This blog explores how Life Floor surfaces can serve as a central design feature, transforming aquatic spaces into visually rich, interactive environments while maintaining slip resistance and durability.
Introducing a New Standard for Pool Perimeter Surfaces
In 2024, NSF International published a new section within NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 50 for surfaces around pool deck perimeters. This section details the criteria that surfacing products meet in order to become certified. Most notably, the standard recommends that pool perimeters should be slip-resistant to increase safety at aquatic facilities.
At Life Floor, we’re enthusiastically embracing this addition to NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 50 and we’re proud to share that our Ripple texture is certified to this set of criteria for pool perimeter surfaces. From competitive swim schools to therapy pools, this standard brings positive change to our industry and we’re excited to further our mission of making all aquatic spaces safe and beautiful for all people through this opportunity.
The pool perimeter standard is similar to the version in NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 for splash pads, but the primary differences are that this variation does not require surfaces to be cushioned and the testing criteria only applies to non-concrete surfacing materials.
As part of the certification process for pool perimeter surfaces, our tiles are third-party tested to demonstrate high quality safety in real-world applications. They also show aquatic durability necessary for pool amenities. The 5 criteria include:
Slip-Resistance
Impermeability
Cleanability
UV Resistance
Chemical Resistance
Life Floor is certified to the standard and meets or exceeds all 5 requirements.
If you would like to learn more about Life Floor’s products, please contact us to see if Life Floor would be a good fit for your venue.
Life Floor Announces Major Expansion of U.S. Partner Network
Life Floor is thrilled to welcome seven new partners to our Registered Aquatic Partner program and Installer Network. This significant expansion enables us to better serve our customers through improved mobilization, tailored customer support, and reduced overall installation costs for our products.
In addition to our already established partnerships with Baynum Amusement Solutions and Fischer Brothers, LLC., we’d like to extend a warm welcome to Concrete Science, Full Sail Marine, Headwater Construction Group, Horizon Commercial Pools, Landmark Aquatic, Norberto Construction, and Safe Slide Restoration. Continue reading to learn more about each of our new partners.
Concrete Science
Concrete Science is a 120 person Concrete and Coatings Construction company based out of Minneapolis MN. They were started in 1973 and are a family owned start up, formerly Hicks Concrete. They have 4 Divisions: Commercial Concrete, Decorative Concrete, Industrial/ Residential Coatings, and Aquatics. They are highly diverse, but also highly specialized. They have crews that travel year-round as well specializing in waterpark flooring. Their second office is in Fort Myers, Florida.
FULL SAIL MARINE
Founded in 2017, Full Sail Marine, LLC is a leading maritime maintenance service provider of specialized services to the marine industry. Their comprehensive offerings include turnkey solutions for waterpark structure & finish repair and refurbishment and repair, whirlpool supply & repair, and ADA access equipment supply, installation, and maintenance. Catering primarily to major cruise lines, they specialize in the supply of repelling teams for high-risk access work areas. With an overriding commitment to excellence, innovation and safety, Full Sail Marine, LLC continues to be a trusted partner in enhancing onboard maintenance standards.
Headwater Construction Group
Founded in 1993 as Air-Tech Systems, Inc., Headwater Construction Group began its journey as a specialized gunite and pool construction company under the leadership of Steven Jones. Originating with residential projects in New Jersey, the company steadily expanded its expertise and geographical reach, evolving into a nationwide commercial builder with services including commercial construction, renovation, service, design, consultation, and equipment sales. Over the years, Headwater Construction Group has become renowned for its excellence in the aquatic recreation industry, undertaking diverse projects ranging from small-scale municipal splash pads to design-build of multi-million-dollar waterparks across the United States.
HORIZON COMMERCIAL POOLS
Horizon Commercial Pools is a leading provider of commercial swimming pool service, equipment, chemicals, and renovations. Founded in 1991, Horizon maintains local operations across Minnesota and Wisconsin while serving the broader Midwest market. The company prides itself on delivering aquatic joy and education to customers by supplying the industry’s highest-quality products and solutions.
LANDMARK AQUATIC
By leveraging the experience and history of three commercial aquatics industry leaders – Progressive Commercial Aquatics, Westport Pools, and Spear Corporation – Landmark Aquatic offers a comprehensive range of aquatic facility services, including design and engineering, construction, maintenance, renovation, and chemical supply to customers across the country. The combination has created a full-service aquatic services provider with the unique ability to work with engineers, architects, general contractors, and owners to provide the “wow factor” that guests expect while balancing cost, function, form, efficiency, and ease of operations. Going forward, Landmark Aquatic will continue to serve municipal, education, and private club clients, and the consolidated enterprise is supported by a workforce of highly skilled, well-trained professionals committed to safety and best-in-class service.
NORBERTO CONSTRUCTION
The Norberto Family is a leader in the commercial and residential pool building industry, working with the owners, engineers, architects, general contractors and sub-contractors in all aspects of swimming pool design, construction and services. They cater to all aquatic needs, large or small. Norberto Construction is based out of New York and is fully licensed and bonded in Nassau and Suffolk counties and New York City.
SAFE SLIDE RESTORATION
With over 30 years in fiberglass repair, and 15 years of expertise in the aquatics industry, Safe Slide Restoration is a trusted partner for comprehensive aquatic solutions. Their goal is to protect their partners' guests and investments, and they are now excited to offer Life Floor surfacing solutions for increased safety in every park. From waterslide installation to specialty coatings, they’ve been trusted to deliver consistent restoration and protected partnerships, making aquatic adventures worry-free for all.
Thank you to each of our new partners for believing in our mission and joining us to make all aquatic spaces safe, beautiful, and accessible. We’ll be sharing more as each of these partners complete training and become Certified Life Floor Installers.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our team.
Life Floor Australia + New Zealand Announces Grassports Australia as New Partner
Life Floor (Australia and New Zealand) Managing Director, Grant Burgess, has announced the appointment of Grassports Australia as Life Floor dealer representative and installer for Victoria and Queensland.
Announcing the partnership, Burgess stated, “five years ago Grassports in Queensland partnered with Life Floor (ANZ) as they saw it as an exciting new product to present to their customers in local government, education, theme parks and hotels.
That decision has proved to be a success with Grassports Queensland accomplishing over 20 Life Floor installations. Some of those installations included Wet’n’Wild, Dreamworld, Sugarworld Adventure Park, ULTIQA Beach Haven Resort, and Emmanuel College, Carrara.”
Burgess noted that now, “I am very confident Grassports in Victoria will emulate their Queensland team’s outstanding success. The unique properties of Life Floor foam-rubber surfacing system keep people safer when barefoot in an aquatic environment and that’s being recognised more now with Life Floor becoming the go-to surface when safety, design, functionality, and value are seen as the key priorities.”
Grassports Managing Director, Bernard Evans commented, “we have watched our Queensland team rollout Life Floor during the last few years and the improvement Life Floor has made to not only refurbished aquatic facilities, but also new facilities like community pools and splash parks. It’s now time the Victorian operation follows, so we will now be adding Life Floor to our product portfolio.
We are very well known in the education market and feel Life Floor will resonate with those customers who are seeking to refurbish their aquatic facilities and changerooms as it offers significant safety and hygiene benefits with its slip-resistance, cushioning, impermeability, and assortment of inspiring colours and shapes.”
Jonathan Keller, co-founder and Global Chief Executive Officer of Life Floor, added, “we believe all aquatic spaces should be safe and beautiful. As an international brand, we rely on trusted, local partners to help deliver on our mission and uphold our values.
“We are excited about our partnership with Grassports now expanding into Victoria to further leverage the success we've witnessed in Australia.”
About Grassports
For over 50 years, Grassports Australia have been industry leaders in the creation and delivery of quality artificial sports surfaces. The recreational environments we create connect people through the provision of healthy, safe and colourful spaces, available for the enjoyment of active children, families, sports people and performance athletes alike.
info@grassports.com.au | 03 9792 0622
About Life Floor
Life Floor is transforming the aquatics industry by improving the safety, design, accessibility, and fun at facilities for all people. Life Floor is the first product certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 and is leading the revolutionary change to the industry in a call for safety servicing at aquatic facilities across the world. With virtually limitless design possibilities, Life Floor creates a uniquely beautiful experience for people of all ages and abilities.
solutions@lifefloor.com | 612.567.2813
About Life Floor (Australia and New Zealand)
Life Floor (ANZ) was appointed in 2016 as Life Floor’s principal dealer for Australia and New Zealand with more than 80 installations.
grant.burgess@lifefloor.com.au | +61 (0) 459 169 769
Storytelling in Aquatics
When people think of themed entertainment and attractions that tell strong stories, they often picture immersive lands and the iconic dark rides of traditional theme parks. Aquatic attractions are occasionally designed with themed elements in the foreground, but they're usually treated as spaces to gather rather than to explore.
Some of the most successful waterparks function like theme parks with flowing narratives and creative details that spark imagination and bring stories to life.
Photo Credit: Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Take Disney’s Blizzard Beach for example where an unexpected snowstorm landed in central Florida leading to the state’s first ski resort. Or Universal’s Volcano Bay with its backstory rooted in the Waturi discovering a new island to call home. Similar to traditional theme parks, these aquatic spaces benefit greatly from imaginative storytelling and cohesive design elements.
Photo Credit: Universal’s Runamukka Reef
While Life Floor functions primarily as an aquatic surfacing solution, our projects are often featured within a broader context and designed to match specific themes, stories, or aesthetics. These installations are found on cruise ships, within water parks, at resorts, and at municipal facilities worldwide.
As each of these projects come to life, we consider the stories our floors tell. We think about how they contribute to theming, how they can add dimensionality to create a more immersive environment, and how specialty elements add play opportunities for guests. Throughout each of these design exercises, we contemplate the overarching role of storytelling in aquatic environments.
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Adding a story or a theme to a space creates an immersive experience that transports guests to a different world. While the vast majority of aquatic spaces trend toward underwater or beach themes, the diversity of design potential is endless. From forest-themed splash pads to outer space-inspired waterparks, we’ve witnessed spectacular ideas come to life.
Themed elements inspire imaginative play and create engaging experiences for guests. Starting with an overarching narrative, intentional design decisions can be made to truly create an environment that aligns with any vision.
So how exactly do designers of aquatic spaces execute on a story or a theme? Large 3D elements are often the main focal points. Spray features, play structures, slides, and sculptures draw guests’ attention immediately. Curated considerations like furniture, landscaping, and rockwork tie into these elements as well. Surface designers craft the appearance of signage, vertical panels on play structures, themed walls, and artwork around facilities to create enhanced visuals throughout. Sound and lighting bring an environment to life by creating an ambiance keyed into the senses to illuminate storytelling details. Setting the scene with the right tone is critical to completing an atmosphere and achieving the right effect.
From a flooring perspective, stories are told through themed Inlays, life-sized objects, game boards, and even character IP. Sometimes it involves including a certain color palette or geometric element that ties a design together or evokes a certain environment. We always look for ways to create a thematic scene or blend our floor into the rest of the aquatic setting. Together, all of these design considerations have the potential to tell a story at each facility, no matter the scale.
Throughout the coming year, we look forward to exploring these elements in further detail. We’ll feature stories that take a peek behind the curtain to describe the design and engineering processes of iconic projects. We’ll also illuminate the ways that other suppliers and designers consider storytelling when specifying certain components to craft these themed spaces. Exploring this topic within the aquatics industry wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the actual stories of many of the key leaders within this space. Overall, we look forward to engaging with the larger community and sharing more about how our partners continue to innovate as they design these themed aquatic attractions.
We’d love to hear from other creatives within the industry. If you’d like to join in on the conversation, please email our VP of Design, Kelsi Goss, to get involved!
Life Floor's Top 13 projects of 2023
2023 was filled with incredible projects ranging in complexity, size, and theme. Collaboration and excellence from some of our top partners, installers, and customers made all of these facilities possible. To celebrate 2023 as we enter into our 13th year in business, we’ve chosen to highlight these 13 installations that stood out among the hundreds of projects installed across the year.
MOST UNIQUE GEOMETRIC DESIGN
Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Location: Northcote, Victoria, Australia
Install Date: August 2023
Area: 3,281 sq ft (355 m²)
Main Colors: Seafoam, Limelight, Lilypad, Sandbar
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Architect: Warren and Mahoney Architects
Partner: Waterplay
Installer: Mauer Construction Tiling
With a unique palette and layout of colored bands, the creative approach for the flooring design of this project was a highlight for our team.
FIRST AQUAFORMS12 SPLASH PAD
Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
Install Date: June 2023
Area: 13,308 sq ft (1,236 m²)
Main Colors: Gobi, Sandstone, Aviator, Bluebird, Sunshine
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designers: WhiteWater + Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering
Installer: Inside Edge Safety Surfaces
Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort received a 2023 Leading Edge Award from WWA and was the host facility for WhiteWater’s new AquaForms12 structure which won the 2023 IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Product under $2 Million.
MOST ACCESSIBLE AQUATIC AMENITIES
Camp Barnabas
Location: Purdy, Missouri, USA
Install Date: June 2023
Area: 2,983 sq ft (277 m²) across 3 areas
Main Colors: Ocean, Kingfisher (discontinued), Iceberg, Turquoise, Aqua, Ivory, Heron, Evergreen, Olive, and Limelight
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Specifier: Sunbelt Pools
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Baynum Solutions
Photo Credit: Splashtacular, LLC.
Given the facility’s mission, Camp Barnabas stands out as a project designed to create even more accessible aquatics for all guests. This facility received a 2023 Leading Edge Award from WWA.
best interactive theming
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth, Pirate Beach
Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Install Date: June 2023
Area: 3,900 sq ft (363 m²)
Main Colors: Bluebird, Aviator, Aqua, Sandbar
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Inside Edge Safety Surfaces
With islands, LEGO features, and themed structures on site, this splash pad really stood out for its pirate theming.
Most Uniquely Themed Facility
Studio City Water Park
Location: Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, China
Install Date: April 2023
Area: 5,479 sq ft (509 m²)
Main Colors: Gobi, Mojave, Sandbar, Tiki
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: WhiteWater and WTI
This flowing curve design is custom cut from Life Floor tiles and provides subtle visual paths leading from one attraction to the next. These custom elements perfectly tailor to Studio City’s space travel theme. The combination of WTI's design and engineering, WhiteWater’s industry-leading features, and the comfort, safety, and durability of Life Floor’s surfacing creates a world-class indoor facility at the Studio City Water Park.
Studio City Water Park received a 2023 Leading Edge Award from WWA and was named a 2023 Dream Design by Aquatics International.
MOST PLAY VALUE OPPORTUNITIES
Forest Park Aquatic Center
Location: Forest Park, Illinois, USA
Install Date: January 2023
Area: 3,268 sq ft (304 m²)
Main Colors: Aviator, Pomegranate, Goldfish, Sunshine, Limelight, Ocean, Sandbar
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Hitchcock Design Group (Naperville)
Drains: Daldorado
Installer: Inside Edge Safety Surfaces
Photography Credit: The Park District of Forest Park and Bridget Deatrick with Hitchcock Design Group
Designed as a giant game board, Forest Park Aquatic Center brought play value to a large scale at their splash pad.
BEST ZERO-DEPTH ENTRY POOL THEME
Camp Margaritaville, Northgate Property
Location: Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA
Install Date: June 2023
Area: 3,900 sq ft (363 m²)
Main Colors: Turquoise, Seafoam, Aqua, Sandstone, Gobi
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Inside Edge Safety Surfaces
Partner: Daldorado Drains
Fixture Manufacturer and Photo Credit: InterActive Play
With a beach-themed triangle gradient and integrated Daldorado DALlux drains, Camp Margaritaville brought the tropics to this zero-depth entry pool.
FIRST LIFE FLOOR PROJECT IN CROATIA
Maistra Rovinj Croatia Resort
Location: Rovinj, Croatia
Install Date: May 2023
Area: 1,034 sq ft (96 m²)
Main Colors: Ocean, Bluebird, Aqua
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Amica
Bright diagonals of blue really make this splash pad pop at our first installation in Croatia.
NEWEST CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP
Carnival Jubilee Waterworks
Location: Carnival Cruise Ship
Install Date: December 2023
Area: 5,324 ft² (495 m²)
Main Colors: Ocean, Aviator, Iceberg
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: WhiteWater + Carnival Cruise Line
Installer: FMC Design
Life Floor surfaces every ship in the Carnival Fleet so the installation on Jubilee in several areas, including Waterworks shown above, is exciting to see.
2022 MAKE A SPLASH! GRANT CONTEST WINNER
Rotary Splash Island at Sammy Haggard Park
Location: Danielsville, Georgia, USA
Install Date: March 2023
Area: 2,055 sq ft (191 m²)
Main Colors: Ocean, Bluebird, Aviator, Turquoise, Seafoam
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Inside Edge Safety Surfaces
In 2022, we co-hosted our third annual Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest with Inside Edge Safety Surfaces to award a municipality or non-profit organization in the United States with an all-expenses-paid splash pad surface. Our intent with this contest is to uplift communities across the country each year with beautiful splash pad surfacing designs that add increased safety for residents. Our 2022 winner, Rotary Splash Island at Sammy Haggard Park, was installed in March 2023.
FACILITY MOST FULLY SURFACED WITH LIFE FLOOR
Rapid River Lodge
Location: Baxter, Minnesota, USA
Install Date: January 2023
Area: 9,408 sq ft (874 m²)
Main Colors: Gobi, Sandstone, Sandbar, Iceberg, Pomegranate, Lilypad, Iris, Sepia
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Waterplay
Partner: Waterplay
Installer: Fischer Brothers, LLC
With Life Floor surfacing the pool deck, stairs, zero-depth entry, and pool coping, almost all of Rapid River Lodge is covered with our tiles! We always love to see such a comprehensive safety surface approach.
FIRST LIFE FLOOR PROJECT IN EGYPT
Marassi Water World
Location: El Dabaa, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
Install Date: May 2023
Area: 6,426 sq ft (597 m²)
Main Colors: Lilypad, Limelight, Sandbar, Porcelain, Iceberg, Aviator, and Bluebird
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: WhiteWater
Installer: Raymond Sport, LLC
Island and beach theming designed by WhiteWater added an immersive backdrop to their interactive AquaPlay structure on this expansive splash pad.
MOST CREATIVE USE OF PIXEL THEMING IN A DESIGN
Imperial Meadows Park
Location: Coalhurst, Alberta, Canada
Install Date: May 2023
Area: 3,367 sq ft (313 m²)
Main Colors: Evergreen, Lilypad, Ocean, Turquoise, Iceberg, Bluebird, Iris, Platypus, Goldfish, Ivory, Sunshine Transition Strips
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Prairie Surfaces
A vibrant color palette of square tiles brought a bright design to this splash pad in Canada.
Thank you to all of our partners and customers for making these projects possible. We look forward to all of the unique installations to come in 2024!
Happy Holidays from the Life Floor Team!
Life Floor's 2024 Project Highlights
Life Floor announced a new product line called Murals and a selection of new projects coming soon in 2024 at an IAAPA Expo press conference in November 2023. Continue reading for a recap of the event.
UPCOMING PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2024
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Jubilee - Carnival Cruise Line
Jubilee will feature Life Floor onboard the Waterworks amenity with large intersecting circle designs. This project will continue Life Floor’s installation on each Carnival vessel.
Mt. Olympus Waterpark - Wisconsin, USA
In partnership with WhiteWater, Mt. Olympus Waterpark will feature a triangle gradient design with subtle zoning elements. Spray fixtures are positioned in the beach-tone areas while slides exit near the darker teal-tone areas. This theming will complement the venue’s new aesthetic, creating a cohesive design throughout.
Camp Fimfo - New York, USA
Camp Fimfo in New York will feature a 3-color Surf Theme across their activity zone. This project marks the next installment of Life Floor across Northgate Resort properties.
Photo Credit: WhiteWater
Meryal Waterpark - Qatar
Meryal Waterpark in Qatar takes zoning aquatic amenities to new heights. In partnership with WhiteWater, a splash play area is surfaced with Life Floor and zoned into three distinct areas. Two main areas with water features are divided by a distinct guided pathway running through the space. Walkways and overspray areas will be composed of tans and play areas are surfaced with blue tones.
V3 Center - Minnesota, USA
The V3 Center in Minneapolis, MN “is designed to be a beacon of hope as well as a focal point bridging the Northside to Downtown. Most importantly, the building will serve as a hub for the community to gather and grow together.” This project will transform the landscape of competitive swim in the Twin Cities metro area.
2023 Make a SPLASH! Grant Winner, Inclusive Design Award
For the fourth year, Life Floor and Inside Edge Safety Surfaces have partnered to provide free splash pad surfacing to deserving communities. The winner of the 2023 Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Grant Award is Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, TX, USA. Life Floor will be installed at Will’s Hang 10 Harbor attraction in Spring 2024.
2023 Make a SPLASH! Grant Winner, Need-Based Award
With the expansion of the Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, two awards were given out for the first time ever. The winner of the Need-Based Grant Award is John Anderson Splash Pad in Grandview, MO, USA. Life Floor will be installed at this location in Spring 2024.
New Product: Murals
As the aquatics industry continues to shift towards highly thematic surface design, Life Floor is thrilled to announce its newest product release: Murals.
With this new line of tiles, designs and patterns that were once too complex to install as aquatic safety surfacing are now a reality. Murals empower brands that dream of creating iconic, highly immersive, themed aquatic environments from the ground up. This innovative flooring tile product tailors custom design with highly intricate details that delight guests of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. In addition to their limitless design potential, Murals utilize Life Floor’s industry-leading proprietary safety surfacing for positive guest experiences.
Questions? Connect with Life Floor Experts
Gwen
Schlotte
VP, Specification +
Strategic
Partnerships
Holden
Bigler-Johnson
Regional Account Executive, West Coast, AK, and HI
Lindsay
Fetzer
Strategic + Cruise Line Sales, Midwest Account Executive
MaryAnn
Eifert
Regional Account Executive,
East Coast
Engaging Zero-Depth Entry Pool at Camp Margaritaville
Introducing Murals: Revolutionizing Iconic Design in Aquatics
Life Floor creates engaging aquatic experiences through imaginative design and standardized safety surfacing. Innovation is core to the company as its tiles shape highly immersive and thematic vacation destinations while pushing the limits of design.
Since Life Floor’s inception in 2011, intentionally designed surfacing has been rapidly adopted a feature in aquatic facilities worldwide. Blank slabs of concrete as well as other traditionally unsafe flooring options are losing favor as safety standards recommend materials with slip-resistance and cushioning for aquatic play.
Life Floor already offers a high degree of design capabilities such as logos, surfacing play features, and unique concepts that engage guests. As a result, innumerable stories demonstrate how beautiful design draws visitors in while safety surfaces lengthen guest stays. Together these benefits create accessible and inclusive spaces, while encouraging repeat visits and popularizing facilities.
Immersive Theming
Integrated Games
Imaginative Inlays
Hopping Activities
Elegant Designs
Guided Pathways
As the aquatic industry continues to shift towards highly thematic surface design, Life Floor is thrilled to announce its newest product release: Murals.
With this new line of tiles, designs and patterns that were once too complex to install as aquatic safety surfacing are now a reality. Murals empower brands that dream of creating iconic, highly immersive, themed aquatic environments from the ground up. This innovative flooring tile product tailors custom design with highly intricate details that delight guests of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. In addition to their limitless design potential, Murals utilize Life Floor’s industry-leading proprietary safety surfacing for positive guest experiences.
CURATING ICONIC DESTINATIONS
Each Mural tile comes custom cut and pre-assembled as a 24”x24” square, maintaining the integrity of the graphics while streamlining installation.
Surfaces cover between 50-90% of any aquatic facility. Reimagining the floor as a detailed design feature transforms that canvas into an engaging, playful, and imaginative space. Mural tiles can be combined with our normal products or can be selected to comprise an entire installation.
MODULAR DESIGN
Just like Life Floor’s standard products, every color seen on a Mural is a different piece of tile. Nothing is ever painted, coated, or applied to create the custom imagery.
Modular tiles facilitate easy installation, eliminating the need to piece together small custom cut shapes on site. They also streamline replacement, if ever needed. Since every tile comes as a 24” square, operators won’t ever need to deal with tiny custom parts and pieces. Attic stock Murals can be pre-ordered when desired.
HAND-CRAFTED QUALITY
All Murals have precision cut pieces that are then assembled and quality checked by human hands. Each tile receives intensive care to ensure exact design replication that meets each customer’s unique brand standards.
Once assembled, tiles are shipped to the project site and Certified Installers meticulously install the project according to specification.
The launch of Murals extends Life Floor’s vibrant history by improving aquatic environments for all people. Together with their limitless design potential, the team is excited to witness how this new product transforms facilities worldwide.
Collaborate with the Life Floor Studio to bring your next imaginative project to life.
No other flooring product can accomplish this level of custom design while adhering to the rigorous safety standards that improve guest experience and immersion at aquatic facilities.
In addition to the limitless design potential, Murals utilize Life Floor's industry-leading proprietary safety technology that features slip-resistance, cushioning, and more for positive guest experiences.
Designers, architects, and creatives of all kinds are invited to test the limits of imagination.
Questions? Connect with Life Floor Experts
Gwen
Ruehle
VP, Specification +
Strategic
Partnerships
Holden
Bigler-Johnson
Regional Account Executive, West Coast, AK, and HI
Lindsay
Fetzer
Strategic + Cruise Line Sales, Midwest Account Executive
MaryAnn
Eifert
Regional Account Executive,
East Coast
2022 MAKE A SPLASH! GRANT CONTEST WINNER'S INSTALLATION: Rotary Splash Island at Sammy Haggard Park
In 2022, we co-hosted our third annual Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest with Inside Edge Safety Surfaces to award a municipality or non-profit organization in the United States with an all-expenses-paid splash pad surface. Our intent with this contest is to uplift communities across the country each year with beautiful splash pad surfacing designs that add increased safety for residents.
We received a record number of submissions and there were many deserving entries, but one of the applications we received stood out:
“‘Is there any place in the county that I can take my toddler to allow them to be comfortable in the water?’ is a frequent question posed to the Chamber of Commerce, Recreation Department, and anyone working with young children. This rural county in northeast Georgia has no public pools, splash pads, or similar venues closer than 30 – 60 minutes of its residents. However, water safety and early experiences are the focus of pediatrician’s guidance and health department PSAs due to statistics about children drowning. Enter the members of the county’s Rotary Club in 2020 who determined the need for a safe, affordable venue to meet the needs of young families and the large number of grandparents who are rearing grandchildren. The Rotary Club partnered with the Madison County Recreation Department to fund the construction of a splash pad at Sammy Haggard Park. Over an 18-month period, the entities worked together on location, design, color scheme to blend with the colors used internationally by Rotary Clubs. Concurrently, the Rotary Club met their goal of $125,000 to bring their dream to reality at the grand opening Memorial Day weekend 2021.
Folks were ecstatic, use far exceeded expectations, and then reality set in. OOPS! The concrete surface gets hot, sunscreen washes off and makes the surface slick, and the rough surface and toddlers’ toes are not compatible. Ensuring the facility is properly sanitized is hampered by the concrete surface’s porosity. It has become clear that specifications were short-sighted when planning an achievable funding campaign for a small group that immediately faced “Covid shutdowns.” The Recreation Department manages the facility well, having developed sanitizing schedules, put in temporary surfaces for walkways to eliminate slips from sunscreen overspray, and ensuring preventive maintenance is prioritized. Revenue loss for the department during the Covid shutdown and, now, the increase in price for supplies and materials required to run the department and rebuild programs eliminates budgeting for a surface for the splash pad in the next several years. A Life Floor surface will resolve the concerns of parents and caregivers who find flip-flops and toddlers playing on a wet surface creates unnecessary bruises and scrapes. A proper surface will, for years to come, preserve the efforts of the Rotary Club and their many donors to provide a much needed and welcomed venue. Without this grant, only stop-gap measures can be used. That reality will undoubtedly result in the deterioration of this one-of-a kind facility at our Department. Our research had concluded that Life Floor met our needs. This grant for the proper surface will ensure our children have the safest and best venue possible.”
- Shelley Parham, Madison County Recreation Director
Before: Rotary Splash Island at Sammy Haggard Park, Concrete Substrate
After: Rotary Splash Island at Sammy Haggard Park, Life Floor Safety Surfacing
This entry resonated with members of the Life Floor and Inside Edge Safety Surfaces teams who reviewed entries and collaboratively chose this facility as the winner.
Our 2022 Grant Contest entrants chose from 6 unique pre-designed themes that would be custom fit to their project scope. Madison County chose the Under The Sea option which features a beautiful triangle gradient Pattern in our Lagoon Theme. Sea Life and Marine Inlays can be seen across the splash pad in bright contrasting colors such as Limelight, Sunshine, Goldfish, Platypus, and Aqua.
The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest’s co-host as well as Life Floor’s North American Preferred Installation Partner, Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, completed installation of the new surface in March of 2023. The crew worked with a high degree of professionalism and expertise to create a beautiful final result.
We hope this new safety surface will uplift and transform the way kids play at Rotary Splash Island in Danielsville, Georgia. We can't wait to hear the stories of how this installation will continue to benefit the community for years to come!
We’re thankful for the opportunity to give this deserving community a new Life Floor safety surface and hope for many seasons of fun to come! Thank you to Inside Edge Safety Surfaces for co-hosting this contest with us and for the expert installation.
THE 4TH ANNUAL MAKE A SPLASH! GRANT CONTEST
The next contest will go live on August 30th. Sign up for notifications so you don’t miss this short entry period and enter for a chance to win an all-expenses paid Life Floor surface for your splash pad.
LIFE FLOOR NAMED 2023 DREAM DESIGN SUPPLIER BY AQUATICS INTERNATIONAL
We're honored to be named as the Floor Covering Supplier by Aquatics International for three Dream Design Award-winning waterparks in 2023. These three facilities use our surfacing in distinctly different ways to serve their guests across the world. Congratulations to these aquatic centers and to all of our partners who collaborated to bring them to life!
2023 DREAM DESIGNS
Studio City Waterpark
Macau, China
The iconic Studio City Water Park is the largest aquatic attraction in Macau. It expanded in 2022 to feature an indoor area with over 5,000 sq ft of Life Floor under WhiteWater’s AquaPlay structure and around spray features. WTI and WhiteWater collaborated closely with Melco Development and Construction Group to create the vision for this amenity with a unique modern interpretation of Art Deco. This waterpark expansion is housed within an iconic new structure designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
The University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute chose Life Floor for their aquatic center due to its slip-resistance, cushioning, and inherent non-snagging properties for clothing. These key features allow for better patient experience in a more sensory-friendly environment. The surface design created by our in-house Studio team features a three-color triangle gradient Pattern with our fully integrated depth markers and no-diving symbols. Thank you to Altus Architectural Studios and JEO Consulting Group for your collaboration.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fins Up Waterpark
Nassau, The Bahamas
The Margaritaville Beach Resort Fins Up Waterpark was designed in a Seashore Theme with Marine Inlays placed throughout the amenity beneath the WhiteWater play structure. These serene colors and beach-inspired structures evoke the surrounding environment of the Bahamas and blend into the rest of the resort. Thank you to Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering, WhiteWater, and MSLA, Inc. for your collaboration.
We celebrate these awards with all of the fellow teams who worked diligently to create these iconic facilities and elevate guest experiences worldwide.
Beyond the winners above, Life Floor contributed to the following projects and was awarded Dream Design Supplier designations by Aquatics International in previous years:
2022 DREAM DESIGNS
Baha Bay at Baha Mar
Nassau, Bahamas
Life Floor is featured on Kid’s Island at Turtle Beach and Stingray Cove.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Dubai, UAE
Life Floor surfaces multiple areas of Splasher’s Island including the newest Splasher’s Cove.
2021 DREAM DESIGNS
The St. James of Springfield, VA
Springfield, Virginia, USA
Life Floor’s blue surfacing creates a colorful backdrop in the play structure area of the facility.
2020 DREAM DESIGNS
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay
Little Stirrup, Bahamas
Bold, custom graphics energize Splashaway Bay while a beach design completes the theming at Captain Jill’s Galleon.
Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Cushioned and slip-resistant tiles brighten up the splash pad at Splash Island Waterpark.
We love working with all of our customers and partnering with other companies to create gorgeous aquatic facility designs. For more information about these projects or to learn how you can purchase our award-winning surfacing for your facility, contact us today.
Replacing Pour-in-Place with Life Floor at Yawa Aquatic Centre
Yawa Aquatic Centre in Victoria, Australia is an indoor, $37M, state-of-the-art recreation centre that opened in 2021 and offers a wide range of year-round aquatic, leisure, and wellness programs for people of all ages.
After: Life Floor
Before: Pour-in-Place Bonded Rubber
Prior to the installation of Life Floor, keeping the floor clean throughout the Aqua Play Zone proved difficult for facility staff. The pour-in-place surface contributed to significant health concerns for patrons due to extensive mold growth permeating the porous material. Exhaustive efforts to remove the mold were not successful, so Yawa Aquatic Centre decided to remove the entire pour-in-place surface and install Life Floor due to our product’s impervious, easy to clean nature.
Yawa Aquatic Centre boasts a playful beach theme complete with Waterplay spray fixtures, palm tree structures, and side wall graphics that reinforce this design. The customer selected our Montauk Theme to emulate a sandy beach.
Within the gradient of square tiles, Mojave paths weave around the space to subtly guide circulation and avoid slide runouts. Inlays from our Marine and Sea Life sets provide pops of color and theming, tying into the designs of the Waterplay structure and features. A thicker area of Life Floor was installed around the slide runout to increase cushioning and safety for this high-impact area.
Life Floor Australia and New Zealand contracted an accredited installer, Maurer Construction Tiling, to adjust the concrete sub-base to improve drainage, reduce water pooling, and install Life Floor at this beautiful centre.
Thank you to Life Floor Australia and New Zealand for your continued collaboration and dedication to serving the greater Oceania region.
Learn more about Life Floor
How Does Life Floor withstand Extreme Climates?
With over 2,500 installations worldwide, Life Floor is trusted by leading brands and is the recommended surface for WhiteWater, Waterplay, and Rain Drop Products among others. From the bitter cold of Minnesota to the sweltering heat of Dubai, Life Floor tiles are engineered to perform in a vast range of climates.
COLD CLIMATES
Life Floor is designed to flex with the freeze and thaw cycles of seasons. The top of Life Floor tiles may expand and contract with high and low temperatures. In winter months, contraction creates wider joints. In the summer months during operation, expansion creates tighter joints.
Rapid temperature changes and/or wide swings have negligible impact on tile performance after installation. Our approved contact cement adhesives keep the bases of the tiles firmly secured to the underlayment or substrate.
Cedarcrest Splash Pad - Bloomington, MN, USA
Since June 2017, the Life Floor installation at Cedarcrest Splash Pad has experienced multiple freeze-thaw cycles. This public, outdoor splash pad is exposed to ice, snow, and hail throughout the long winter season. To date, Life Floor tiles remain adhered, the surface can be easily cleaned, colors appear vibrant, and our slip-resistant texture is just as effective as the first summer season.
While there are many beautiful splash pads across the Twin Cities, the Cedarcrest Park Splash Pad is unique in that the splash pad is unfenced. Bikes ride over it, shoes run across it, and trees line the outer perimeter with a dry playground nearby. This means that the splash pad is covered with leaves, sticks, dirt, sand, gravel, and wood chips on a regular basis. Given the environment, the modularity of Life Floor has allowed for any damaged tiles to be easily replaced without sacrificing the aesthetic of the splash pad.
Wilderness Resort - Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA
Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells installed one of the very first custom outdoor Life Floor installations. The intricate, larger-than-life inlays of bear paw prints are a testament to our tile's ability to flex with the harsh freeze/thaw cycles of Wisconsin winters.
Since installation in May 2013, Wilderness Resort has reopened the splash pad each season with minimal maintenance. The tiles are easily cleaned and vibrant. Some delamination may occur with installations of this type, which maintenance staff can easily address by following our Replacement Guide in the Owner's Manual.
To prevent delamination from occurring, we recommend using a Certified Installer. Our installation partners typically recommend installing Life Floor in cooler weather (between 60-70 degrees F) which results in tighter joints during the summer seasons.
HOT CLIMATES
UV exposure is a primary concern for hot climates in regions such as the Middle East.
As part of Life Floor’s NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 Certification, our products have been tested under extreme UV exposure. This is defined by the World Health Organization UV Index as more than 90 days (2,160 hours) of daytime exposure in the 10+ UV Index category within a 365-day period. During testing, erosion is not acceptable if it compromises the surface's traction, cushioning, or color clarity.
Atlantis the Palm - Dubai, UAE
Life Floor's UV resistance exceeds the NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 criteria, which is why internationally renowned brands such as Atlantis the Palm, Dubai choose our products for outdoor aquatic spaces. This iconic triangle gradient paired with Waterplay spray fixtures combines durability with design at Splasher’s Kids Play Area. Together they have created lasting memories for guests of all ages and abilities since it was installed in 2018.
The Atlantis resort brand is internationally known for spectacular thrills, unique attractions, and high-quality entertainment with guest satisfaction in mind. We partnered with Raymond Sport, LLC. to create the iconic surface design for this luxury destination that contributes enhanced safety paired with beautiful aesthetics.
The Beach Jumeirah - Dubai, UAE
The Beach splash pad delights as an amenity to individuals in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area. Life Floor was installed in 2018 and has provided a comfortable and slip-resistant surface for families looking to cool off in the hot climate of Dubai. Unlike concrete, our foam-rubber tiles serve as a good solution for facilities in search of a product that dissipates heat quickly since it will not burn skin and stays comfortable underfoot in intense sun and heat.
In high UV climate areas, facilities often opt for shade structures to protect the longevity of both spray fixtures and the Life Floor. It should be noted that shade is not a requirement since our surfaces have been tested to last at least 5 years in high UV climates with low to moderate traffic.
With constant pedestrian traffic from nearby shops and coffee houses, the splash pad continues to be a focal attraction for cooling off and enjoying mid-day splashes.
To learn more about how Life Floor can help solve your surfacing challenges, especially in extreme climates, we’d love to set up a tailored meeting for you with one of our product experts.
Custom Branding for Splash Pads and Pool Decks
Where can Life Floor be installed?
Life Floor is engineered for aquatics and designed for play! Our products can be installed virtually anywhere with proper techniques and have been installed at over 2,500 facilities worldwide. Explore some of our most common application types below and discover how Life Floor may be a good fit for your project.
Splash Pads
Splash Pads are one of our most common project requests and we often see both retrofit and new build construction types.
Life Floor is certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 50 which was created by NSF International specifically for interactive water play venues, also known as splash pads and spray grounds. As a certified product, Life Floor meets 6 performance-based criteria including Slip-Resistance, Cushioning, Impermeability, Cleanability, UV Resistance, and Chemical Resistance.
It’s common for children to run around spray features to dodge water or re-engage with the amenity from different angles. This area is referred to as the overspray area or apron.
Including overspray areas in surface design is beneficial to increase safety where children are still engaging in play. The Life Floor Studio and authorized designers can easily expand designs to cover these areas in ways that complement the available space.
Without overspray
With overspray
Pool Decks
Pool decks are another of our most popular requests. Life Floor is flexible and durable which allows for tight coping and wrapping around pool edges and fixtures. We also offer high contrast depth markers, no-diving symbols, and other safety messaging that is manufactured from our same high-performance safety surfacing. Our tile modularity means that safety messaging will not lose contrast over time since each color of Life Floor is a different tile.
Custom safety messaging such as “Bench Below” or “Please Walk” signs are available upon request.
Zero-Depth Entries
These commonly slippery areas present a hydroplaning challenge for operators, staff, and guests alike due to the sloping surfaces leading into the water. Adding Life Floor’s cushioned and slip-resistant surfacing at these entry points can enhance safety, design, and accessibility at any aquatic center.
Sometimes, it’s difficult for guests to visualize how deep water is becoming and how quickly. Gradients and colors that symbolize shorelines and water depth can be a good visual indicator of zones. For example, a walkway or lounge chair area can have tan colors that resemble sandy beaches while light blues can represent shallow water, gradually developing into darker colors as water depth increases.
In some states within the USA, pool codes require specific surfacing color options under certain depths of water. Internationally, restrictions are often less limiting, allowing for colorful designs that can extend deep underwater.
For more information about the different types of Zero-Depth Entries, read our blog Reducing Slip and Falls at Zero-Depth Entries.
Waterparks
Waterparks have many areas where Life Floor can be installed to solve common challenges and aesthetically transform the design of a space.
Stairs
Due to the modularity of our tiles, stair nosings and treads will maintain high visual contrast over time. Since our products are slip-resistant, they also reduce injuries that occur on slippery slide towers and ramps.
Elevated Platforms
As WhiteWater’s recommended safety surface, Life Floor is standard on AquaForm structures and Landing Pads. Life Floor is recommended on AquaPlay structures and for splash zones under AquaPlay, AquaForm, and AquaSpray structures.
Landing Pads for Waterslide Exits
Life Floor Landing Pads are designed to meet the safety and quality standards of today’s most challenging aquatic conditions. Our Landing Pad tiles will never absorb water and will remain slip-resistant even when submerged underwater.
Edge Pads for Lily Pad Walkways
Lily Pad Walkways are a popular attraction at waterparks and provide a unique way for children to engage with a small space. Edge Pad Landings that are cushioned with Life Floor allow for safer entries and exits to these types of features. They can also include custom graphics, logos, or colors to complement a facility’s theme.
Sloped Ramps
Life Floor is ADA Compliant and can be installed on any sloped access ramp. These commonly slippery areas especially benefit from Life Floor’s slip-resistant properties.
Locker Rooms and Bathrooms
Locker rooms and bathrooms are typically added onto projects that already include a pool deck or splash pad to take advantage of lower installation costs per square foot or square meter.
Since these facility features are often connected to aquatic amenities, they are typically wet and slippery especially near showers and entrances. Wet carpet mats are unsightly and can harbor harmful bacteria or mold which require them to be replaced and cleaned often. Life Floor offers a beautiful alternative that complements facility design and is easy to clean.
DRY PLAY
Life Floor is engineered for aquatics, but some customers enjoy the superior cleanability and cushioning of our products. This is especially true on Cruise Ships where lightweight, IMO Certified products such as Life Floor are highly sought after.
To get started on your project, begin a conversation with one of our Account Executives to find out how Life Floor can solve your surfacing-related challenges.
What Exactly is Life Floor?
For anyone familiar with our product, they know that Life Floor is an aquatic safety surface with endless design opportunities. What many people don't know about our flooring, especially if they haven't seen or experienced it in person, is exactly how it looks, feels, and functions. Let's dive into the details!
MATERIAL
Most people have seen or experienced pour-in-place aggregate products commonly used for safety surfacing at playgrounds and they assume that Life Floor must be similar. While our product is also cushioned, our tiles are entirely different.
Life Floor is made of a closed cell foam-rubber which means it’s impervious to water and easy to clean. The compressive nature of this unique material is what also makes it a safer option than concrete. Our tiles’ impact attenuation has been third-party tested by NSF International to prove that they can cushion guests if any slip-and-falls occur.
CUSHIONING
To achieve any level of impact attenuation, materials require a certain thickness. What does that look like with Life Floor?
Our standard 3/8" (10 mm) tiles are most commonly used on splash pads and pool decks and have been tested to a minimum fall height of 1'-0" (0.3 m). For more robust needs such as slide landing pads, we offer 7/8" (22 mm) tiles with a minimum fall height of 4'-0" (1.2 m). We also offer a layered system that can be customized to protect at even greater heights.
SIZING
Many customers wonder if Life Floor can be rolled out like rubber matting products used in other applications. Our surfacing doesn’t come in sheets or rolls. Instead, it is a modular system with a standard square tile size of 24" x 24" (610 mm x 610 mm) that is adhered to a substrate such as concrete. As a result, any customer looking for minimal replacements, especially in the event of any accidental damage, can swap out individual tiles without replacing an entire floor.
For additional shapes, our triangles and rectangles are half tiles, our hexagons are 20" (508 mm) from edge to edge, and our custom cutting possibilities are endless. Our proprietary precision-cutting system allows us to cut any shape, logo, or image from any number of our square tiles making Life Floor a popular choice for designers and customers looking to accurately depict specific imagery.
INSTALLATION
But what about the grout? Again, Life Floor works differently. Our tiles are adhered to substrates like concrete with a commercial-grade waterproof contact cement adhesive. No material is applied in the joints between tiles. Instead, they are installed tightly adjacent to one another. Due to the natural closed-cell properties of our tiles, these joints are easily cleaned and do not harbor microbial growth. The finished look of our installations is continuous, allowing for more organic designs, like the one pictured above, to be achieved.
SLIP-RESISTANCE
Our grooved Ripple tiles are uniquely slip-resistant as verified by third-party testing. Even our Slate tiles feature a MicroTread texture for added traction. Life Floor products are engineered to perform best when wet which creates a solid grip for bare feet on our surfacing. As a result, guests of all ages experience aquatic spaces more confidently—playing, swimming, and splashing in ways that would be impossible on slippery surfaces.
SEE & FEEL LIFE FLOOR YOURSELF
The best way to experience Life Floor is by visiting an existing installation. For anyone curious about local facilities that feature our product, we've created an installation map to reference.
To see and feel Life Floor for yourself, we also encourage you to order a product sample. We have a variety of options depending on your needs available in our sample store.
Looking to learn a bit more about Life Floor? Our team would love to connect about your aquatic needs.
AQUATIC DESIGN FEATURE: The Middle East
REDUCING SLIP AND FALLS AT ZERO-DEPTH ENTRIES
Having the right surfacing on zero-depth entry applications is often overlooked when renovating existing facilities or building new ones. This commonly slippery area presents a hydroplaning challenge for operators, staff, and guests alike due to the sloping surface leading into the water. Adding cushioned and slip-resistant materials at these entry points can enhance safety, design, and accessibility at any aquatic center.
What is a Zero-Depth Entry?
Zero-depth entries provide a gradually sloped surface leading from a dry deck into a shallow depth of water that progressively gets deeper. Occasionally, spray features, jets, and toys will be installed where there is no depth of water present or in shallower areas, essentially functioning as small splash pads.
Customizable surfacing options, such as Life Floor, can integrate games, shapes, or activities into these areas before the depth of water increases to add additional engagement, create themed designs, and provide improved safety.
SURFACE Design of ZERO-DEPTH ENTRIES
Sometimes, it’s difficult for guests to visualize how deep water is becoming and how quickly. Gradients and colors that symbolize shorelines and water depth can be a good visual indicator of zones. For example, a walkway or lounge chair area can have tan colors that resemble sandy beaches while light blues can represent shallow water, gradually developing into darker colors as water depth increases.
In some states within the USA, pool codes require specific surfacing color options under certain depths of water. Internationally, restrictions are often less limiting, allowing for colorful designs that can extend deep underwater.
Wave Pools
Wave pools are a popular example of zero-depth entries and include the added challenge of active waves and currents.
Children often linger and play in the shallow depths of wave pools. This can be dangerous when inner tubes float towards the shore either empty or with guests in them since they can knock small children over and cause impacts with the surface. The youngest of guests may require extra balance to stand confidently in these dynamic areas. Older children and adults may also drift into shallow depths or recline on the surface while partially submerged.
Safety surfacing such as Life Floor that is slip-resistant and cushioned helps to increase comfort while adding safety to avoid incidents. Harder or more abrasive surfacing options can limit the types of play and interaction that happen within these areas.
Zero-Depth Entry Play Areas
Zero-depth entries for younger children have gained in popularity at indoor aquatic centers as alternatives to kiddie pools. These areas complement larger pool decks, hot tubs, slides, and other amenities for older guests that are offered.
These spaces are often a hybrid of small-scale elevated structures and spray toys tailored to small children. Toddler slides, collaborative activities, and safety surfaces all contribute to longer visits, increased play value, and overall comfort.
By increasing the surrounding comfort of these areas, caretakers and parents can have greater peace of mind and enjoy these experiences alongside their children and families for a full day of fun.
SMALL SPACES
Having an accessible, comfortable, and fun aquatic amenity regardless of size will contribute to positive guest memories and return visits. Small zero-depth entries can utilize safety surfacing in unique ways.
Some of our municipal clients choose to bundle surfacing for multiple small areas across their city to improve multiple small spaces such as zero-depth entries, splash pads, and landing pads for water slide exits.
Regardless of size, use, or design, adding safety surfacing to zero-depth entries helps to reduce slip and fall incidents while also improving aesthetics and overall guest experience. Keeping these zones in mind when designing aquatic facilities can completely transform the way visitors experience these accessible entry points.
To learn more about how you can improve the safety and design of your zero-depth entry, contact us and find out how you can receive a complementary design rendering tailored to your facility.
Aquatic Surfacing Design Trends for 2023
With vibrant colors and limitless theming possibilities, aquatic surfacing designs continue to gain in popularity as a way to enhance splash pads, pool decks, and water parks. As this application evolves year after year, the Life Floor Studio takes note of the most popular design requests at different facilities worldwide. Curious to know where things stand in 2023? Explore these top aquatic surfacing trends we've been seeing so far!
Detailed, Custom Imagery
Since just about anything can be cut into our floors, we're seeing an increase in requests for custom design work. Some customers use this technique to illustrate a theme across a whole splash pad whereas others selectively add a few custom images as fun accent graphics.
Bold Bands of Color
As an alternate way to design with square tiles, several customers have resonated with large striped designs that showcase vibrant patterns or gradients of color. This application demonstrates a budget-friendly way to achieve a distinct and colorful effect.
More Complex Triangle Gradients
Ever since our earliest triangle gradient designs debuted at locations like Cedarcrest Splash Pad and Atlantis the Palm Dubai, these continue to be some of our most popular styles. An evolution we've seen recently has been the request for more complex gradients. These include bright swirls of color, multiple islands across a splash pad, and more varied, artistic designs.
Unconventional Themes
Manor Field Park
We've seen limitless creativity when it comes to designing aquatic spaces. Looking beyond typical water-based themes, some more recent splash pad designs have featured unique design ideas inspired by motifs like sports, winter, the forest, parks, and the desert.
REFINED Geometric Designs
For pool decks, country clubs, and high-end resorts, we've seen an increased interest in understated geometric designs. These patterns often use our triangle or rectangle tiles as well as our more muted or neutral color options.
LOGOS THAT CELEBRATe BRANDS AND DESTINATIONS
Since 2022, we’ve featured add-on packages that allow customers and designers to more easily include and price Logos and Inlays. As a result, we've seen an uptick in requests for custom branding. Municipalities and theme parks often choose to include logos as a powerful way to make their aquatic facilities more unique and memorable.
Paths and Play Opportunities
With themed Inlays that can be laid out to create a treasure hunt trail or a path of lily pads for hopping, customers are delighted to add activities to their floors. Beyond the increase in requests we're seeing here, classic play features in the Life Floor portfolio, like hopscotch, continue to stand the test of time.
Elevated Aquatic Themes
Since we're designing for areas with water, splash pads that feature aquatic theming will never fade in popularity. As an evolution of these designs, we've noticed facilities leaning into more turquoise and aqua tones over more traditional blues. As noted in some of the trends above, we've also seen more requests for custom imagery and the use of our Inlays to add theming and play value.
The Life Floor Studio continues to push the limits with our tile designs and can't wait to see how these trends keep evolving over time. Witnessing how surfacing completely transforms and brightens up facilities worldwide while creating positive experiences and memories for guests makes our work endlessly rewarding.
Interested in exploring any of these options on a splash pad or pool deck? The Life Floor Studio offers complimentary design services and can't wait to help bring your project to life!