Industries · Pools & Aquatics

Pool Deck Slip Testing
& ISPSC 2024

Pool decks are the wettest, highest-consequence walking surfaces on any property — and the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code brought their slip resistance into the code conversation.

Book Pool Deck Testing Call 1-833-DIAL-WMG

From the field

Pool decks and splash pads we have tested.

Pendulum Slip Tester on a turquoise splash pad deck — A splash pad — permanently wet, barefoot, and full of kids. We test these with the #55 slider.

Pendulum Slip Tester at a waterpark with slides in the background — Waterpark decking, tested wet and barefoot.

Pendulum Slip Tester on a resort pool deck — Resort pool deck testing against the ISPSC pool-deck threshold.

What does the ISPSC 2024 require for pool decks?

The 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code references recognized slip-resistance methods for the wet walking surfaces around pools and spas. That’s a meaningful shift for designers, builders and operators. Because decks are perpetually wet and surround a body of water, they are among the highest-risk surfaces a property owner manages.

ISPSC 2024 §306.2 asks that wet-evaluated deck surfaces achieve at least a P4 pendulum classification (Australian Standard 4586), or a wet DCOF of 0.42 (ANSI A326.3), with the design professional selecting the classification appropriate to the surface and use. Local code adoption controls, so verify the edition your jurisdiction has adopted. Independently of code minimums, our own risk-based target for a wet pool deck is typically a wet PTV of 40 or higher with the barefoot slider, and higher for ramps or steps into water.

Which test suits a pool deck?

Wet, textured outdoor surfaces are exactly where the Pendulum Slip Tester (PTV) excels. It’s the method behind most international pool-deck research and pairs naturally with the wet condition a deck lives in. Where a specification calls for it, we also measure DCOF. Testing both closes any “wrong instrument” question.

Sealing and treating pool decks the right way

Travertine and paver pool decks must be sealed to survive the water, sun and pool chemistry, but a topical sealer can turn a grippy deck slick. Our StopSlip™ sealing uses penetrating products and, where it matters, we verify wet traction before and after. Sealing shouldn’t cost you traction. If it does, the sealer was wrong for the deck.

Pendulum (PTV) and DCOF testing for decks, splash zones and wet surrounds
ISPSC-aware documentation for operators and designers
Penetrating sealing and traction treatment, verified by re-testing
Programs for hotels, HOAs, municipal aquatics and residential decks

Common questions

Does the ISPSC apply to my existing deck?

Code adoption and applicability vary by jurisdiction and whether work is new or existing. We test to the referenced methods so your deck’s performance is documented either way; verify code applicability with your local official.