Creating memorable water play environments is about more than exciting features and big splashes. The surfaces beneath young ones’ feet play a critical role in safety, accessibility, and overall experience.
As leisure centres continue to invest in splashpads and interactive water play zones, operators are looking for solutions that not only enhance safety, but also contribute to overall aesthetics, while maintaining a long lifespan. This is where innovative flooring technologies are becoming increasingly important.
Hippo Leisure has recently partnered with Life Floor, a global leader in aquatic safety surfaces, allowing us to expand our flooring offering and deliver premium solutions to leisure centres across the UK. Recently celebrating their 15th anniversary, Life Floor was founded with a mission to make aquatic spaces safer, more durable, and increase comfort underfoot. At Hippo Leisure, we prioritise finishes that improve experiences for young ones while playing, so our goals closely align when supplying leisure centres with products which enhance water play.
What is Life Floor?
Life Floor is made from an EVA/PE closed-cell foam that does not absorb moisture. For both facility managers and users, this delivers a hygienic, water-resistant surface designed specifically for water, chlorine, and high footfall.
With proven worldwide performance, Life Floor has been installed in over 3,800 locations across the globe, including over 65 cruise liners such as Royal Caribbean and MSC, performing in extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to +35°C. From high-end resorts to pool surrounds, Life Floor has become a trusted supplier for accessible floor coverings across the leisure industry.
A new approach to slip resistance
While most anti-slip surfaces rely on friction, often achieved through rough, abrasive textures, Life Floor is designed with children’s play in mind.
With an embossed tread pattern, it prevents slips, while its cushioned foam structure absorbs impact to protect falls.
Designed for engaging environments
With a wide variety of colour, shape, texture, pattern and Inlay options, Life Floor creates a design tailored to your facility. Bright colours provide visually striking spaces which attract children, and promote longer, more imaginative play.
As the leisure industry continues to evolve, solutions that successfully combine safety, durability and engaging design will become increasingly important. The growing adoption of specialised aquatic flooring reflects a wider trend: facilities are paying greater attention to every aspect of the visitor journey, ensuring that even the ground beneath their guests' feet contributes to a safer, more enjoyable experience.
