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Choosing the best waterslide for your pool

By Terri Shields

Remember when you where a child and the giggles you shared with friends when you were playing on a slide? Today’s kids are no different. Although they have a technical gadget for just about every aspect of their lives, they still gravitate to the free-falling excitement of a sliding board. And when that sliding board ends in a swimming pool, the fun exponent increases by leaps and bounds. From standard acrylic and aluminum waterslides to custom-crafted fiberglass and gunite/concrete masterpieces, there are a variety of waterslide options that bring the fun of a waterpark to your backyard.

Standard Waterslides

A standard type of waterslide is one made of acrylic or aluminum that is mounted to your pool deck. These are the most popular kind of pool slide and usually consist of a ladder and a single, open flume that runs either straight or twisty. Most of these slides become slick via a built-in water delivery system or a garden hose. Traditionally aqua in color, they now come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, and can handle weights up to 175 to 275 pounds, depending on the model. From basic models to more intricate designs, acrylic/aluminum pool slides start at $1,000 and can run as high as $15,000.

Custom Waterslides

Custom sliding boards/waterslides are starting to become more common as pool owners want to recreate a true waterpark experience within the confines of their own backyards. Custom residential waterslides generally come in two styles: closed slide or open flume. If a grotto or cave is desired or if you want to bury the waterslide into the landscaping, then a closed slide is the best option. Based on budget and the desired excitement level, you can design a slide with all kinds of twists and turns, curves, steep inclines, and straightaways for speed.

Commonly made of commercial-grade fiberglass, today’s customized waterslides are safer than those from days past. Newer models are capable of handling weights up to about 300 pounds. Fiberglass waterslides come in a number of colors to coordinate with pool surfaces, tile, and surrounding rock. There are detailed kits that skilled do-it-yourselfers can use, but most people will defer to the professional installers. Of course, new construction is the best venue for adding a custom waterslide, but many styles can be mounted to an existing pool deck. Custom-designed fiberglass waterslides can cost anywhere from $1,900 for simple models to around $10,000 or more for more complex units.

Some pool owners prefer the natural look and strength of a custom concrete/gunite waterslide, which can be built into a waterfall or the surrounding landscaping. By incorporating a concrete slide into a rock formation along the pool’s edge, guests can enjoy a dramatic yet natural-looking oasis. The size and shape of this type of waterslide determines the amount of concrete necessary to complete the design, meaning it may cost more than its fiberglass counterpart. It is best to seek the advice of a knowledgeable builder, who will know the standards pertaining to slope, curve, and other safety features to make the sliding board as safe and fun as possible.

Safety

Waterslides are the ultimate in backyard pool fun. They are an ideal way to keep kids and their friends entertained during a hot summer day. By planning what type of pool slide best suits your needs and fulfills your children’s wish list, you can create an enjoyable time for all the kids in your family—no matter what age. But remember, security is the first and most important consideration. Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult when the pool is in use, and especially when children are using the waterslide. Plus, no matter which type is selected, it is important to never compromise safety over price. Always check that a pool sliding board complies with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Safety Standards for Swimming Pool Slides before purchasing.

Photo courtesy of S.R. Smith

Speedway

Sliding is all about a need for speed. Sliders rate waterslides by how fast they can reach the bottom—and how fast their heartbeats can thump as they race to the end. But, in order to achieve the ultimate down-slope thrill, nothing can be left to chance: science must be consulted.       
           

The number one way to make any slide faster is to introduce water to its surface, and then let gravity do its thing. Water cuts the friction between the rider and the slide, allowing for a quicker descent into the pool. But, too much of a good thing can actually ruin the outcome. Manufacturers know the ideal ratio between water and speed and make sure the proper amount of water is released onto the slide.

Most waterslides have their own pumps and plumbing that keep things wet and slide-ready. Some of the more budget-friendly models, however, will direct users to utilize an ordinary garden hose. Instructions are included on how to achieve the maximum result.

Whichever type of pool slide is chosen, it must be kept in tip-top shape or your speed may turn into a slow crawl. If the sliding board is made of fiberglass and has a gel coat finish, then its slick facade must be maintained and re-waxed. Concrete slides need to be finished with an epoxy to keep the surface smooth, snag-free, and ready for sliders. Of course, over time, all types of surfaces must be refurbished and re-primed. But in the end, it will be worth it: the smiles say it all.

Photo courtesy of SlideScapes