How to make pool steps not slippery

How to make pool steps slip-proof?

Anti-slip solutions for pools put to the test.

Private swimming pools and family pools are becoming increasingly popular in times of lockdowns and contact restrictions. Already during the planning stage, families with small children in particular pay attention to slip-resistant floor coverings so that bathing fun is not spoiled by slip-and-fall accidents.
Coarse-textured tiles, which promise more static friction, are preferred for pool steps and environments. However, users complain that when the non-slip flooring gets wet, even textured surfaces suddenly become as slippery as a sheet of ice. The increased risk of slipping on contact with water is due to the static friction coefficient, which is greatly reduced when wet.

Table of Contents Show

How to make pool steps slip-proof?
Anti-slip solutions for pools put to the test.
Tapes Explained
Coarse Resilient
Marine Anti-Slip Tape
Application
What can I put on slippery pool steps?
Are fiberglass pool steps slippery?

There are reports on the net of pool owners who have torn out new floor coverings in order to eliminate the source of danger for their own family and visitors. Other pool owners try to limit the slipperiness by using aids. Usually, anti-slip stickers with decorations or self-adhesive safety tape are recommended and anti-slip mats are also often suggested as an anti-slip solution.

Pool owners are usually reluctant to use the solutions offered: anti-slip mats under water could gradually release plasticisers and toxins, and those who have chosen a beautiful floor covering would rather do without anti-slip decorative stickers. Moreover, anti-slip stickers and self-adhesive safety tape only last for a limited time. In addition, in the case of pool stairs, the anti-slip stickers are under water if the detachment of the adhesive cannot be diagnosed in time to replace them immediately with new stickers.

The owners of an indoor pool in their own home decided against all three common anti-slip solutions. Instead, an anti-slip coating was prophylactically applied to the pool steps. Due to the transparent property of the coating, the chosen appearance of the surface is maintained. The detachment of an adhesive by intervening wetness and dirt is not possible: the coating is directly bonded to the floor covering. The slip resistance class is the highest for barefoot areas: slip resistance factor C.
And the icing on the cake? The anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties of the anti-slip coating keep the steps hygienic and protect pool users from germs. A win-win for all pool enthusiasts.

Non Abrasive Anti Slip Tape

08/03/2018

Heskins non-abrasive anti-slip tapes can be used in swimming pools amongst other areas exposed to water. Read how non-abrasive anti-slip tapes can be used.

Heskins non-abrasive anti-slip tapes are used in many applications throughout our environment to increase safety. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare your swimming areas and keep those using it safely. We have received several inquiries about the need to eliminate slip and fall accidents in and around swimming pool areas. It is very important to keep yourself, employees and customers, safe, especially in slippery locations that could lead to potentially serious injuries. That is why Heskins has manufactured and tested several non-slip materials suited for applications subject to water. Pools, Jacuzzis and other water-filled swimming areas can often get very slippery. This can be caused by algae build-up, water mold, over-use of sunscreen, smoothness of the steps/siding, and so much more! Fortunately, Heskins took the initiative to create a few products that could help to reduce slip and fall accidents caused by those. There are several areas of a pool where our materials can be applied. The most popular area where slips occur is on the steps of a pool. Our non-slip products are constructed with a strong adhesive, conditioned to adhere to applications that will be subject to water. Please keep in mind thought that these materials cannot be applied underwater. They must be applied to a clean, dry surface. Other areas of application may include pool ledges, handrails leading into the pool or even surfaces surrounding swimming areas.

Tapes Explained

Aqua Safe

Aqua Safe was one of our first waterproof products. It is constructed in a way that is kind to bare skin, as its embossed, rubber-like texture allows for slip prevention even when subject to moisture. One great benefit of Aqua Safe is that its lack of peaks and valley (which abrasive material possess) makes this material extremely easy to clean if necessary. When wet or dry, Aqua Safe meets all standards. It is available in 60ft rolls up to 60ft in length and can be cut anywhere from 1” up to 47” wide. Due to high demand for this tape in specific applications, we decided to produce an off the shelf range of die-cut strips and disks in white and transparent – perfect for an easy application without the hassle of measuring and cutting.

Coarse Resilient

Coarse Resilient anti slip tape is suitable for potentially high-risk locations. Often at times, this material is placed on pool steps, however it can also double as a waterproof handrail grip for getting in and out of the pool. It is manufactured from a textured, embossed plastic creating high levels of Coefficiency of Friction (CoF). This material is comparable to a 60grit abrasive material, however its non-abrasive construction makes it bare skin-friendly. We manufacture Coarse resilient in roll widths up to 52”, and up to 60ft in length. We also offer a less coarse non-abrasive known simply as Resilient. This product has a bit more of a smooth finish, while still holding non-slip properties. We can supply both of these materials in various colors and sizes.

Marine Anti-Slip Tape

Marine anti-slip tape is actually considered a semi-abrasive product. This material is created by using rounded granules known as S2. This allows the material to be kind to bare skin and is very easy to clean! One thing that makes this product stand out among others is that it has been tested and guaranteed 100% resistant to salt. This is good as many pool owners are starting to lean towards saltwater pools. This product range is available in sizes ¾” wide up to 42” wide, and up to 60ft in length.

Application

The process of applying our non-abrasive range of materials is very simple, however each step is very important as it will give your material its longest life when applied correctly. Each of our materials must be applied to a clean and dry surface. This means the water must be drained, making now the perfect time to get your pool ready! After applying, you should allow at least a 12-to-24-hour cure time to achieve maximum bond. Our water-resistant anti slip materials mentioned above have been tested at half-tide for 6 months in water and 6 months out of water. We cannot guarantee the life/warranty of the materials if fully submerged for extended periods of time beyond this. However, we do offer several application accessories to prolong the life of the tape. Our most popular is known as Edge Fix Sealer, which applied along the substrate and the tape. After 10-15 minutes, the solution then will shrink into place effectively pressing the material into place and holding it firm. Make sure to keep yourself, friends, family and customers safe this swimming season by applying one of Heskins non-abrasive anti-slip solutions.

For more information, or if you are interested in receiving samples, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact form, live chat or phone.

What can I put on slippery pool steps?

Coarse Resilient. Coarse Resilient anti slip tape is suitable for potentially high-risk locations. Often at times, this material is placed on pool steps, however it can also double as a waterproof handrail grip for getting in and out of the pool.

Are fiberglass pool steps slippery?

A Common Gripe About Fiberglass Pools One of the biggest gripes that we see have to do with the slippery surface of a fiberglass pool. The fact is, this material can be so slick that pool users can actually slip and fall. This can be a real problem for pool steps, where a slip-and-fall accident can be dangerous.