INSTALLATION

our installation process

Precision installation.
Built for performance.

From surface preparation to final installation, Aqua Tile delivers precision-driven aquatic surfacing solutions designed for long-term durability, slip resistance, and visual performance. Our experienced installation teams follow strict quality standards to ensure every project is completed safely, efficiently, and built to withstand high-traffic aquatic environments.

Slip Resistant

Engineered texture helps prevent slips and falls

uv resistant

Colors stay vibrant and surface stays strong.

easy maintenance

Smooth, non-porous surface for simple cleaning

Custom designs

Wide range of colors and patterns to bring your vision to life

01

site assessment (1-2 days)

Before any installation begins, our certified installers conduct a thorough site assessment that includes:

  • Surface analysis: Evaluating the existing substrate for moisture, cracks, or unevenness that could affect installation
  • Drainage mapping: Identifying water flow patterns to ensure proper tile placement and prevent pooling
  • Traffic flow analysis: Mapping high-traffic areas to determine tile orientation and pattern placement
  • Safety zone designation: Marking areas requiring special attention (near slides, diving boards, etc.)
  • Color scheme planning: Finalizing the tile layout based on your chosen collection (Coastal, Caribbean, or Dune)

This phase is critical for preventing common installation errors that could compromise safety. For example, improper drainage planning can lead to water pooling between tiles, while incorrect traffic flow analysis might place high-friction areas in low-traffic zones where they’re unnecessary.

02

Surface preparation (1-3 days)

Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a successful Aqua Tile installation. Our process includes:

  1. Substrate cleaning:  Using our proprietary cleaning solution to remove oils, dirt, and contaminants that could prevent proper adhesion

  2. Moisture testing: Verifying the surface is completely dry using specialized moisture meters (critical for concrete substrates)

  3. Leveling: Addressing any unevenness with our self-leveling compound (tolerances within 1/8″ over 10 feet)

  4. Priming: Applying our specialized primer that creates the optimal bonding surface for Aqua Tile’s adhesive

  5. Transition planning: Preparing edges where Aqua Tile meets other surfaces (using our 3″ transition strips)

This preparation phase is why we recommend a minimum 3-day lead time for most water park installations. Rushing this step can lead to adhesion failures, which we’ve seen in facilities that attempted DIY installations with improper surface prep.

03

Tile Installation (2-4 Days)

Our installation team uses a systematic approach to ensure perfect alignment and maximum safety:

  1. Layout marking: Using chalk lines to create a precise grid based on your design plan (3-color blends or thematic patterns)

  2. Adhesive application: Applying our high-performance adhesive in a staggered pattern to prevent shifting

  3. Tile placement: Installing tiles with our proprietary alignment tool to maintain perfect 90-degree angles
  4. Pressure rolling: Using specialized rollers to ensure complete adhesive contact (critical for impact attenuation)
  5. Seam sealing: Applying our UV-stable seam sealer to prevent water intrusion between tiles

For water parks with complex designs, we often use our digital layout software to pre-plan the entire installation. This technology allows us to:

  • Create 3D visualizations of the final design
  • Calculate exact tile quantities with 99% accuracy
  • Simulate water flow patterns across the surface
  • Identify potential high-risk areas for special attention

04

Quality Control and Certification (1 Day)

No Aqua Tile installation is complete without our rigorous quality control process:

  • Adhesion testing: Using a pull-off tester to verify each tile meets our 200 psi minimum adhesion requirement
  • Slip resistance verification: Conducting on-site friction testing to confirm coefficients meet our 0.75+ standard
  • Impact attenuation testing: Dropping a standardized weight to verify energy absorption meets our 80%+ requirement
  • Seam integrity check: Inspecting all seams for proper sealing and water resistance
  • Final inspection walkthrough: Conducting a comprehensive review with facility staff to address any concerns
Facilities that complete our installation process receive:
  • Aqua Tile Certification of Compliance
  • Digital copy of all test results
  • Maintenance manual with care instructions
  • Warranty documentation (5-year limited warranty)
  • Emergency contact information for our 24/7 support team

This certification process gives facility managers the documentation they need for insurance purposes and liability protection. In fact, 87% of facilities that install Aqua Tile report reduced insurance premiums within 12 months due to our documented safety standards.

install resources

Article & Guides

Helpful insights, expert tups, and industry best practice to support your aquatic flooring and design projects.

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Installing around swimming pool areas

Learn the best practices for installing safe, slip-resistant surfacing around swimming pools and aquatic spaces.

About Aqua Tile

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See how slip-resistant aquatic flooring helps reduce common injuries in waterpark and pool environments.

Have any questions?

Come look at our FAQ where we answer all commonly asked questions that will help you better understand Aqua Tile products, installation, maintenance, safety features, and aquatic surfacing solutions.

Have all your aquatic needs met

Ready to get started?

From splash pads and pool decks to aquatic play environments and commercial facilities, Aqua Tile delivers durable, slip-resistant surfacing solutions designed for long-term safety, comfort, and visual impact. Looking for additional aquatic flooring options? Explore our full product collection to find the best fit for your project. When you're ready to get started, contact our team to discuss your space, design goals, and installation needs.

slip
resistant

Engineered texture helps prevent slips and falls

UV
Resistant

Colors stay vibrant and surface stays strong.

Easy Maintenance

Smooth, non-porous surface for simple cleaning​

Custom Designs

Wide range of colors and patterns to bring your vision to life

See how we Can get you started