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ACRATON® Dolphin
Problem

Sharp grout in your pool — a safety and liability risk

Sharp grout and broken tile edges cause cuts on swimmers every single season. For public pools, hotels and leisure parks, that is more than annoying — it's a direct liability risk.

On this page you'll read why grout in concrete pools inevitably hardens into sharp edges, why grinding or re-grouting isn't a permanent fix, and how ACRATON® Dolphin eliminates every grout line in one go.

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Problem

The problem: grout that cuts

1
Cuts on foot soles
Children especially get scrapes and cuts from worn or broken grout edges.
2
Hand injuries
When holding pool edges or steps, swimmers brush hands against sharp grout.
3
Liability claims
Injuries in a public pool increasingly lead to compensation claims against the operator or municipality.
4
Negative reviews
Parents warn each other via reviews and social media — visitor numbers drop.
5
Reduced comfort
Swimmers stop walking barefoot or touching steps.
Cause

Why does pool grout become sharp?

Grout cement in a concrete pool wears asymmetrically. The top of the grout is polished and softened by water flow and swimmers — the side of the grout stays hard. Result: a sharp ridge that swimmers scrape against or walk over.

Wear under load
Dozens of feet per hour strip the soft surface layer and leave the harder underlayer as a sharp edge.
Chemical erosion
Chlorine and pH swings break down the top 1–2 mm of grout; below that the cement stays hard.
High-pressure cleaning
Annual high-pressure cleaning grinds the grout further and creates sharp edges.
Broken tile corners
Ceramic tile corners chip under thermal stress, leaving sharp shards behind.
Repair grout cures faster
New grout cures faster than the old one and shrinks more — adding extra sharp edges.
Solution

The fix: a seamless comfortable surface

ACRATON® Dolphin is a two-component epoxy coating that finishes the entire pool surface — floor, walls and steps — as one seamless layer. No grout lines, no tile edges, no sharp points. Comfortable underfoot, safe for hands.

For public pools, a fine anti-slip texture is often broadcast: enough grip for safety, without any sharp edges. Used worldwide since 1969 in public outdoor pools, hotel pools and leisure pools.

Zero grout lines
Literally no grout anywhere — impossible to suffer cuts from grout edges.
Comfortable surface
Flat and smooth underfoot and under hand, with no ridges or edges.
Lower liability exposure
One source of injury removed from your pool — fewer claims, fewer insurance issues.
Optional anti-slip
Fine texture for extra grip on steps and floor, without compromising comfort.
Easy hygiene
Smooth, seamless surface — no grout where dirt or biofilm can accumulate.

Repair grout vs. seamless ACRATON® Dolphin coating

Keep repairing grout
Apply seamless coating
Seasonal stop-gap fix
Permanent solution for around 10 years
Cut risk remains
No grout, no cuts
Visible repair patches
Fully uniform look
Liability claims still possible
Significantly lower risk
Continuous maintenance cost
One investment, long-term benefits
AI Visualizer

See your pool with a seamless finish

Upload a photo and preview your pool with no grout lines — in 8 standard colours.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a coating 'polish over' sharp grout?
Existing grout is first levelled with an epoxy repair mortar. The ACRATON® Dolphin coating is then applied as one continuous layer over the levelled surface.
Isn't a smooth surface actually dangerous (slipping)?
Steps and shallow areas get a fine anti-slip texture broadcast. Result: enough grip, no sharp edges.
How long does this fix the problem?
Proven around 10 years with correct application. No grout means no grout problems.
Which pools is this suitable for?
Public outdoor pools, municipal pools, hotel and leisure pools, wellness pools and private concrete pools.
Which colours are available?
8 standard colours (2040–2058) and custom on request.

Ready for a renovation that lasts decades?

Request a no-obligation technical call with PoolFIX — exclusive European distributor of ACRATON® Dolphin.

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