It's been said that ever since man crawled out of the primordial ooze he's been looking for a way to get back in again. Visions of listless summer days lolling about in warm amniotic luxury have compelled one out of every ten Americans to construct swimming pools. These liquid playgrounds are the ultimate embellishment to a private residence. A pool becomes the immediate focal point in any landscape, reflecting tranquil summer days when life seems lighter and easier.

A residential swimming pool prior to resurfacing with RenoSys® corporations softside materials. Notice the sharp edges, abrasive surafces and uneven colors that can occur with conventional pool sufarcing.

However, as anyone who has ever owned a pool can attest, there are times when there appears to be more water on the deck than in the pool. Kids splashing and jumping can empty gallons of water onto the deck surface creating a potentially dangerous environment.

Traditional pool deck surfaces are usually composed of a variety of hard surface materials including concrete, stone and tile. Yet, as safety becomes an increasingly important issue in the construction industry, some builders are looking to soft surfacing as a solution to the slip and fall issues that have been a constant concern, particularly with regards to pool areas that are accessible to children.

SoftSide® can be employed underwater for waterslide and waterpark attractions. SoftSide® is part of the RecDeck® family of pool and aquatic area recreational surfaces.

RenoSys Corporation is one of a growing number of companies that offer soft safety surfacing specifically designed for pool areas. The company currently manufactures two products that are commercially available for both public recreation facilities and private residences. Its SoftSide Safety Padding System is a durable, 1/2" to 4" thick, slip resistant foam padding that is made for both playground and pool use. SoftSide can be used on pool decks, beneath play apparatus in wading pools and under diving boards. This product has been successfully employed for waterslide and waterpark attractions, greatly reducing injuries from head impact.

Jason Mart, President of RenoSys Corporation, suggests that wet play is an area that has, for the most part, been overlooked by the industry. "It has been 20 years since the CPSC came out with its guidelines for impact attenuation," said Mart. "And yet, despite advances in other aspects of playground surfacing technology, equipment for swimming pools is incredibly deficient."

SoftSide® may be used underdiving board ladders to protect pool patrons from serious slip and fall accidents. SoftSide® is safety tested and meets the stringent guidelines of the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Council) for protection against head injjuries in falls.

In addition to the company's Softside product they also manufacture RecDeck for pool surrounds. RecDeck has been used to pad surfaces around pools at retirement facilities and the material can even be run around the transition of the coping down into the pool for complete protection.

A key word with this product is "low maintenance." It can be mopped, pressure washed or hose cleaned. It is also algae and fungal resistant. Biocides are formulated into the material.

Each of these products is available in a variety of textures and colors and has a five year guarantee. Depending on the thickness of the foam and the number of play structures, installation cost can run between $10 and $30 per square foot.

The product cost and installation must be considered minimal when compared to the costs involved when a youngster, or even an adult, is seriously injured in a poolside fall. LCM

SoftSide® is a 1/4” to 4” thick padding that is bonded to a watertight PVC membrane surface. Because SoftSide® is designed specifically for the pool environment, it can be used on pool decks, beneath play apparatus in wading pools as well as under diving boards.

For more information about RenoSys products call 800-783-7005