Yas Waterworld Unveils Refreshed Waterpark and Splash Pad

The 2024 renovation at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, led by WhiteWater, showcases a newly designed splash pad and an updated waterpark area with over 13,000 square feet of Life Floor surfacing. This revitalized water experience, equipped with vibrant Life Floor Inlays, brings a fresh aesthetic and added functionality to the park.

Splash Pad Design: Adding Inlays and Games

The vibrant splash pad uses the surface as a key thematic feature. A striking blue river courses down the pattern's center, bordered by sandy shores and thriving greenery. Bright pops of color are interspersed via Inlays from our Pond and Outdoor Exploration sets to enhance the attraction's theme and add a fun search-and-find style game. A hopscotch board designed into the Life Floor surface provides more traditional play opportunities and expands the possibilities for different play styles.

Marah Fortress: RainFortress by WhiteWater

At Marah Fortress, WhiteWater's RainFortress structure offers guests an immersive experience with desert palace-inspired theming that aligns beautifully with the local landscape. The design features geometric paneling on the platforms that resemble stained glass and strategically placed boulders to add elevated natural elements. Beneath the RainFortress, a Life Floor pattern starts at the center with a sand-colored island motif and radiates outward with teal tones rippling like waves.

A larger-than-life turtle graphic was designed into the Life Floor surface as a navigational tool, guiding guests on where to stand when the thrilling dump bucket is about to be released.

Nearby, a prominent 7-meter dolphin reflects a similar visual signal as an area where families with children can relax and engage with quieter ground sprays. Smaller standard Inlays encourage movement, such as the brightly colored fish leading away from slide exits and back to the entry point to keep the fun going all day.

DURABILITY MADE FOR THE SCORCHING HEAT

Imagine the hottest conditions on earth. Standing on the equator in peak summer UV, during a solstice, in full sunlight. Then, stay there for 750 hours straight. That’s the rigorous testing our tiles withstand as they’re certified for UV Resistance in accordance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 50. And that’s not all - they also have to pass slip-resistance and impact absorption testing after UV tests are complete.

“Life Floor brings a wow factor to the area, which helps better area utilization even in those corners where there are less features on the structure as the guests would relax on the floor and probably not even need sunbeds.”

— Lijo Jose, WhiteWater

Life Floor: Enhancing Guest Experience

According to Lijo Jose of WhiteWater, Life Floor has transformed the space by maximizing guest interaction and comfort, even in quieter corners of the waterpark where features may be fewer. The soft, inviting Life Floor surface encourages guests to relax directly on the flooring, making it an integral part of the waterpark experience.

Aquatics is for everyone regardless of age, ability, or play style. We hear from venues all the time that guests stay longer and rave about the amenities where Life Floor is installed. Caretakers feel invited to get on their kids’ level with our cushioned tiles and truly feel like they can play too.

Whether its sitting and relaxing while surrounded by small floor jets or frolicking through dueling water cannons - our surfaces promote positive experiences and people can play boundlessly as they were meant to do.

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The 2024 renovation at Yas Waterworld, with Marah Fortress and the revitalized Splash Pad, celebrates the regional culture and innovative play, making it a must-visit attraction in Abu Dhabi.

To discover how Life Floor can refresh your venue and skyrocket guest experience, ask us for a complementary design rendering and get started on your project!

Life Floor Wins 3 Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association

We’re honored to win three Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association for our work on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Meryal Waterpark, and Blue Surf Bay Waterpark! These projects show the elevated design aesthetic that can be achieved with our triangle gradients.

Keep reading to learn more about each of these award-winning destinations.

Photo provided courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

ICON OF THE SEAS

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Our surfaces enhance 7,961 sq ft (740 sq m) of space across four amenities onboard Icon of the Seas. Vibrant triangle gradients complement the colors on play structures and contribute to elevated theming across the vessel. This project marks the 14th Royal Caribbean destination Life Floor surfaces.

This iconic vessel features our key partners Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering and FlowRider.

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Meryal Waterpark

Qatar, Doha

This record-breaking waterpark created by WhiteWater, in collaboration with Qetaifan Projects and Water Technology, Inc., boasts many firsts. A blue toned triangle gradient creates an oasis motif complementing the surrounding arid landscape. This thematic amenity provides a pleasant space for families to cool off in the hot Qatar sun.

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Blue Surf Bay Waterpark

Blue Springs, Missouri, USA

Blue Surf Bay Waterpark is a stunning indoor and outdoor facility constructed as an expansion to the Blue Springs, Missouri Fieldhouse in 2024. From a year-round indoor space to seasonal outdoor offerings, this comprehensive aquatic center has something for everyone to enjoy!

This meaningful project highlights many of our partners and industry friends including Water Technology, Inc., SFS Architecture, Landmark Aquatic, LLC., McCownGordon Construction, Waterplay, NinjaCross, and Splashtacular, LLC.

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Plus, congrats to our partner, WhiteWater, for their award for The Rise of Icarus at Mt. Olympus Waterpark!

MT. OLYMPUS WATERPARK

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA

Mt. Olympus Waterpark immerses guests with a Greek mythology theme complete with elements like colonnades, Greek iconography, and tailored attraction names. June 2024 marked the completion of the outdoor kids’ area which boasts America’s tallest waterslide, The Rise of Icarus, designed and built by WhiteWater.

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To learn how to get Life Floor’s award-winning surfaces specified and installed at your project, start a conversation with our team. We would love to collaborate with you to make your dream into a reality.

V3 Sports Center: Elevating North Minneapolis Aquatics

V3 Sports Center serves North Minneapolis, MN and has a mission to “elevate our community through wellness, fitness, and education.” North Minneapolis is a historically underinvested community. According to V3’s research, “In 2019, 54% of the population was Non-White and 20% of the population under the age of 18. In the immediate area of The V3 Center, young adults under 18 make up roughly 40% of the population.” The V3 Sports Center was built in a prominent location and can be seen from downtown Minneapolis and Interstate 94. It has bus line service to further increase accessibility of the facility for the neighborhood.

A generational lack of swimming skills can become a cyclical problem and the first step towards ending those cycles is to provide access. This facility chose to go beyond a simple space by creating a true community hub. With nearly 12,000 kids within walking distance, they implemented thoughtful resources and spaces to engage, transform, and elevate the lives of kids in North Minneapolis. Programs include the John W Hardeman III Boys and Girls Club, summer camps, swimming lessons, childcare, and more. Their aquatics department offers several programs: Swim 2 Learn, Swim 2 Earn, Pool Play, and Open Pool.

All windows looking into the pool area can be fully closed with blinds to allow for greater privacy. This serves populations such as Muslim women who need modesty accommodations to swim. V3 Sports Center provides specific times for Muslim women and others who need privacy to freely enjoy the pool amenities.

“I will say my favorite story is, since we opened June 22, when I was driving down Plymouth Avenue, and I saw the kids from the Northside Development Center, which is two blocks away from here during their summer camp, walking down to the V3 Center to do lessons. And this particular day, it was their celebration of finishing their six weeks of lessons. We celebrate them at the end of the six weeks. And with that being said, it was just such a good example of why we’re here. Being able to have a space and place in the community where the kids of Northside Development Center can walk here, get quality lessons in a world-class facility, celebrate, and be excited about what they’ve accomplished, all within their neighborhood. I think that was just a beautiful collaboration between our two organizations, which Northside Development Center is a part of Catholic Charities. Early on around aquatics, it’s all about the accessibility, the proximity, and the community collaborations that are happening to benefit people like Northside families.
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— Malik Rucker, V3 Sports Executive Director

Beyond the incredible activity programming, V3 Sports creates meaningful employment opportunities for residents. “While there are countless non-profit organizations working to create economic stability, job opportunities, education equality and neighborhood revitalization, the unemployment rate in North Minneapolis is twice the rate of the rest of the city, and even worse for Black men. While the poverty rate is 15% for the White community in North Minneapolis, it is 42% for the Black community.”

In an interview with us in August 2024, Malik Rucker, Executive Director, commented, “We're up to about 70 jobs. Just last year, we only had about 8. So, we went from 8 to 70 in a year, which is affecting families. It's providing careers right here in the neighborhood, and those are some of the things that I'm super excited about, and we're only in the first few months.”

“The Life Floor gives life to the pool and to the space. A lot of times when you see tile, it’s not as exciting, but having this with the pops of color has allowed us to not have to do as much on the walls. We let the floor lead the way and it’s a beautiful space. I haven’t seen anybody fall or slip, and we know people are going to run. The investment is worth it just by reducing the slips and when people do slip, they’re not hitting the ground as hard. It’s aesthetically pleasing, it definitely lightens up the space, and it works well with the natural light that’s coming in at the corner of Plymouth and Lyndale. The most input I get is just how beautiful it is. People notice it. They touch the ground and try to see how soft it is and if they’re gonna slip. It’s a beautiful addition. ”

— Malik Rucker, V3 Sports Executive Director

“I’m just excited to continue to see families come together. It’s a family space. It’s a destination. There aren’t many spaces in North Minneapolis that the entire family can go to.”

— Malik Rucker, V3 Sports Executive Director

The facility’s architect is LSE Architecture, a Black-owned architecture firm. For their work on this project, they were awarded alongside V3 Sports Center with the AIA Minnesota Merit Award and the Michael L. Schrock Award. Building was completed by RJM Construction.

On a granular level, this fitness center is a great example of a phased project approach. V3 Sports Center completed $26M phase 1 in 2024, prioritizing amenities that would best serve the community. Two selections included a 6 lane 25-meter pool and hydrotherapy pool with Life Floor surfaces. This center now has the first indoor lap pool serving North Minneapolis with multifunctional use for swimming lessons, exercise, and summer camps. Phase 2 will cost approximately $100M and will include an Olympic size 50-meter pool, STEAM programming, and a technology center.

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We’re proud to be part of this incredible fitness center located just 4 miles from our U.S. Headquarters. A sincere thank you to the team at V3 Sports for bringing the V3 Sports Center to life and investing in our community. We look forward to your continued success elevating and transforming the lives of thousands.

LIFE FLOOR NAMED 2024 DREAM DESIGN SUPPLIER BY AQUATICS INTERNATIONAL

We're honored to be named as the Floor Covering Supplier by Aquatics International for four Dream Design Award-winning waterparks in 2024. These four facilities use our surfacing in distinctly thematic ways to engage their guests.

Congratulations to these aquatic centers and to all of our partners who collaborated to bring them to life!

2024 Dream Designs

Serengeti Springs at Hattiesburg Zoo

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

Life Floor surfaces nearly 18,000 sq ft (1,672 m²) beneath WhiteWater’s incredible Fusion Fortress that was designed and engineered by Martin Aquatic who acted as the consultant for this unique project. As Authorized Life Floor Designers, Martin Aquatic and WhiteWater collaborated to create visual zones throughout the space with our surfaces to complete the playful safari theming.

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Aqua Nick at Nickelodeon™ Hotels and Resorts

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Designed by WhiteWater + WTI, Life Floor surfaces several activity zones at the resort including Bikini Bottom Beach and Paw Patrol Adventure Bay. Vibrant Bluebird, Aviator, and Iceberg colors are designed in a wave pattern throughout the park, which helps to create a consistent theme that compliments the features, while also providing added safety and comfort for guests of all ages.

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Camp Barnabas

Purdy, Missouri, USA

Creating accessible spaces for all people is one of our passions and Life Floor is proud to surface three areas of the pool amenity including two splash pads and the transition for the zero-depth entry. These inclusive amenities provide more play value for campers with traction to prevent slips and cushioning to protect falls that keeps the fun going all day long.

A sincere thank you to Sunbelt Pools and Splashtacular for leading this project and coordinating with multiple industry partners with the goal to give Camp Barnabas's pool new life.

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Echo Hollow Pool Replacement

Eugene, Oregon, USA

A Life Floor Landing Pad is featured under the diving board at Echo Hollow Pool, designed by Aquatic Design Group. Our Landing Pads provide increased cushioning for greater fall height protection with slip-resistance that is non-abrasive.

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We celebrate these awards with all of the fellow teams who worked diligently to create these iconic facilities and elevate guest experiences worldwide.

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In addition to the winners above, Life Floor contributed to the following projects and was awarded Dream Design Supplier designations by Aquatics International in previous years:

2023 DREAM DESIGNS

Studio City Waterpark

Macau, China

Life Floor is featured throughout the 5,000 sq ft indoor expansion of the waterpark.

University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Life Floor is featured throughout the indoor pool and splash pad.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fins Up Waterpark

Nassau, The Bahamas

Life Floor is featured under WhiteWater’s outdoor themed play structure.

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.

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We love collaborating to create iconic 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.

Flooring is a Feature: Create Canvases of Fun

Did you know surfacing takes up 50-90% of the space at an aquatic center? That makes it the largest feature with the most potential for engagement. While spray fixtures and elevated structures add 3D elements that create depth, flooring provides visual interest and completes any thematic design in a variety of ways.

COMPLETE THEMED ENTERTAINMENT

Pirate Beach at LEGOLAND Discovery Cove - Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, USA

LEGOLAND Discovery Cove Pirate Beach centers their storytelling experience around pirates and island adventure. The triangle gradient design creates an island motif which complements the pirate theming and provides greater narrative immersion. Lighter zones under the main spray fixtures symbolize islands while surrounding blue tones create the impression of water and reach out across overspray areas. DUPLO blocks are spread across the splash pad and add an interactive element for younger children to engage under gentler water sprays.

These bright colors not only provide engagement for patrons, but they’re also eye-catching to visitors as they walk by through the mall’s courtyard area.

Before: Painted Concrete

After: Life Floor

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SURFACE DESIGN that COMPLEMENTs use

Camp Margaritaville - Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA

Zero-depth entry pools, like this amenity at Camp Margaritaville, often provide a great way for a wide variety of guests to cool off during summer vacation. Visually, our surfaces add to this narrative by placing sand-colored tiles where the depth of water is shallowest with gradually darkening teal tones that match the increased depth of water.

These beautiful colors complement the overall palette of the structure and surrounding space which adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the venue. Beautiful spaces often prompt guests to take more photos and share them with friends and family which in turn expands word of mouth referrals.

Drains near the entry utilize Daldorado’s DalLUX Drainage System which provides greater safety and a continuous, pleasant visual experience.

Before: Concrete

After: Life Floor

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IMAGINATIVE DESIGN ELEMENTS

Rotary Splash Island at Sammy Haggard Park - Danielsville, Georgia, USA

Life Floor’s thematic Inlays are a popular design element used to inspire imagination while staying within budget. Inlays can be used as surfacing play features such as search-and-find games or hopping activities to encourage movement and engagement throughout different zones.

Before: Concrete

After: Life Floor

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EYE-CATCHING PATTERNS FROM ANY LEVEL

Lakewood Camping Resort - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

Lakewood Camping Resort has an extensive background with over two decades of award-winning amenities. Life Floor was chosen as the safety surface at their splash pad to further set the resort apart from others with a beautiful design that elevates the visual impact from a variety of angles and floor levels. Guests with balconies overlooking the beach are welcomed with an attractive waypoint visual that would otherwise be blank concrete.

Before: Concrete

After: Life Floor

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS WITH STYLE

Northeast Family Branch YMCA - Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Northeast Family Brand YMCA showcases an example of zoning splash pads for different ages and abilities. The darker area features more adventurous dump buckets an engaging transition with bands of alternating colors area under spray rings that lead to the lighter area where calmer sprays are located. Zoning helps caregivers visually recognize areas where kids can play safely and enjoy fun activities during their visit.

Before: Painted Concrete

After: Life Floor

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Games, shapes, and beautiful spaces

Anaheim Courtyard by Marriott - Anaheim, California, USA

With Life Floor’s custom cutting abilities, there are many options to include surface games such as hopscotch, “The Floor is Lava” style play, or search and find activities. Large custom Inlays like surfboards can enhance theming as well while providing imaginative elements that spark fun.

Guests with rooms that face this amenity are able to enjoy looking out over a vibrant courtyard that may otherwise resemble a concrete jungle.

Before: Concrete

After: Life Floor

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STORYTELLING WITH LIFE FLOOR

Immersive designs and bold flooring graphics make facilities truly stand out. Our tiles can be custom cut to feature almost any type of theming, imagery, or patterning imaginable. For truly incredible storytelling with characters or more complex elements, explore our Murals product line to begin imagining one-of-a-kind experiences.

If you have a project in mind, contact us to begin exploring possibilities with our Studio Team’s complimentary design services.

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In addition to providing facilities with beautiful designs, safety surfaces such as Life Floor will improve safety and increase inclusivity for all ages and abilities. Our products provide greater peace of mind to staff and guests with industry-leading safety certifications.

To learn more about Life Floor’s vibrant surfaces, begin a conversation with us and explore what’s possible for your facility with a free design rendering.

Engaging Zero-Depth Entry Pool at Camp Margaritaville

Camp Margaritaville in Breaux Bridge, LA features nearly 4,000 sq ft (370 sq m) of Life Floor at the zero-depth entry pool in an elegant triangle gradient pattern.

VISUAL SIGNALS FOR INCLUSIVE AQUATICS

When state codes allow submerged applications to feature colors on the pool bottoms, zero-depth entries can incorporate visual signals for accessibility that show the depth of water is increasing.

At this location, sandy colors symbolize the beach and water tones gradually darken as the depth increases. This design choice is aesthetically pleasing while helping guests navigate the space more confidently.

HIDDEN DRAINS

A Life Floor DalLUX Drainage System by Daldorado is located at the amenity’s entry point to provide both design continuity and added safety. This type of drain positioned within a design has channels that run along the surface with strips of Life Floor adhered to them. Drainage isn’t impeded and tiles can incorporate custom elements even over the drains themselves.

Life Floor’s heat dispersion is especially useful in the Louisiana climate where temperatures reach over 90°F (32°C). Destinations with high UV Indexes often find that metal drain grates can cause burns due to heating up when not submerged. Our product integration partnership with Daldorado ensures that guests are better protected in comparison to traditional metal drains.

The photo below shows the drainage system exposed prior to Life Floor installation.

Playful FEATURES

The aquatic play structure and pool floor boast InterActive Play features that promote social engagement. From friendly water battles to collaborative play opportunities that produce thrilling water effects, interactive elements create opportunities for connection and shared experiences. Engineered with beloved kid-friendly technology, such as light-up bars indicating a feature’s “charging status,” buttons, pull ropes, touch sensors, and more, these features captivate guests longer than conventional open water flow designs.

curating THEMATIC FUN

Beach-inspired designs with bright, tropical elements are becoming increasingly popular in the aquatics industry. Many vacation-goers directly associate beaches and ocean vistas with relaxation, but importing sand isn’t sustainable and presents a challenge for filtration systems.

By using Life Floor to intone colors and gradients on the surface, venues can spark imaginations and create a space that reflects a relaxing day at the beach.

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To learn how you can elevate the look and feel of your facility’s zero-depth entry amenity, begin a conversation with one of our account executives today. We can help you navigate your state’s code requirements for aquatic surfacing and support you in enhancing the safety, design, and accessibility at your facility.

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.

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Learn more about Life Floor

Pre-Season Checklist for Aquatic Centers

As the upcoming season approaches, be sure you’re ready to curate positive experiences and memories all summer long! Keep reading for some recommendations as you prepare your aquatic center for the year.

Intentionally Evaluate Spaces

To begin any pre-season checklist, we recommend intentionally evaluating amenities for potential improvements and making a plan centered around those aspects. Some common areas of improvement that can have a significant impact on guest experience and facility management include:

1. Shade and seating options

2. Multi-generational engagement opportunities

3. Accessible features and amenities

4. Areas prone to incident reports

5. Drinking fountains, bathrooms, and locker rooms

6. Surface and fixture maintenance

Improve Aquatic Center Safety

Improving safety at aquatic centers often begins with adding safety surfacing to directly influence positive play value. Hazards such as slip-and-fall incidents are reduced and guests are more likely to engage in good risky play such as hopping, skipping, and playing in water.

Resolving Slippery, Failing Surfaces

Some of the most common pain points we hear involve slippery or abrasive surfaces that are difficult to maintain. These issues often lead to increased risk at facilities.

We're often contacted by parks and recreation professionals who have tried other surfacing solutions at their aquatic facilities which have failed. Rubberized or aggregate materials are often designed for dry playgrounds and aren't engineered to withstand the unique aquatic combination of UV and chemicals common at splash pads or pool decks.

To resolve these surfacing issues, choose an NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 Certified product that is slip-resistant, cushioned, impermeable, cleanable, UV resistant, and chemical resistant.

Cleaning and Hygiene

Others have looked to improve cleanability or have struggled with microbe growth on the surfacing at their facilities. Unlike porous options, Life Floor features a closed-cell technology, which doesn’t foster growth of bacteria, mold, and algae. Our tiles have been third-party tested for cleanability and offer a solution for anyone who has experienced similar issues.

Water Slide Landings

An easy, low cost way to improve safety at any facility is to install bolt-free landing pads for water slide exits and landings. These landing pads are cushioned and slip-resistant without being abrasive. Made from the same material as Life Floor tiles, they are also more durable than some multi-layered options.

Elevate the Appearance of Aquatic Amenities

If you are considering refreshing the overall design aesthetic of a facility, there are several components to consider.

Surface Updates

Surfacing can completely transform the look and feel of a facility since it is typically the largest feature present. Utilize this opportunity to create an engaging pattern under and around play fixtures, incorporate games such as hopscotch, or include thematic Inlays that add visual interest and function as a subtle search-and-find activity.

When planning for a surfacing update, consider using safety surfacing and including the overspray area to improve the overall safety of guests.

Before: Concrete Surface

After: Life Floor Surface

Fixture Updates

Fixture updates can be as simple as repainting or repairing existing features. If you want to increase play value for guests, consider upgrading fixtures to new models that facilitate collaborative play.

Before

After: Waterplay Fixtures

Maintenance Updates

As you continue to evaluate updates for the season, check to ensure pumps, filtration, and systems are operating within manufacturer specifications. Fixture manufacturers have specific flow rate recommendations for their features and operating outside of those recommendations can result in weak flows that are boring or overly strong flows which can dissuade play.

Restoring slides, stairs, and other fiberglass materials can ensure operational success. Restoration experts can do site evaluations that will help you determine the areas of facilities that need attention.

Refer to manufacturer’s specifications for proper flow rates and maintenance procedures.

Image Credit: Fischer Brothers, LLC.

REFRESH Existing Aquatic Centers

Existing aquatic centers are valued as key amenities by communities and resorts across the world. Keeping them in good operating status is important for guest enjoyment and returning visitors.

Consider what elements of your existing aquatic center could benefit from a refresh and prioritize based on your unique needs. Often, guest feedback is an ideal way to better understand the pulse of how visitors are perceiving amenities. Use this feedback to help inform what would be the most appreciated updates and have the greatest positive results.

Before: Concrete and Fading Fixtures

After: Life Floor and Refreshed Fixtures

Overall, as you continue to evaluate facilities for the upcoming season, have fun! Bright pops of color, imaginative designs, and new features have the potential to transform a space. Even small improvements transform the way splash pads, pool decks, and aquatic centers look and function. Thoughtful design contributes meaningfully to guest experience and creating positive memories to keep them coming back all season long.

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To learn more about how Life Floor’s surfacing solutions can help get your facility ready for the upcoming season, contact us today! We can connect you to our partners who specialize in spray and play fixtures, water slides, multi-level play structures, fiberglass restoration, and more.

Custom Aquatic Theming at Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, Australia

Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast in Australia chose Life Floor for their H2Oasis splash pad. This unique 8-color design was created by Burling Brown Architects located in Queensland.

This installation features a unique custom-cut design highlighted with Porcelain Life Floor tiles weaving through the main colors. These Porcelain lines create organic shapes with contrasting color blocks and allow for subtle paths of engagement through spray fixtures.

Guest experience is important for an aquatic amenity such as H2Oasis. Choosing colors for the surface that complement the surrounding environment allows for immersive theming and lends to a guest’s overall impression of their visit.

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Thank you to Grant Burgess, Managing Director for Life Floor Australia and New Zealand, for his creative collaboration with Burling Brown Architects and his strategic partnership with Grassports Australia installers. Their vision for executing this project successfully with excellence resulted in innovative new installation tactics that can be applied to future projects in Australia.

Unique Aquatic Designs at Vacation Destinations Worldwide

Some of our favorite projects include installations at sunny vacation destinations around the world. These locations chose Life Floor surfacing to add theming and design to their aquatic facilities and play areas with the added benefits of cushioning and slip-resistance that comes with our flooring. 

To give a sampling of some of the top projects on our travel bucket lists, we've compiled a list below. Many of these featured splash pads and pool decks are customized to look like seascapes, while others feature vibrant graphic elements. We've loved partnering with each of these resorts and travel destinations as we continue to provide a fun aquatic design solution to customers worldwide.

DUBAI

Jungle Bay Waterpark

“Inspired by the islands of Greece, the waterpark was designed intentionally with a clean, minimalist style. The park features rides and attractions for all ages… all surfaced with Life Floor for the whole family.” - WhiteWater Industries

Jungle Bay Waterpark is accessible through both The Westin Dubai and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort in Dubai, UAE.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

Atlantis The Palm Dubai

As one of the world’s leading resorts, Atlantis The Palm Dubai boasts a complete resort experience. The submerged splash pad at Aquaventure Waterpark, which features a beach theme, was created for maximum entertainment and superior guest experience complete with Life Floor safety surfacing. 

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The Beach Jumeirah

Located between the panoramic backdrop of the Dubai skyline and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, The Beach splash pad delights families residing in the luxurious Jumeriah residential area.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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CARIBBEAN

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Cruisers of Royal Caribbean can truly have a Perfect Day at CocoCay. There’s something for everyone with numerous water play features to choose from and enjoy. From the Tallest Waterslide in North America to the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, this experience is a fun-filled getaway for the whole family. Life Floor is featured at two splash pads on the island with colorful surfacing that brightens up both Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon.

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Lopesan’s Costa Bavaro Resort

Splash Island Waterpark is a picturesque family vacation destination in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic located at Lopesan’s Costa Bavaro Resort. This 27-acre themed resort pairs luxury with fun and has zoned areas for even the youngest guests.

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Jungala Aqua Experience

Jungala Aqua Experience is internationally known as a leader in guest experience. By placing capacity limits on accommodations, this luxury resort is able to provide guests with an experience that truly feels unique. This location features a RainFortress 5 structure by WhiteWater Industries paired with vibrant Life Floor surfacing to create an action-packed aquatic play environment.

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AUSTRALIA

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo created a beautiful splash pad at the center of their Laughing Lolly Shop and Water Park - a place where kids can play and cool off in the blazing Queensland sun while exploring beautiful sculptures of Australian animals, designed by the Zoo’s artist team. True to their environmental mission, they use water recycling components to reduce waste and give back to the wild.

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Sugarworld Adventure Park

As a central place for the community to connect and for local kids to cool off in the Queensland heat, the park features a 7,000 square foot play pool, complete with a play structure. Located near the site of an old sugar mill, this council-owned waterpark is the centerpiece of the community of Edmonton outside Cairns, Australia.

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ULTIQA Beach Haven Resort

“ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach is the perfect Gold Coast getaway. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Gold Coast Coastline and Hinterland views combine with relaxed apartments, creating a family friendly coastal destination.”

- ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach 

The unique wave patterning on this resort's pool deck can be seen from rooms above and adds comfortable surfacing for all guests who use this amenity.

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United States

LEGOLAND Surfer’s Cove

Surfer’s Cove is inspired by the beaches of Southern California and features its own surrounding artificial beach. It is a unique, enclosed area of LEGOLAND California, perfect for parents to relax within sight of their children playing on the splash pad.

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Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

Excited travelers looking to experience the best of Southern California look to the Anaheim Courtyard by Marriott. This hotel is located near Disneyland and other popular attractions. In addition to spacious accommodations, the hotel is proud to offer guests access to the 20,000 sq ft Surfside Waterpark. Many rooms overlook this central attraction that features theming that carries through from the WhiteWater AquaPlay structure to the Life Floor surfacing.

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Dolphin Bay Resort

Framed by the Pacific Ocean and tropical palm trees, Dolphin Bay Resort is ideal for a California beach getaway. Guests are welcome to lounge in the sun on the resort's pool deck while listening to the waves crash against the shoreline a short walk away from the resort.  

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Fun Spot America, Orlando

Fun Spot Orlando is a vibrant family-owned theme park with a beautiful splash pad located in the heart of Orlando, FL. Fun Spot decided to expand on their mission of “Safe-Clean-Fun” and showcase their logo on a larger-than-life scale on the park’s splash pad where guests can cool off after a full day of fun.

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While this list features just some of our favorite vacation destinations around the world, there are countless others. To view more of our projects, head to our Portfolio page. 

If you'd like to see how Life Floor surfacing could enhance a resort or attraction you have in mind, contact us to start the design process!

A Brighter, Safer Pool Deck in New Ulm, MN

The New Ulm Family Recreation Center in New Ulm, Minnesota features a budget-friendly three-color Life Floor design with a unique visual approach. Bands of 5 to 9 full-sized square tiles create a striped gradient effect across this indoor pool deck. This design creates a subtle play opportunity for children following along paths or hopping from one color to the next while also retaining a modern, geometric feel for adult guests.

As individuals enter the pool area, they have many options to choose from for engagement. 

A prominent dual water slide exits into the pool connected to the  zero depth entry where a rainbow fish slide faces one of the entrances to the pool. This zero depth entry has several small spray jets and a water umbrella where toddlers and babies can play with their parents or guardians. 

In the neighboring pool, lap swim can be quickly converted into a unique NinjaCross feature that lowers into the water where guests can navigate through obstacles. In one corner of the pool, a rock climbing wall extends out of the water for guests to use. A hot tub is nestled into another corner of the room for guests to relax and watch the activities in the main pool.

“We love the new look of this! It feels so much better than the old stuff.”

— Anonymous Guest Comment

Guests can interact with these features while feeling the safety of Life Floor’s NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 certified surfacing underfoot. With added slip resistance and cushioning around the pool, guests of all ages can engage more safely and enjoy the experience more freely.

Thank you to the City of New Ulm, Minnesota for choosing Life Floor and to Inside Edge Safety Surfaces for installing this vibrant indoor pool deck. 

Are you wondering how you can also create a unique budget-friendly design for your facility? Contact our sales team today to have all your questions answered.

Themed Aquatic Safety Surfacing at Texas Tech University

Life Floor’s new Glacier Theme is featured at the pool and splash pad at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX with a custom logo showcasing the school’s Red Raiders pride. This project was initiated when Texas Tech approached our Preferred Installation Partner in North America, Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, to determine a solution for their aquatics facility. After experiencing issues with maintaining and repairing the previous worn concrete surface, they were in search of a new surfacing option. Life Floor ended up being the right solution due to its custom design capabilities and safety features of impact cushioning and slip-resistance.

The Texas Tech logo on the splash pad is a strong feature of this project that everyone sees when entering the facility and sparks school spirit by association alone. Custom logos and theming to match a facility’s design are two of our favorite things. Logos like this one are a great way for universities and colleges to showcase school pride since they are so unique to each institution. Integrating a logo into the aquatics deck can create a prominent feature that can also serve as advertising during swim events similar to basketball courts that showcase the home team’s logo.

In this tiered design, a triangle gradient in a slight variation of our 302 Pattern replicates sweeping waves into the deeper zone of the gradated sun deck. Students, staff, and guests can now relax in this area in the hot summer sun on the cushioned and non-abrasive Life Floor.

Thank you to Inside Edge Safety Surfaces and Texas Tech University for the collaboration on this project. If you’re interested in specifying Life Floor at a University or College aquatics facility, contact us today.

A THEMED COLLABORATION WITH WESTPORT POOLS AND MEXICO, MO

It's an exciting season for our team as we watch so many newly renovated facilities reopen across the country. One of our most recent installations at the Fairgrounds Aquatic Center in Mexico, MO features both a zero-depth entry and a separate splash pad.

The City of Mexico, MO had originally been working with Westport Pools, one of our Registered Aquatic Partners, on this project. When they mentioned their interest in a resilient safety surfacing solution, Life Floor was recommended, and our team was looped into the design process.

We worked collaboratively with the city on several flooring design options that would add aquatic theming to both their zero depth entry and splash pad. The intent was for the safety surfacing to complement their spray features and play structure on site. Ultimately, the designs they selected achieved their goals of mimicking a seashore for the zero depth entry and a body of water for the splash pad while also staying within budget.

The design of this particular zero depth entry is unique in that it combines a triangle gradient for the "sand" and "water" zones while also featuring a clean, curvy custom cut edge separating the two. Because Life Floor is manufactured as 2' x 2' tiles, cutting curves into any design results in increased overages as the squares are trimmed away. By selectively choosing to only use this effect for the shoreline, the city was able to achieve their design intent without the added expense of creating the entire gradient effect out of curves. Marine inlays were included to augment the theming. Fish and seahorses can be found in the "water" while crabs and starfish can be found on the "sand." 

The simple design of the splash pad uses our popular High Tide 301 Theme and Pattern. This tile arrangement is one of our most cost-effective options to create the effect of water and is often enhanced by thematic inlays like the fish shown here. 

Collaborating with Westport Pools and the City of Mexico, MO throughout this iterative process was extremely rewarding for our team. We're appreciative of their partnership and their shared commitment of creating safer and more beautiful aquatic spaces. 

To learn more about how you can work with our team to enhance your aquatic facility, contact us today! 

SETTING A SAFER PRECEDENT FOR CANADA: YMCA OF GREATER MONCTON

Recently, NSF International expanded Standard 50 to extend across Canada, which includes recommendations for surfacing in aquatic play areas under NSF/ANSI/CAN 50:26 (formerly NSF/ANSI 50:26).

With its recent Life Floor installation, the YMCA of Greater Moncton, NB is one of the first aquatic facilities in Canada to recognize the importance of having NSF/ANSI/CAN 50:26 certified safety surfacing. The facility is a combination of an indoor splash pad with a zero-depth entry and a playground. Because of this unique configuration, the staff sought out a product that was able to transition seamlessly from wet to dry applications while maintaining their commitment to safety. To accomplish this, they selected Life Floor to be installed.

“Having seen Life Floor at a major trade show, we knew it was the product we wanted to install in our new facility.”

— Scott Munro, Vice President of Facilities

A custom beach-inspired design was chosen to complement the existing tropical theming. Life Floor’s foam-rubber tiles were able to create the perfect transition the YMCA needed between the wet and dry play areas, especially since splash pads are essentially wet playgrounds. The cushioned and impact-absorbing surfacing allows children to run, jump, and play without limits - never needing to stop and put on shoes or change the way they play from one area to the next. As a result, the fully immersive experience enhances imaginative play. 

The YMCA of Greater Moncton is skipping ahead of their competition by creating a facility full of imagination, play, and fun. They have created a holistic experience to provide their members with the perfect beach day right in their community’s backyard.

We thank the YMCA of Greater Moncton for their commitment to safety and for being one of the first in Canada to adopt NSF/ANSI/CAN 50:26 safety surfacing standards for the benefit of their members. We look forward to the future as more Canadian facilities follow their example and recognize the importance of this safety standard as an integral part of their business.

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To learn more about the official code in your region or state, check out this free resource.

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If you’d like to specify or install NSF/ANSI/CAN 50:26 surfacing for an aquatic play area in Canada, please contact our Canadian Partner, Paul-Émile Beaudry at pebeaudry@polyvalens.ca to assist you in both English and French.

For U.S. clients and all other inquiries, please contact us directly via our online contact form or send us an email at solutions@lifefloor.com. 

French Translation

Le YMCA du Grand Moncton, NB crée un précédent sécuritaire en milieu aquatique au Canada.

Récemment, NSF International a étendu la norme Standard 50 partout au Canada, incluant des recommandations pour les surfaces de jeu aquatiques sous l’appellation NSF/ANSI/CAN 50,26 (précédemment nommée NSF/ANSI 50:26).

Avec ses récentes installations de Life Floor, le YMCA du Grand Moncton, NB est l’un des premiers centres d’installation aquatique à reconnaître l’importance d’avoir une surface sécuritaire certifiée NSF/ANSI/CAN 50:26. En effet, l’établissement se compose d’un mix de  deux (2) aires de jeux, l’une étant une surface mouillée (indoor splash pad) plane et l’autre étant une aire de jeux sèche. À cause de cette configuration spéciale, les employés ont recherché un produit qui permettrait la transition en toute transparence, de la surface mouillée à la surface sèche pour leurs activités tout en gardant un engagement de sécurité irréprochable. Un seul choix leur permettait de tout rallier : Life Floor.

Après avoir vu Life Floor lors d'un grand salon, nous avons sû que c’était le produit que nous voulions pour nos installations !  —Scott Munro, Vice Président du YMCA du Grand Moncton, NB

Au niveau du design,  le thème tropical dans l’aire de jeu d’eau et le thème plage dans l’aire de jeu sèche sont en parfaite harmonie pour s’adapter au thème pré-existant. Et maintenant, les enfants peuvent donc courir, sauter, culbuter et jouer sans limites sur une surface conforme aux nouveaux standards. Les surfaces coussinées  et absorbant tout impact permettent aux enfants de jouer sans s’arrêter pour mettre leurs chaussures ou changer leur façon de jouer d’un endroit à l’autre. Comme résultat, l’expérience devient totalement immersive et renforce leur jeu imaginatif.

Le YMCA du Grand Moncton devient donc un chef de file en adoptant des installations pleines d’imagination, de jeu et de plaisir ! Ils ont créé une expérience holistique en offrant à leurs membres une journée de plage parfaite en plein dans leur cour !

Nous remercions le YMCA du Grand Moncton de leur engagement pour la sécurité de leurs membres et d’être les premiers au Canada à appliquer la norme NSF/ANSI/CAN 50.26. Nous espérons que plusieurs autres organismes, centres aquatiques  et municipalités suivront l’exemple du YMCA et reconnaîtront l’importance de l’application de cette recommandation comme faisant partie de leur politique d’opération .

Si vous désirez de plus amples informations sur les tuiles Life Floor, communiquez avec Polyvalens Inc, notre distributeur au Canada.

A Beachy Transformation in Tasmania

The renovation at Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre in Tasmania began during 2020’s mandatory COVID-19 closure and included many updates to the facility including adding approximately 480 square metres of Life Floor on the surface of a large zero depth entry play area and on some of the walls and stairs to increase cushioning. 

“The new pool has already had a rousing response from our first young visitors, who absolutely loved it. The new slide and bucket play space is an exciting area for the bigger kids, but there’s also a zero-depth splash-pad with water features, which is suitable for babies and toddlers.”

— Anna Reynolds, City of Hobart Lord Mayor

By installing Life Floor on their surfaces in different zones of play, the aquatic centre was able to capture added value for patrons of varying ages and abilities.

This Seashore Theme is arranged in a custom pattern replicating a beach with shallow water. Given Hobart’s temperate climate, this indoor haven is perfect for families who want to enjoy a beach day any day of the year. Marine inlays have been interspersed throughout the area to spark childhood imagination and increase overall play value at the centre.

Thank you to the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre for installing Life Floor and increasing safety and play at your facility! To learn more about how to get Life Floor at your facility in Oceania, please visit Life Floor Australia + New Zealand’s website. 

For other international regions, please visit our international team page. For North American projects, please contact us directly.