Choose The Best Swimming Platform For You

A modern swimming platform can allow you to have fun in the pool. But have you thought about what that swim platform consists of? What’s a boat that doesn’t have a swimming platform? That’s not a lot of fun! A swim platform does more than allow for quick access to and exit from the water; it’s an ideal spot to relax, allows your feet to dance into the water, and gives a captivating drink experience while relishing water bodies.

If your boat isn’t currently equipped with a platform as well as the model you have and needs to be replaced, now, before summer gets going, you should take time to replace the platform. So here is the detailed guide that will help to choose the best swimming platform for you.

Why Do You Need A Floating Swim Platform?

Floating swimming platforms are more secure and more adaptable than docks and fixed swimming platforms. They secure a valuable place in every sector; let’s check out how they are helpful: 

Residential Settings

Setting a floating swimming platform area in your residential area ensures that your family and friends can take a dip whenever they wish without worrying about the level of water. This will be a great location to cast a line of fishing or relax on the beach. If you are planning to rent or sell this property sometime in the near future, the water features will make it stand out from other properties and attract prospective tenants or buyers. In case you want to take it with you, you can. Floating swimming platforms are simple to move and put up in your new residence.

Commercial Settings

Commercial properties should be looking for ways to increase the worth and value of their waterways. Swimming platforms are an inexpensive, cost-effective way to increase customers’ attention and draw more to your organization.

Governmental Settings

Government property, such as parks and outdoor recreation spaces, always has to balance public interest and the requirement for sturdy, safe and durable products. A floating swimming platform is an investment that lasts for a long time, can adapt to your requirements, and is able to meet government rules and guidelines.

For Recreational Use

The floating cafes and floating restaurants are the latest trends in the world of dining. They’re created to provide an atmosphere of dining on the water and provide more quality to the customers.

What To Look For In A Floating Swim Platform?

Always consider a stable, floating swim platform that is sturdy and strong to resist the harshest water situations. Take into consideration the following aspects when making your choice:

Durability

Nobody wants to waste their time taking out extruding nails or reinstalling old planks. Your pool deck should not be a burden. Find a swimming platform constructed of top-quality materials and is built to last with unbeatable quality and durability. This means little maintenance, or none, over the long term. For more durable platforms, you can also consider custom waterfront solutions.

A high-quality floating swimming platform constructed of durable and low-maintenance materials will serve your property for many years to the future. It is essential when it comes to commercial properties looking to achieve an investment that will yield a positive return (ROI).

Non-Slippery Surface

While in the water, safety is the major concern to keep in your mind. Regarding safety, never give a second thought to your mind. Always choose the dock with a non-slippery surface constructed of an unbreakable material. Your feet will always be grateful to you if you remember this.

Material

As they need to be solidly constructed even when they could be being submerged, floating swimming platforms are constructed of the same durable substances with the same design as docks. A floating swimming platform is available in various kinds of materials.

• Aluminium: Aluminum swim platforms are made of aluminium and are combined with plastic or wood. The smooth aluminium surface provides excellent traction, and specially-designed aluminium decking will stop the covering from storing excessive heat. Although aluminium swim platforms offer many benefits like being light-weighted, portable, and movable, they also need proper maintenance and care. They could harm swimmers or boats if they do not have round edges or bumpers.
• Wood: Lumber Wooden swimming platforms and docks have been made of chemically-treated and pressure-treated lumber, which means that boards won’t decay or warp underwater. As wood is a sustainable resource and a cost-effective construction element, it’s susceptible to splintering, heat retention, damage, and wear. The various chemicals that are used to treat wood may also cause harm to aquatic life as well as the environment around it.
• Polyethene: Polyethylene is a high-grade plastic used to make floating swim platforms, boat launches, and other water-related accessories. This material offers strong walls and airtight chambers that aid in making the platform stay sturdy and stable during the high waves and fluctuating levels of water. Polyethene is protected from decay, splinters, stretching, UV fading, and it doesn’t store heat, which makes support and maintenance perfect.

Maintenance

Floating swimming platforms require proper maintenance and attention to prevent water-related accidents. Wooden floating platforms need frequent maintenance, such as applying stains or finishes. Aluminium floating platforms don’t require much maintenance, but they will require regular checkups and an eye out for corrosion, decay, or any other undesirable circumstances. The floating dock made of plastic is the simplest for maintaining. Cleaning and mopping the floor will make them brand-new and fresh.

Budget

Installing floating swimming platforms can be a significant expense, so setting the budget must be among the primary steps to decide the type of platform you’d like.

The material and design you pick will determine the amount you’ll have to pay. Aluminium materials are among the most expensive, whereas polyethylene is among the most economical alternatives. If you have prior experience, perhaps you could create your swimming platform and avoid paying for labour. But the process of building docks isn’t that simple, and you may need to employ a professional. It could cost you more. It is also necessary to set the budget and work accordingly.

Things To Consider Before Placing Floating Swim Platform

Here are some considerations that you should look at before placing floating swim platform arrangements:

Water Conditions

Floating platforms also need the equivalent water conditions that floating docks require. Polyethene materials are more compatible with freshwater and saltwater. Although floating platforms are able to endure various waves or flows, as well as bad conditions, stay clear of tumultuous waters that are dangerous to swim in and could cause your platform to become unstable.

Dock positioning

Modular swim platforms work as standalone systems or are linked to docks. Think about how close the shore and dock platform is and which configuration will work best to allow a reliable way and certain water circumstances.

Local laws

It is important to be aware of the local laws and homeowner’s community rules before constructing an elevated structure or similar in the waters. Additional safeguards are also essential for business or government-owned properties.

Environmental impact 

Do not place the swimming platform close to the water home to threatened species, marine life, or other related ecosystems. Although the platforms are floating in the water, even minor modifications could disrupt fragile ecosystems. You can contact local controlling units for any confusion. 

Options for storage

You would need to keep your swimming platform on the ground if you reside in an area with cold or snowy winters. You should ensure that you have space above the ground in a secure, safe, weather-proof area.

Floating Swim Platform Ideas

After knowing almost everything about the floating swimming platforms, now it’s time to show some creativity. Here are some ideas:

Floating platform for resting

Let’s imagine the floating bed under the crystal clear sky to have some relaxation from the hustle-bustle of daily life. It’s so peaceful. You can choose a floating bridge for resting as shown in the picture.

Floating Bar

Nothing is better to relax and sip a drink in the summer heat than in the water, be it the lake, river, or even your backyard pool. The only downside, you need to come back to replenish your favourite beverage. But, do you know every problem has a solution? Let’s resolve this dilemma by taking a bar along with you.

Yes, you can create a floating bar at the pool that gives the user quick and easy access to their favourite beverages while enjoying the water. Now it’s possible to enjoy the event without interruption. Of course, the most important thing is using the proper equipment, with inflatables to keep your drinks floating and water-proof distractions that keep the guests entertained and protected.

Floating bathing platform

You will enjoy yourself more in the lake, pool, or sea by using a floating platform. With the perfect design and the right equipment, it is possible to use the platform as a bathing stage, floating to rest on or as a sitting area whenever you wish to rest your body after swimming in the ocean.

Floating Swim Platform Maintaining Tips

Maintenance of the swimming platform covers many quality tasks to keep its appearance, shape, value, and longevity. Some tasks related to maintenance, such as treatments and inspections, are completed on a routine or periodic basis. Other maintenance jobs, such as adjustments, and repairs are carried out under skilled professionals.

Take a look at the following jobs you’ll be accountable for carrying out during the course of the year:

Fixing The Damage

Before starting the swimming season, you should examine your wooden and aluminium swimming platforms; you have to look for the signs of damage such as warping, decay, cracks, splinters, unsecured boards, and razor-sharp corners of the platform, or pests infestation. As polyethylene isn’t in danger of sustaining these damages, it is a matter of a single glance to make sure the platform has not damaged any damage during storage will suffice. Do not ignore any damage, as it will get worse and more complicated to fix.

Method of Treatment

Swimming platforms made of wood need frequent cleaning and sealing to keep them solid and sturdy. This means sanding the boards before applying an environmentally-safe sealant.

Paint

Polyethene and aluminium swimming platforms are not painted and won’t dim; you’ll eventually need to repaint or stain the sun-coloured wood to maintain its appearance. Make sure to apply nontoxic water-friendly paint and seal the platform before placing it back into the water.

Fasteners

In aluminium and wooden platforms, there is a possibility of loosening Nails and screws, falling off, and rust or corrosion. Also, they require periodic weatherization treatments to prevent wear. So it is recommended to use a rubber coupler; this will help you from replacing or winterizing.

Cleansing

Aluminium and wood materials require regular maintenance to avoid damaging accumulation or corrosion. For instance, aluminium is susceptible to staining and corrosion if you don’t clean it using an aluminium-safe solution or wire brush. Also, you must spray wood and aluminium with clean water when they are placed on saltwater to prevent salt corrosion. Polyethene platforms are typically clean after the rain. However, they can appear new by using a little cleaner or a high-pressure wash.

The aluminium and lumber industries require more upkeep and care than polyethylene. This makes polyethylene the least maintenance-intensive option.

Conclusion

In Short, selecting the most suitable floating swimming platform will be based on the use you intend to make, your location, budget, and other aspects. While wooden and aluminium floating docks are strong and durable, they are costly and require frequent maintenance. 

Plastic floating docks can be versatile, inexpensive, cost-effective, and simple to maintain. But, they might not be suitable for all types of weather conditions and types of water. If you’re looking for assistance in choosing the right floating platforms, contact us today, and we will assist you with our expert guidance and world-class services.