As the weather warms up and anticipation builds, it's time to get your seasonal aquatic facility ready to welcome guests. From splash pads and zero-depth entries to locker rooms and changing areas, proper preparation ensures a safe, inviting environment—and protects your investment in Life Floor surfacing. Whether you're reopening a community splash pad or a municipal pool, this checklist will help you get your facility up and running smoothly.
1. Inspect Life Floor Areas for Wear and Damage
Start your checklist with a complete walkthrough of all Life Floor-installed spaces:
Splash Pads
Zero-Depth Entry Pools
Locker Rooms & Bathrooms
Pool Decks
Look for:
Damaged tiles: Cracked, warped, or missing tiles can pose a safety hazard. Fortunately, Life Floor is modular and easily repairable. If you do not have attic stock, replacement tiles can be ordered to match your existing surface, and our team can assist with any questions about repairs.
Lifted edges or bubbling: These issues may be due to sub-surface water intrusion or adhesive fatigue. Contact your Life Floor rep if you're unsure how to proceed—our team can walk you through the next steps or recommend a certified installer if needed.
👉 Tip: Check out our FAQs for tile lifespan, replacement, and warranty coverage answers.
2. Deep Clean All Life Floor Surfaces
Before the season begins, every surface should get a comprehensive deep clean to ensure hygiene and aesthetics. Life Floor is non-porous and designed to be easy to clean—no special equipment or harsh chemicals are required. Follow these basic steps from our Cleaning Guide.
3. Test Drainage & Water Features
For splash pads and zero-depth entries, confirm that all water features and drainage systems are functioning correctly before opening:
Flush drains and run filtration systems to ensure proper flow.
Inspect Life Floor installations around drains for signs of wear—especially at seams or where tile meets stainless fixtures.
Check that standing water is not pooling in low-lying areas. Life Floor is designed with slip resistance in mind, but standing water can still pose a hygiene or algae risk.
4. Ensure Tile Safety Markings Are Clear
Life Floor tiles can be customized with safety markers, warning signs, or zone indicators. During your inspection, look for:
Faded or peeling markers
Illegible depth indicators
Directional or instructional graphics that may need updating
If any graphics are worn or missing, Life Floor offers durable safety messaging tiles that can be installed in the off-season or during short maintenance closures.
5. Check Transitions and Thresholds
In locker rooms, bathrooms, and other wet/dry transitions, inspect:
Tile-to-tile seams for wear and tear
Threshold areas for smooth transitions to prevent tripping
Slip resistance in high-footfall zones
If areas look heavily worn or feel slick, it may be time for a targeted refresh or tile replacement.
6. Plan for In-Season Maintenance
Set your facility up for long-term success by creating a routine maintenance schedule. We recommend:
Weekly cleaning: A multi-purpose peroxide cleaner will combat alkaline grime, mud, hard water deposits, rust, and soap/shampoo/conditioner buildup. Apply the cleaner with a spray foamer and let it dwell on the tiles for at least 5 minutes. After the cleaner has had time to break down and loosen dirt and oils, scrub using the proper brushes or scrubber, and ensure the cleaner is thoroughly rinsed and removed from the tiles. This step is complete when fresh water is sprayed on the tiles, and no foam appears. If foam continues to appear, repeat the rinse and recovery process.
Monthly deep cleaning: To help target calcium, lime, rust, or magnesium buildup issues with a Mineral Deposit Remover (MDR). Prepare a diluted solution of equal parts cleaner and water in a squeeze bottle or pourable cup. Apply the MDR on the affected area and let it dwell for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, begin scrubbing with a medium-softness bristle deck brush to help separate the deposits from the tiles. Rinse the area thoroughly.
Incident-specific spot cleaning: For oils, sunscreen, or spills, a diluted sodium-based degreaser and scrub brush will do the trick. Follow the same cleaning process as the multi-purpose peroxide cleaner.
Outdoor amenities face unique environmental challenges such as dirt, plant matter, sunscreen, animal traffic, and seasonal conditions like snow and ice. Increased shoe and bike traffic can also affect surface wear in unfenced areas. During the active season, we recommend a weekly cleaning schedule alternating between our Peroxide Cleaner and Degreaser. Winterizing is simple at season's end— some facilities cover Life Floor with a tarp to protect it from prolonged sun exposure, debris, and off-season traffic. Our tiles are freeze/thaw stable and built to endure temperature changes, but covering them can help extend their lifespan.
Indoor amenities offer a more controlled environment, making cleaning and maintenance easier. However, they may experience a buildup of mineral deposits, especially in high-moisture areas. A weekly cleaning routine alternating between our Peroxide Cleaner and Degreaser is recommended.
A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping Life Floor looking great and performing at its best all season.
Ready to Replace or Repair?
If you discover damaged tiles or want to update your space before opening day, now is the perfect time. Life Floor is:
Modular and easy to repair
Color-matched for seamless replacements
Supported by a knowledgeable team ready to help
Contact your Life Floor rep or reach out via our website to get started with repairs or tile orders.
Let's Make This Season Your Safest Yet
Opening day is just around the corner. By checking these key areas now, you'll ensure a smooth start to the season and show your community that safety, cleanliness, and comfort are priorities.
Need help assessing your Life Floor surfaces or planning a repair? We're here to support you every step of the way.