No Shade Planning
Direct sunlight causes:
- Water to evaporate quickly
- Algae to grow faster
- Colors and finishes to fade
✅ Smart Shading Ideas:
- Place fountains or water features near palm trees or pergolas
- Add floating plants for shade
- Use mist systems to cool water and air
4. Wrong Size or Placement
Too small = no impact.
Too big = overwhelms the space.
✅ Simple Sizing Rule:
Use 5–15% of the total area for your water feature.
| Feature Type | Ideal Area |
|---|---|
| Main Focal Point | 10–15% |
| Background Feature | 5–8% |
| Small Accent | 3–5% |
Pro Tip: Always design to match your space and sound needs.
5. Skipping Regular Maintenance
The biggest mistake? Poor upkeep.
Dubai’s dust, heat, and birds can ruin a fountain fast.
✅ What You Need:
- Weekly: Clean surface, check pumps, top-up water
- Monthly: Clean filters, treat for algae, remove mineral buildup
- Best Option: AV Landscaping’s professional maintenance services
AV Landscaping offers:
✔ Bi-weekly visits
✔ Automatic monitoring
✔ Deep cleaning each season
6. Not Thinking About Local Wildlife
Dubai’s birds and sand can be a real issue.
Problems we often fix:
- Birds using still water as a drinking spot
- Sand getting into pipes and pumps
✅ Smart Designs:
- Add gentle movement to stop birds
- Use grates or mesh on open water
- Build raised edges to block blowing sand
7. Choosing the Wrong Fountain Feature Style
Every water feature has a purpose. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll face issues like too much noise or water loss. (Learn more about Luxury Water Feature Design in UAE)
| Style | Best For | Dubai Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Still Pools | Modern gardens | Clean often – dust builds up |
| Waterfalls | Cooling & beauty | Watch for fast evaporation |
| Bubbling Rocks | Low care, calm look | Low noise, easy to clean |
| Laminar Jets | Stylish areas | Sensitive to Dubai winds |
Expert Water Features in Dubai – AV Landscaping
At AV Landscaping, we help you avoid costly mistakes and create a water feature that’s built for Dubai. Whether you need a luxury fountain, a relaxing waterfall, or a custom design – we’ve got you covered.
🔹 Custom Design & Installation
🔹 Climate-Proof Materials
🔹 Automatic Water Management Systems
🔹 Monthly or Bi-Weekly Maintenance Plans
📞 Contact us today for a free visit and consultation.
Let us help you build a water feature that’s clean, cool, and long-lasting.
