When it comes to remodelling a bathroom, at some point, the topic of safety invariably comes up, and the shower has to be one of the top priorities.
The statistics for slips and falls in the shower are frighteningly high, and bear in mind, those statistics are solely based on reported slips and falls and don't include the near misses, bruises and injuries that aren't reported, which you can bet will be far higher.
Over the years, traditional slip-resistant shower trays have offered safety through rough or textured surfaces being applied as a coating to a standard shower tray, which is fantastic and it works, but the downside of this type of coating is that it can often trap soap scum, dirt, and grime, making regular cleaning a real hardship. And if you can't keep a slip-resistant surface clean, it ironically becomes slippy.
If you've ever tried researching online for tips on how to clean a dirty or discolored shower surface, you are guaranteed to end up down a long rabbit hole of forums and articles filled with all sorts of cleaning advice. Heavy scrubbing and using strong cleaning agents are the order of the day, and while these methods may temporarily improve the appearance, they actually accelerate the breakdown of the slip-resistant coating. Not ideal.
This is the bit where the SENSTEC anti-slip shower tray comes in.
If we set aside the high anti-slip safety levels, which SENSTEC has, and we ignore the comfort side of things, like the University of Ulster user study using words like massage and reflexology to describe the feeling of standing on a SENSTEC tray, and instead we focus solely on the cleanability side of things, we begin to discover why this patented anti-slip shower tray stands apart from all others and why keeping it clean, and therefore safe, is a breeze.
SENSTEC reinvented what an anti-slip shower tray should be.
Instead of adding a rough, separate layer on top of a standard smooth shower tray, SENSTEC integrated its unique "dimples" directly into the product design. Therefore, it isn't a surface coating; the anti-slip properties are part of the actual tray itself.
The core of the SENSTEC design is a dimpled pattern that is patented in the United States, the United Kingdom and across Europe. These dimples aren't just random bumps thrown onto the surface of a shower tray; they have been carefully engineered in size, shape and pattern to provide an exceptional amount of grip, create a high level of comfort and still be extremely easy to clean.
The dimples are part of the mold used to create the shower tray during manufacture. This means that there's no additional coating that can peel or wear off over time. Instead, the anti-slip features are part of the very structure of the tray.
The dimples are small enough in height to avoid forming deep recesses, which is crucial because deep grooves are exactly where soap scum and grime tend to accumulate. With SENSTEC's shallow set dimples, there's less chance for dirt to settle.
Every single dimple is placed with precision. The exact distance between each one isn't random; it's designed. Design to allow water to flow freely across the surface. The dimple pattern actually helps wash away soap and dirt, keeping the tray cleaner in the first place.
These design choices made a huge difference, and it took forty-two different prototypes and the help of the aerospace tooling industry to reach the final product version that we have today.
The technology behind the SENSTEC shower tray is also in the choice of materials used.
At its core, SENSTEC is built using a high-quality stone resin, a material known for its durability and strength. Add to that a smooth, non-porous gel outer coat covering the entire surface, and now you have the beginnings of something special.
Here's why this matters:
Unlike porous materials that can soak up water and oils, the gel outer coat repels them and prevents any substance from penetrating. This means that soap, shampoo, and other residues sit on the surface and can be easily wiped away.
The gel coating is applied evenly over the tray, including over the integrated dimples. There are no seams, gaps, or hidden crevices where dirt might hide. This uniform surface is key to why the tray is so easy to clean, and because the anti-slip features are built right into the tray and protected by a durable gel, the surface stays effective over time.
It continues to look new for years without the need for any special maintenance or reapplication of coatings.
By choosing a material combination that emphasizes both strength and simplicity, SENSTEC created a shower tray that is not only safe but also effortless to maintain.
The precise shape, spacing, and shallow depth of the dimples do more than provide grip. One of the most impressive aspects of the SENSTEC design is that it uses the science of fluid dynamics to help keep the surface clean. This concept might sound complex, but it's pretty straightforward when you break it down.
When water hits the surface of the shower tray, the dimpled pattern creates a series of small, controlled "eddies" or micro-turbulences as the water moves over the dimpled surface. These tiny swirls help dislodge any particles that might begin to stick to the surface. The water is channeled evenly across the surface and directed toward the drain. This micro vortex of water helps to remove soap residues and dirt, meaning that even after a shower, the tray doesn't develop unsightly streaks or spots. Essentially, the tray has a self-cleaning quality built right into its design.
The combination of an integrated anti-slip design, smart material choices, and attention to fluid dynamics means that the SENSTEC anti-slip shower tray offers significant long-term benefits.
- Because the anti-slip features are an integral part of the tray, you don't have to worry about them wearing off or needing constant touch-ups. The tray maintains its performance for the lifetime of the tray, which means your shower remains a safe space without extra upkeep. This consistency is something you simply can't get with trays that rely on applied coatings.
- Since the surface is non-porous and smooth, regular cleaning can be done with mild detergents and warm water. There's no need for abrasive chemicals or intensive scrubbing. This not only saves you time but also helps preserve the tray's appearance and functionality.
- It's one thing for a shower tray to be safe, but if it isn't comfortable, you're not going to enjoy your shower. Users of the SENSTEC tray have often commented on how the surface feels underfoot, with some describing it as having a gentle, massage-like quality. This comfort, again, is a direct result of the careful engineering that ensures the dimples are just right for providing grip without being overly harsh on the skin.
So, what sets the SENSTEC anti-slip shower tray apart is not just one single feature but a thoughtful blend of design, material science, and engineering precision.
By addressing the common pitfalls of traditional anti-slip surfaces, SENSTEC has engineered a shower tray that combines safety, cleanliness, and comfort in a way that few products can.
This was never just about having an anti-slip surface; it was about creating a product that makes your everyday routine easier and more enjoyable.
In the end, whether you're a senior or a busy parent who values both safety and simplicity, the SENSTEC anti-slip shower tray offers you a practical solution that stands up to daily use without compromising on ease of maintenance. With its innovative design and high-quality materials, SENSTEC truly sets a new standard for what a shower tray can be.
This isn't just another product; it's the result of years of innovation, attention to detail, and a commitment to making everyday life a little safer and a lot simpler.
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