Imagining all the fun you’ll have when your slide is installed makes planning fun too. But there’s a lot you need to be aware of when installing a slide for your in-ground pool. If you don’t take the right precautions, you can have a serious danger on your hands. That’s why this article will discuss what you need to consider before installing a pool slide.
Size, Shape, and Depth of Your Pool
While your contractor should go over the safety regulations necessary for keeping your pool slide safe, the size, shape, and depth of your pool will help you determine other aspects. For example, if your pool isn’t deep enough, or if you have a narrow lap pool, your pool probably won’t pass regulations. In addition, the size of your pool can limit how much deck space you have, ultimately determining the size, shape, and location of your slide.
Decide on Placement Early
Because placement is so important, you want to determine early on where you’re going to install the slide and stick to it. The location will ultimately affect the slide model you’re able to use. Not every area will be able to accommodate a slide with a lot of twists and turns. However, if your deck space is small, you may not have a choice. Most slides need a minimum of 8 feet by 15 feet for them to fit properly and allow room for movement.
Model and Material
Most pool slides are made with fiberglass as it’s an extremely durable and high-quality material, but rotationally molded polyethylene plastic is another popular choice. You’ll also want to consider what slide model you want. There are three main models to choose from: the elephant slide leg, the molded slide leg, and the straight slide leg all require different spacing, so be sure to go over it with your contractor before installation.
Knowing exactly what you need to consider before installing a pool slide will help ensure that you’ll have the most fun in your pool. Having a pool slide is supposed to be fun, so figure out what you want beforehand so the planning doesn’t bog you down!
