When designing a leisure area, choosing the
pool floor is one of the most important points. More than just an aesthetic issue, the outdoor area covering needs to meet technical requirements such as water resistance, weather durability, thermal comfort, and slip resistance. The market offers several options for pool floors, each with its advantages and disadvantages. To make a conscious choice and ensure a
beautiful, durable, and functional space, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each material and evaluate which fits best in your project.
Characteristics of flooring for wet areas
Check out the main points that should be considered when choosing flooring for wet areas:
Slip-resistant
The main function of a
slip-resistant floor is to provide safety, especially in areas exposed to water, such as around the pool. This type of covering drastically reduces the risk of slips, making the projects safer for everyone, especially children, the elderly, and people with reduced mobility. In addition, the presence of texture or specific finish on the floors helps to increase grip, even when wet.
Thermal comfort
One of the biggest discomforts in outdoor areas is walking barefoot on a very hot floor. Therefore, it is essential to choose materials that absorb less heat, such as natural stones and cementitious products. These coverings help keep the surface cooler, providing greater comfort for those using the pool area, especially on intense sunny days.
Weather resistance
The floors installed in outdoor areas must withstand sudden temperature variations, rain, direct sunlight, and even frost in some regions. A material resistant to the elements ensures greater durability of the covering, preventing cracks, fading, and other types of premature wear.
Durability
A good floor for wet areas should maintain its structural integrity and appearance over time, even under constant exposure to moisture and foot traffic. Materials such as outdoor porcelain tiles, stones, and quality cementitious products are known for their high durability, making them excellent long-term investments.
Easy maintenance
The cleaning routine for the pool area should be practical. Hence, the ideal is to choose floors that do not easily accumulate dirt, are resistant to stains, and can be washed with water and conventional cleaning products. Smooth surfaces resistant to fungi proliferation also contribute to maintaining hygiene.
Harmonious aesthetics
Finally, beauty also matters. The chosen floor should harmonize with the style of the residence and the landscaping project around the pool. Neutral tones, natural textures, and well-planned layouts help create a pleasant and visually attractive projects, enhancing the property and promoting well-being.
Projeto de Felipe Carolo. (Ruy Teixeira/Divulgação)
Types of pool flooring
Check out the main characteristics of each type of pool flooring:
- Versatile, with a great variety of colors, textures, and finishes.
- Slip-resistant models (satin or rough) are ideal for outdoor areas.
- Easy to clean, does not absorb water, and has high durability.
- Can get very hot in the sun, causing discomfort.
Natural stones
- Organic beauty and rustic style.
- Naturally slip-resistant and pleasant to the touch.
- Good heat absorption, remaining cool even in the sun.
- Require periodic maintenance to avoid stains and discoloration.
Cementitious floors
- Contemporary visual, with a homogeneous aspect and matte finish.
- Good thermal resistance and pleasant touch.
- Allow for various sizes and customized shapes.
- Can easily stain if not properly waterproofed.
(Gustavo Bresciani/Divulgação)
How to avoid accidents with slip-resistant flooring
Safety is one of the main aspects to consider when choosing flooring for a pool. To minimize the risk of falls, it is essential to opt for materials with slip-resistant properties. The
friction coefficient is a technical data that indicates how slippery a floor is: the higher the number, the greater the grip. In wet areas, a friction coefficient equal to or greater than 0.6 is recommended. Floors with a rougher texture or natural finish tend to offer greater safety. Besides the adequate choice of material, the
proper installation also influences safety: unevenness and failures in grouting can cause accidents. Another important tip is to avoid using wax or products that leave the floor slippery. Regular maintenance, with
proper cleaning and inspection of cracks or wear, is also essential to keep the flooring safe and functional over time.
(Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
Inspiration for well-designed pools
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CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.