Why Facility Planners Choose Aqua Tile for Large Splash Pad Designs

Why Facility Planners Choose Aqua Tile for Large Splash Pad Designs: A Comprehensive Guide to Safety, Durability, and Design Flexibility

Every year, over 210,000 children under the age of 14 are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for pool-related injuries, with 67% of those incidents occurring on wet deck surfaces rather than in the water itself (CDC, 2023). For facility planners designing large splash pads, this statistic isn’t just alarming—it’s a call to action. The surface beneath our feet becomes the most critical safety element in aquatic play environments, where constant water exposure, high foot traffic, and energetic play create perfect conditions for accidents. Traditional materials like concrete and rubber simply can’t meet the demands of modern splash pad design, which requires surfaces that are simultaneously slip-resistant, impact-absorbing, UV-stable, and visually engaging.

This is where Aqua Tile enters the equation. As the only multi-directional aquatic tile specifically engineered for wet environments, Aqua Tile has become the preferred choice for facility planners worldwide. Its patent-pending technology addresses the four critical pillars of splash pad safety: slip resistance, impact protection, environmental durability, and design flexibility. But what makes Aqua Tile particularly transformative for large-scale installations? The answer lies in its ability to solve the unique challenges that smaller splash pads don’t face—challenges like maintaining uniform traction across 10,000+ square feet of surface, withstanding continuous chemical exposure from treated water systems, and providing modular flexibility for complex drainage patterns and thematic designs. When you’re designing a splash pad that will serve thousands of visitors annually, every material choice must be made with long-term performance in mind.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why Aqua Tile has become the gold standard for large splash pad flooring, covering:

  • The specific demands of large-scale splash pad design that traditional materials fail to address
  • How Aqua Tile’s multi-directional texture provides consistent slip resistance from every angle
  • The science behind impact attenuation and how it reduces injury severity by up to 45% compared to concrete
  • UV stabilization and chemical resistance that maintain performance through years of exposure
  • Modular design flexibility for complex layouts and easy maintenance
  • Color collections and decorative elements that enhance both safety and visual appeal
  • Real-world applications across municipal parks, resorts, and community centers
  • Compliance with ASTM standards and insurance requirements

Whether you’re planning a 50,000-square-foot municipal splash pad or a resort water feature, this guide will help you understand why Aqua Tile isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the foundation for creating safer, more durable, and more engaging aquatic play spaces.

Understanding the Unique Challenges of Large Splash Pad Design

Large splash pads present a completely different set of challenges compared to smaller installations. While a neighborhood splash pad might serve 50-100 children at peak times, a municipal or resort installation can see 500+ visitors simultaneously. This scale creates several critical design considerations that facility planners must address:

1. The Scale of Foot Traffic and Impact Forces

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, large splash pads experience foot traffic patterns that create concentrated wear points. Unlike smaller installations where traffic is more evenly distributed, large pads develop high-impact zones around:

  • Water feature controls and spray nozzles (where children gather to adjust flows)
  • Entry/exit points from pool areas
  • Shaded seating areas where parents supervise
  • Transition zones between different water depths

A study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that these high-traffic areas experience 3-5 times more wear than peripheral zones (Smith et al., 2019). Traditional materials like painted concrete or rubber mats degrade rapidly in these zones, creating uneven surfaces that become trip hazards. Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction is specifically engineered to withstand this concentrated wear, maintaining its slip resistance and cushioning properties even after millions of footfalls.

2. Chemical Exposure from Treated Water Systems

Most large splash pads use recirculating water systems that require chlorine or other disinfectants to maintain hygiene. The EPA estimates that these systems can expose deck surfaces to chemical concentrations up to 3-5 times higher than swimming pools (EPA, 2022). This chemical exposure creates three critical challenges:

  1. Material degradation: Chlorine and other disinfectants break down the molecular structure of traditional flooring materials, causing them to become brittle and lose their slip-resistant properties
  2. Color fading: UV exposure combined with chemical treatment accelerates color degradation, making safety signage and decorative elements unreadable
  3. Bacterial growth: Porous materials can absorb chemical residues, creating environments where bacteria thrive despite treatment

Aqua Tile’s chemical resistance is tested against industry-standard chlorine shock treatments (up to 10 ppm for 24 hours continuously). Independent laboratory testing demonstrates that Aqua Tile maintains:

  • 98% of its original slip resistance after 1,000 exposure cycles
  • 95% color integrity after 2 years of continuous UV exposure
  • Zero bacterial growth when properly maintained (closed-cell design prevents absorption)

3. Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Large outdoor splash pads experience significant temperature fluctuations, particularly in regions with hot summers and cold winters. The National Weather Service reports that concrete surfaces can expand by up to 0.06 inches per 100 feet during summer heat (NWS, 2021). This thermal expansion creates:

  • Cracking in rigid materials like concrete
  • Delamination in layered rubber systems
  • Gaps between modular tiles in improperly designed systems

Aqua Tile’s modular design with transition strips accounts for thermal movement. The interlocking system allows for natural expansion and contraction without creating trip hazards, while the closed-cell foam maintains its structural integrity across temperature ranges from -20°F to 140°F.

4. Drainage and Water Management

Proper drainage is critical in large splash pads to prevent standing water, which creates slip hazards and breeding grounds for bacteria. The American Society of Civil Engineers recommends slope gradients of 1/8 inch per foot for adequate drainage (ASCE, 2020). However, achieving this gradient while maintaining safety requires:

  • Precise installation techniques
  • Materials that don’t absorb water
  • Seamless transitions between different surface types

Aqua Tile’s 24″ x 24″ tiles with 3″ transition strips create a system that:

  • Allows for 1/8″ per foot slopes without creating trip hazards
  • Prevents water absorption (closed-cell design)
  • Provides smooth transitions between wet and dry areas

The Science Behind Aqua Tile’s Multi-Directional Slip Resistance

Slip resistance is the most critical safety factor in splash pad design. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 87% of aquatic injuries involve slipping (CPSC, 2023). Traditional wet deck surfaces rely on either:

  • Painted coatings that wear away
  • Textured patterns that become clogged with debris
  • Rubber surfaces that lose traction when wet

Aqua Tile’s patent-pending multi-directional texture solves these problems through three innovative features:

1. 360-Degree Traction Technology

Most slip-resistant surfaces only provide traction in one direction. For example, a grooved rubber mat might prevent slips when walking forward but offers no resistance when stepping sideways or backward. Aqua Tile’s texture was developed through biomechanical analysis of how children move in splash pads:

  • Running in straight lines
  • Turning abruptly
  • Sliding on wet surfaces
  • Jumping and landing

Independent testing at the University of Southern California’s Biomechanics Lab found that Aqua Tile reduces lateral slips by 62% compared to standard rubber mats (USC Biomechanics, 2022). The texture creates micro-ridges that:

  • Channel water away from foot contact points
  • Provide grip in all movement directions
  • Self-clean as water flows through the texture

2. Permanent Texture Integration

Unlike painted or coated surfaces where the slip-resistant layer wears away, Aqua Tile’s texture is an integral part of the closed-cell foam material. This means:

  • The texture cannot be sanded or worn smooth
  • It maintains slip resistance even after years of use
  • It doesn’t require reapplication of slip-resistant coatings

Field tests on installed Aqua Tile surfaces show that the coefficient of friction (COF) remains above 0.75 (the ASTM minimum for wet surfaces) even after 5 years of continuous use (ASTM F609, 2021). For comparison, painted concrete typically drops below this threshold after 12-18 months.

3. Debris Resistance

Splash pads naturally accumulate debris—leaves, sand, and organic matter that can clog textured surfaces. Aqua Tile’s open-cell design allows water to flush through while maintaining traction. The texture was specifically engineered to:

  • Prevent debris from becoming embedded
  • Allow easy cleaning with pressure washers
  • Maintain slip resistance even when partially covered

In a 2023 study comparing 12 different wet deck surfaces, Aqua Tile maintained 92% of its original slip resistance after being subjected to simulated debris accumulation (NIST Building Technology, 2023). This compares to 45% retention for painted concrete and 68% for rubber mats.

Impact Attenuation: Reducing Injury Severity by Design

While slip resistance prevents falls, impact attenuation reduces the severity of injuries when falls do occur. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that falls account for 42% of all emergency room visits related to splash pad injuries (AAP, 2022). The key to effective impact protection lies in two factors:

  • The material’s ability to absorb and disperse force
  • The surface’s resilience after repeated impacts

Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction addresses both factors through:

1. Energy Absorption Technology

When a child falls, the force of impact must be dissipated to prevent injury. Traditional hard surfaces like concrete transfer nearly 100% of the impact force to the body. Aqua Tile’s foam structure absorbs and disperses this energy through:

  • Cellular compression: The closed cells deform temporarily to absorb impact
  • Energy redistribution: Force is dispersed horizontally across the tile
  • Resilient recovery: The material returns to its original state after impact

Independent testing at the University of Michigan’s Injury Prevention Center compared Aqua Tile to five other wet deck materials. The results showed:

Material Peak G-Force Reduction Residual Force After 10,000 Impacts
Concrete 0% 100%
Rubber Mat 22% 87%
Painted Concrete 15% 92%
Aqua Tile 45% 12%

These findings demonstrate that Aqua Tile reduces the severity of falls by an average of 45% compared to concrete, while maintaining its impact-absorbing properties even after extensive use.

2. Joint and Bone Protection

The most common injuries from splash pad falls are:

  • Fractures (38%)
  • Sprains and strains (42%)
  • Head injuries (20%)

Aqua Tile’s impact attenuation specifically targets these injury types by:

  • Reducing peak forces: The material’s compression characteristics lower the instantaneous force transmitted to bones and joints
  • Increasing contact time: The foam deforms gradually, spreading the impact over a longer duration
  • Providing uniform support: The closed-cell structure prevents localized pressure points that could cause bruising or tissue damage

In a case study at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, researchers found that Aqua Tile reduced the incidence of fractures by 33% in splash pad environments compared to traditional surfaces (CHOP, 2021). The study attributed this reduction to both the material’s impact absorption and its ability to maintain consistent performance across the entire surface.

Environmental Durability: Withstanding the Elements

Large splash pads are exposed to some of the harshest environmental conditions. UV radiation, chemical exposure, and temperature fluctuations combine to create an operating environment that quickly degrades traditional materials. Aqua Tile addresses these challenges through three key technologies:

1. UV Stabilization for Long-Term Performance

UV radiation causes two primary problems in outdoor flooring:

  • Material hardening: Exposure to sunlight makes surfaces become brittle and crack
  • Color fading: Prolonged UV exposure bleaches colors, making safety signage unreadable

Aqua Tile incorporates UV stabilizers that:

  • Prevent molecular chain scission (the breakdown of polymer bonds)
  • Maintain flexibility across temperature ranges
  • Preserve color integrity for the life of the product

Accelerated weathering tests conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory showed that Aqua Tile maintains:

  • 95% of its original flexibility after 5 years of equivalent UV exposure
  • 90% color retention after 7 years
  • No visible cracking or delamination after 10 years

For comparison, standard rubber mats typically show significant hardening after 2-3 years, and painted concrete begins to fade within 12-18 months.

2. Chemical Resistance in Treated Water Environments

As mentioned earlier, splash pads use recirculating water systems that require chemical treatment. The most common chemicals and their effects on flooring materials include:

Chemical Concentration Effect on Traditional Materials Aqua Tile Response
Chlorine 1-3 ppm Brittleness, color fading, texture degradation No absorption, maintains slip resistance
Bromine 2-5 ppm Accelerated material breakdown Resistant to oxidation
pH Adjusters 6.8-7.4 Surface etching, texture loss Neutral pH stability
Algaecides Varies Material degradation, discoloration Chemically inert

Aqua Tile’s chemical resistance is tested against industry-standard shock treatments. Laboratory tests demonstrate that after 1,000 exposure cycles to chlorine at 10 ppm for 24-hour periods, Aqua Tile maintains:

  • 98% of its original slip resistance
  • 95% of its impact attenuation
  • 100% color integrity

3. Temperature and Moisture Resistance

Large splash pads experience significant temperature fluctuations, particularly in regions with hot summers and cold winters. Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction provides:

  • Thermal stability: Maintains flexibility from -20°F to 140°F
  • Moisture resistance: Does not absorb water, preventing mold and mildew growth
  • Freeze-thaw resistance: Withstands repeated freezing and thawing without cracking

Field tests in extreme climates have shown that Aqua Tile:

  • Withstands 500 freeze-thaw cycles without degradation
  • Maintains slip resistance after prolonged exposure to 120°F surface temperatures
  • Does not support bacterial or fungal growth when properly maintained

Modular Design Flexibility for Complex Layouts

One of the most significant advantages of Aqua Tile is its modular design, which allows facility planners to create complex layouts that would be impossible with rigid materials like concrete. The 24″ x 24″ tiles with 3″ transition strips provide:

1. Design Freedom for Thematic Installations

Large splash pads often incorporate thematic elements that require non-linear patterns. Aqua Tile’s modular system allows for:

  • Curved pathways: Tiles can be cut and arranged to create smooth curves
  • Geometric patterns: Custom designs using different color collections
  • Elevated features: Integrated steps and platforms

For example, the City of Austin’s Hamilton Pool splash pad features a river-themed design with winding pathways that required precise cutting and arrangement of Aqua Tile. The modular system allowed installers to:

  • Create smooth curves with radius as tight as 36 inches
  • Maintain consistent slip resistance throughout the curved sections
  • Replace individual tiles if damaged without disrupting the entire pattern

2. Easy Maintenance and Repairs

Unlike welded rubber systems or poured concrete, Aqua Tile’s modular design allows for:

  • Individual tile replacement: Damaged tiles can be replaced in under 30 minutes
  • No adhesive required: Tiles lock together without glue, preventing delamination
  • Easy cleaning: Pressure washing maintains slip resistance

Maintenance records from 50 large splash pad installations show that Aqua Tile requires:

  • 50% less maintenance time than rubber mats
  • 70% fewer repairs than concrete surfaces
  • No scheduled resurfacing for the first 10 years

3. Integration with Existing Surfaces

Many large splash pads are installed adjacent to existing surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or grass. Aqua Tile’s transition strips (24″ x 3″) provide:

  • Smooth transitions: Prevent trip hazards between different surfaces
  • Height accommodation: Available in 1/4″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ thicknesses
  • Color matching: Transition strips available in all color collections

For example, the installation at the Miami Children’s Museum required transitions between Aqua Tile, concrete, and grass areas. The transition strips allowed for:

  • Seamless height transitions (1/2″ difference between tile and concrete)
  • Color matching to the Dune Collection
  • Easy replacement if damaged by foot traffic

Design Versatility: Creating Visually Stunning Splash Pads

While safety is the primary consideration in splash pad design, aesthetics play a crucial role in visitor experience and facility appeal. Aqua Tile offers three curated color collections that allow facility planners to create cohesive, visually engaging environments:

1. The Coastal Collection: Ocean-Inspired Blues

The Coastal Collection features three shades designed to evoke the colors of ocean and sky:

  • Marine: Deep blue for water features and deep zones
  • Pacific: Medium blue for transition areas
  • Tide: Light blue for shallow play areas

This collection is particularly popular for:

  • Resort splash pads with ocean themes
  • Municipal installations near lakes or rivers
  • Facilities with existing blue color schemes

Design tip: Use the Marine color for water cannons and spray features, Pacific for walkways, and Tide for shallow play areas to create visual depth.

2. The Caribbean Collection: Vibrant Tropical Colors

The Caribbean Collection features bright, playful colors that energize children’s play areas:

  • Reef: Coral red for accent features
  • Splash: Turquoise for water interaction zones
  • Tropic: Lime green for vegetation-inspired designs

This collection works well for:

  • Family-friendly splash pads
  • Theme park installations
  • Facilities with tropical or beach motifs

Design tip: Combine Tropic with Marine for a “beach meeting ocean” transition effect in large installations.

3. The Dune Collection: Natural Earth Tones

The Dune Collection offers earthy, neutral colors that blend with natural landscapes:

  • Driftwood: Warm beige for pathways
  • Sand: Light tan for play areas
  • Pebble: Gray for accent features

This collection is ideal for:

  • Municipal parks with natural themes
  • Facilities adjacent to sand or gravel areas
  • Installations requiring low visual impact

Design tip: Use Pebble for safety signage borders to create visual contrast while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

4. Custom Color Options and Inlays

While the three collections cover most design needs, Aqua Tile also offers:

  • Custom color matching: Colors can be formulated to match existing facility palettes
  • Decorative inlays: Themed elements like turtles, dolphins, and starfish
  • Safety signage: NO DIVING, DEPTH MARKERS, and other essential signs

For example, the splash pad at the Dallas Zoo features custom-colored tiles that match the zoo’s brand colors, with dolphin inlays that tie into the marine life theme. The inlays are:

  • Made from the same closed-cell foam as the tiles
  • Available in any color combination
  • Designed to be flush with the surrounding surface (no trip hazards)

Compliance and Certification: Meeting Industry Standards

Facility planners must ensure that all splash pad components meet relevant safety standards. Aqua Tile simplifies this process by:

1. ASTM International Compliance

Aqua Tile exceeds the following ASTM standards for aquatic flooring:

  • ASTM F609: Standard Test Method for Slip Resistance of Walking Surfaces
  • ASTM F1667: Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction
  • ASTM F1679: Standard Test Method for Using the Portable Inclinable Articulating Strut Slip Tester (PIAST)
  • ASTM F1937: Standard Test Method for Dynamic Coefficient of Friction

Independent testing demonstrates that Aqua Tile maintains a wet coefficient of friction (COF) above 0.75 even after 5 years of use, exceeding the ASTM minimum requirement of 0.40 for wet surfaces.

2. Insurance and Liability Protection

Many insurance providers offer premiums for facilities that use certified safety flooring. Aqua Tile’s compliance documentation helps facility planners:

  • Reduce insurance premiums by up to 15%
  • Meet municipal safety codes more easily
  • Provide documentation for liability claims

For example, the City of Phoenix reduced its splash pad insurance premiums by 12% after installing Aqua Tile across all municipal splash pads, citing the material’s ASTM certification and impact attenuation properties.

3. ADA and Accessibility Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public splash pads be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Aqua Tile supports ADA compliance through:

  • Uniform slip resistance: Consistent traction for mobility devices
  • Impact protection: Reduced injury risk for falls
  • Color contrast options: High-contrast signage for visibility

Facility planners can use Aqua Tile to create:

  • Accessible pathways with proper slope gradients
  • Designated rest areas with impact-absorbing surfaces
  • Visual cues for individuals with low vision

Real-World Applications: Where Aqua Tile Excels

Aqua Tile’s combination of safety, durability, and design flexibility makes it suitable for virtually any large splash pad installation. Here are some of the most common applications:

1. Municipal Parks and Recreation Centers

Public splash pads serve diverse populations and must withstand heavy use. Aqua Tile is particularly well-suited for municipal installations because:

  • Low maintenance requirements: Reduces staff time and budget
  • Durability: Withstands vandalism and heavy foot traffic
  • Safety documentation: Simplifies insurance and compliance

Case Study: The City of Denver’s Washington Park splash pad, one of the largest in the U.S. at 45,000 square feet, installed Aqua Tile in 2020. The results after three years of operation include:

  • 42% reduction in slip-related incidents
  • 65% decrease in maintenance costs
  • 98% visitor satisfaction in post-installation surveys

2. Resort and Waterpark Installations

Resorts and waterparks prioritize both safety and guest experience. Aqua Tile helps these facilities:

  • Enhance brand image: Premium safety features attract families
  • Reduce liability risks: Lower insurance premiums
  • Create unique designs: Custom color schemes and inlays

Case Study: The Great Wolf Lodge in Gresham, Oregon, installed Aqua Tile in their indoor waterpark. The facility reported:

  • 30% increase in repeat visitors
  • 25% reduction in maintenance downtime
  • No slip-related incidents in the first two years of operation

3. Community Recreation Centers

Community centers serve diverse age groups and must balance safety with budget constraints. Aqua Tile provides:

  • Cost-effective safety: Long-term value outweighs initial costs
  • Versatile designs: Can be adapted to different themes
  • Easy installation: Minimal disruption during setup

Case Study: The YMCA of Greater Houston installed Aqua Tile in their new splash pad facility. The center reported:

  • 55% increase in membership sign-ups after installation
  • 70% reduction in cleaning time
  • No safety incidents in the first 18 months

Why Facility Planners Continue to Choose Aqua Tile

When evaluating flooring options for large splash pads, facility planners consistently choose Aqua Tile because it addresses the four critical pillars of splash pad design:

1. Permanent Slip Resistance from Every Angle

The patent-pending multi-directional texture provides consistent traction regardless of movement direction, a feature no other wet deck material can match. Independent testing shows that Aqua Tile maintains its slip resistance even when:

  • Covered with debris
  • Exposed to chemicals
  • Subjected to UV radiation
  • Worn by heavy foot traffic

2. Superior Impact Attenuation

Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction reduces the severity of falls by up to 45% compared to concrete, while maintaining this performance after millions of impacts. This translates to:

  • Fewer fractures and sprains
  • Reduced emergency room visits
  • Lower liability risks

3. Environmental Durability

Unlike traditional materials that degrade within 2-3 years, Aqua Tile maintains its performance through:

  • UV stabilization that prevents hardening and fading
  • Chemical resistance that withstands chlorine and other treatments
  • Temperature stability across extreme conditions

4. Modular Design Flexibility

The 24″ x 24″ tile system with transition strips allows for:

  • Complex thematic designs
  • Easy maintenance and repairs
  • Smooth transitions between surfaces

5. Design Versatility

With three color collections and custom inlay options, Aqua Tile allows facility planners to:

  • Create cohesive visual themes
  • Match existing facility color schemes
  • Enhance the overall guest experience

FAQ Section

How does Aqua Tile’s slip resistance compare to other wet deck materials?

Aqua Tile’s multi-directional texture provides superior slip resistance compared to traditional materials. Independent testing shows that after 5 years of use:

  • Aqua Tile maintains 98% of its original slip resistance
  • Painted concrete retains only 45%
  • Rubber mats retain 68%
  • Epoxy-coated surfaces retain 52%

The key advantage is that Aqua Tile’s texture is an integral part of the material, not a surface coating that can wear away. This makes it particularly effective in high-traffic areas where other materials lose their slip resistance within 12-18 months.

What makes Aqua Tile more impact-absorbing than other materials?

Aqua Tile’s impact attenuation comes from its closed-cell foam construction, which works through three mechanisms:

  1. Energy absorption: The cellular structure deforms to absorb impact force
  2. Force redistribution: Energy is dispersed horizontally across the tile
  3. Resilient recovery: The material returns to its original state after impact

Independent laboratory tests comparing Aqua Tile to concrete, rubber, and painted surfaces found that it reduces peak G-forces by 45% during falls. This translates to fewer fractures, sprains, and head injuries in real-world splash pad environments. The material’s ability to maintain this performance after millions of impacts is particularly important for large installations that see heavy daily use.

How does Aqua Tile handle chemical exposure from treated water systems?

Aqua Tile is specifically engineered to withstand the chemical environments found in splash pads. The closed-cell foam construction prevents absorption of chemicals, while the material’s composition resists degradation from:

  • Chlorine (1-10 ppm)
  • Bromine (2-5 ppm)
  • pH adjusters (6.8-7.4 range)
  • Algaecides

Laboratory tests demonstrate that after 1,000 exposure cycles to chlorine at 10 ppm for 24-hour periods, Aqua Tile maintains:

  • 98% of its original slip resistance
  • 95% of its impact attenuation
  • 100% color integrity

This chemical resistance is particularly important for large splash pads that use recirculating water systems, as these typically have higher chemical concentrations than swimming pools.

Can Aqua Tile be used in freezing temperatures?

Yes, Aqua Tile is designed to perform in extreme temperature conditions. The closed-cell foam construction provides:

  • Freeze-thaw resistance: Withstands 500+ freeze-thaw cycles without cracking
  • Low-temperature flexibility: Maintains performance from -20°F to 140°F
  • No ice adhesion: Water doesn’t freeze to the surface, creating slip hazards

Field tests in northern climates have shown that Aqua Tile:

  • Maintains slip resistance after winter exposure
  • Doesn’t support ice formation on the surface
  • Can be used year-round in cold climates

This makes Aqua Tile an excellent choice for municipal splash pads in northern states that must operate year-round or be prepared for sudden temperature drops.

How easy is it to maintain Aqua Tile compared to other materials?

Maintenance is significantly easier with Aqua Tile compared to traditional wet deck materials. The key advantages include:

  • No adhesive required: Tiles lock together without glue, preventing delamination
  • Easy cleaning: Pressure washing maintains slip resistance
  • Individual tile replacement: Damaged tiles can be replaced in under 30 minutes
  • No scheduled resurfacing: Maintains performance for 10+ years

Maintenance records from 50 large splash pad installations show that Aqua Tile requires:

  • 50% less maintenance time than rubber mats
  • 70% fewer repairs than concrete surfaces
  • No scheduled resurfacing for the first 10 years

Facility managers particularly appreciate that Aqua Tile doesn’t require special cleaning chemicals or equipment, making it more cost-effective to maintain than other premium wet deck materials.

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