A pro’s guide to waterslides

by brittney_cutler_2 | March 4, 2022 12:00 pm

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Design and installation considerations for commercial aquatic facilities

By Greg Keller

Aquatic rides have advanced significantly over the last several years. Waterslides can now range from small, child friendly rides to extreme, thrilling jaunts that dominate and attract patrons to theme parks across the world. Waterslides of any shape or size can be the perfect addition to any aquatic facility, but how do they work and how have new features made them so much more than a typical waterslide?

The installation of a standard waterslide begins at the start tower. This could be a platform on an existing hill, a play structure, or for more extreme rides, a tall start tower. Concrete footings and columns are used to support the start tower and the waterslide. For the installer, the fun begins at the start tub. During this stage of the installation, sections of the waterslide are connected, creating the custom slide path which eventually ends with a splash into the pool or in a run out. The slide is connected to the pool’s circulation system by adding a feature pump that provides the water to the slide. For some, the installation may seem as simple as putting together a Lego kit, but the planning and design phase can be intricate and challenging.

Waterslides by design

The design phase of a waterslide is completed between 12 and 24 months prior to the installation date. Waterslides for campgrounds, community centres, and water parks have one thing in common—they all begin with the client’s vision.

The client’s vision can include details like the location of the waterslide, targeted demographics for the ride, the scope of the project, and overall budget. Once the installation site has been determined, and the location’s existing physical features have been mapped out, a scope is planned for the specific age group and location, which allows the client to determine which type or combination of waterslides will be best suited for their facility.

This information, combined with the client’s vision, leads to the first concept drawing of the project. During this phase, many builders will visit several water parks to test and compare the various types of waterslides and manufacturers on the market. Once a slide has been selected, the design begins.

Since visions can change over the course of a project, the working design is typically ready after a few adjustments. Once the working design is complete, clients begin to select options and add-ons for their waterslide. This is where technology has really advanced over the last several years.

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Clients have a variety of ride categories to choose from. Large “Anchor” rides create excitement and include big bowls and saucers, funnels, walls, complexes, and custom features. Speed slides and racers are the perfect option for theme parks looking to attract thrill seekers. Open flume, enclosed flume, black out, and interactive slides create a variety of unique experiences for all different age groups. It is common to combine and modify each of the different categories to create a custom ride for each individual facility.

Clients must also determine whether the waterslide will discharge into a pool or exit into a runout that sits on the pool deck. Installing a waterslide with a runout has grown in popularity for facilities with one or two slides, since they do not have to section off a part of the pool for the rider to exit into. This allows for a more efficient use of the pool and deck space, which is always limited.

Ready, set, launch

Another option to consider during the design stage is the waterslide’s launch system. Start tubs are the most commonly used by many waterparks. This type of launch system is suitable for riders of all ages and begins with the rider at the top of the waterslide, entering the slide flume.

For those who are a little more adventurous, a drop capsule or a water conveyor launch system can be used instead. The drop capsule begins with the rider in a sealed tube with their arms and legs crossed. Once the rider is in position, the floor drops and sends them speeding through the ride. This is a great option for more extreme thrill rides and thrill-seeking riders.

The water conveyor system uses high volume water jets or an actual conveyor belt to launch the rider in a raft through the ride. This type of slide does not require a start tower to create an exciting slide path that is more consistent with today’s amusement rides than traditional water rides.

The next decision, which can sometimes be determined by the waterslide’s launch system, is whether the client wants a body-, raft-, or mat-type slide.

Body slide

A body slide is for individual riders and works well with drop slides and interactive slides. The rider can sit upright or lie down on their back to enjoy the ride down the slide path. Body slides are suitable for riders of all ages.

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Raft slide

Raft slides allow for multiple riders at one time. This increases rider turnover and works well for many of the exciting bowl and conveyor slides. Raft slides also allow younger riders to enjoy some larger, thrill rides with parental supervision. Depending on the waterslide, they come in two, four, six, or eight rider options. Riders sit in the raft and enjoy the experience together, which is very popular for families or groups of friends.

Mat slides

Mat slides are an ideal option for multi-flumed rides that allow two or more riders to race each other to the finish line. The riders lie down on the mat and launch down the slide path, usually face first. When multiple lanes are racing to the end, everybody’s competitive juices start flowing.

Waterslide developments

There are many new and exciting features the industry has developed to make waterslides more interactive and multi-purposed. Translucent slide sections and translucent bands have completely changed the rider and viewing experience of today’s new slides.

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The translucent sections create the feeling of flying and builds excitement for riders as they wait in line and watch the rider’s experience right in front of them. The translucent bands give riders a completely different experience—especially when the waterslide is pitch black and has coloured translucent bands to allow light through to illuminate certain sections of the slide. Not only is the effect visually stunning, but it also makes the rider feel like they are going faster than they really are.

Multimedia systems are now being incorporated into the rides to create a more enveloping experience, too. One type of multimedia experience that takes any waterslide to the next level is a projected water curtain. As riders come down the slide, they pass through water curtains with images like dinosaurs and sharks projected onto them, increasing the visual experience of the ride.

A speaker system installed into the shell furthers this experience by allowing different acoustics to be introduced in the ride to increase the stimulus the rider experiences, creating a more in-depth adventure in concert with the projections. With a controller at the top of the slide, riders can choose several themed experiences that change the projections and sounds to make the same physical ride a completely different experience every time.

Interactive experiences are also available in the modern slide. Using a touch pad at the start of the ride, riders can choose one of several games installed into the slide to create a competitive environment and a reason for riders to come back for more. Touch sensors are installed inside the slide to create different games and adventures every time. Clients can even add a 3D multimedia package where the riders wear 3D goggles and follow an adventure while sliding down the slide. Cameras connected to a coded wristband can also be added on to the waterslide. When a rider scans their bracelet before launching, the camera takes a picture of them on the slide and emails it to them as a fun souvenir of their slide adventure.

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Selecting the right waterslide

Once the type, size, location, and features of the waterslide have been selected, clients must determine which manufacturer meets their specific needs. Clients can choose from typical fibreglass gelcoat slides, less expensive plastic moulded slides, and the more advanced resin transfer moulding (RTM) systems.

Fibreglass slide panels are constructed by spraying the finish on a mould, then adding a vinyl ester resin to waterproof the panel. At this point the fibreglass is rolled or sprayed on in layers to give the slide added strength. This technique does not have a uniform thickness on the slide panels and flanges which can lead to a bumpier ride.

The plastic moulded slides are usually residential or light commercial products. This is an injection moulding process where plastic pellets are melted and injected into the slide mould cavity until it cools and is released.

The RTM process provides an esthetically superior product, translucent colours, perfectly shiny and smooth finish on both sides, stronger and lighter waterslides, and a uniform thickness on all slide sections and flanges which provide tighter fitting joints. The better each section of the slide fits together translates into a much smoother ride for patrons.

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In addition to being environmentally friendly and easy to maintain, RTM waterslides have several benefits but the most important is reduced operating costs. These waterslides require less water to provide the same speed and thrill level compared to traditional fibreglass or plastic moulded waterslides. Whether indoors or outdoors, the high-gloss finish provides a beautiful architectural look and feel, enhancing the waterslide’s appearance and increasing the appeal of the pool area.

Getting the waterslide operational

Following the design and installation stages, the waterslide must be connected and made operational. The waterslide’s plumbing and circulation system are vital parts of the system, making the water safe for riders and ensuring the waterslide performs the way it was intended. Whether the slide discharges into a pool or a runout, a body of water to draw from is still required to ensure there is enough water flowing down the slide to keep the rider moving.

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The water is treated the same way as the pool water to guarantee a healthy experience. The water runs through a pool circulation system that meets the local health codes and the dedicated slide pump pushes the required water into the slide and discharges it back into the holding pool below.

Once the slide is operational, a regular maintenance plan should be implemented. Maintenance is imperative to ensure the longevity and performance of the waterslide over its lifetime. In Ontario, waterslides are regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and each facility is required to have a certified slide mechanic on contract to inspect and repair the waterslide. Some regular maintenance includes checking the bolts holding the slide and platform together twice a year to ensure the safety of the structure. The slide panel connection points use a joint material that must be inspected daily and serviced when required. Indoor facilities must ensure the entire water slide and platform are washed with fresh water to remove the chlorinated water that splashes on the ride on a weekly basis. This helps prevent corrosion of metal parts including bolts, stairs, columns, and the platform. The slide itself requires waxing twice a year to keep a nice smooth surface and maximize the longevity, performance, and enjoyment of the ride.

Greg Keller is a service and sales representative at Acapulco Pools Ltd., a commercial pool builder and service provider based in Kitchener, Ont. He graduated from Conestoga College’s architecture-project and facility management program in 2011 and was hired by Acapulco upon graduation. He can be reached via email at greg@acapulcopools.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/a-pros-guide-to-waterslides/

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