POOLS, SPAS & HOT TUBS
WHY POOLSIDE AND SPA- SIDE SURFACES DESERVE CENTRE STAGE
BY TOM STRINGER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT OLTCO, RESIN-BOUND SURFACE SPECIALISTS AGAIN IN THE PRESENT
In contemporary landscape and urban design, pools, spas and hot tubs are often treated as the showpieces, epitome of a leisure space, the element that draws attention and creates wow factor. Yet every visually striking pool or tranquil spa is built on a foundation of elements that make it an enjoyable long-term investment for homeowners. One such example is the surface surrounding the area. Whilst sometimes easy to overlook, the base beneath our feet in pool and spa areas can determine how the area feels, performs and endures. Increasingly, designers are recognising that the space around the water is just as important as the water itself.
At Oltco, enquiries related to poolside and spa-side installations have grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a broader shift in how homeowners, designers and commercial operators approach outdoor wellness environments. The rise of at-home spa culture, the expansion of boutique leisure facilities and the evolution of outdoor entertaining have all contributed to this increased focus on surfacing. As expectations grow, so does the need for materials that are safe, aesthetically versatile and capable of withstanding constant exposure to moisture and fluctuating temperatures.
One of the most pressing considerations in any wet leisure environment is safety. The combination of bare feet, splashing water and smooth surfaces creates conditions where slips can be all too common. Traditional options such as tiles, stone or textured concrete can provide some grip, but their effectiveness often diminishes over time as they wear, weather or develop algae. Resin-bound systems, however, offer a naturally textured, stable surface that maintains slip resistance even in demanding conditions. The aggregates, bound within a permeable resin, stay firmly in place, creating a consistent and reliable level of grip without the harsh abrasiveness sometimes associated with other anti-slip solutions.
In commercial settings, where operators must not only prioritise safety but also demonstrate it, this provides crucial assurance. But the benefit extends to domestic environments too. A family garden with a swimming pool, or a private terrace with a hot tub, becomes far more enjoyable when every footstep feels secure, regardless of whether the surface is wet or dry.
The ability of a surface to manage water is another essential component of its performance. While water belongs in the pool, it certainly does not belong sitting on the surrounding surface. Standing water creates slip hazards, encourages algae growth and can gradually degrade many traditional materials. It can also contribute to freeze – thaw damage in colder months, causing surfaces to crack, or lift.
Resin-bound systems offer a practical and elegant solution to this challenge. Their porous structure allows water to drain freely through the surface and into the engineered sub-base below. This means puddles don’ t have the opportunity to form. It also minimises the need for intrusive drainage channels or slot
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