Swimming pool floors, the best options

Swimming pool floors, like few others, must combine design and technical performance, while helping to create a safe space against falls and slips. Any flooring installed in this environment must be able to withstand, at the very least, moisture and, if fully exposed to the elements, the effects of the weather.

The key to choosing the most suitable floorcovering is to understand the requirements of the environment in which it will be installed. It is also important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as the decorative possibilities. We will take this information point by point and explain why porcelain stoneware tiles are the best flooring to install around a swimming pool.  

Characteristics of a pool surround 

What characteristics should a pool enclosure floor meet? Use this list of specifications to help you make the right choice:

• Non-slip: There are floors that have a special treatment that gives them non-slip properties, which greatly improves safety when walking around the pool. It is advisable to look for a material that is more resistant to slipping.
• Resistance to weather conditions (UV rays, rain...): If the pool is an outdoor pool, the material chosen for the floor around it must be able to withstand temperature changes, constant exposure to the sun, adverse conditions such as hail...
• Resistance to water (and also to chlorine and other chemical agents): it is clear that it is essential for the flooring in question to have a low moisture absorption rate. But it is also essential that the chemicals we use to maintain the pool do not damage the flooring over time.
• Ease of cleaning: As this is an area that is constantly exposed to splashes and footsteps, it is very easy for the floor to get dirty. A floor that is easy to clean will make maintenance easier.
• Low absorption of solar radiation: Depending on the colour or material, some floors heat up more than others. If you want to be able to walk barefoot around the pool, look for a floor that does not heat up much in the sun. In general, light colours heat up less than dark colours.

Types of outdoor pool surfacing

There are several options for outdoor pool flooring. Each of these is different in some way, so it is important to evaluate them all before making a decision:

Non-slip porcelain pool floors.  

Non-slip porcelain tiling is ideal for paving around a swimming pool due to its C3 non-slip finish, the highest available in its category.

It is one of the most widely used materials for outdoor paving due to its extreme durability and ability to remain unaltered over time in wet areas with almost no maintenance.

Natural stone flooring

The robustness, beauty and durability of stone has made it one of the most widely used options, especially in the past. Many types of stone are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, which is a must around an outdoor pool. However, it is a surface that tends to heat up when it is very hot outside and requires regular maintenance.

Composite or natural wood pool flooring

Synthetic wood (composite), and especially natural wood, gives a natural feel that is hard to beat, and the visual effect of the water next to the wood is spectacular to look at. However, natural wood has to be of exceptional quality so that it does not expand with water and sunlight, and a synthetic deck will not be completely waterproof.

Handmade terracotta floors

Handmade terracotta floors have a long history. They have been used on patios and around swimming pools for years and their rustic character is one of their greatest assets. However, if not properly maintained, it can become sandy and is also a very porous material.

Concrete tiles for swimming pools

Concrete tiles are one of the preferred options due to their thermal stability, i.e. we do not burn our feet when walking on them. They can also be provided with anti-slip finishes. The big disadvantage is their installation: contrary to what one might think, they require a lot of attention and precision and are not resistant to saltpetre and low temperatures.

What is the best type of floor for a swimming pool? Advantages of porcelain tiles

So what is the right choice? While it is true that all the above-mentioned types of flooring are suitable for use around swimming pools, porcelain stoneware is the obvious choice for outdoor use. In addition to the characteristics we have already mentioned, its versatility is enormous, as it can faithfully simulate all the materials we have mentioned, from stone to wood.

It can also be laid in many different ways, allowing us to create new ideas: Would you like the swimming pool to be an extension of the terrace? You can lay porcelain stoneware paving. You can consult all the designs and formats in our catalogue of paving tiles. And for the perfect result, you can make technical pieces for the edge of the pool or directly cover the entire inside of the pool. In this blog we explain the best tile options for the interior of modern swimming pools.

Original ideas for swimming pool floors 

Although the more conventional aspects we have seen are a safe bet, one of the advantages of porcelain tiles is their chameleon character. Here are some other interesting aspects to ensure that your pool floor does not leave you indifferent:

• Metallic look flooring for modern pools: the design of metallic effect tiles is contemporary. They reproduce a rusty or aged effect, and there are embossed versions for even better grip.
• Slate floors for timeless pools: the slate effect tile collections are reminiscent of slate. Its appearance makes it suitable for both rustic and modern pools, making it a very versatile flooring option.
• Textile effect paving for original pools: A textile effect porcelain paving around the pool is an eye-catching design. It successfully reproduces a variety of textures and patterns, allowing you to create an environment that stands out for its creativity.
• Hydraulic tiles, even in swimming pools: tiles with a hydraulic effect are a must in vintage styles and can also be used as outdoor flooring. Recover the modernist heritage to decorate your pool environment with its colours and patterns.

In conclusion, the choice of flooring for swimming pools is crucial, as it must meet specific requirements such as resistance to moisture, durability in adverse weather conditions and ease of cleaning. Although there are various options, porcelain stoneware for outdoor use is the ideal choice due to its technical and aesthetic characteristics. Browse our collections or contact us to help you choose the ideal paving for your pool!