Anti-slip Solutions for Water Parks and Splashparks

Most injuries in Splashparks don’t happen because of broken equipment or poor supervision. They happen on the ground. When the surface gets too slippery or starts to wear out, kids fall. That’s why choosing the right flooring matters from day one.

Slippery, worn, or poorly drained flooring in a splashpark increases the risk of falls and leaves operators vulnerable to complaints or liability.

The right Splashpark surfacing reduces risk and improves comfort making the space easier to maintain. If you’re planning or updating a splash zone, the surface you choose will directly affect safety, durability, and maintenance for years to come.

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Why dry-play flooring fails in splashparks

We often get asked, “Can’t you just use the same tiles you’d use in a playground?” On paper, it seems like a shortcut but in practice, it leads to problems.

Dry-play flooring isn’t built for constant water exposure. It wears down faster, becomes slippery, and causes drainage issues that can lead to hygiene complaints or injury risks. UV damage, surface hardening, and water pooling are common outcomes.

We’ve seen playground tiles buckle, painted concrete peel within a season, and cheap rubber systems turn into ongoing maintenance headaches. Splashpark flooring must be porous and stable under constant wet use.

Choosing the wrong system means you’ll be resurfacing far sooner than expected or worse, dealing with incidents you could’ve prevented.

What makes a surfacing system safe for splash parks?

At Flexflooring, we work with systems like Rubbaflex FG which is designed for exactly this environment. A good splashpark surface must offer:

• Slip resistance – Even when soaking wet
• Durability – Resistant to UV, chlorinated water, and daily wear
• Porosity – Quick drainage to reduce puddles
• Comfort – Smooth and soft under bare feet
• Compliance – Meets standards like EN1177 for wet play areas

These features all play a role in helping children move confidently, keeping staff alert and safe, and protecting your investment long-term.

Where can splashpark surfacing be used?

We install these surfaces across a wide range of projects:

• Council-run splash pads
• Holiday parks and resorts
• Hotel spas and outdoor pool areas
• Inclusive public playgrounds
• School sensory and water play areas

They’re also a smart choice for adjoining areas like walkways, ramps, changing zones, anywhere people are barefoot around water.

How does splashpark surfacing reduce liability for operators?

The wrong surface turns a splash park into a claims risk. When we visit ageing sites, we often see cracked concrete or slippery tiles that should’ve been replaced years ago. Choosing slip-resistant surfacing helps operators stay compliant with HSE and insurance requirements; while giving parents confidence the site is safe for kids.

Splashpark surfacing design ideas: fun, functional and safe

A well-designed surface improves both safety and supervision. Colour can separate zones for toddlers and older kids. Patterns help staff spot movement across a busy site. Some parks use sea creatures or pathways to make play more engaging.

How long does splashpark surfacing last?

A properly installed surface like Rubbaflex FG typically lasts 10 to 15 years. We’ve seen older ones still going strong with basic upkeep. Maintenance and footfall play a role, but you won’t deal with the fading, flaking, or cracking you get from painted surfaces or cheap rubber tiles.

If it starts to wear in specific areas usually entry points or drain surrounds you can often repair locally without a full replacement.

Spotlight on Rubbaflex FG: A reliable surfacing system

Rubbaflex FG is a resin rubber granule system that’s seamless, slip-resistant, and easy on bare feet. It’s installed wet and cures into a strong, flexible surface that handles constant water exposure.

Clients choose it for:

• Its high grip level in wet conditions
• Long-term colour stability in sunlight
• Flexible layout options for complex sites
• Fast installation turnaround
• Seamless finish that eliminates trip hazards

And importantly, we have developed eflex, a surface binder ideal for splashpads under constant use with chlorinated water and jets.  This clear coating, which is installed using a roller, can double the life expectancy of rubber surfaces by significantly increasing the strength of the surface without affecting the porosity of the surface or its anti-slip qualities.

We recommend it because it works and keeps working.

Case study: Splashpark surfacing at Barking’s public water play area

Flex resurfaced Barking Splash Park using Rubbaflex FG, transforming a tired, unsafe play area into a colourful, high-performance space. The project involved installing a large-scale geometric pattern that gave the park character while providing barefoot safety throughout.

This job showed that great design and practicality can go hand in hand. The result? A clean, safe, and standout splash zone that still performs season after season.

How to maintain splashpark surfacing

Like anything built to last, your surface still needs upkeep. Based on what we see on-site, here’s what works best:

• Sweep regularly to keep grit, leaves, and sand from building up
• Jet wash on low pressure to clean without damaging texture
• Check for lifting edges around drains or high-traffic corners
• Plan resurfacing or resealing after 8–10 years depending on wear

We often spot early wear at site entrances. The best is to deal with it early and you’ll avoid larger repair costs later.

How does splashpark surfacing compare to other materials?

Surface Type	Slip Resistance	Comfort	UV Resistance	Lifespan
Rubbaflex FG	Excellent	High	Yes	10–15 years
Painted Concrete	Poor	Low	No	3–5 years
Non-slip Tiles	Moderate	Medium	Variable	5–10 years

What are the environmental benefits of porous surfacing?

Because it’s porous, Rubbaflex FG supports drainage and helps limit surface runoff. That makes cleaning easier and reduces pooling around drains. The binders we use are low-VOC and solvent-free, which makes them a smart choice for public environments.

What affects the cost of splashpark surfacing?

Every site is different, so we don’t do “ballpark” numbers that miss the mark. Pricing depends on:

• Area size and layout
• Site access and preparation needs
• Drainage and substrate condition
• Design complexity (e.g. colours or patterns)
• Chosen thickness and product system

We provide quotes based on what will work, no surprises later. High-quality surfacing pays for itself in reduced repairs, fewer complaints, and safer operation.

Summary: Safe play starts with smart surfacing

Splash parks are built for enjoyment. But without the right surface, they introduce risk. The right surfacing helps you manage that risk, keep your site cleaner, and give families peace of mind.

Flex has installed splashpark and wet leisure systems across the UK including sites in Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, and Birmingham. We work with councils, architects, and contractors to deliver safe, low-maintenance splash zones that perform.

Get in touch at 01622 747909 or via [email protected] and build a splash zone that’s safer, cleaner, and lasting!

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