Guide/Wet Area Mats
Best mats for wet areas and pool changing rooms
For a pool changing room the best mat is one that drains, dries fast and is comfortable on bare feet: the Spiral Loop Mat is the specialist, the Safewalk suits showers and plant rooms, and Safety Grip Tubular runs cover long walkways. Here is how they compare.
Reviewed and updated October 2026
Wet area mats compared
| Mat | Material | Best for | Format | Price (incl GST) | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spiral Loop Mat Roll | Vinyl loops, 8mm unbacked or 12mm backed | Pool decks, change rooms, saunas, bare feet | 1220mm wide, per metre or 12m roll | from $156 per metre | Stocked sizes dispatch fast |
| Spiral Loop Mat | Vinyl loops | Single shower or doorway mats | 600mm x 900mm and 900mm x 1500mm | from $50 | Stocked sizes dispatch fast |
| Safewalk Mat - Black | 12mm natural rubber with drainage holes | Showers, plant rooms, kiosks, anywhere staff stand | 600mm x 900mm to 910mm x 2950mm | from $35 | Stocked sizes dispatch fast |
| Safety Grip Tubular Mat | Food grade PVC tubes | Long walkways, under lockers, hygiene areas | 910mm or 1220mm wide rolls, per metre | from $141 per metre | Stocked sizes dispatch fast |
| Honeycomb Heavy Duty Drainage Mat | 19mm natural rubber, large drainage holes | Pool plant, heavy traffic wet floors, joined runs | 1000mm x 1500mm, connectable | from $110 | Stocked sizes dispatch fast |
| SpiralLoop Logo Inlay | Vinyl loops with inlaid logo | Branded pool and club entries | 600mm x 850mm to 850mm x 3000mm | from $350 | Allow 4 weeks from payment and proof approval |
What a changing room mat has to do
Be kind to bare feet
The Spiral Loop is built for bare feet: a cushioned textured loop surface that is comfortable, slip resistant and resistant to stain, mildew and most chemicals.
Drain and dry
Open constructions let water pass straight through and dry quickly, so the surface never sits wet. Backed Spiral Loop adds a solid base for loose-laid runs; unbacked suits areas you want to hose through.
Stand up to chlorine and cleaning
Vinyl and PVC mats tolerate pool chemicals and sanitising sprays. The Safety Grip Tubular is chemical, oil and alcohol resistant and non-porous, and suits antibacterial sprays.
How to choose a wet area mat
- Bare feet or shoes? Bare-foot areas (pool decks, change rooms, saunas) want Spiral Loop. Shoe areas (plant rooms, kiosks, back of house) can use rubber drainage mats such as Safewalk or Honeycomb.
- Loose mats or a continuous run? Buy standard sizes for showers and doorways. For walkways and under benches, order Spiral Loop or Safety Grip Tubular from the roll, cut to length.
- Backed or unbacked? Backed Spiral Loop (12mm) stays flatter and feels more cushioned. Unbacked (8mm) drains fastest and is lighter to lift for cleaning.
- Hygiene routine. Shake, hose and let dry. Non-porous PVC can be sprayed with sanitiser. Avoid carpet-faced mats in permanently wet rooms.
- Slip resistance. Textured and open surfaces give grip under water. Pair matting with proper floor grading so water does not pool under the mat.
- Branding. Aquatic centres and clubs can inlay a logo into Spiral Loop with the SpiralLoop Logo Inlay.
Aquatic centres, gyms, hotels and schools
We supply wet area matting to council aquatic centres, fitness clubs, hotel spas and school pools across Australia, with australian and new zealand warehousing for fast dispatch and professional installation managed end to end for long runs. See the non-slip pool mats and wet area mats collections, and ask for free samples to test underfoot before you order a roll.
Why buy from The Mat Group
30+ years in matting
Supplying commercial, industrial and residential matting since 1990, with Australian and New Zealand warehousing for fast dispatch.
Free samples and site measure
Order free samples on most products, or book a free site measure and quote for a commercial project.
Price beat guarantee and installation
Professional installation managed end to end. Our price beat guarantee applies to like-for-like quotes.
Related guides
See the best anti-fatigue mats for commercial kitchens for other drainage mats, and commercial matting materials compared for how vinyl, rubber and PVC differ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mat for a pool changing room?
The Spiral Loop Mat. Its vinyl loop surface is comfortable on bare feet, drains and dries quickly, resists mildew and pool chemicals, and is available in standard sizes or cut from a 1220mm roll for long runs.
Are wet area mats slip resistant?
Yes. Open and textured surfaces such as Spiral Loop, Safety Grip Tubular and the Honeycomb drainage mat give grip under water. The Safewalk has moulded bevelled edges on all sides to reduce trips.
Can wet area mats be cut to size?
Spiral Loop and Safety Grip Tubular are sold per linear metre from the roll, and Honeycomb mats connect end to end. Custom shapes are available on request.
How do I keep pool mats hygienic?
Hose them regularly, let them dry fully, and use an antibacterial sanitising spray on non-porous PVC mats. Avoid carpet-faced mats in permanently wet rooms.
Do you supply aquatic centres and councils?
Yes. We supply councils, aquatic centres, schools and clubs Australia-wide, quote supply and installation together, and offer free samples and a free site measure for larger areas.
Need help choosing?
Tell us about the space and our team will recommend the right matting and send sizes and prices.
