Nothing is more fun than a pool on a hot summer day. But a pool with a slide amps up the fun factor even more and gives you your own private backyard water park. Pool slides bring out the kid in everyone. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into a new pool or upgrading an existing structure, Latham Pools give you tons of customization potential and can easily accommodate a pool slide. We’ll cover different types of slides, as well as safety considerations to help you choose one that works for your pool and backyard lifestyle.
Planning a new pool or thinking of reviving an old one? Fiberglass pools pair spectacularly with slides, transforming your backyard into a fun-filled oasis.
Types of Pool Slides
From wooshing straight-leg slides to winding corkscrew slides, you have plenty of pool slides to choose from, each with its own unique brand of fun. When making your choice, think about whether you want to incorporate running water into your slide or prefer to opt for a simpler, waterless pool slide.
Straight Leg Slides
Straight leg slides are built for speed, giving you a smooth, swift ride from the top to a splash landing into your pool. This makes them a great choice for families with children well-past the toddler stage or pool owners who crave a more classic slide design and faster ride.
Straight leg slides are often taller, between 8 to 12 feet high. They offer a faster, more thrilling ride compared to other styles due to their straight chute. Installation is generally easy in the hands of a professional, but a straight leg slide will require more height and space in your backyard to comfortably accommodate it.
Molded Slide Leg Slides
Molded slide leg slides are another popular option. Their compact design makes them a great fit for smaller yards or pools with a more shallow depth. They typically require a depth of 42 inches of water in the pool.
Molded leg slides are often shorter and have a gentle curve to its slope, offering a slightly “slower” ride compared to straight-leg slides. Molded slide leg styles are an ideal choice with families for younger children or anyone looking for a relatively quick installation process.
Curved Pool Slides
Curved pool slides, as their name implies, have a gently curved design compared to straight slides. They start straight at the top, but then have one or two bends along their length to add a “twist” of excitement. This makes them a good fit for pool owners who want to add more thrills to their pool and a distinctive aesthetic touch. Curved pool slides require added space for planning and installation, but their fun factor and unique look make them worth it!
Corkscrew Pool Slides
Corkscrew pool slides have a distinctive look and deliver a twirling, swirling ride that spirals down into the water. These slides are ideal families with kids – or anyone who loves an extra adventurous plunge into the water. Because of their larger size and complex design, corkscrew slides require more space in your backyard and professional installation. However, the fun factor and visual appeal they bring to your pool make them a standout!
Custom-Built Slides
Custom-built slides let you fully personalize your pool slide, allowing you to design a slide that fits your unique backyard and pool layout. These slides are ideal for those who want a one-of-a-kind pool feature and can range from simple designs to more elaborate, multi-turn slides. Custom slides can be built into landscaping – such as extending out of faux rock waterfalls. They can be integrated with fiberglass or vinyl liner pools for a seamless look.
Custom slides require detailed planning, design, time to manufacture and professional installation. However, they offer a bespoke touch and the flexibility to work with your pool’s dimensions and your family’s needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pool Slide
When choosing a pool slide, factors like available space, the look and style of your slide, as well as who will be using it will factor into your decision.
Pool Size and Depth
So, how deep should a pool be for a slide? The answer varies depending on the slide itself. For safety purposes, most slides require a minimum water depth of 36” to 48” at the slide’s entry point. However, larger and longer slides like corkscrew or straight leg slides may require even deeper water – typically 48” to 60” – for riders to land safely in the water.
When installing a slide, there should be sufficient space around the pool for slide installation. A professional builder will be able to ensure there is proper clearance on all sides so that your yard can comfortably accommodate the slide’s base and structure, and so that riders have ample room to ascend and enjoy!
For your slide’s exit area, your pool should have a “run-out space.” This is the area between where the slide deposits people into the water and the edge of your pool. This run-out space ensures swimmers safely land in the water without hitting the pool wall or edge. Run-out space requirements can vary depending on the type of slide relative to the size of your pool, as well as the speed it generates.
With this in mind, even a smaller-sized pool can accommodate a slide, so long as the slide is proportioned appropriately to account for speed, run-out space, and safety. Working with a professional builder who is knowledgeable about local safety guidelines and manufacturer recommendations can help you stay compliant and ensure your slide is positioned safely.
Slide Height and Shape
Installation requirements – such as space, height clearance, custom options and integration with your existing pool – should also play a role in your selection. Slides range from compact designs for smaller yards to larger, more thrill-fulfilling options like twisting corkscrew slides that require significantly more space.
Taller slides give a longer, faster ride with more time to accelerate. These slides require a greater depth of water to ensure a safe landing. Working with a builder can help you determine the proper height of your slide, matching it to your pool’s depths to prevent accidents and enhance safety.
Straight slides can give you a speedy, direct plunge into your pool, while curved and corkscrew slides need added height to deliver full rotation. For this reason, a curved or corkscrew slide will need a wider, heavier base to support the added weight of the slide. This can work well for backyards with room to accommodate them.
Pool Slide Materials and Durability
Pool slide material and durability are also another factor to weigh. Most pool slides are made from either polyethylene plastic or fiberglass. Both are sturdy, durable, and rust-resistant. (Plus, they won’t get uncomfortably hot like metal slides!) Look for fade-proof UV protection and slip-resistant materials for added safety.
If you plan to incorporate water flow into your slide, that will require working with a professional to configure a system for it to work properly with your pool pump. Working with a professional builder can also ensure that your slide meets local and safety requirements.
Inground vs Above Ground
Can you have a slide with an above ground pool? How about a slide for an inground pool? The answer to these questions is yes… But there are considerations to keep in mind.
While above ground pools can accommodate smaller, specially designed slides, the options are more limited compared to inground pools. Slides for above ground pools are typically made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials that are easy to maintain. While they may not offer the same level of durability and options as inground pool slides, they are often more affordable and easier to replace if needed.
Inground pool slides give you more options to play with. Inground slides empty directly into a pool at ground level. The chute itself does not have to be built up or supported in order to work with an above-ground pool. This gives inground pool owners a wider “pool” of slide options to choose from. As an added boost, an inground pool with a slide can increase your property value.
Matching The Slide To Your Pool Design
Choosing a pool slide that works with your pool’s design enhances both its safety and its fun. Different pool depths and shapes impact the design and installation process for your slide. For instance, shallow pools less than 36” deep may not be able to accommodate larger, longer or faster slides in order to prevent injuries. On the flipside, irregular shapes – like freeform pools – may limit where a slide can be positioned.
As always, considering who will use your pool slide is another important factor. Look for slides that can suit various age groups or – if possible – feature adjustable designs that allow the slide to grow with your family. Start with gentler, less steep slides for younger children. Then, opt for more exciting slides with longer, faster slopes and twists as the kids get older.
If you’re thinking about future-proofing your investment, consult with a builder about slides that offer easy installation and removal options, or a modular design that can grow with your family. A knowledgeable professional can help you choose the right fit for your pool and family.
Importance of Professional Installation
Leveraging the expertise of a professional pool builder is important to ensure your pool slide is properly installed with an eye on safety and compliance with local regulations. Professional pool builders have a working knowledge of evaluating a pool’s structure, depth and layout to recommend the best slide options for your pool and backyard.
If you’re thinking of building a new pool, installing a slide during its initial construction is often more cost-effective and convenient. All of the necessary plumbing and space considerations can be planned from the start. Adding a slide to an existing pool may require additional modifications or repairs, which can be more expensive.
Cost Considerations
There are a wide range of factors that impact the cost of a pool slide – both up-front and over time. In addition to the cost of your slide itself, you’ll also need to account for the cost of labor to properly install your pool slide.
- Prefabricated vs. custom slides: Prefabricated slides are less expensive than fully-customized slides designed to your exact specifications.
- Style: Straight slides – even taller slides with a straight slope – are typically less expensive than corkscrew or curved slides. Often, corkscrew and curved slides require additional handling, design and construction materials.
- Site preparation: Beyond the standard cost of labor and materials, there may be added costs involved if additional preparations are required. For instance, if your installation site requires leveling or reinforcing the pool deck to support your slide, additional charges may apply.
- Additional costs: Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain specific permits, submit to an inspection, and take out additional liability insurance in order for your pool to be compliant with state and local pool laws. Consult with your local building office to understand your responsibilities. Working with a licensed contractor can help you more easily navigate this process.
Use our pool cost calculator to get a rough estimate for your project.
Pool Slide Safety
Features like non-slip steps and secure handrails can make your pool slide safe and fun. And so can enforcing swimming pool slide safety rules! Here are a few top tips to keep in mind:
- Built-in safety features: Non-slip steps can help prevent accidents by providing a secure grip for wet feet, reducing risk of slipping. Adding secure handrails can give both adults and kids added support and stability while going up the slide.
- Proper installation: A professional pool contractor can make sure your slide is positioned precisely and security, reducing risk of your slide tipping over or malfunctioning. Proper placement also ensures your slide has proper clearance and “run out” area to prevent accidents.
- Regular inspections: Regular inspections of your pool slide can help make sure your slide is secure and safe. An inspection looks at not just the parts of your slide that experience normal wear and tear – such as the slide and stair rungs themselves, but also examines if bolts and fastenings are in good shape.
- Proper supervision: Pool safety rules apply to slide use. Never leave young children unattended around a swimming pool. An adult should always be present.
- Feet first when entering: Make sure children (and everyone else) are going down the slide feet-first – never headfirst!
Who should avoid using a pool slide: People with certain conditions should avoid using a pool slide in order to stay safe. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised mobility who may not be able to safely climb pool slide stairs without assistance should avoid using a pool slide.
The Final Step: Choosing Your Pool Slide
Adding a slide to your pool can heighten the excitement and create a fun-filled waterpark-style atmosphere to your backyard. When choosing a slide, take into account the size of your backyard, aesthetics, and if you want to incorporate water into your slide itself. The shape and depth of your pool can also help you narrow down your options and ensure your slide is safe. Lastly, thinking about who will use your pool slide – now and in the future – can help you get the most enjoyment from your slide in the years ahead.
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