If children are going to be using your swimming pool the most, or quite often- then why not amp up their fun-filled experience even more so by installing a water slide? It will be like having your very own water park in the backyard! A water slide is a great way of keeping the kids busy- and off technology in the warmer months! To ensure your pool will get optimal use, adding a waterslide could be a great addition! Plus it is also a great way for kids to burn off some of that energy too! Our Pool Builders Perth often get asked, “can our fibreglass pool have a waterslide?”, and yes- you can! Read on for more to consider when installing a waterslide on your fibreglass pool.
The benefits of having a waterslide added to your pool!
Water slides are not only popular with the kids, but the adults too! The most obvious benefit of having a waterslide is that it is fun! A swimming pool on its own is great for entertaining your family and friends, and adding a waterslide can take it to the next level. Also did you know that listening to running water is great for mediative purposes? Just sitting back and listening to the sound of the running water can boost your mood. The water running off your waterslide creates a tranquil sound, even more so when it is not being used! Another benefit of adding a waterslide to your swimming pool, as long as you choose a slide that is suited to the pool and outdoor space, can enhance the entire look of the pool area. The right water slide can change the overall appearance of your backyard area, and make it look more aesthetically appealing.
Some things to consider :
Before starting the process of buying a slide and getting it installed, you should check with the council to make sure you are not breaching any safety codes or regulations, as well as letting your insurance company know as it could affect your premiums.
When choosing your waterslide there are things for consideration like selecting the colour, material, and features of your waterslide. The most popular colour choice of waterslides is blue and tan. When selecting the colour of your slide, you should choose something that is going to compliment the colour of your pool and coordinate with the exterior of your home. More importantly than colour, you should look at the safety features that the water slide has. All slides should have a non-slip ladder or steps, strong handrails, and be constructed with materials that are salt and rust resistant.
Did you know a slide can have its own water supply? This works by taking water from your pool and creating a continuous stream of water from the top of the slide. This emulates the experience you get from a real water park slide! A slide that has its own water supply, is not only more fun but safer too. Your legs won’t stick to the slide on the ride down, and you can avoid the hassle of having to place a hose at the top that will just get in the way (trying to achieve the same effect). It also saves on water too as it uses water from your pool rather than the tap. You can adjust the water flow from a rapid stream to a slow trickle.
Polyethylene or acrylic are what the most common water slides on the market are made from. They are a great choice due to their strength and longevity. The slide you purchase must also be UV resistant otherwise it will fade very quickly from the sunlight, this will make it look old and unsafe. The safety risk is that if the material cracks or breaks when someone is using it which can result in injuries and insurance liability! If your water slide is made of metal, be aware that it will get extremely hot when in the sun and could cause burns if water has not been continually flowing down it. Do not choose metal!
The hardest part is choosing which water slide you like! Water slides that are designed for domestic use come in a vast variety of styles. You could have a slide that has a soft curve, or a slide that is full of twists and turns! You could choose one that is completely straight- that will be sure to get the kids up to the optimum speed! You can even get a slide that has a complete 360 degree turn! Once you have decided on the style of water slide you like, you then have to decide if you want it to turn right or left when entering the water! The good news is, all types of freestanding waterslides are suitable to be installed on your fibreglass pool.
Before purchasing your slide, it is a good idea to speak with a professional first. They can assess your swimming pool and surrounding area to offer advice on which style and design of waterslide will work best. It will depend on the space you have to work with, as they can help you figure out where your pool slide will go! If you have the room, it is smart to place your slide in a position that is facing your entertainment area and house. That way you can keep an eye out when the children are using it.
Barrier Reef Pools Perth is all about creating stunning luxurious fibreglass pools, but water slides are not something we install. We do, however, have extensive experience in the pool industry and our friendly team can offer helpful advice regarding waterslides. Give us a call today, we would be more than happy to help!