When designing and creating a pool, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the choice of materials, installing only those materials that meet international safety standards.
When choosing tiling for floors and stairs in wet areas, are you aware of the safety requirements for materials? According to the Technical Building Code, “Class 3” anti-slip materials are mandatory. Let us explain!
For maximum safety the materials used to pave wet areas must have a Class 3 certification, based on the slip-resistance standard UNE-ENV 12633:2003. This standard is the reference for the Technical Building Code. It is not possible to use tiles with a Class 0, Class1 or Class 2 rating for these surfaces because in wet areas there is a significant risk of falls.
How do they evaluate the slip resistance of a material?
To evaluate the slip resistance of a material and comply with applicable standards, a Pendulum Test is conducted. This method can be used for any type of surface and identifies four classes of slip resistance: Class 0, 1, 2 and 3.
Materials certified as Class 3 have perfect slip resistance, even on surfaces with a gradient greater than 45%. These are the only materials that can be used for outdoor areas and pools. They are also required for wet interior areas, for stairs and where there is a gradient of 6% or more.
International standards to measure slip resistance
If you are designing a pool outside of Spain, we recommend you find out about other international standards related to paving safety.
The most commonly used international standards to measure slip resistance in wet areas are ISO/DIS 10545-17 and DIN 51097.
To meet the requirements of the former, materials used in wet areas must have a minimum Class 2 certification under the Tortus Test. The latter requires bare foot testing that classifies materials into three categories: Class A, Class B and Class C. Materials used for paving in pools areas must have a Class C certification.
What is the classification of Hisbalit mosaic tiles?
The anti-slip finishes of Hisbalit mosaic tiles meet all international safety standards for slip resistance. Specifically, Hisbalit’s ”B3” anti-slip finish has been certified as “Class 3” according to the UNE-ENV 12633:2003 standard.
And other international standards? Hisbalit’s “B3” anti-slip finish has been classified as “Excellent” using the Tortus Test and therefore also complies with the ISO/DIS 10545-17 standard. It also receives the highest “Class C” anti-slip rating for the standard DIN 51097.
Hisbalit is a leader in providing anti-slip solutions for mosaic tiles. In addition to our dedication to design and creativity, we believe innovation and safety are fundamental!
Hisbalit’s B3 finish has become one of the most advanced paving and surfacing materials to prevent accidents and falls in pool areas.
Comfort and colour variety in anti-slip mosaic tiles
In addition to safety, Hisbalit’s tesserae provide maximum comfort as they are designed to be walked on barefoot. Edges and corners are designed to avoid cuts and abrasions.
Is it more difficult to clean anti-slip tiles? Any material with a Class 3 anti-slip surface is more difficult to clean compared to a standard matte or gloss finish. The reason? The roughness of the surface that gives its non-slip properties also makes cleaning more difficult.
Hisbalit’s B3 mosaic tile is smooth to the touch and cleaning is easier compared to other Class 3 anti-slip materials. It is also very hygienic and anti-allergenic, preventing the appearance of fungi or bacteria!
The latest generation of this product is available in a wide range of colours, to give free reign to your imagination! You can choose from over 200 colours, in hexagonal, square or round format, to create entirely personal and unique designer pools!
The original colour in the water
Is the colour of anti-slip mosaic tiles different? Hisbalit’s B3 mosaic tiles have a matte finish that is smooth to the touch. Dry, the colour may appear slightly dulled but when wet the tile returns to its original colour. Therefore, when mosaic tiles are installed in a pool, they take on their real colour, with all the strength and intensity when in contact with the water!
If you want to know how the mosaic tiles will look in the pool, just wet the tesserae to see their true colour.
If you want a minimal variation in the tile colour (from dry to wet), choose lighter tones where the difference is reduced.
Safe swimming with 3S Safe Swim!
For even greater safety, Hisbalit has developed a revolutionary product, exclusive in the mosaic tile market, to install safety signage in any pool, ensuring a safe swim.
3S is B3 anti-slip, photoluminescent safety signage that glows in the dark!
There are 19 standard models that can be combined to create any type of sign. These B3 anti-slip tiles are appropriate for use both inside the pool basin, on the pool walls and around the pool area where special safety precautions are necessary.
The signs can be perfectly integrated into the pool surfacing in an aesthetic and harmonious manner, becoming part of the design of the pool and exterior areas without any need for special cutting or finishes.
The signs printed with fully vitrified ceramic inks, remaining totally inalterable and perfectly suited for outdoor and underwater use. The sun and water treatment products will not affect the print, which will remain perfectly intact over time.