How to Choose the Perfect Slide for Your Swimming Pool

Sure, pools and playgrounds are quintessential outdoor fun.  However, combine the two and you’ve got a formula for amazing summer memories. While visits to your local water park may seem like an enjoyable family adventure, we’re about to reveal a little secret!

You are not need to leave your backyard to enjoy a pool slide.  Like a good diving board, a high-quality slide can be the perfect add-on to your inground or above ground pool.  All you have to do is choose the appropriate match for your pool, deck, and backyard, as well as your adventurous spirit.  A swimming pool with slides is a mouse-click away.

Before You Purchase

Sure, we’re all kings and queens of our own castles.  But we also have outside forces like local ordinances and homeowners’ associations to consider.

For example, your city or province may require you to have a fenced-in yard if you install a residential slide.  Additionally, your homeowners’ organisation may have limitations regarding the slide’s height.

Before you invest in a pool slide, check with your homeowners’ association and your local and provincial governments.  Although many restrictions apply solely to public swimming pools, it is preferable to get authorization now rather than battle a fine later.

That being said, a pool slide is a terrific investment for your family.  They are not just for kids anymore.  Backyard pools with slides are the envy of the neighbourhood!

Swimming Pool Slide Ideas

The market provides a variety of models – plastic and inflatable are the two most common – and we propose that you focus on those water slides that give their owners not only an outstanding value for money and good quality, but also simplicity of installation and maintenance.

Not every slide for the pool can be easily installed and suitable for your swimming pool – you need to take into consideration not only the size of the pool itself, but also the surrounding area.  Make sure that the installed slide does not block the movement around the pool deck and is absolutely safe for any child when using it.

Additionally, it is prudent to select the most recent varieties of water slides, which have extra structural components that contribute to the overall safety of this pool attraction.

We shall look at the different types of water slides for swimming pools, their advantages and disadvantages and will help you find the best solution for your own water slide swimming pool.

When choosing your slide, you will need to know the size of your deck so you can determine how large a slide you can place there.  Additionally, you will need to measure the depth of the pool.  That will guide your choice in terms of how deep the swimmers can go before your slide is too big or too high. 

Making That Choice

When it comes to purchasing the most appropriate form of water slide, you must exercise extreme caution and pick for those that have received the backing of several people who have previously tried them.  Do your research.

For existing pools, you should consider slides that allow for flexible height adjustment and can be installed in almost any space, including the tiniest spaces.

Above ground pool slides are available in many different sizes so get the one that fits.

True, the market offers pool slides in a wide price range but, depending on your particular needs, you can find a high-quality and reliable slide that will not be too expensive.  However, there are some general requirements that every slide for your pool should meet:

• Children’s slides must be safe.  It should be securely planted on the ground and should not move in the event of a little physical collision.
• The load-bearing capability is another consideration.
• The surface of the slide must be smooth, so that the child is not scratched or hurt.  Additionally, the surface must be wet in order for sliding to be safe.
• At the end of the slide, the swimmer must land in a safe pool depth. The rule is straightforward: the greater the height of the slide, the deeper the pool must be. Consider the slope of the slide; it should not be too steep.
• The slide must be appropriate for the child’s age in order for him to feel secure on it.
• The slide must be safe for the user, the material and paint that is covered in the inventory should not be toxic.  For example, fiberglass is ideal for this purpose.

Should I Choose Plastic?

Pool slides made of a rigid material (plastic, reinforced fiberglass) have their advantages – they are more durable, because they are made of materials resistant not only to unfavorable weather conditions like UV rays, shocks and temperature fluctuations and other weather, but also to mechanical damages.

These are safe and reliable structures and can be used indoors and outdoors.  However, more time and effort will be required to install them than for inflatable counterparts. Throughout the installation process, it is vital to ensure that the structure is securely fastened, does not swing, and does not stagger, thus it is recommended that you supervise.

Shop from a responsible retailer who has an ideal reputation like Toronto Pool Supplies.

The undoubted advantage of this category of slides is the presence of handrails, which is especially important for the safety of children.  Ladders on such slides are often coated with an anti-slip materia.

Water slides made of plastic come in an array of forms, sizes, and colours. They’re rather lovely, and you can combine them with a flume water slide for added enjoyment. However, their price can be significantly higher, depending on the complexity of the model.

What About Inflatable Slides?

Children and adults alike may enjoy inflatable pool slides. A distinct feature of this kind of water attraction is its portability — such structures are lightweight and can be put almost anyplace. When selecting an inflatable water slide for your pool, it’s important to consider the maximum load capacity and the maximum number of people that can ride the slide simultaneously.

inground pool slides are also inflatable, not just those for above ground pools.

Manufacturers provide slides in a variety of sizes, ranging from little children’s slides to large commercial-grade slides. Inflatable constructions may be fitted with water pumps that send water to the very top – this makes sliding quicker and faster, while also minimising injuries.  A pump of this kind may be connected to the garden hose in a private residence. Inflatable pool slides can be manufactured in bright colors which additionally decorates the pool. 

Inflatable slides should be made from materials resistant to frequent dynamic loads and resistant to the constant effect of water.  The majority of manufacturers include an air pump, a carrying box, and a repair kit for minor damage, which contains an appropriate adhesive and material for tiny repairs. These slides are simple to build and may be deflated and folded compactly on wet days. Do not forget to thoroughly dry the slide before removing it for storage. 

Ease of Installation

You always have the option of installing a pool slide on your own.  If you try to avoid hiring extra help as much as possible, make sure you can understand the manufacturer’s installation instructions and that you own all the tools needed to get the job done before you choose a slide.

The majority of manufacturers make their owner/installation manuals available for download on their websites. Additionally, you may be able to locate such manuals using a search engine.

If you’re not comfortable installing a slide on your own, professionals at Toronto Pool Supplies can help you choose.  Before you make a final decision on your slide, make sure you can arrange installation for the slide you purchase.

How Much do Pool Slides Cost?

Pool slides can range in price depending on the design.  For a prefabricated slide with a ladder, you might spend $8,000 – $10,000 or more on average after installation.  If you shop for a pool slide online, you’ll likely find that most pool slides have a price tag that is significantly lower, with smaller pool slides usually being cheaper.

You may even spend up to $20,000 on enormous, sophisticated pool slides.

If you want a personalised pool slide bordered by rocks and featuring exciting twists and turns? That kind of thing might cost you up to $100,000.

Where to buy pool slides?  Right here at Toronto Pool Supplies!

Choosing the Right Slide for Your Swimming Pool

Once you know your provincial and local laws, the size of your deck, and your water depth, all you have to do is pick a slide that jibes with your pool vibe.  And, of course, double-check the manufacturer’s space and depth recommendations before making your final selection.

Once that is accomplished, all that remains is to set up, figure out how to keep it wet, and then enjoy it. Once you’ve installed a pool slide, you’ll wonder how you survived without one.  

Search here today for your new slide!