POOLMAT: how to turn a pool into a floating studio for group classes

A swimming pool can be much more than a place for swimming. With clear programming and the right equipment, it can also become a floating studio for visually distinctive, well-organised group experiences.

POOLMAT is a professional aquatic platform available in rectangular and round formats. Its design allows up to ten units to be connected, opening an interesting possibility for hotels, spas, sports centres and private pools: creating a modular space that adapts to the size of the group and the aim of each session.

Design the space before the session

Before choosing exercises, study the pool. Depth, access points, other users and the distance between platforms all shape the experience. A thoughtful layout helps the instructor see the group, gives each participant enough room and keeps entry and exit orderly.

Units can be arranged in a line, in small groups or around a central point, always following the manufacturer’s installation and safety instructions. The layout should serve the activity, not just the photograph: a calm class needs a different arrangement from a dynamic one.

A welcome that reduces uncertainty

Stepping onto a floating platform for the first time can raise questions even for experienced exercisers. The experience therefore begins outside the water. Explaining where to place the hands, how to get on, what to do after losing balance and how to leave the platform helps the group focus on the activity.

The opening part of the session should let every participant explore POOLMAT’s stability through simple movements. The instructor can then offer different versions of the same task, enabling each user to find a suitable level without interrupting the collective rhythm.

Build the class in recognisable blocks

An easy-to-follow session can be divided into four stages: familiarisation, mobility, the main block and cool-down. Within that structure, the professional decides whether the activity is closer to aquatic yoga, Pilates, balance training or a combination of disciplines.

Transitions deserve special attention. Moving from a low position to standing, changing direction or travelling across the platform should be introduced gradually. Flow does not come from linking many exercises, but from ensuring the group understands what comes next.

Create different levels without splitting the group

The same instruction can have several versions. One participant may maintain more points of contact, another may reduce them and another may add an arm movement. The instructor does not need to turn the class into three different sessions: clear progressions are enough, together with the reminder that control comes before range or speed.

This approach is especially helpful for mixed-ability groups. The platform provides a shared experience while each person works within an appropriate option under professional supervision.

Connect POOLMAT to an aquatic fitness ecosystem

POOLMAT can lead a class and also form part of a wider programme. A facility can alternate balance sessions with aquatic functional training using POOLBAG, aquabiking on POOLBIKING ULTRA or elliptical training on POOLBIKING ORBITAL.

For a more energetic offering, the programme can also include aquatic cardio with POOLJUMPING. The goal is not to use every piece of equipment in one class, but to build a varied timetable that gives users different reasons to return to the pool.

Observe the complete experience

When evaluating the activity, look beyond exercise execution. Did the booking confirmation explain what participants should bring? Was entering the water smooth? Were the platforms ready on time? Were position changes easy to understand? Would the group return?

These questions help improve both operations and the perception of the service. A premium experience is built through equipment, attention to detail, organisation and the instructor’s ability to guide the group.

A new identity for the pool

A well-programmed POOLMAT installation can change how users see the pool: from a secondary amenity into a central setting for wellbeing and movement.

Discover POOLMAT and its available formats to design a floating experience suited to your facility, pool and community.