What Vynagrip does before someone slips on a wet deck

Around a pool, in a locker room, or behind a wet bar, the floor is the part of the room you stop noticing — right up until a foot goes out from under someone. It's easy to assume a textured tile or a quick wipe-down has it covered. The trouble is that water has nowhere to go on a flat surface, so it sits in a thin film exactly where people walk barefoot or in wet shoes.

Vynagrip is built to break that film. Its open-grid surface lets water drain straight through to the floor below, so the top of the mat stays in contact with feet instead of with a puddle. The raised diamond tread gives shoes and bare skin something to bite into. That combination is what separates a real non-slip pool mat from one that only looks grippy while it's dry.

A slick pool deck or wet-area floor isn't a small problem. The National Floor Safety Institute points to wet, hard floors as one of the most common settings for slip-and-fall injuries, and a busy deck or beverage station sees a steady stream of wet feet all day. Matting that keeps traction underfoot while the water disappears below is doing safety work, not decoration.

Why an open-grid PVC build, and why this one

Vynagrip is made from flexible, non-porous PVC in a two-layer, open-grid construction. Non-porous matters more than it sounds. Because water and spills can't soak into the material, the mat doesn't hold moisture the way a fabric or foam surface would — so it won't turn into a home for bacteria or mildew in a damp pool area or shower room.

The two-layer grid is what makes the drainage work. Water passes through the open pattern on top and clears out underneath, so the walking surface stays usable even when the deck around it is soaked. On traction, the surface is rated R11 under DIN 51130 and scores 72–88 wet on the ASTM E303 pendulum test — strong numbers for a barefoot, wet-area mat.

It's also tougher than a pool mat strictly needs to be, which is the point: it holds up. The PVC resists most acids, alkalines, and oils, and it stays workable across a wide temperature range, from well below freezing up to 140°F. The two-layer build adds a little give underfoot too, so standing on it for a while is easier on your legs than standing on bare concrete.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Vynagrip earns its place anywhere water and foot traffic meet. Think pool decks and the walkway from the pool to the locker room, shower and changing areas, the floor behind a poolside bar or beverage station, and wet work zones in kitchens, food service, and refrigerated spaces. In each of these, the same job repeats: drain the water, keep the grip.

It helps to be clear about what this mat is not. It's a walk-on surface mat, not a flotation device, and it's not the liner-protector cloth that goes underneath an above-ground pool. If you're looking for a mat to put under a pool or a float for in the water, this isn't that product. Vynagrip works on top of the deck, under your feet — whether that deck is concrete, tile, or paver.

One honest note for outdoor use: the PVC itself resists sun degradation, but the red color isn't colorfast in constant direct sunlight, so a red mat in full sun will fade over time. For exposed outdoor decks, the darker colors are the safer pick. In shaded or indoor wet areas, color holds up fine.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Vynagrip is straightforward to order, but three things decide whether you get the right setup the first time.

First, decide between rolls and modules. Rolls come in 33-foot lengths and standard widths, and they're easy to cut to fit on site — the right call for covering a long deck or an open wet-area floor. Modules arrive pre-cut with finished ramped edging on three sides, so they sit cleanly against a wall or workstation without a trip lip.

Second, match the format to your edges. An open run of matting in the middle of a floor is one thing; a mat people step onto from a dry surface is another. Where a clean transition matters — a doorway, the edge of a bar, the lip of a shower — ramped edging keeps the change in height gentle, so the mat itself doesn't become the thing someone trips on.

Third, plan for sun and heat. Outdoors, choose a darker color and keep the red for shaded or indoor spots. Also know that PVC can shrink slightly — up to about 2% — and heat speeds that up, so on a hot, exposed deck, leave a little room at fixed edges rather than butting the mat tight wall to wall.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and wet areas are where the wrong choice shows up fastest. We'll help you size Vynagrip to your actual deck or work zone, talk through rolls versus modules for your layout, and flag the details — edging, color, sun exposure — that catch people out after a mat ships. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vynagrip actually made of, and why does that matter near water?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's a flexible, non-porous PVC mat built in two layers, with an open-grid top and a diamond tread. The non-porous part is the key for wet areas — water and spills can't soak in, so the mat doesn't stay damp or trap the bacteria and mildew that build up on surfaces holding moisture. The open grid lets water drain straight through instead of pooling on top, which is what keeps the walking surface grippy when everything around it is wet.

How slip-resistant is it when the deck is soaking wet?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Wet traction is exactly what it's built for. The surface is rated R11 on the DIN 51130 ramp test and scores 72–88 wet on the ASTM E303 pendulum test, both of which point to strong grip with water present. It also drains at the V10 level, so water keeps moving off the top rather than sitting under your feet. On top of that, the PVC shrugs off most acids, alkalines, and oils and works from below freezing up to 140°F, so a hot deck or a chemical splash won't break it down.

Does it come in rolls or tiles, and can I get a custom size?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Both. You can order it as a roll in 33-foot lengths and 2-, 3-, or 4-foot widths, which you cut to fit on site — good for long decks and open floors. Or you can order modules at 4' x 2'5" or 5' x 3' that arrive with finished ramped edging on three sides, ready to drop against a wall or bar. If your space is an odd shape, custom sizes are available on request.

Can I use this outside around the pool, or is it really an indoor mat?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It works in both, and the pool deck is one of its best homes. Outdoors it handles weather and a wide temperature swing without getting brittle, so it's at ease on an open deck, a poolside path, or a shower and changing area. The one thing to plan for outside is sun: pick a darker color for spots in constant direct sunlight, since the red can fade out there over time. Indoors and in shade, any color holds up.

What does it look like, and what colors can I get?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It has a clean, open diamond-grid look that reads as purposeful rather than busy — like it belongs in a working wet area, not like an afterthought. It comes in black and red as standard. Black is the easy choice for hiding the bits of grit and debris a pool deck collects, while red can mark off a zone or add a little contrast. Just remember the red is best kept out of full, constant sun.

My deck has an awkward layout — will this actually fit it?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Most likely, yes, and that's one of its strengths. Because the rolls cut easily on site, you can shape a run around steps, drains, ladders, and corners instead of forcing your space to match a fixed mat size. For built-in spots like a bar floor or a recessed changing area, the modules with ramped edges give you a finished look. And if nothing standard works, you can have it made to a custom size to fit the exact footprint you've got.

Written by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

Waterhog Inlay Logo Mats put your logo into the proven Waterhog bi-level mat rather than on top of it. The inlay is the difference: the area that will carry the logo is cut out of the mat and the colors are hand-laid into the cut-out like a jigsaw, so the logo becomes part of the surface and wears with it. It's the most precise of our Waterhog branding options, which is why it leads our indoor logo mats for a sharp, lasting brand at the door.

Under the logo, it's a full Waterhog. The bi-level surface scrapes dirt and moisture off shoes and traps them below shoe level so they don't track inside, and the raised water-dam border holds moisture on the mat — up to about 1.5 gallons per square yard — keeping it off your floors. Most of the dirt inside a building arrives on foot traffic, per ISSA, and that bi-level scrape-and-trap design is built to handle the load.

It's made to keep its look. Reinforced rubber nubs hold the pile up so it resists crushing under traffic, and the solution-dyed fabric resists fading, so both the mat and the inlaid logo stay sharp longer. It runs on a 68-mil SBR rubber backing in smooth or universal-cleated, with beveled edges for a safe floor-to-mat transition, and it's certified high-traction by the NFSI. The rubber backing also carries 20% post-consumer recycled content from car tires.

It's built for branding at commercial entrances — hotels, retail, restaurants, offices, schools and universities, and commercial buildings — and it's rated for indoor and outdoor use. There are 19 colors to work from, with a choice of a classic rubber border or a fashion fabric border, and it's made to order in sizes up to 6' x 20'. Because the nubs and solution-dyeing slow both crushing and fading, it holds appearance for years; replace it when the inlaid logo finally dulls or the surface packs down in the main traffic path.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the logo made, and will it wear off?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It's an inlay, not a print. The logo area is cut out of the mat and the colored sections are hand-laid into the cut-out like a jigsaw, so the logo is built into the surface rather than coated on top — there's no print layer to scuff away. The fabric is solution-dyed, which means color runs through the fiber and resists fading. Between the inlay construction and the solution-dyeing, the logo holds up about as well as the mat itself does, which is the point of choosing this one for branding.

What colors and border options are available?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

There are 19 colors to build the logo and field from, plus a choice of border: a classic rubber border for a clean, utilitarian edge, or a fashion fabric border when you want the surround to feel more finished. Because the inlay is hand-laid in distinct color sections, it suits bold, well-defined logos and lettering — text at least 3 inches tall, lines at least 3/8 inch — rather than fine gradients or tiny detail. Send us your artwork and brand colors and we'll lay out how it translates into the inlay and confirm the color match before production.

How well does it handle dirt and water?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

This is where the Waterhog construction earns its name. The bi-level surface scrapes dirt and moisture off shoes and drops it below shoe level, so it's held in the mat instead of tracking across your floors, and the raised water-dam border keeps moisture on the mat — up to roughly 1.5 gallons of water per square yard. That makes it a strong performer at a busy or wet entrance, not just a branded mat. Lifting it periodically so the floor underneath dries keeps it working at its best.

Can it go outside, and is it slip-safe?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes on both. It's rated for indoor and outdoor commercial entrances, and the solution-dyed fabric resists fading outdoors. On safety, it has beveled edges that give a safe transition from floor to mat instead of a trip lip, and it's certified high-traction by the NFSI, so it holds grip as people come through. The 68-mil SBR rubber backing — smooth or universal-cleated — keeps it planted; choose cleated for hard floors where you want extra grip underneath.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

• When properly sized and installed under machines, these solid neoprene pads prolong machine life, reduce maintenance costs, dampen vibration, and isolate noise telegraphed through the floor.
• Pads are engineered for a maximum load capacity of 50 psi.
• Each pad is 3/8" x 18" x 18"
• Can be cut to fit your application.

Renovation Stair Tread

The Renovation Stair Tread is engineered for durability and safety, providing superior traction in high-traffic stairways. Made from high-quality aluminum with an abrasive grit surface, this stair tread ensures long-lasting performance while reducing slip and fall hazards in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Key Features of Renovation Stair Tread

• Dimensions: 11" Tread Depth - 9/32" Thickness - 1 1/8" Nose
• Superior Traction: The abrasive grit surface enhances grip, making it ideal for preventing slips in wet, oily, or dry conditions.
• Durable Construction: Constructed from extruded aluminum, this stair tread is built to withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme conditions.
• Corrosion-Resistant: The aluminum material resists corrosion, ensuring longevity even in harsh environments, including outdoor and industrial settings.
• Easy Installation: Designed for quick and simple installation on existing stairs, making it a convenient solution for improving stair safety.
• Low Maintenance: The durable surface requires minimal upkeep and retains its performance and appearance even with continuous use.
• Customizable Sizes: Available in various sizes to meet specific stair dimensions, offering flexibility for different applications.

Ideal for High-Traffic and Hazardous Areas

The Renovation Stair Tread is perfect for commercial, industrial, and public spaces where safety and durability are essential. Its non-slip surface and rugged construction make it an excellent choice for ensuring stairway safety in any environment.

What Floorline does before a wet floor sends someone down

Around a pool, behind a bar, or across a changing-room floor, the wet patch you don't notice is the one that trips someone. It's easy to assume textured tile or a quick mop has it covered. But water spreads into a thin film on a flat surface, right where feet land, and a surface that grips dry can turn slick the instant it's wet — in shoes or bare feet.

Floorline is built to clear that film. Its open-grid, embossed surface lets water and spills drain straight through to the floor below, so the part you stand on stays above the puddle. The etched top gives shoes and bare skin a firm grip. That combination is what makes it a true non-slip wet-area mat rather than one that only behaves when it's dry.

A slick leisure or wet floor isn't a small problem. Hygiene and floor-care authorities like ISSA point to wet, soiled floors as a leading source of both slip injuries and sanitation issues, and a pool deck, bar, or changing room keeps those floors wet all day. A mat that drains the water away, grips underfoot, and rinses clean is doing real safety and hygiene work.

Why a thin, single-tier PVC build, and why this one

Floorline is made from a single tier of flexible, non-porous PVC in an open-grid form. That single-tier build is the heart of what sets it apart: at 1/4 inch thick and about 0.76 pounds per square foot, it's the lightest, thinnest mat of its kind we carry — genuinely easy to carry, move, and lift for cleaning, and soft enough underfoot that standing on it all shift is easy on the legs.

Thin doesn't mean it gives up grip. It carries the highest slip and drainage certifications of its family — R11 and V10 under DIN 51130, Classification C on the DIN 51097 barefoot ramp test, and a 1.0 dry / 0.8 wet reading on ASTM F1677. So it's rated for both shoes and bare feet, with water clearing through the grid the whole time. It's also built with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties that protect bare feet against the fungus changing rooms tend to grow.

It holds up in tough, wet conditions too. The non-porous PVC resists most acids, alkalines, and oils, stands up to UV, and works from below freezing to 140°F, so an outdoor deck and an indoor shower are both fair game. It carries a EN13501-1 Cfl-s1 fire classification, absorbs sound, and is 100% recyclable with no SVHC substances.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Floorline earns its place anywhere water and feet meet. That's the pool deck and poolside walkway, shower floors, changing and locker rooms, and recreation centers — and just as much the wet floors of hospitality, like bar flooring, commercial kitchens, and the areas behind a counter where spills and breakages are constant. Because it's certified for shoes and bare feet alike, one mat covers a lot of ground.

It helps to be clear about what this mat is not. It's a walk-on surface mat, not a flotation device, and not the liner sheet that goes under an above-ground pool. If you're after a mat to put under a pool or a float for the water, this isn't that product. Floorline works on top of the floor, under your feet — on concrete, tile, decking, or a finished pool surround.

One honest note for outdoor use: the PVC resists sun, but the red color isn't colorfast in constant direct sunlight, so a red mat in full sun will fade over time. For exposed outdoor decks the darker color is the safer pick; in shaded or indoor spaces, either holds up fine.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Floorline is easy to order well once you've settled three things.

First, match it to the duty. This is the light, thin, soft end of wet-area matting — ideal where comfort underfoot, easy handling, and reliable grip matter, like a bar floor, a changing room, or a poolside walkway. For the most punishing, heavy-rolling-load floors, a thicker, heavier mat may suit better. Be honest about how hard the floor gets worked before you choose.

Second, measure the whole wet path. The walk from the pool to the showers, the full length behind a bar, the changing-room floor — size the mat to cover wherever feet are actually wet, because a dry-foot gap is exactly where the next slip happens. It comes in 2- and 3-foot-wide rolls and cuts to fit on site, so odd shapes and obstacles aren't a problem.

Third, plan for sun and heat outdoors. Choose the darker color for spots in constant direct sun. And like any thermoplastic, the PVC can shrink slightly — up to about 2%, faster in heat — so on a hot, exposed deck, leave a little room at fixed edges rather than butting it tight wall to wall.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and wet leisure and hospitality floors are where the wrong choice shows up fastest — in slips, in sore feet, and in mats too awkward to lift and clean. We'll help you size Floorline to your actual wet path, choose between widths, and pick the right color for sun or shade. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Floorline made of, and how does it grip and drain?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's made from a single tier of non-porous, flexible PVC in an open-grid form with an embossed top. Two things make it work on a wet floor. First, the open grid lets water and spills drain straight through to the floor below, so you're standing on the mat instead of on a film of water. Second, the embossed surface gives shoes and bare feet edges to grip. The PVC is non-porous so it won't soak up moisture, and it's built with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties to resist the fungus and bacteria wet floors breed.

How slip-resistant is it, for shoes and bare feet?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's rated for both, which is part of what makes it versatile. It carries R11 and V10 drainage under DIN 51130 for shod traffic, Classification C on the DIN 51097 barefoot ramp test, and a 1.0 dry / 0.8 wet reading on ASTM F1677 — among the strongest figures in its family. Grip comes from an etched surface, so traction is best across the lines of the pattern. In practice that means the same mat works under a lifeguard's shoes and a swimmer's bare feet without compromise.

What sizes does it come in, and can I cover a large area?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It comes in 33-foot rolls in 2- and 3-foot widths, and you cut it to fit on site — no special tools or prep visit needed. For a longer run, like a poolside walkway or the length behind a bar, you simply lay and trim to the distance you need. Because it contours to uneven surfaces, it follows a real floor rather than needing a perfectly flat one. For widths beyond the standard rolls, ask us and we'll work out the best layout.

Where does Floorline work best?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Anywhere water and feet meet, indoors or out. It's a natural around pool decks and poolside walkways, in showers, changing and locker rooms, and recreation centers. It's also a favorite in hospitality — bar floors, the area behind a counter, and commercial kitchens — where spills and the odd breakage are constant and staff are on their feet for hours. Because it's certified for both shoes and bare feet, one mat handles a lot of different spaces.

What does it look like, and what colors can I get?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It has a clean, low-profile grid look that reads as tidy and purposeful rather than bulky — being thin, it sits close to the floor and doesn't dominate a space. It comes in black and red. Black is the easy, neutral choice that hides grit and debris around a pool or behind a bar, while red can mark off a zone or add a little warmth. Just keep the red out of constant direct sun, where it can fade over time.

My space is an odd shape and I'll be moving the mat to clean — is that easy?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Both are easy, and they're where this mat shines. Because it cuts to fit on site and contours to uneven surfaces, you can shape a run around drains, corners, and fixtures instead of forcing the space to match a fixed mat. And being the lightest, thinnest mat of its kind, it's simple to roll or lift by hand for cleaning — rinse it, let the floor underneath dry, and lay it back down. Send us your layout and we'll help you plan it.

Written by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing, Mats Inc.

• Tough mats made from rubberized fabric links woven on heavy galvanized spring steel wire.
• The links are 5/8" thick x 2 1/2" long woven on wires in a v-shaped herringbone or straight weave design.
• These mats can be used at doorways, behind counters, in the front of work benches, on assembly lines, and in machine shops.
• Custom sizes available.
• Mats with bevel or square nosing are available on special request.
• Mats available up to 7' wide x 25' long in one section.
• Standard size mats do not include nosing.
  

Perfect for groundskeepers and volunteers, this mat enhances playability and improves safety.

• Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials to withstand regular use and harsh weather conditions.
• Efficient Leveling: Provides a smooth, even surface by effectively leveling and smoothing dirt, clay, and other surfaces on the baseball field.
• Easy to Use: Lightweight design allows for quick and easy setup, use, and transport by groundskeepers and volunteers.
• Enhanced Playability: Improves field conditions, ensuring a safer and more consistent playing surface for athletes.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for use on baseball fields, softball fields, and other sports surfaces requiring maintenance.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining high-quality field conditions.
• Flexible Design: The mat's flexible design allows it to contour to the field's surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective grooming.
• Attachment Options: Can be easily attached to a tractor or ATV for more efficient field maintenance over larger areas.
• Made from galvanized steel 1/2" deep with 1" x 1" mesh openings.
• Custom sizes available upon request. Call or Email us!

• The original diamond design molded rubber stair tread, half diamond design, half smooth, with a longer adjustable nose.
• Designed to fit pan filled, molded concrete, or terrazzo steps.
• For use in commercial, industrial or institutional buildings.
• Diamond design surface is 6" deep, covers the impact area of pedestrian traffic.
• Meets Fed. Spec. RR-T-650E and ZZ-T-001237 (GSA-FSS)
• Full 1/4" thickness at the nose,12 1/4" depth and a 1 1/4" deep inside nose.
• Contains no asbestos fiber and the color extends throughout the thickness of the tread.
• Available in either square or curved nose.
• Curved nose available in Series I colors only.
• Treads are optionally available with either two 3/4" safety strips, one 2" safety strip, or one 2" photoluminescent strip.
• Strips are available in black, beige, brown, gray, red or yellow.

• The original diamond design molded rubber stair tread, half diamond design, half smooth, with a longer adjustable nose.
• Designed to fit pan filled, molded concrete, or terrazzo steps.
• For use in commercial, industrial or institutional buildings.
• Diamond design surface is 6" deep, covers the impact area of pedestrian traffic.
• Meets Fed. Spec. RR-T-650E and ZZ-T-001237 (GSA-FSS)
• Full 1/4" thickness at the nose,12 1/4" depth and a 1 1/4" deep inside nose.
• Contains no asbestos fiber and the color extends throughout the thickness of the tread.
• Available in either square or curved nose.
• Curved nose available in Series I colors only.
• Treads are optionally available with either two 3/4" safety strips, one 2" safety strip, or one 2" photoluminescent strip.
• Strips are available in black, beige, brown, gray, red or yellow.

Diamond Design Rubber Tile

The Diamond Design Rubber Tile is a heavy-duty flooring solution crafted for high-traffic areas. Featuring a raised diamond pattern, this rubber tile provides superior traction and slip resistance, making it perfect for commercial and industrial environments. Built to withstand wear and tear, it ensures long-lasting performance and safety in any setting.

Key Features of Diamond Design Rubber Tile

• Slip-Resistant Diamond Pattern: The raised diamond design enhances grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls in busy areas, even in wet conditions.
• Durable Rubber Construction: Manufactured from high-quality rubber, this tile is engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist damage from impacts.
• Easy Installation: Designed for easy installation, Diamond Design Rubber Tile can be seamlessly placed in any area, providing immediate safety and protection.
• Low Maintenance: Resistant to moisture, stains, and wear, this tile requires minimal cleaning, making it a cost-effective solution for busy environments.
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for stair landings, lobbies, aisles, ramps, elevators, and industrial facilities, offering both functionality and an attractive appearance.
• Wide Variety of Color Options: Available in many colors to enhance any space.

Perfect for High-Traffic Areas

Diamond Design Rubber Tile provides the perfect blend of safety, durability, and easy maintenance. Its raised diamond pattern ensures slip resistance, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in both commercial and industrial environments.

What WaterPro does before a wet pool deck becomes a fall

A wet pool deck or locker-room floor looks harmless — until someone walks across it barefoot and the water under their feet does the deciding. It's easy to trust textured tile or a quick mop. The trouble is that water sits in a thin film on a flat surface, exactly where bare feet land, and tile that grips when dry can turn slick the moment it's wet.

WaterPro is built to take that film out of the equation. Its open-weave surface lets water drain straight through to the floor below, so the part you stand on stays above the puddle instead of in it. The molded grid gives bare feet and wet shoes real traction. That's the difference between a true non-slip pool mat and a mat that only feels safe when it's dry.

On a barefoot wet floor, a slip isn't a minor thing. The National Floor Safety Institute links wet, hard floors to a large share of slip-and-fall injuries, and pools, showers, and locker rooms keep those floors wet all day. A mat that drains the water away and holds grip underfoot is doing safety work every hour it's down.

Why an open-weave vinyl build, and why this one

WaterPro is made from soft, flexible vinyl shaped by injection molding into an open-weave grid. The soft vinyl is the part bare feet notice first — it's comfortable to stand and walk on, not hard and cold like tile. Just as important, the vinyl is blended with fungicidal compounds that resist athlete's foot fungus and mildew, which is exactly the problem damp locker rooms and shower floors tend to grow.

The open-weave pattern does double duty. Water and grit fall through the surface and collect below, so the top stays cleaner and drier underfoot, and there's nowhere for a slick film to pool. Because the mat is low-profile, it sits close to the floor — comfortable for bare feet and easy to walk on without a tripping lip at the edge.

The vinyl stays flexible, which makes it easy to live with: it has no bent memory, doesn't rattle underfoot, needs no pan beneath it, and lifts out for a quick hose-down or clean. It's also ADA compliant, can contribute toward LEED credits, and is made in the USA — details that matter when a mat has to satisfy a spec as well as a swimmer.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

WaterPro earns its place anywhere bare feet meet a wet floor. That's the classic pool deck and pool surround, but also aquatic centers, spas, saunas, hot-tub surrounds, shower and changing areas, and locker rooms. It even suits sand-heavy spots like beach resorts, where the open weave lets sand drop through instead of grinding underfoot. Wherever water and people share the floor, the job is the same: drain it, grip it.

It helps to say what this mat is not. It's a walk-on surface mat, not a flotation device, and not the liner-protector sheet that goes underneath an above-ground pool. If you're after a mat to put under a pool or a float for the water, this isn't that product. WaterPro works on top of the deck, under your feet — on concrete, tile, or a finished pool surround.

How it goes down depends on the space. It can lie loose with a finished vinyl ramp edge, drop into a recessed area for a flush, seamless look, or sit in a surface-mounted frame where you want a defined border. The same mat suits a tucked-in shower entry or a wall-to-wall locker-room floor.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

WaterPro is forgiving to order, but three things decide whether it fits your space the first time.

First, pick your installation style. A loose-lay mat with a ramped edge is the simplest — it drops in and can move for cleaning. A recessed install sits flush for a seamless, trip-free finish where the floor is prepped for it. A surface-mounted frame gives you a clean, defined border on an existing floor. Match the method to how finished the space needs to look.

Second, measure the whole wet path, not just the obvious spot. The walk from the pool to the locker room, the full shower floor, the area around a hot tub — size the mat to cover where feet are actually wet, since a dry-foot gap is where the next slip happens. Because it cuts to size on site and custom sizes are unlimited, odd shapes aren't a problem.

Third, choose the color with the room in mind. WaterPro comes in blue, black, gray, and green, with custom colors available. Blue and green read fresh and aquatic around a pool; gray and black hide grit and read more neutral in a locker room or spa. The color is a chance to fit the mat to the space rather than fight it.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and barefoot wet areas are where a wrong choice gets noticed fastest — by feet, by inspectors, and by anyone who slips. We'll help you choose an install style, size WaterPro to your actual wet path, and pick a color that suits the room. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's WaterPro made of, and how does it keep its grip when it's wet?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's made from soft, flexible vinyl that's injection-molded into an open-weave grid. Two things make it grip when wet. First, the open weave lets water drain straight through to the floor below, so you're standing on the mat instead of on a film of water. Second, the molded grid pattern gives bare feet and wet shoes real edges to hold onto. The vinyl is also blended with a fungicidal compound, so the same surface that grips also resists the athlete's foot fungus and mildew that damp floors tend to grow.

Will it hold up in a chlorinated, constantly wet pool area — and stay sanitary?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

That's the environment it's built for. The vinyl is made to live in constant moisture without breaking down, and because it's low-profile and loose-lay, you can lift it to hose it off and let the floor underneath dry — no trapped water, no pan to empty. The fungicidal compound works against the fungus and mildew that thrive in warm, wet, barefoot spaces, which is what keeps a locker room or shower from turning into a health problem. Routine cleaning is quick: rinse it, and it's ready.

Can I get it cut to fit my exact pool deck or shower?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes — that's one of its strengths. WaterPro cuts to width and length right on site, so it can follow the real shape of your deck, wrap around a corner, or fit a narrow shower entry without forcing your space to match a stock size. Custom sizes are unlimited, so whether you need a small mat at a shower threshold or a wall-to-wall run across a locker room, it can be made to the footprint you actually have.

Where does WaterPro work besides right at the pool?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Plenty of places beyond the pool's edge. It's at home in aquatic centers, spas and saunas, hot-tub surrounds, shower and changing areas, and locker rooms — anywhere people are barefoot and the floor stays wet. It even suits sand-prone spots like beach resorts, where the open weave lets sand fall through instead of grinding underfoot. If a space combines water, bare feet, and foot traffic, it's a candidate.

What colors does it come in, and which works best around a pool?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It comes in four standard colors — blue, black, gray, and green — and you can order custom colors on top of that. Around a pool, blue and green feel natural and fresh, picking up the water and the outdoor setting. In a locker room, spa, or shower, gray and black read more neutral and do a better job hiding the grit and debris these floors collect between cleanings. The color isn't just looks; it's a way to make the mat feel like it belongs in the room.

Can I match it to my facility's look or get a custom color?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Yes. Beyond the four standard colors, custom colors are available, so you can bring the mat closer to a facility's palette instead of settling for whatever's on the shelf. Combined with unlimited custom sizing, that means a resort, club, or aquatic center can specify a mat that fits both the space and the look it's going for. If you have a specific color or finish in mind, send it over and we'll tell you what's possible.

Written by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing, Mats Inc.

Custom Drink Mats turn a bar or service counter into branded space while doing the everyday work of a good bar mat — protecting the countertop and keeping glassware from sliding. Your logo, image, or message is printed in full color into the mat surface, so the branding is part of a working mat rather than a sticker on top of it. They're among our most customizable pieces in the full logo-mats range, sized to your counter.

Underneath the print, it's built for a wet counter. The mat is nitrile rubber at 3/16 inch thick over a cushion backing, with the artwork carried on a polymetric film bonded to the rubber surface. Nitrile shrugs off the spills, citrus, and constant wipe-downs a bar throws at it, and the cushioned body gives it some give on a hard counter while the rubber face grips glassware.

The surface prints in full color, and up to four PMS colors can be matched per design for brand accuracy, with a one-time setup fee per color. One honest caveat on color: the mat is finished under a hot press that bonds the rubber and cushion, and the heat tends to lighten the print slightly, so a PMS match comes close but isn't exact. Bold, clean artwork reproduces best — we proof every design before it runs.

It's made for countertop point-of-purchase use — bars, restaurants and cafés, tasting rooms, and retail counters where a branded surface meets a working one. A few artwork rules keep the result clean: text reads best at 1/2 inch or taller, lines at 1/16 inch or thicker, and white isn't usable as a background or in the imprint because it discolors in service (there are light alternatives that hold up). Replace it when the print wears from heavy daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print my logo in our exact brand colors?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

You can get close, and we'll tell you honestly how close. The surface prints in full color, and we can match up to four PMS colors per design for brand accuracy, with a one-time setup fee of $270.38 per PMS color. The honest part: the mat is finished under a hot press, and that heat tends to lighten the print a few shades, so an exact PMS match isn't guaranteed — we get near it. Send us your brand colors and artwork and we'll build a proof so you can see the match before anything runs.

Are there artwork rules I should know before sending a design?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

A few, and they're all about keeping the print clean. Keep text at least 1/2 inch tall and lines at least 1/16 inch thick; very thin or special fonts may need to be sized up, which we handle case by case. Don't use white as a background or in the imprint — it discolors through manufacturing — but there are light tones that hold up in its place. And if you're working in CorelDraw, avoid PowerClips in the file. Send the art over and we'll flag anything that needs adjusting.

What's it made of, and how long does it last?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's nitrile rubber at 3/16 inch thick over a cushion backing, with the printed artwork carried on a polymetric film bonded to the surface. Nitrile holds up well to the spills, citrus, and constant wipe-downs a bar surface sees, and the cushion gives it some give on a hard counter. Lifespan comes down to how hard it's worked and how it's cleaned; on a busy bar, plan to replace it when the print starts to wear in the heavy-use zone rather than waiting for the rubber to give out.

Will it protect the counter and keep glasses from sliding?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

That's the working half of the job. The cushioned rubber body shields the countertop from glassware, bottles, and the constant set-down-and-slide of a service area, and the non-slip rubber face grips so glasses and bottles stay put instead of skating across a wet counter. It's built specifically for countertop protection and a slip-resistant surface for glassware, so it earns its place as a working bar mat first, with the branding on top of that.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.