Pool Slides

In The Swim Knowledge Pool: Pool Slides

Swimming Pool Slides for Summer Fun!

Pool slides help take fun in the sun to new heights! In The Swim makes it easy and affordable to add a cool pool slide to any swimming pool. Choose from twisting types like the HeliX2 Inground Pool Slide, to the gentle turn pool slides like the Rogue II Inground Slides. In The Swim stocks Inter-Fab and SR Smith pool water slides, in styles and sizes from mild to wild, to have the perfect pool slide for your pool deck layout. For the ultimate pool slide, check out the Vortex Slide, standing 15' tall with over 20' of sliding runway. For Pool Slide Parts, see our Deck Equipment parts pages.

Buying and installing your own in-ground pool slide takes a little planning to choose the best location, and select the best pool water slide for your backyard spaces.

Placement of a Pool Slide

Most pool slides are placed on the opposite side of the house, or on the far side or one end of the pool, so that you can see sliders from the house, but that is not the most important requirement. For most pools, there are only a few possible locations for installing a pool slide; areas with proper water depth, and enough deck space to install the slide. Good access to water for the slide, which comes from the filter system or from the house supply, can also be a factor to consider. In-ground pool slides also have a direction of curve (left or right), and several color choices.

Water Depth for Pool Slides

There are some general guidelines for pool slide water depth requirements. The runway surface must overhang the pool by 3" at a water depth of no less than 36". This depth must increase to 42" at a distance less than 4'-6" from the pool wall. This 42" minimum depth must continue forward in an area that is 13'-6" long and 7' wide minimum. This 'safety envelope' area or space of 13'-6" x 7' x 42" must not intersect with a diving board safety envelope, or the pool safety line. Read the pool slide owner's manual, spec sheets and installation guides carefully to fully understand the pool slide safety envelope and water depth for pool slides.

Deck Space for Pool Slides

Some pool slides like the Typhoon Slide, can be installed in pool decks only 4 ft wide, but for pools with smaller concrete pool decks, an enlarged deck or external footer pads are needed to mount the slide legs, while allowing access to the ladder and passage around the slide, without stepping off the pool deck. Because pool water slides are curved and not straight, a larger area may be needed to mount a pool slide to the deck. However, depending on how you angle the slide to the pool, more or less deck space is required. See the More Info tab on each pool slide page to view current slide dimensions and slide footprint.

Pool Slide Installation

Pool slide installation is an easy weekend project of assembling the slide and bolting slide leg anchors to the concrete pool deck. Slide legs and ladders can be installed directly in new concrete, or you can use surface mount slide leg anchors bolted to the concrete with heavy steel lags included. After slide assembly, move it into position and take careful measurements to meet installation placement requirements. After positioning the slide, mark the holes and drill holes for the anchor bolts. Connect your water supply with pipe or hose, and you are ready to slide. See the More Info tab on each pool slide page to view installation manual for full instructions.

Above-Ground Pool Slides

All swimming pool slides are meant for installation on in-ground pools with concrete decks or pads for mounting. Except for the SuperSlide Inflatable Pool Slide, there are no above ground pool slides made for above ground pools. Pool slides are not intended for above ground pools, however we have read pool slide reviews about above ground pool owners installing the Cyclone Slide onto a well-built wood deck next to their pool. Although possible, SR Smith & Inter-Fab wish to advise you that using an in-ground pool slide on an above ground pool is outside of the intended product purpose, and will void any warranty or legal claims.

In The Swim pool slides are sure to have the perfect fit for your pool. We have EZ Pay on many pool slides, call today and set up a payment plan! Our swimming pool slide experts can answer any questions you may have regarding pool slides, and help you get the slide you want!