Is bigger better?
For pool builders, the bigger the slide the more potential there is for higher profits, while for pool owners, the larger the slide the more thrill and excitement.
To appease this market, manufacturers have developed flume systems that are wider, deeper, and deliver more water using double-waterway delivery systems. Further, these larger slides typically have a 158-kg (350-lbs) weight limit, allowing every member of the family to enjoy the slide.
Although slide lengths will vary, they typically average 4.5 m (15 ft) in length. Longer slides average between 9 to 12 m (30 to 40 ft). When it comes to size, a good rule of thumb for builders to keep in mind is for every 0.3 m (1 ft) of the slide that is built vertically, it should be built out 0.9 m (3 ft) horizontally.
Getting started
There are three key items builders need to have before designing a modular slide:
- The height of the slide at the seat section (above the main deck or zero-grade).
- The height of the slide at the exit section (above the main deck or zero-grade). Note: the height of the slide’s exit should not be more than 508 mm (20 in.) above the pool’s water line.
- A sketch of how the slide should look.
This information is required before contacting the slide manufacturer to ensure the right slide is designed for the project. Costs will vary depending on how complicated the design is; the more twists and turns, the more expensive the slide. The colour selected by the homeowner will also factor in the overall cost.
Most pool dealers sell slides/waterfalls in packages, similar to a car dealer who offers upgrade features. For example, option ‘A’ could comprise a one-turn slide with a small waterfall package; option ‘B’ could include a one-turn slide with a larger waterfall package; and option ‘C’ could offer a two-turn slide with an ultimate waterfall package. Let the homeowner decide how much they are willing to spend.
Further, by offering a limited number of options, the installation crew will know what needs to be completed for each modular slide package, which helps keep the company’s construction costs under control.
If the homeowner decides they do not want a pre-set option, but rather their own ‘design,’ then a new quote can be easily and quickly generated.
Safety is also a concern during the design stage. For instance, most manufacturers test and model the flume system in an engineering program to ensure each slide is safe. For builders, when designing a pool with a modular slide, it is important to keep in mind that most people throw their hands up in the air while sliding down. Therefore, the design should not include any rocks or other landscape features that protrude into the path of the slide that can hurt a bather’s arms and hands. A water safety envelope in the pool that is centred on the slide and is a minimum 2 m (6.5 ft) wide by 4 m (13.5 ft) long and 1.2 m (4 ft) deep is also recommended. Builders should check with the manufacturer as the water safety envelope may vary by slide type and size.
