Commercial pool owners are expected to maintain their pools so that guests can safely enjoy the facilities. If you fail to act accordingly, you may be liable for any injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions in or around your pool.

One of the common risks in swimming pools is slippery surfaces, particularly the decking. Even a minor slip can result in bone fractures and even accidental drowning. As such, it’s your job as a property manager to curb slip-and-fall hazards to ensure the safety of your guests.

Consider these non-slip pool decking solutions by Weber Pools, a trusted commercial pool cleaning service provider, to help minimize accidents on your property.

1. Choose a non-slip decking material

Certain types of pool deck materials become more slippery than others, so you want to avoid them as much as possible. These include smooth concrete, tiles, and polished natural stone. Instead, choose materials that offer natural grip properties, such as wood, brick, composite, textured concrete, or unpolished stone.

Flagstones, which are slabs of natural stone often cut in rectangles or squares, are a good option if you’re looking for a non-slip decking material that’s also visually appealing. They’re highly resistant to wear, heat, and moisture and offer a high level of grip that helps prevent slips and falls. The earthy colors of flagstones look best on swimming pools that are surrounded by trees and shrubs.

2. Add aggregates to concrete

If you already have a concrete pool decking and can’t afford to replace it with a non-slip material, you can add aggregates onto the existing surface instead. Aggregates like pebbles, stones, and ceramic-coated glass shards give the concrete more texture, which makes the surface more slip-resistant.

The best thing about aggregates is that they’re affordable and can be designed to suit different styles. Aggregates come in a range of colors and sizes so you can customize the finish according to your pool facility’s design or theme.

3. Apply a non-slip coating

Non-slip coatings change the chemical nature of the surface they’re applied on, making it less slippery even when it’s wet. These products are the ideal non-slip solution if your pool deck is made of tile and you can’t add aggregates.

The biggest advantage of non-slip coatings is that they’re suitable for various surfaces, so you can use them to increase your deck’s slip resistance, regardless if it’s made of exposed aggregate concrete or even wood.

4. Use a pool mat

Pool mats are made of a mesh-like material that allows water to easily flow through, which improves the deck’s texture and reduces slippage. They don’t soak up water, so they help keep your deck dry.

Non-slip pool mats are the most convenient non-slip pool decking solution among the four listed here since they don’t require installation. You simply lay down the mats, and they instantly make your deck less slippery. They’re a good option if you can’t renovate your existing pool deck.

Pool mats, however, aren’t visually pleasing and hide your deck’s design, so it might not be the best choice if aesthetics is a priority for you.

Making Swimming Pool Decks Safe

The last thing you want to happen at your commercial pool is for someone to slip and injure themselves. Reconsider your current pool deck surface and other safety measures to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your guests safe.

To learn more about pool safety and maintenance, browse through the Weber Pools blog. We’re a certified pool operator offering pool repair and cleaning services to commercial clients in Dallas, covering topics that range from pool resurfacing to water chemical balance.

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