Why Reticulated Foam Is the Best Choice for Poolside Cushions in Western Australia
Poolside living is part of the Western Australian lifestyle — whether you’re in Mandurah, Perth, Rockingham, Bunbury, or anywhere along the coast. But the combination of intense UV, high summer temperatures, salt-laden breezes and occasional rain can destroy ordinary outdoor cushions in months.
That’s where reticulated foam becomes an absolute game-changer.
If you’ve ever had pool cushions go mouldy, stay soaked for days, smell musty, or break down far too quickly, this guide explains exactly why reticulated foam is the premium choice for WA’s harsh outdoor conditions — and how to choose the right type for your home.
What Makes WA’s Climate Tough on Outdoor Cushions?
Western Australia has some of the harshest outdoor conditions in the world. Your cushions deal with:
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Extreme UV exposure (WA has the highest UV index in Australia)
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Salt air near the coast
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Sudden rain then blazing sun
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Water splash from pools and spas
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High humidity around water features
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Hot surfaces that trap moisture
Standard outdoor foam simply isn’t designed for this. It traps water, breeds mould, and breaks down fast.
Reticulated foam, however, thrives in these conditions.
What Is Reticulated Foam?
Reticulated foam — also known as quick-dry foam or outdoor flow-through foam — is a type of polyurethane foam with its internal cell walls removed.
This leaves a completely open, airy structure where water and air can move freely.
It’s basically:
✔ A breathable mesh-like foam
✔ Designed to drain water instantly
✔ Engineered for outdoor environments
✔ Resistant to mould, mildew, and bacteria
It’s the same foam used on luxury pool loungers, marine seating, and top-end resort furniture.
Why Reticulated Foam Is the #1 Choice for Poolside Cushions in WA
1. Ultra-Fast Drying — No More Soggy Cushions
Reticulated foam drains water almost instantly.
Pour a cup of water through it and it runs straight out.
This means your pool loungers can be splashed repeatedly — or even rained on — and still dry in minutes, not days.
In WA’s humidity, this prevents:
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Mould
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Mildew
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Bad smells
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Rot
2. Built-In Ventilation Keeps Cushions Fresh
The open-cell structure allows constant airflow.
This ventilation:
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Keeps foam cool
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Stops moisture build-up
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Extends cushion life
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Prevents bacterial growth
For WA’s coastal areas like Mandurah, Dawesville, Secret Harbour and Rockingham — this is essential.
3. Designed Specifically for Outdoor Use
Standard foam was designed for indoor lounges.
Reticulated foam was engineered for:
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Pool chairs
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Outdoor benches
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Boat cushions
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Marina seating
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Resort sunbeds
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Patio furniture
It performs exactly how outdoor foam should perform in WA’s harsh climate.
4. Perfect for Saltwater & Marine Environments
If you’re near WA’s coastline or canals, outdoor cushions are constantly exposed to:
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Saltwater spray
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Humid ocean air
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Sudden storms
Reticulated foam resists:
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Salt damage
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Microbial growth
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Breakdown from moisture
This makes it ideal for homes near the Mandurah Estuary, Falcon Bay, Secret Harbour Beach, Bunbury Back Beach or the Swan River.
5. UV-Resistant & Long-Lasting in Extreme Heat
Reticulated foam is made using outdoor-grade polyurethane that withstands:
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High UV exposure
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Colour fading
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Structural breakdown
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Heat deformation
It lasts years longer than standard foam in Western Australia’s sun.
6. Easy to Clean & Maintain
To clean reticulated foam:
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Remove the cushion cover
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Hose the foam down
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Let it air dry
That’s it.
Because it drains instantly, it rarely develops odours — even after years of use.
7. Holds Its Shape Better Than Standard Outdoor Foam
Reticulated foam is high-resilience, meaning:
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It bounces back
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Doesn’t flatten quickly
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Handles heavy use
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Feels supportive
This makes it perfect for:
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Pool lounges
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Outdoor dining seats
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Daybeds
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Café and restaurant outdoor seating
Where Reticulated Foam Works Best in WA Homes
Here are the most common applications:
✔ Poolside loungers
✔ Spa seating
✔ Outdoor daybeds
✔ Patio seating
✔ Alfresco benches
✔ Boat cushions
✔ Caravan outdoor setups
✔ Resort or café outdoor furniture
Any area exposed to water or humidity benefits from reticulated foam.
Choosing the Right Thickness & Firmness
Here are recommended thicknesses for WA outdoor use:
|
Furniture Type |
Foam Thickness |
Firmness |
|---|---|---|
|
Pool loungers |
75–100mm |
Medium |
|
Dining chairs |
40–60mm |
Medium-firm |
|
Daybeds |
100–150mm |
Medium |
|
Marine seating |
50–75mm |
Firm |
|
Patio bench seats |
75–100mm |
Medium-firm |
Reticulated foam can be cut to ANY shape or size — including:
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Curves
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Angles
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Boat seat templates
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Radius corners
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Custom patterns
Use It With Water-Resistant Outdoor Fabrics for Best Results
For maximum durability, pair reticulated foam with:
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Sunbrella® outdoor fabric
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Olefin outdoor fabric
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Marine vinyl
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UV-stabilised canvas
This combination gives you long-lasting, luxury-grade poolside seating.
Final Thoughts: Reticulated Foam Is the Smart Choice for WA Outdoor Living
If you want cushions that survive WA’s scorching summers, sudden rain, salty air and constant pool splash, there is no better option than reticulated foam.
It dries fast, resists mould, stays fresh, and lasts for years — giving you resort-quality comfort at home.
Foam Supplies WA can cut reticulated foam to any size or shape, delivered anywhere in Western Australia.
