Best Doormats to Place Around Your Pool
Spending hot summer days lounging poolside is a coveted pastime for many homeowners. However, wet and dirty surfaces can quickly turn this oasis into an unsafe, unhygienic environment. Strategically placing durable doormats around the pool is the first line of defense in preserving cleanliness and safety in this valued living space.
Top 5 Reasons to Use Mats Around Your Pool
Beyond basic aesthetics and convenience, quality doormats offer many overlooked advantages for your pool area:
1. Reduce Slip Hazards
Wet surfaces surrounding pools can cause dangerous, injurious falls. Properly placed mats instantly improve traction and visibility to alert users to transitions and highest risk areas.
2. Protect Decking and Tiles
Poolside surfaces are no match for constant foot traffic from wet bodies traversing back and forth season after season. Mats absorb impact and preserve integrity to avoid costly repairs.
3. Comfort Bare Feet
Textured mats provide a comfortable surface for barefoot walking, preventing aches and pains from excessive time on hard surfaces.
4. Control Dirt and Debris Tracking
As swimmers exit the pool, mats trap water and capture debris on feet before it's tracked throughout indoor areas leading to damage and hazards.
5 Bound High-Risk Areas
Mats placed around pool perimeters provide instant visibility to Transition areas. This enhanced boundary keeps guests of all ages safer.
Types of Mats Suited for Poolside Use
Pool areas demand durable, specialized mats to withstand harsh outdoor elements from UV rays, to chemicals, to moisture. Here are some top categories suitable for poolscapes:
PVC Vinyl
Vinyl mats feature non-porous surfaces that won't absorb moisture or attract dirt in texture. They resist mold, mildew, stains, UV damage and chlorine exposure. These waterproof mats are easy to clean by simply hosing off.
Custom Spa Runners
Available in custom lengths up to 60 feet, soft polyester spa runners provide a non-slip yet plush surface for traction and comfort. They feature excellent water absorption properties to keep surrounding areas dry.
Interlocking Tiles
For larger expanses, interlocking tile systems allow unlimited shapes and configurations. These heavy-duty solid plastic or rubber tiles withstand heavy foot traffic while providing proper drainage.
Anti-Slip Mats
Mats made specifically to prevent slippery surfaces when wet feature textured materials and surfaces to grab feet safely. These are smart choices for areas in and around the pool and spa.
Design Factors to Evaluate
Poolside mats must look good while performing properly. Assess options based on these considerations:
Size
Measure high foot traffic areas and access points to determine dimensions for adequate coverage. Standard sizes from 2'x3' up to 4'x6' suffice for most spaces.
Materials
Ensure durability with vinyls that resist moisture, mildew and chemicals. Or choose nylon, polyester or rubber for comfort. Coir natural fiber blends absorb water well while trapping dirt and debris effectively.
Textures and Patterns
Mat surfaces play a crucial role in traction as well as aesthetics. Textured fabrics provide security for bare, wet feet while vibrant colors and trendy patterns enliven poolscapes.
Border Styles
Framed edges provide definition along mat perimeters serving both form and function. They contain messy debris while ensuring adequate coverage of wall-to-wall installations.
Customization
Many high-quality mat brands offer full customization from size, materials, fonts and imagery to color palettes and logos. Personalize your functional poolside mats with family names, inspirational quotes or seasonal motifs.
Leading Brands Offering Customization
While mass retailers carry affordable basic options, specialty manufacturers provide quality materials and customization ideal for poolside spaces. Here are top brands to check out:
Mat World
Mat World manufactures floor coverings to handle demanding hospitality and industrial settings. Their exterior-grade mats feature durable woven vinyl or polyester constructions with custom size and branding options.
Pom Pom at Home
Known for rattan and custom woven furnishings, Pom Pom at Home expanded into doormats featuring trendy designs like indigo patterns, fun phrases, and unique whimsy. Their mats utilize fade- and mold-resistant synthetics suitable for covered outdoor areas.
Touch of Class
Touch of Class offers luxury monogrammed and personalized doormats handcrafted from polyester fabric. Enjoy a sense of pride welcoming guests with custom mats showcasing your family name in elegant script fonts.
Smart Placement Guidelines
Proper placement amplifies the effectiveness of poolside mats. Focus coverage on these high-traffic zones:
Pool Ladders
Capture dripping water and debris immediately when exiting the pool. Place mats securely under ladders and stairs to prevent shifting.
Slide Exits
Fun water slides dump joyful riders onto surrounding decking. Mats placed at slide exits provide a landing zone that's forgiving for bare feet.
Access Points
Trap dirt and grass at exterior doorways and gates leading into pool enclosures. Also target interior access doors where wet swimmers transition indoors.
High Traffic Zones
Determine pathways around the pool and place mats wherever people frequently walk or lounge, such as between pool and cabana or grill area.
Perimeter Edges
Ring the pool with framed mats to create an instant demarcation identifying this crucial transition from wet surface to dry surroundings.
Care Tips for Longevity
Proper maintenance preserves quality and appearance. Follow these care guidelines seasonal or as needed:Daily
- Shake mats vigorously to dislodge particles
- Spot clean stains immediately to prevent setting in
Weekly
- Hose mats to remove embedded debris
- Allow thorough drying to prevent mold and mildew
Monthly
- Scrub textile mats with a soft brush and mild cleanser
- Clean vinyl mats with vinyl floor cleaner then rinse
Off-Season
- Use carpet inflator to fluff flattened pile
- Store mats indoors to maintain quality
Outdoor living promises relaxation and fun times gathered together. Keep your poolscape clean, safe and worry-free this season with a tailored selection of custom, durable poolside mats suited for intense usage in wet environments placed properly at key danger zones and traffic areas.
We hope these insights and recommendations help simplify your buying decision. Just remember - safety comes first when choosing the right doormats to use around your pool. Let us know if you have any other questions!