How to Make Outdoor Tiles Non-Slip: Tips for Pool Decks and Patios

Why Do Outdoor Tiles Get Slippery?

Every parent with young kids and a swimming pool knows the familiar yell: "No running!" Wet tiles and fast feet are a known recipe for slips and falls.

A study across tertiary paediatric hospitals in New South Wales identified slipping or falling into water from pool edges as a recurring theme in non-fatal drowning incidents. If you want to prevent these kinds of accidents, you're in the right place.

Overly smooth surfaces, rainwater, pool splash-out, and algae buildup can all reduce traction on outdoor tiles, from patios to pool decks. Here's how to make outdoor tiles non-slip and improve grip in wet conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Clear anti-slip coatings are ideal for aesthetic patios and pool decks
• Etching improves wet grip but can permanently alter tile finishes
• Textured paints can feel abrasive under bare feet, so they're not for pool sides
• Grip tape offers targeted, non-invasive grip but is impractical for large areas
• P4 - P5 slip ratings are recommended for outdoor tiles exposed to water

4 Treatments to Make Outdoor Tiles Non-Slip

1. Clear Anti-Slip Coating

Clear anti-slip coatings are colorless epoxy, acrylic, or polyurethane formulations with microscopic particles that enhance grip. They bond to surfaces, creating a textured layer that reduces slipperiness in wet conditions. 

Use clear anti-slip coatings for ceramic tiles and natural stone floors where aesthetics matter. Stellmann's premium formulation even uses advanced UV stabilisers to prevent outdoor tiles from yellowing.

However, anti-slip coatings work best in pool areas with proper waterproofing. Otherwise, water can seep beneath the tiles and interfere with coating adhesion, leading to premature peeling or blistering.

Pros

• Invisible finish that doesn't change the colours or patterns on your tiles
• Can upgrade tiles to specific AS 4586 slip ratings
• Does not alter surfaces chemically to create traction
• Preserves any applicable tile manufacturer warranties
• Compatible with different types of tiles

Cons

• Low-quality coatings can yellow with prolonged sunlight exposure 

2. Etch Treatment

Etch treatments use hydrofluoric acid solutions that react with the silica in tile surfaces. The process creates microscopic pores and cracks that increase friction when wet.

Tile etching is useful wherever you want to upgrade slip resistance and don't mind an irreversible change to the floor's appearance. For instance, old patios whose tiles are due for replacement.

Providers like Tile Rescue and Slip Doctors offer etching treatments for residential settings. But etched floors need proper cleaning and maintenance to maintain grip.

Pros

• Low upfront cost per m²
• No cure time; floors are ready to use right after treatment
• Doesn't peel off like old paint

Cons

• Patchy or matte results, especially on dark porcelain tiles
• Can't guarantee a specific slip rating
• Even diluted, HF exposure can be harmful
• Voids coverage under tile manufacturers' warranties
• Can damage natural stones like marble and limestone

3. Non-slip or Textured Paint

These are floor paints modified with grit additives (small, hard particles) to create texture. Textured paints are ideal for utility areas exposed to water spills and heavy traffic, so they'll work for concrete paths and poolside steps.

However, grit can settle or clump during application, resulting in uneven texture and grip. Stir the paint frequently as you work to keep the particles evenly distributed.

Examples include SlipDoctors' Alpha Grip, designed for high-risk areas such as stairs and ramps. There's also Resene Non-Skid for decks and paths.

Pros

• High slip resistance performance
• Resistant to harsh weather conditions
• Compatible with various surfaces

Cons

• Noticeably rough and opaque finish on decorative floors
• Grit particles can trap dirt and shred mop fibre during cleaning
• Particles wear or pop out, causing peeling and uneven traction
• Abrasive texture causes discomfort in barefoot areas
• Doesn't guarantee specific AS 4586 slip ratings

4. Grip Tape

Grip or non-slip tape consists of adhesive strips with a textured surface that adds traction to smooth tiles. It's a practical, non-invasive solution for small areas where you don't want to deal with mixing, applying, or curing.

Water-resistant options, such as Bunnings' Croc Grip high-grit range, can quickly fix slippery pool steps while you consider long-term solutions. Some also have specified slip-resistance ratings to help you choose the right product.

Pros

• Easy to install and remove
• Suitable for tile, wood, metal, and concrete surfaces
• Targeted grip on slippery spots

Cons

• Impractical for patios or wide outdoor areas
• Available designs and colours may not match your aesthetic
• Adhesive can lose its stickiness, peel, or lift over time
• Removal costs money and often leaves tiles discoloured
• Edges and textured surfaces can collect dirt

What Grip Level Do You Need for Outdoor Tiles?

Standards Australia's HB 198:2014 recommends ideal slip resistance levels for outdoor locations: 

• P4 for open-air paths and patios
• P4 for pool decks or surrounds
• P5 for steep areas like pool ramps and stairs leading to water

The right grip level can affect the everyday safety of kids and anyone on your property. Aim for the recommended minimum slip rating for your target locations.

Anti-slip coatings can be independently tested to AS 4586 to establish specific slip ratings; some commercial grip tapes too. While etching treatments don't guarantee specific slip ratings, slip testing afterwards will confirm whether you need further treatment.

The Barefoot Grip Scale

Recommended wet pendulum test or oil-wet inclining platform classifications

We often use P-ratings to describe slip resistance levels, but the wet pendulum test isn't the only standard. Under AS 4586, flooring materials for pool surrounds can also be tested using the wet-barefoot inclining platform test.

A pool deck that feels fine in shoes can feel slippery barefoot, so the test uses barefoot testers on a wet, tilted surface. It classifies surfaces as A, B, or C based on the angle at which testers start to lose their footing. 

Standards Australia's HB 198:2014 recommends:

• Class B for flat pool surrounds
• Class C for ramps and stairs leading into the water

When choosing an anti-slip coating for a pool area, check its P-rating (or barefoot class) against the recommended level for your use case.

Further Reading: P4 vs P5 Slip Ratings

DIY vs Pro Treatment for Slippery Outdoor Tiles

For a small patio or a few slippery pool steps, a DIY treatment may be enough. Slip Doctors describes its Stone Grip etch treatment as simple and fast to apply. You can also use the Stellmann non-slip outdoor coating in three steps: 

1. Clean and dry the surface
2. Prime it
3. Apply the coating

The key is to choose a compatible treatment for your target area and follow application instructions. For pool areas and patios, choose treatments that provide a fine, foot-friendly texture rather than coarse grit.

Consider professional application if:

• You're treating a large patio or pool deck
• You have natural stone flooring
• You need a specific slip rating
• You want slip resistance documentation.

A professional can assess your tiles, recommend a suitable treatment, and prep the surface right for more durable results. See how DIY vs. Pro treatment checks out in comparison.

Get Grippy Pool Decks With Stellmann

You can fix slippery tiles without replacing them. The right treatment depends on the surface material, condition, and how you use it. For tiled patios and pool decks where people walk barefoot, you want a finish that provides high grip without unnecessary abrasion. 

To keep young children and other vulnerable people safe, choose a treatment that delivers a suitable slip rating for your pool area. 

Not sure what treatment fits your surface? Take a quick quiz to find your ideal coating in 30 seconds or book a free site assessment.

FAQs

Q: How do you make outdoor tiles non-slip without replacing them?

You can improve grip with an anti-slip coating, etch treatment, textured paint, or grip tape. Clear coatings preserve the tiles' appearance, etching may change the finish, textured paint is abrasive, and grip tape works best for small areas. 

Q: What P-rating do I need for a patio or pool surround in Australia?

Outdoor and wet areas need higher slip resistance levels. Industry guidance recommends P4 for open-air paths, patios and pool surrounds, and P5 for steep areas such as pool ramps and stairs leading into water.

Q: Are non-slip tiles safe for kids' bare feet around the pool?

They can be, provided they offer suitable slip resistance for wet, barefoot areas. Industry guidance recommends Class B (P4) for flat pool surrounds and Class C (P5) for ramps and stairs leading into water. Choose a treatment that improves grip without making the surface excessively abrasive.

Q: Are porcelain pavers slippery when wet?

They can be, especially if they have a smooth finish. Textured external-grade porcelain generally offers better grip, but an anti-slip coating can improve traction on existing pavers without replacing them.

Q: Will an anti-slip treatment dull my outdoor tiles?

Clear anti-slip coatings preserve the tiles' appearance, while acid etching can leave some tiles with a patchy or matte finish. If appearance matters, test a small area first.

Q: Can I DIY it or should I hire a professional?

DIY treatments may suit small areas or places where imperfections aren't too noticeable. For larger areas, natural stone, or projects requiring a specific slip rating, consider professional application.