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When it comes to choosing the right safety flooring for wet environments such as bathrooms, changing rooms, and assisted living spaces, the options can seem overwhelming. While dimpled flooring was once a go-to solution, advances in flooring technology have led to products like Altro Pisces and Altro Aquarius, which offer superior performance, comfort, and style.
Here’s why these modern safety floors are a better choice compared to traditional dimpled products.
Cleaning Made Simple
Dimpled floors are notorious for being difficult to clean. Dirt and grime easily collect around the raised areas, making thorough cleaning a real challenge. This not only affects hygiene but also increases maintenance time and costs. In contrast, Altro Pisces and Altro Aquarius feature a micro-rough surface that’s designed for easy cleaning. Their smooth yet slip-resistant structure prevents the build-up of dirt and ensures that spaces remain hygienic with minimal effort.
Superior Safety – In Shoes or Barefoot
One of the key drawbacks of dimpled floors is that they’re really only suitable for swimming pool environments where everyone is barefoot. In domestic or care settings, people often move between wet and dry areas in shoes, which can be hazardous on dimpled floors - slips are all too common. Unless the floor has been tested using a Pendulum Test, it may not meet the safety requirements for wet environments. A minimum of PTV 50 is required for optimal safety with wet floors due to the potential of contaminants within a wet environment such as a shower or wet room.
View our safety flooring test video.
Altro Pisces and Altro Aquarius are purpose-built to provide maximum slip resistance whether you’re in shoes or barefoot. Both achieve Class B to DIN 51097 for barefoot use and a PTV of ≥50 (Slider 96), meaning they deliver sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the floor, even in high-risk wet and dry conditions.
Comfort for Everyone
Comfort is often overlooked when selecting flooring, but it’s a crucial consideration - especially for older adults, people with disabilities, or children with sensory sensitivities. Dimpled floors can be uncomfortable or even painful to stand or sit on, making them unsuitable for environments where users may need to sit in the shower or walk barefoot for extended periods.
For those with dementia, the dimples can even be confusing or distressing.
Altro Pisces and Altro Aquarius, on the other hand, feature a micro-rough surface that is gentle on the feet while still providing the necessary grip. This subtle texture instils confidence underfoot without causing discomfort, ensuring that everyone - from children to the elderly - can move safely and comfortably.
Design Flexibility and Aesthetics
Let’s face it: dimpled floors tend to have a clinical, utilitarian appearance that’s hardly inspiring for a modern home or care environment. In contrast, Altro Pisces and Altro Aquarius offer a range of attractive design options. Altro Pisces, for example, comes in 17 soft-look shades, creating a consistent, homely feel that blends seamlessly with domestic interiors. Both ranges include plain and tonal chip options for high contrast and design flexibility, proving that safety flooring can be both practical and visually appealing.
If you are providing flooring for a new build, or a refurbishment, don’t get stuck in the same old rut of specifying what you always have.
Altro Pisces and Altro Aquarius safety floors set a new standard for wet environment flooring. They are easy to clean, safe for both barefoot and shoe use, comfortable for all users, and come in a variety of stylish, design-friendly finishes. When compared to traditional dimpled flooring, the benefits are clear - making them the ideal choice for anyone looking to combine safety, comfort, and aesthetics in their space.
