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.

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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.

ALL ABOARD! CRUISES FILLED WITH AQUATIC FUN

Guest experience is essential aboard any cruise ship to ensure a fun and unique vacation for passengers. Among the numerous amenities available, water features have become increasingly popular attractions. Flowriders by WhiteWater Industries, waterslides, splash pads, and beautiful pools have become staples for many vessels. As a result, patrons have come to expect bigger and brighter aquatic experiences as new vessels are built. 

LARGE AQUATIC PLAY STRUCTURES

Elevated structures such as multi-level interactive water play structures or waterslide towers create an immediate presence that cruisers are often amazed by. These types of amenities serve as a focal point for the ship as a whole and create lasting memories.

Surf machines such as Flowrider by WhiteWater Industries are compact attractions, but they have a large onboard impact. For many guests, exposure to surf machines like these might happen for the first time on a cruise. Some ships have chosen to reinforce branding alongside the surrounding walkways and reduce risk with Life Floor’s custom logos and safety surfacing benefits.

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POOL DECKS

Pool decks are popular amenities on cruise ships. Having a comfortable pool deck where guests feel at ease improves guest experience at these amenity types. Because these features are central to recreation on the upper decks of ships, vibrant designs that match the ship’s theming have become increasingly popular.

Beyond the focus on great looking pool decks, it’s essential that these areas are designed with safety and cleanability in mind. Certain elements can provide visual signals to guests regarding critical elements such as a pool edge, step down, or depth of water. Slip resistance can help maintain guests’ footing in these wet areas especially when paired with motion at sea. Surfaces that resist the growth of harmful bacteria help to protect the health of guests, especially since ships are heavily occupied with little downtime between voyages. 

By keeping these elements in mind, the upper decks of cruise ships provide the ultimate zones for aquatic relaxation and fun for their guests as they voyage across the seas. 

SPLASH PADS

Splash pads have become a popular amenity onboard cruise ships for families with young children or guests looking for aquatic play outside a pool setting.

Splash pads provide a variety of play options from dump buckets to water spray features. Generally, free play is more widely available on splash pads due to play requiring a level of imagination and creativity. Encouraging free play by having a highly themed splash pad can help guests who may not know one another play with a similar theme in mind. For example, a pirate themed splash pad can lend a story arc option to guests and create memories that may not have otherwise happened. 

Including all aspects of a splash pad’s construction in theming allows for greater customization and control of the greater cruise experience. From water jets to surfacing, utilizing all the aspects of splash pad design can curate experiences for guests.

Image Credit: eatsleepcruise.com

KIDS’ PLAY AREAS

Kids’ play areas are perfect for onboard daycares and family zones. Both indoor and outdoor dry play areas on cruise ships often feature various playground equipment that require a fall attenuating, cushioned surface to protect against accidental falls when equipment is elevated. An IMO-certified surface like Life Floor has been popular in these applications. 

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Fun, vibrant flooring designs can help brighten up a play area by incorporating colors and themes that complement the rest of the space. Inlaid designs can provide another layer of play engagement with surface games or scavenger hunts. Life Floor’s custom cutting capabilities can also reinforce branding with cruise line logos or iconography. 

See our standard Inlay Library here.

PRIVATE ISLANDS

Beyond all of the fun on board, cruise lines that stop at their own private islands allow for all-inclusive theming in a secluded locale. Building an island environment is incredibly complex and requires a wide scope of considerations which centers around guest experience and enjoyment. Aquatic amenities are often the main features on private islands as guests seek to cool off and enjoy warm weather.

Life Floor is featured at two splash pads that can be enjoyed whenever passengers spend a Perfect Day® at CocoCay® courtesy of Royal Caribbean. Guests can cool off, run and play, or relax on the sidelines at both Splashaway Bay designed by Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering or at Captain Jill’s Galleon designed by the Life Floor Studio. These two projects at CocoCay are quintessential examples of Life Floor’s ability to match any aquatic feature’s theming and support risk reduction. 

The graphic elements of these two installations extend the scope of theming to provide immersive engagement for guests.  At Splashaway Bay, the designs on the slide tower panels were integrated into the surface design. Similarly, Captain Jill’s Galleon features a massive vessel with the surfacing surrounding it designed to mimic a body of water. 

Guest experience at an island vista requires comprehensive planning and safety parameters to ensure a low-risk environment while providing ample options for adrenaline-pumping adventures mixed with relaxing opportunities. To minimize interruptions to play, reducing overall risk is critical. One way to reduce risk in aquatic features specifically is to invest in safety surfacing that has increased slip-resistance and cushioning to better protect guests. 

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Life Floor’s IMO Certified safety surfacing is both lightweight and durable for all types of wet or dry amenities.

We have so much fun working on these projects and serving the unique needs of our cruise partners such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Lines among others. To specify Life Floor for your cruise ship, please contact Lindsay Fetzer here.

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. 

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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.  

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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.

VISIT THE PORTFOLIO PAGE

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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!

OUR TOP 5 POOL DECK DESIGN TIPS

Over the last 10 years in the industry, our team has committed to making aquatic areas safer and more beautiful. Today, Life Floor can be found on splash pads, at resorts, on cruise ships, and on competitive pool decks around the world. As we’ve worked to develop solutions for our customers, we’ve established the following methods to increase play value, improve guest experience, enhance design, and prioritize safety and accessibility on pool decks. Dive right in!

COVER POOL DECKS WITH AQUATIC-RATED SAFETY SURFACING

Add cushioning and slip-resistance with an NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 certified safety surface to reduce injuries. Concrete and other slippery, abrasive, or hard surfaces can lead to injuries and make for dull aquatic designs. Competitive swimmers and lifeguards that spend extended periods of time standing and walking on these surfaces also know the toll they can take on feet and joints. Unfortunately, other colorful safety surfaces like pour-in-place products that haven’t been engineered specifically for aquatics often fail when exposed to harsh UV or chemicals. Even worse, the porosity of these products can harbor growth.

By using a third-party tested surface designed to meet certain criteria for slip-resistance, impact attenuation, UV and chemical resistance, impermeability, and cleanability, aquatic spaces can be equipped with a durable safety solution to improve guest experience. We’ve seen firsthand how this can reduce incident reports, empower guests of all ages and abilities to use aquatic facilities, and increase play value by creating a more comfortable surface for visitors.  

OPTIMIZE SIGNAGE AND CUES TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY

Depth markers and safety signage continue to be essential in aquatic areas for safety and accessibility. These elements should feature materials that are durable. Chipped paint, faded ink, or cracked tile can obscure the legibility of any intended messaging. Featuring markers designed to withstand the test of time with continual exposure to UV and chemicals will ensure appropriate messaging. Ideally, these markers also shouldn’t pose a safety risk. For instance, ceramic tile could make a pool perimeter particularly slippery.

When possible, including additional visual or tactile elements in and around a pool can further improve safety and accessibility. Visually differentiated or tactile bands around a pool’s perimeter can signal that a body of water is present. Varying the surface’s texture in this location is especially important to increase accessibility for the low-vision and Blind communities. Contrasting color bands on stairs can also be used to signal a change in depth.

CREATE SURFACE PATTERNS WITH GEOMETRIC SHAPES

Adding a design to an aquatic surface has the ability to instantly transform a facility by visually enhancing it and creating play value potential. Pool decks that feature colors and patterns look dramatically better than those surfaced with grey concrete. Tiled geometric shapes can create both bold and subtle looks to match a variety of aesthetic styles. Here are just a few examples of the impact this attention to design can provide:

A checkerboard pattern of squares elevated the look of a resort pool at Dolphin Bay.

A more subtle pattern of greys with interspersed triangles transformed this community center in Maple Grove, MN.

Crisp zig-zagging blues created this bright design for Hills Swimming.

Triangle gradients have provided the opportunity to gradually transition across a palette of colors like this one at Texas Tech.

An array of hexagon colors created a vibrant geometric effect on this pool deck.

For even more design possibilities, explore our portfolio!  

INTEGRATE ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES WHERE NEEDED

When considering design options for a pool, it’s important to focus on areas that could impact guest experience. Thinking through the ways visitors interact with certain elements can make a significant impact on facility safety.

For areas featuring aquatic activities like lily pad walks, cushioned and textured surfacing at critical pool edges can provide more stable footing and a level of protection from injury should someone fall. Wrapping safety surfacing around other edges like coping and stairs has the potential to further protect visitors.

More durable drains that have been engineered for safety can also reduce risk of injury. When there’s an opportunity to match the drains to a surface design or even continue the surfacing material across them, a more integrated, less noticeable look can be achieved.

Lastly, operators should consider the areas beyond the immediate pool deck. For instance, continuing safety surfacing into similarly wet areas like locker rooms can also greatly reduce the risk of slip-and-fall incidents.

FEATURE CUSTOM ELEMENTS WITH THEMING OR BRANDING

For a more themed or branded facility, consider a custom design pool deck design that features specialty shapes or logos. Shapes, like the Great Wolf Lodge paw print pictured below, can be inlaid in surfaces and logos can be incorporated into pool deck design to reinforce branding. Custom curves and themed designs can be cut into flooring for unique patterning and imagery. Any of these considerations can really make an aquatic facility stand out with a specific look tailored to a particular theme, brand, design aesthetic, or play opportunity.

Together, these tips can help to maximize the design and safety of pool deck surfacing. As you look to enhance comfort, customer experience, and play value, we’re always happy to help identify solutions for your specific project.

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Interested in additional design ideas? Some our tips were recently featured in the Redfin article below! 

22 Gorgeous and Unique Tile Ideas to Brighten Up Your Home

Interior design fans will know that even as trends come and go, tile remains a top versatile decor element that can breathe life into any space in a home, especially if you go beyond tile’s go-to spot on a bathroom floor. And as much as we love tried-and-true subway tile, with so many unique color schemes and patterns to choose from, there’s nothing like a vibrant tile design to showcase your personality in a space. 

Whether you’re looking to refresh a kitchen backsplash or add some flair to your entryway, we’ve got you covered. Redfin reached out to us and other tile experts from Tucson, AZ, all the way to Markham, ON, for unique tile ideas that you can incorporate into your home interior. Here's our tip on how you can mix things up and create a one-of-a-kind look in your home.

READ MORE

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Looking for solutions to enhance a pool deck design? Reach out to our team to talk through your ideas and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction.

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.

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.

Pairing Luxury with Fun at ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach Resort

Located on the Gold Coast in Australia is ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach Resort. A recent refurbishment of this unique outdoor swimming pool included Life Floor to improve comfort and underfoot safety on the pool island deck, stair step, and wading pool floor at this popular family resort. 

“Guests are loving the Life Floor tiles especially the safe texture for the little ones in the wading section. The colourful design of the Life Floor tiles on the pool island is inviting and provides a safe area for children to enjoy.”

— Pam McIntyre, Resort Manager, ULTIQA Beach Haven on Broadbeach Resort

Featuring a wavy pattern in Life Floor’s High Tide Color Theme, this slip-resistant safety surfacing enables guests to run, jump, and play without fear of slipping and falling on the island platform. One of the top concerns for many facilities is related to slip-and-fall injuries and increased liability, so choosing Life Floor is not only a beautiful choice, but also a decision that can help mitigate risk. Due to Life Floor’s NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 50 Certification, facility operators can be assured that Life Floor provides an industry-leading safety surfacing option to improve guest experience. Through feedback from families, this resort has experienced a positive increase in overall user happiness that contributes to an immersive and inclusive experience for all ages.

Thank you to ULTIQA Hotels and Resorts for the opportunity to make your pool deck safer and more beautiful with Life Floor. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your guests.

Our Top 5 Life Floor Design Tips

While our Studio Team is happy to create design renderings for our clients, many customers and partnering designers have expressed interest in creating their own flooring designs. For anyone looking to get started with their own Life Floor projects, we’ve put together five of our top design tips to help guide the process! 

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Include Three or More Colors in Designs 

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We’ve found that designs containing three or more colors look best after installation. As an added benefit, they minimize visibility of debris or regular wear over time. This concept is similar to how complex carpet designs are applied in high traffic areas like casinos. An intricate or varied pattern will hide most imperfections. In contrast, any debris or marking on a solid field of color will be very apparent. We know it’s impossible to keep pool decks and splash pads absolutely spotless all day so this technique helps aquatic facilities continue to look their best. Multi-color designs also enhance spaces where they’re installed by creating vibrant and interesting patterns at the surface level. These designs are vast improvements to drab fields of grey concrete! They lend themselves to great theming opportunities as well.

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Design within Project Budgets

While the sky's the limit for some customers, most are looking to stick within a specific budget. With a wide range of design and pricing needs in mind, we’ve created a variety of shape and color options to accommodate an array of project types.  

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Our tiles are available in four shapes - squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons. Our square tiles are the most cost-effective option both in terms of material and installation costs. Triangles and rectangles have very similar material costs (since they’re just half squares). It’s important to note that they are slightly more expensive to install since more pieces are involved and the designs are typically a bit more complex. Of all of our shapes, hexagons are the most expensive.

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Beyond these standard tile shapes, we can also custom cut our tiles into just about anything - curves, logos, games, images, you name it! These unique designs look great but use more material, require more factory preparation, and take more time to install so they’re generally the most expensive. 

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Choosing an area as an accent piece can also enhance facilities within budget. This focal point can add visual interest to an entire project while also keeping the overall cost lower by using a simpler design throughout.

There are many ways to mix and match our tile shapes and colors to achieve a great project look. Hopefully these basics help inform some of the best opportunities to create some stellar designs that are also affordable at any price point!

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Use a Staggered Grid for Tile Layouts

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Staggered Grid

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Standard (Checkerboard) Grid

While most people generally assume that our square tiles are best arranged in a standard (or checkerboard) grid, we actually recommend designing with our tiles on a staggered grid. We’ve found that this layout is ideal for ease of installation and maximum durability over time. Layouts that use standard grids are still a beautiful option; however, we generally recommend designing with them only for smaller applications or for designs that really rely on the checkerboard tile layout for a distinct pattern or look. 

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Accent Designs with Theming and Play Options 

Are you looking to add some sea creatures to your splash pad design? No problem! We have several pre-designed thematic inlays, like fish and crabs, that fit within single square tiles. We can also cut larger creatures, whales or dolphins for instance, across several tiles. 

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Want to add a game into the surface? We can custom cut nearly anything into Life Floor. Some popular choices have included hopscotch and checkerboards.

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For branding opportunities or to include a facility’s logo within a design, we can precision cut all of the parts in advance at our factory. They arrive ready to install to ensure brand accuracy and a smooth installation process on site. A great example of a large-scale logo we’ve created recently was one that we produced for the Fun Spot splash pad in Orlando, FL. The finished product and a diagram showing all of the precut parts are pictured above. 

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Take Advantage of Our Online Resources

Did you know that there are helpful resources on the Design Studio page of our website related to creating designs with Life Floor tiles?

For design inspiration, our Portfolio and past Lookbooks are great places to start!

One of the most popular resources we have posted is a chart that shows color equivalents for all of our tile colors. If you design in Adobe Illustrator (like we do), the Hex codes are very helpful to get the colors in your layouts as accurate as possible. 

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Our pre-established color palettes and tile patterns have been popular options for our customers. Head to the Themes and Patterns pages to explore these designs. We even have downloadable templates that can be used in Adobe Illustrator for anyone looking to cut and paste these options into their projects. Use one of these as designed or vary it slightly to cater it to your project!

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To get started with a scaled tile grid to represent Life Floor in AutoCAD, we have templates that include hatches for both Metric and Imperial designs. 

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Looking for technical details to better understand how our tiles integrate during installation? Those are available on our Specs + Resources page as well! 

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While the tips above cover our major suggestions, these are only some of the best practices we’ve established over the years! Want to learn more or have questions for our Studio Team? Feel free to email us at design@lifefloor.com. We love partnering with designers and take great joy in seeing what other great projects are dreamed up by other companies around the world!

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