Swimming Pool Slides
If you've ever been to a water park or a resort pool with a slide, you know how much fun a pool slide can be. It's easy to ride it ten or twenty times in a row and not get bored – and kids will climb up and slide down for hours if you let them. So adding a slide to your pool is a terrific investment in entertainment for the entire family.
Many people decide they want to add a slide to an existing pool which is possible with on-deck mounting. With this type of mounting system, you drill holes in the existing concrete deck and install anchors that hold the slide in place. On-deck mounting is available for most of the slides we carry including some of our most popular listed below.
Most Swimming Pool Slides are designed to be used only with in-ground pools but the Zoomerang pool slide can be installed on an above ground pool with a wood deck. If you are installing a custom pool slide, we also carry the BigRide landscape pool slide. This is a dramatic, 17-foot runway designed to be built into a rock landscape or other custom installation.
Swimming Pool Slides come in many different shapes, colors, twists and turns. In thinking about which pool slide is right for you, first take some time to consider who will be using it the most, in particular what age group. For young children who may be more easily intimidated, you might want to go with a lower pool slide that has a fairly straight runway such as the Zoomerang or Cyclone. Pre-teens, teens and adults are more likely looking for bigger thrills so a taller and twistier pool slide may be in order. For maximum twists and turns, check out the G-Force from Inter-fab. Or if you're looking for height, S.R. Smith's Turbo Twister and Typhoon Swimming Pool Slides are some of the tallest.
You will also need to calculate how much space you have on your deck. The size and shape of the pool slide will affect the area needed for installation so you have to consult the specifications for the particular model(s) you're considering. Many of the installation guides can be found on our web site in the product descriptions or through our Owners' Manuals link.
Once you know how much deck space is available, you can figure out which turn you need. Most Swimming Pool Slides are classified as having either a left or right turn. This is determined from the perspective of you sitting at the top of the pool slide facing forward. From this position, a left turn will go to your left and a right turn to your right. It sounds obvious but trust us, this causes quite a bit of confusion! Whether you need a left or a right turn depends on where you will position the pool slide on the pool deck.
Most Swimming Pool Slides now come with water delivery systems which provide water flow to the flume for a true water park experience. Swimming Pool Slides with water delivery include a plumbing assembly that typically attaches to the underside of the flume. You just add the water which is usually accomplished with either a pipe stubbed up through the deck or with a garden hose. The stub up would be placed during new pool construction or renovation before the cement is poured for the deck, with the plumbing line running back to your pool's main circulation pump. If you are adding a pool slide to an existing pool, attaching a garden hose would be the easier way to go. The garden hose option may not be available for all Swimming Pool Slides so we recommend checking with the manufacturer first.
Pool slide Safety
For the safety of your family and friends, as well as your personal liability, all potential sliders should be instructed on the correct way to slide and there must always be an able-bodied adult supervising pool slide usage. Swimming Pool Slides are supposed to be FUN so don't take any chances. Proper installation, usage and supervision can ensure years of safe and great times in your pool.
One of the most important factors in pool slide safety is the depth of water that riders will land in when coming off the flume. The manufacturer of the pool slide will have detailed instructions about this in their installation and owners' manuals. The recommended depth does vary from pool slide to pool slide so you must follow the instructions for each specific model. There may also be local code requirements specific to your area so it's a good idea to look into this prior to purchase and installation. Local codes may differ from the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, there will be a recommended depth right at the exit lip of the pool slide and then another, greater depth that extends a certain distance from the exit lip. This is to ensure there's a safe amount of water for landing to decrease the chances of injury and drowning. It is extremely important to make sure all manufacturers' guidelines and local code requirements are followed exactly.
Swimming Pool Slides should only be installed on the recommended type of pool. In most cases, this will be an in-ground pool with the pool slide permanently anchored into the concrete deck. For an above ground pool with a deck, use only a pool slide specifically designated for that pool type. Do not use an in-ground pool slide on an above ground pool. As part of your overall pool maintenance, it's a good idea to hose down the pool slide weekly and check to be sure all hardware is securely tightened. All Swimming Pool Slides should be thoroughly inspected at least once a year for any damaged, loosened or broken parts and if necessary, repaired by a qualified pool professional.
Riders should be instructed to slide only in a seated, feet-first position with legs and arms straight out and palms tilted upward. Sliding head first is dangerous and can result in injury and/or drowning. You cannot rely on the water to slow down the rider enough to prevent them from hitting their head on the pool floor. Also, the force of water hitting the face and possibly entering the mouth and nose can be disorienting, especially for younger, inexperienced swimmers who may be inclined to panic more easily. Do not slide with, toward and/or through any objects such as rafts, tubes or pool toys.
Only one person at a time should be on the pool slide, including the ladder portion. Riders should make sure no obstacles are in the path of the pool slide such as other people, floats, toys, etc. Swimmers also need to be aware and avoid swimming near the pool slide. If there is a diving board on the pool, both divers and sliders must pay attention to one another and take turns. Coming off the pool slide and colliding with someone already in the pool could result in injury or death. Swimming Pool Slides should not be used for anything other than sliding. Playing or standing on the pool slide or jumping or diving off of it should never be permitted.
It is advisable for anyone with health issues such as heart conditions, seizures, fainting or back problems to avoid using Swimming Pool Slides. If you have a fear of heights, are pregnant or intoxicated, you should not ride a pool slide. Most Swimming Pool Slides have a weight limit, usually 250 – 300 pounds depending upon the model. Anyone who exceeds the manufacturer's stated weight limit should remain off of the pool slide.
Visit our Swimming Pool Slides store.