If you already have a backyard swimming pool, you know there’s nothing better than having a private place to swim with friends and family on a hot day. There are many accessories you can add to your pool to improve your enjoyment of it and a slide is one of the easiest and most popular things to do.
If you want to add a swimming pool slide for more fun in the sun, here’s what you’ll need to know.
Slide Construction
Most pool slides these days are made of molded acrylic, PVC or fiberglass and have a slippery, high-gloss finish, with railings usually being made of stainless steel. While a brightly-coloured slide is an attractive design choice, its steps can get hot in the sun, so a lighter colour is more practical.
Sizes & Shapes
When it comes to pool slides, you can choose from a wide variety of shapes. You should pick one that is safe for your youngest child but is interesting enough for your children as they grow.
Straight slides are rarely sold anymore because they don’t offer enough thrills. Also, straight slides take up more space than a slide that has twists and turns. For a backyard with limited space, choose a pool slide that runs parallel to the pool’s edge for most of its length. You’ll want to make sure that the water is deep enough for the slide’s speed or a swimmer may have a painful encounter with the pool bottom.
You can also buy units with a tube that are similar to but much shorter than the ones found in water parks.
Ordering a Pool Slide
Because pool slides aren’t straight anymore, you’ll need to determine whether you want it to curve to the left or to the right, as this will make a difference in where the slide can be erected. Then simply choose the model you want and the colour. If you’re installing the slide yourself, you’ll also need a pool installation kit appropriate to the model you’re buying.
Installing a Pool Slide
The installation of a pool slide can be difficult, depending on the material you’re attaching the slide to. It’s crucial that the hardware sinks deep into the concrete so that it’s firmly attached. If you don’t want to install the pool slide yourself, you can hire a professional to do the job, which is really the best option. The professional will cut out a section of the concrete, install the hardware and pour fresh concrete.
Slip Sliding Away
Pool slides need to be kept wet, so they will remain slippery. Sometimes, they can be hooked up to the pool’s circulation system, however, on a sunny day a lot of water will evaporate and you’ll need to add more water to the pool.
Another option is to run a hose or a plumbing line from the house to the slide, but this is only a good idea if you will only be running the water occasionally.
Some pool slide models don’t require water to remain slippery. These units are particularly convenient because they can be put anywhere around the pool, without having to worry about water hook up.