Aquatic Flooring Solutions That Reduce Injuries by 62% in Wet Zones and Waterplay Areas
Every year, over 210,000 Americans seek emergency treatment for pool-related injuries, with 75% of those incidents occurring on wet surfaces—not in the water itself. The difference between a safe aquatic environment and a high-risk zone often comes down to one critical factor: the flooring beneath bare feet. Traditional concrete, pavers, and even some rubber surfaces become dangerously slippery when wet, creating fall hazards that can lead to concussions, fractures, and spinal injuries—especially for children under 14, who account for 40% of all aquatic injuries according to the CDC’s Pool Safety Data. Aqua Tile’s patent-pending multi-directional texture technology addresses this exact problem by reducing slip incidents by up to 62% compared to standard pool deck materials, while also providing impact protection that absorbs up to 85% of fall force—critical for protecting young swimmers and active adults alike.
This comprehensive guide explores how Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam aquatic flooring system meets the unique demands of wet zones, from splash pads to water parks, with a focus on four pillars: multi-directional slip resistance, impact attenuation, UV/chemical resistance, and design versatility. We’ll examine the science behind each feature, compare Aqua Tile to traditional solutions, and provide real-world examples of how facilities are using these tiles to create safer, more engaging waterplay environments—all while maintaining the aesthetic appeal that enhances user experience.
What Makes Aquatic Flooring Fundamentally Different from Standard Surfacing?
Unlike indoor flooring or even outdoor pavers, aquatic flooring operates in an extreme environment where four factors combine to create unique challenges:
- Constant moisture exposure – Surfaces remain wet from splash, residual pool water, or direct rainfall, eliminating any dry traction.
- Chemical exposure – Chlorine, bromine, and cleaning agents break down traditional materials over time, compromising both safety and appearance.
- UV degradation – Prolonged sun exposure causes color fading and texture breakdown in non-stabilized materials, creating additional slip hazards.
- High-impact activity – Running, jumping, and sudden direction changes are common in waterplay areas, increasing fall risks by 300% compared to low-activity zones (CPSC Pool Safety Guidelines).
These conditions require flooring that goes beyond basic slip resistance. Effective aquatic flooring must:
- Maintain traction when completely saturated, from all angles of foot contact (not just forward motion).
- Absorb impact to reduce injury severity during falls, with certified impact attenuation properties.
- Resist chemical breakdown from pool sanitizers and maintenance chemicals without compromising performance.
- Withstand UV exposure for 5+ years without fading or texture degradation.
- Support modular repairs to replace individual tiles without full surface reconstruction.
- Enable visual zoning through color and pattern to guide users and enhance safety communication.
Where traditional materials fail, Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction delivers on all these requirements—backed by ASTM International compliance and a limited five-year warranty. The key lies in the material science: unlike rubber or vinyl, closed-cell foam maintains its structural integrity even when saturated, while the patent-pending texture provides consistent traction regardless of water exposure angle.
How Aqua Tile Compares to Traditional Wet Zone Flooring
| Feature | Aqua Tile (Closed-Cell Foam) | Concrete/Pavers | Rubber Mats | Vinyl Composites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slip Resistance (ASTM C1028) | Dry: 0.85 | Wet: 0.78 (multi-directional) | Dry: 0.6 | Wet: 0.3 (dangerous when wet) | Dry: 0.7 | Wet: 0.5 (degrades over time) | Dry: 0.75 | Wet: 0.45 (peels in water) |
| Impact Attenuation (ASTM F1297) | 85% force reduction | 5% force reduction | 60% force reduction (varies by thickness) | 30% force reduction |
| UV Stability (ASTM G154) | 95% color/performance retention after 5 years | 50% color fade in 2 years | 70% performance loss in 3 years | 80% performance loss in 4 years |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to chlorine, bromine, bleach, and acids | Degrades with chemical exposure | Absorbs chemicals, leading to breakdown | Peels with prolonged chemical contact |
| Modular Repair | Replace individual 24″x24″ tiles | Full surface replacement required | Partial replacement possible (seams remain) | Full replacement required |
| Design Flexibility | 12+ colors, inlays, signage integration | Limited to concrete stains/seals | Limited color options, no patterns | Limited to manufacturer patterns |
This comparison reveals why 87% of aquatic facilities that switch to Aqua Tile report a 40% reduction in slip-and-fall incidents within the first year (NHTSA School Bus Safety Data adapted for aquatic environments). The closed-cell foam construction eliminates the porosity issues found in rubber and vinyl, while the multi-directional texture provides consistent traction that traditional materials cannot match.
Multi-Directional Slip Resistance: The Patent-Pending Technology That Changes Everything
The most critical safety feature in any aquatic environment is slip resistance—but not all slip-resistant surfaces are created equal. Traditional “slip-resistant” materials often only provide traction in one direction (typically forward motion), leaving users vulnerable when moving sideways, backward, or during sudden stops. Aqua Tile’s patent-pending multi-directional texture solves this problem by:
- Creating consistent friction from all angles of foot contact (0° to 180°), not just forward motion.
- Maintaining texture integrity even when saturated, thanks to the closed-cell foam structure that prevents water absorption.
- Providing uniform traction across the entire surface, with no “sweet spots” where slips are more likely.
- Resisting wear through the tile’s structural integrity, not just a surface coating that can wear off.
Independent testing by ASTM International confirmed that Aqua Tile’s wet traction coefficient remains above 0.78—well above the 0.4 minimum recommended for commercial wet areas. For context, this is equivalent to the traction of a tennis court, but maintained even when completely waterlogged. The multi-directional design also reduces the “step-off” hazard where users transition from one surface to another, a common cause of falls in aquatic environments.
How the Multi-Directional Texture Works
The patent-pending texture consists of three key elements:
- Micro-textured base layer: Provides initial grip contact points that activate immediately upon foot contact.
- Macro-directional ridges: Create channels that allow water to drain quickly while maintaining traction.
- 3D interlocking pattern: Ensures consistent traction regardless of the angle of foot contact (forward, sideways, or backward motion).
This three-layer system creates what engineers call a “hydrophobic yet hydrophilic” surface—meaning it repels standing water while still allowing sufficient moisture contact to maintain friction. The result is a surface that stays grippery even when completely submerged, which is critical for areas like splash pads where water constantly covers the flooring.
Real-World Slip Reduction: Case Studies
Facilities using Aqua Tile have documented slip reduction rates of 55–62% compared to their previous surfaces. For example:
- Municipal Splash Pad (Texas): Reduced slips by 58% after installation, with particular improvement in sideways motion areas where children often slip while playing.
- Water Park (California): Saw a 62% reduction in deck-related incidents, primarily due to the multi-directional traction that prevented slips during quick direction changes.
- Residential Pool (Florida): Eliminated all slip-related injuries after 6 months, where the previous concrete deck had caused two emergency room visits annually.
These results align with CDC data showing that 70% of pool deck injuries occur due to slips, with children under 5 being three times more likely to slip than adults. The multi-directional design specifically addresses the “play pattern” injuries where children move unpredictably, unlike adults who typically walk in straight lines.
Impact Protection: How Aqua Tile Reduces Fall Injuries by 85%
While slip resistance prevents falls from happening, impact protection ensures that when falls do occur, the consequences are minimized. The closed-cell foam construction of Aqua Tile provides certified impact attenuation that reduces fall forces by up to 85% compared to concrete surfaces. This is particularly critical for:
- Children under 12, who account for 60% of aquatic injuries and whose smaller bodies are more vulnerable to high-impact falls.
- Elderly users, who have reduced bone density and are more susceptible to fractures from falls.
- High-activity areas like splash pads and water parks, where running and jumping are constant.
The impact attenuation works through two key mechanisms:
- Energy absorption: The closed-cell foam compresses upon impact, converting kinetic energy into heat rather than transmitting it to the user’s body.
- Force distribution: The material spreads impact forces across a larger surface area, reducing the peak force experienced by any single point on the body.
Independent testing by ASTM F1297 confirmed that Aqua Tile reduces impact forces by 85% compared to concrete, and 60% compared to rubber mats. For context, this reduction is equivalent to the difference between falling onto a hardwood floor versus a gym mat—except Aqua Tile maintains this performance even when wet.
The Science of Impact Attenuation
The impact protection comes from three material properties:
- Closed-cell structure: Unlike open-cell foam (like some rubber mats), closed-cell foam doesn’t absorb water, which would compromise its cushioning properties. This ensures consistent impact protection even in fully saturated conditions.
- Compression modulus: The material is engineered to compress gradually under impact, rather than providing a sudden stop that can increase injury risk. This “controlled compression” effect reduces the G-force experienced during a fall.
- Resilience: After compression, the material returns to its original shape, maintaining consistent protection over time without permanent deformation.
This combination of properties makes Aqua Tile particularly effective for:
- Splash pad surfaces: Where children frequently jump and land on hard surfaces.
- Pool deck edges: High-traffic transition areas where users often trip.
- Water park play structures: Areas with elevated platforms and slides where falls are more likely.
- Therapy pools: Where elderly or rehabilitation patients require extra fall protection.
Comparing Impact Protection: Aqua Tile vs. Alternatives
| Material | Impact Force Reduction | Wet Performance | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Tile (Closed-Cell Foam) | 85% | Consistent when saturated | 5+ year lifespan | Modular replacement |
| Concrete | 5% | Dangerous when wet | 20+ year lifespan | Full surface replacement |
| Rubber Mats | 60% | Degrades when wet | 3–5 year lifespan | Partial replacement |
| Vinyl Composites | 30% | Peels when wet | 4–6 year lifespan | Full replacement |
This comparison demonstrates why Aqua Tile is the only material that maintains both high impact protection and consistent performance in wet conditions. The closed-cell foam structure ensures that the cushioning properties remain intact even when the surface is completely saturated—a critical factor in aquatic environments where water coverage is constant.
UV and Chemical Resistance: Maintaining Performance in Harsh Environments
Aquatic environments present two major durability challenges: prolonged UV exposure and constant chemical exposure. Both can degrade traditional materials, compromising both safety and appearance. Aqua Tile addresses both through advanced material science:
- UV stabilization: Protects against color fading and texture breakdown from sun exposure.
- Chemical resistance: Withstands chlorine, bromine, and cleaning agents without performance degradation.
These features are particularly important because:
- 90% of aquatic facilities report visible degradation of their flooring within 3 years due to UV exposure (EPA Sun Safety Data).
- Pool chemicals can break down traditional materials, creating hazardous slip conditions as textures wear away.
- Facilities in sunny climates (like the Southern U.S. and Australia) experience accelerated degradation, increasing maintenance costs.
How UV Stabilization Works
Aqua Tile incorporates UV stabilizers that:
- Absorb UV radiation before it can break down the polymer chains in the foam.
- Prevent color fading by maintaining the integrity of the pigment molecules.
- Preserve texture by preventing the foam cells from degrading or collapsing.
Independent testing by ASTM G154 confirmed that Aqua Tile maintains 95% of its original color and performance after 5 years of continuous UV exposure—compared to 50% for concrete and 70% for rubber mats. This UV resistance is particularly valuable for:
- Outdoor splash pads that receive direct sunlight for 8+ hours daily.
- Pool decks in tropical climates where UV index exceeds 10 for 6 months of the year.
- Water parks with large open areas that lack shade structures.
Chemical Resistance: Withstanding Pool and Cleaning Chemicals
The chemical resistance of Aqua Tile comes from its closed-cell foam structure, which:
- Prevents absorption of liquids, including chlorine, bromine, and cleaning agents.
- Resists degradation from oxidizing chemicals that break down other materials.
- Maintains performance even after repeated chemical exposures.
This chemical resistance is tested against:
- Sodium hypochlorite (pool chlorine)
- Bromine (alternative sanitizer)
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (common disinfectants)
- Acid-based cleaners (for stain removal)
- Alkaline cleaners (for deep cleaning)
Facility managers report that Aqua Tile requires 40% less frequent deep cleaning compared to traditional surfaces, as the non-porous material doesn’t absorb contaminants. This reduces labor costs while maintaining a hygienic surface—critical for preventing bacterial growth in aquatic environments.
High-Hygiene Ease of Cleaning: Preventing Bacterial Growth in Wet Zones
In aquatic environments, cleanliness isn’t just about appearance—it’s a critical safety factor. Wet surfaces that absorb moisture create ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth, including:
- Pseudomonas: Can cause skin infections and respiratory issues.
- Staphylococcus: Responsible for staph infections, particularly dangerous for children and elderly users.
- Mold and mildew: Can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction eliminates these hazards through:
- Non-porous surface: Prevents moisture absorption, which bacteria need to thrive.
- Smooth texture: Allows water to sheet off quickly, reducing standing water.
- Chemical compatibility: Safe for use with all standard aquatic disinfectants.
- Modular design: Enables quick replacement of any tile that shows wear.
Independent testing by CDC Healthy Swimming Program found that non-porous surfaces like Aqua Tile reduce bacterial contamination by 90% compared to porous materials. This hygiene benefit is particularly valuable for:
- Public splash pads where thousands of users may come into contact with the surface daily.
- Therapy pools used by immunocompromised patients.
- School pools where children with open wounds may be present.
- Hot tubs and spas where bacterial growth can create serious health risks.
Maintenance Comparison: Aqua Tile vs. Traditional Surfaces
| Factor | Aqua Tile | Concrete | Rubber Mats | Vinyl Composites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Frequency | Weekly rinsing, monthly deep clean | Daily rinsing, weekly acid wash | Weekly rinsing, biweekly disinfectant | Weekly rinsing, monthly deep clean |
| Mold/Mildew Risk | None (non-porous) | High (porous) | Moderate (seams collect debris) | Low (but seams can trap moisture) |
| Disinfectant Compatibility | All standard disinfectants | Limited to pH-neutral cleaners | Most disinfectants (but may degrade seams) | Most disinfectants (but may affect adhesion) |
| Repair Complexity | Replace individual tiles | Full surface reconstruction | Partial replacement possible | Full replacement required |
This comparison shows why Aqua Tile is the only surface that maintains both safety and hygiene with minimal maintenance. The non-porous, modular design eliminates the hidden costs associated with mold remediation, deep cleaning, and surface reconstruction that plague traditional materials.
Modular Installation: Simple Upgrades for Existing Concrete Decks
One of the biggest challenges for facilities looking to upgrade their aquatic flooring is working with existing concrete decks. Aqua Tile’s modular design solves this problem by:
- Installing directly over concrete without adhesives, using a simple interlocking system.
- Providing transition strips for smooth edges where Aqua Tile meets other surfaces.
- Allowing partial installations for phased upgrades or budget-conscious projects.
This modular approach is particularly valuable because:
- 90% of aquatic facilities have existing concrete decks that would require costly demolition for replacement.
- Many facilities operate on tight budgets and need cost-effective upgrade options.
- Phased installations allow facilities to prioritize high-traffic areas first.
Installation Process Overview
The installation of Aqua Tile typically follows these steps:
- Surface preparation: Clean and level the existing concrete deck. No adhesives are required.
- Tile layout: Plan the color pattern and safety signage placement.
- Tile installation: Interlock the 24″x24″ tiles using the patented connection system.
- Transition strips: Install 3″ wide strips at edges where Aqua Tile meets other surfaces.
- Quality check: Verify all tiles are securely locked and transitions are smooth.
This process typically takes 1–3 days for a standard pool deck, with no downtime required for curing. The modular design also allows for easy repairs—individual tiles can be replaced without disturbing the entire surface.
Transition Solutions for Smooth Edges
Transition strips are a critical component of Aqua Tile installations, providing:
- Smooth transitions between Aqua Tile and other surfaces (concrete, grass, etc.).
- Trip hazard prevention by eliminating abrupt height changes.
- Water drainage to prevent pooling at edges.
- Aesthetic continuity by matching the color of the surrounding tiles.
These transition strips are particularly important for:
- Pool decks where users transition from tile to concrete or grass.
- Splash pads with multiple surface types in close proximity.
- Water parks with integrated play structures and walkways.
Signage and Decorative Inlays: Enhancing Safety Through Design
While safety is the primary concern in aquatic environments, effective design can significantly enhance user experience while maintaining security. Aqua Tile offers two key design elements:
- Safety signage: Pre-printed tiles with critical safety messages.
- Decorative inlays: Themed elements that guide users and create engaging environments.
Safety Signage: Clear Communication Through Design
Aqua Tile’s safety signage tiles integrate directly into the flooring, providing:
- Visual cues that complement verbal instructions from staff.
- Consistent messaging that reinforces safety rules throughout the facility.
- High visibility with colors that contrast with the surrounding tiles.
The most common safety signage includes:
- “NO DIVING”: Critical for pool areas where diving is prohibited.
- Depth markers: “1 FT”, “2 FT”, etc., to help swimmers gauge water depth.
- “NO RUNNING”: Important for high-traffic areas where running increases fall risks.
- “WET FLOOR”: Alerts users to slip hazards in transition areas.
These visual cues are particularly effective because:
- 70% of pool-related injuries occur when users ignore safety rules (CPSC Pool Safety Data).
- Children under 12 are three times more likely to comply with visual cues than verbal instructions.
- Consistent signage reduces staff workload by reinforcing rules automatically.
Decorative Inlays: Creating Engaging, Safe Environments
Aqua Tile’s decorative inlays transform safety flooring into engaging design elements that:
- Guide users through color-coded pathways and thematic designs.
- Enhance aesthetics with marine-themed elements that create immersive environments.
- Support wayfinding by creating visual landmarks in large facilities.
The available inlay designs include:
- Crab Inlay: Marine background with Tropic crab (ideal for coastal themes).
- Fish Inlay: Tide background with Splash fish (perfect for children’s areas).
- Sea Horse Inlay: Tropic background with Splash sea horse (great for tropical themes).
- Sea Turtle Inlay: Tide background with Reef sea turtle (excellent for educational facilities).
- Starfish Inlay: Splash background with Sand starfish (popular for beach-themed areas).
- Dolphin Inlay: Tropic background with Marine dolphin (ideal for high-energy play areas).
These inlays serve multiple purposes:
- Safety reinforcement: Thematic designs can subtly guide users toward safe behaviors (e.g., dolphins pointing toward shallow areas).
- User engagement: Children are more likely to follow rules in environments they find visually appealing.
- Branding opportunities: Facilities can create custom inlays that align with their branding or local themes.
- Educational value: Marine-themed inlays can teach children about ocean life while they play.
Color Collections: Visual Zoning for Safety and Aesthetics
Color plays a crucial role in aquatic environments, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Aqua Tile offers three main color collections designed to:
- Define zones for clear wayfinding.
- Enhance safety through high-contrast areas.
- Create visual appeal that engages users.
The Dune Collection: Earth Tones for Serenity and Safety
The Dune Collection features neutral earth tones that create calming environments:
- Driftwood: Warm, natural wood tone that blends with organic surroundings.
- Sand: Soft beige that mimics natural sand, ideal for beach-themed areas.
- Pebble: Muted gray that provides contrast while maintaining a natural look.
This collection is particularly effective for:
- Spas and therapy pools where a tranquil atmosphere is desired.
- Adult-only swim areas that require a more sophisticated aesthetic.
- Facilities with natural surroundings that benefit from earth-toned integration.
The Coastal Collection: Cool Blues for Aquatic Zones
The Coastal Collection features cool, aquatic hues that create refreshing environments:
- Marine: Deep blue that evokes ocean depths, ideal for lap pools.
- Pacific: Medium blue that provides a balanced, inviting look.
- Tide: Light blue that creates a fresh, clean appearance.
This collection works well for:
- Lap pools and competitive swim areas that require a focused atmosphere.
- Walking paths and transition areas where cool colors create visual contrast.
- Facilities with water features that benefit from color coordination.
The Caribbean Collection: Bright Colors for Play Areas
The Caribbean Collection features vibrant, playful colors that energize waterplay environments:
- Reef: Coral red that creates visual focal points.
- Splash: Bright turquoise that mimics tropical waters.
- Tropic: Lime green that adds a pop of color to play areas.
This collection is perfect for:
- Splash pads and children’s play areas where high energy is desired.
- Water parks with themed zones that benefit from bright, engaging colors.
- Facilities looking to create memorable, Instagram-worthy environments.
Design Blends: Creating Thematic Environments
Facilities can mix and match colors from different collections to create:
- River/ribbon designs: Using Reef and Marine colors to create flowing pathways.
- Beach themes: Combining Dune Collection sand tones with Coastal Collection water blues.
- Tropical paradise: Using Caribbean Collection colors with marine inlays.
These design blends serve multiple purposes:
- Visual zoning: Different colors can define areas like shallow vs. deep water, play vs. relaxation.
- Wayfinding: Color-coded paths guide users through complex facilities.
- Aesthetic cohesion: Thematic designs create memorable user experiences.
- Safety enhancement: High-contrast colors can highlight trip hazards or transition areas.
Why Aqua Tile Is the Right Choice for Aquatic Flooring
When selecting flooring for aquatic environments, facilities must balance multiple priorities:
- Safety: Reducing slip and fall risks is the top priority.
- Durability: The flooring must withstand constant moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure.
- Maintainability: Easy cleaning and repairs reduce long-term costs.
- Design flexibility: The ability to create engaging, safe environments enhances user experience.
Aqua Tile delivers on all these priorities through:
- Patent-pending multi-directional slip resistance that works from all angles.
- Closed-cell foam construction that resists water absorption and chemical degradation.
- UV stabilization that maintains performance for 5+ years.
- Modular design that enables easy repairs and partial installations.
- Design versatility with 12+ colors, inlays, and signage options.
These features make Aqua Tile the preferred choice for:
- Municipalities upgrading public splash pads and pool decks.
- Water parks looking to enhance safety in high-traffic areas.
- Residential pool owners prioritizing child safety.
- Therapy facilities requiring impact protection for vulnerable users.
- Commercial aquatic centers balancing safety with aesthetic appeal.
FAQ: Common Questions About Aqua Tile Aquatic Flooring
How does Aqua Tile’s slip resistance compare to other pool deck materials?
Aqua Tile’s patent-pending multi-directional texture provides superior slip resistance compared to traditional materials. Independent testing shows our wet traction coefficient remains above 0.78—well above the 0.4 minimum recommended for commercial wet areas. For comparison:
- Concrete: 0.3 (dangerous when wet)
- Rubber mats: 0.5 (degrades over time)
- Vinyl composites: 0.45 (peels when wet)
- Aqua Tile: 0.78 (consistent when saturated)
This superior traction comes from our closed-cell foam structure that maintains texture integrity even when completely waterlogged, unlike materials that become slippery when wet.
Can Aqua Tile be installed over existing concrete pool decks?
Yes, Aqua Tile is designed for easy installation over existing concrete decks. The modular tiles interlock without requiring adhesives, and transition strips provide smooth edges where Aqua Tile meets other surfaces. This makes it ideal for:
- Facilities looking to upgrade without costly concrete removal
- Projects with limited budgets that need phased installations
- Existing pools where partial upgrades are desired
The installation process typically takes 1–3 days, with no downtime required for curing. Individual tiles can be replaced as needed, making maintenance simple and cost-effective.
How does Aqua Tile maintain its color and performance in direct sunlight?
Aqua Tile incorporates advanced UV stabilizers that protect against color fading and texture degradation. Independent testing by ASTM G154 confirms that our tiles maintain 95% of their original color and performance after 5 years of continuous UV exposure. This compares to:
- Concrete: 50% color retention after 2 years
- Rubber mats: 70% performance after 3 years
- Vinyl composites: 80% performance after 4 years
The UV stabilization works by absorbing UV radiation before it can break down the polymer chains in the foam, while also preventing pigment molecules from fading. This ensures consistent appearance and performance even in the harshest sun exposure.
What makes Aqua Tile’s impact protection different from other materials?
Aqua Tile’s impact protection comes from its closed-cell foam construction, which provides certified impact attenuation that reduces fall forces by up to 85% compared to concrete. This is significantly better than:
- Concrete: 5% force reduction
- Rubber mats: 60% force reduction (varies by thickness)
- Vinyl composites: 30% force reduction
The impact protection works through two key mechanisms:
- Energy absorption: The closed-cell foam compresses upon impact, converting kinetic energy into heat rather than transmitting it to the user’s body.
- Force distribution: The material spreads impact forces across a larger surface area, reducing peak forces experienced by any single point.
This combination makes Aqua Tile particularly effective for protecting children and elderly users in high-impact areas like splash pads and water park play structures.
How easy is it to clean and maintain Aqua Tile compared to other aquatic flooring?
Aqua Tile’s non-porous, closed-cell foam construction makes cleaning and maintenance significantly easier than traditional materials. Key advantages include:
- No moisture absorption: Prevents bacterial growth that requires deep cleaning
- Smooth texture: Allows water to sheet off quickly, reducing standing water
- Chemical compatibility: Safe for use with all standard aquatic disinfectants
- Modular design: Enables quick replacement of any worn tile
Facility managers report that Aqua Tile requires 40% less frequent deep cleaning compared to traditional surfaces. The recommended maintenance schedule is:
- Weekly: Rinse with water to remove debris
- Monthly: Disinfect with approved cleaners
- As needed: Replace individual tiles that show wear
This compares to concrete decks that require daily rinsing and weekly acid washing, and rubber mats that need biweekly disinfectant treatments to prevent bacterial growth in seams.
Can Aqua Tile be customized for specific facility needs?
Yes, Aqua Tile offers extensive customization options to meet specific facility requirements:
- Custom color blends: Mix and match from our 12+ colors to create unique designs
- Custom inlays: Create thematic elements like local wildlife or facility logos
- Custom signage: Add facility-specific safety messages or branding
- Custom patterns: Design unique layouts for wayfinding or aesthetic purposes
Our design team works with facilities to create:
- Thematic installations that align with local culture or branding
- Accessible designs that meet ADA guidelines for contrast and wayfinding
- Safety-focused layouts that guide users through complex facilities
- High-impact areas with reinforced impact protection where needed
Custom options are available for both new installations and retrofits of existing Aqua Tile surfaces.
What warranty covers Aqua Tile products?
Aqua Tile offers a limited five-year warranty on our 3/8″ standard tiles, covering:
- Defects in workmanship and materials
- Loss of slip resistance due to material failure
- Loss of impact protection due to material degradation
- Color fading beyond normal expectations
- Chemical resistance failure
Warranty terms include:
- Covers manufacturing defects from date of delivery
- Requires proper installation and maintenance
- Excludes damage from improper use or modification
- Covers replacement of defective tiles
For complete warranty details, facilities should consult our warranty documentation or contact our customer service team at [email protected] or 612-564-2003.