Modular assembly
Installing a modular pool slide is generally easy. First, start by levelling the area where the slide is being installed to the approximate final grade. Then, remove the flume pieces from the packaging and lay them out in the correct order (right side up to avoid scratching the surface of the slide). If possible, assemble the flumes close to where the slide is being installed, starting with the exit section and working upwards matching each section together. Depending on the manufacturer, the flumes are typically marked to make assembly easier. For example, attach ‘A’ of the exit section to ‘A’ of the next flume.
Anchor supports are also typically labelled for each specified location and should be installed as the slide is assembled upwards, away from the pool.
Once assembled, hand-tighten all of the hardware feeling the inside of the flume pieces to ensure the inner portion of the slide is even. Finally, using a torque wrench, slowly tighten each nut in an alternating fashion, working from left to right, starting with the centre bolt. This will compress the gasket evenly to prevent leaks. After all of the flume sections are assembled and the flange bolts are correctly tightened, a water test should be performed using a garden hose to ensure there are no flume-to-flume leaks.
Marking supports
With the slide now assembled and resting in its correct horizontal position, carefully mark the location of the anchor supports using spray paint. When finished, move the slide to one side (if working with a longer slide it may be necessary to split it into two sections) and install the flume supports where the paint marks are located.
Pier holes for the anchor supports should be a minimum of 305 mm (12 in.) long, by 610 mm (24 in.) wide, and 610 mm (24 in.) deep. Each manufacturer has specified minimums for the concrete piers; however, they may need to be increased due to local weather, soil conditions, frost line, and/or local building codes.
Anchors away
The slide needs to be attached to the anchor supports before they are cemented in place to ensure it is sitting at the proper slope. To check the slope, use an angle finder and measure the inner flume at multiple locations, starting from the top of the slide. If the slope is greater than intended, the rider may go too fast and will not slide down the pathway safely. If the slope is not enough, the rider might not make it to the end. It is also important to make sure the entry and exit points are level.
Once the slide is level and the slope is correct, pour the concrete around the anchor supports and allow it to cure. Recheck and adjust as necessary as the concrete piers are being poured. After the installation is complete, cover the slide to prevent scratches from any remaining landscape or rockwork.
In the end, it is a win-win situation for both the homeowner and the pool builder. The custom backyard waterslide is a great profit opportunity for the dealer, while at the same time the homeowner gets what they want—a backyard-like resort to create long-lasting memories.
Kathryn Varden is the western regional sales manager for Inter-Fab Inc., in Tucson, Ariz. She has been working with pool builders for more than 10 years assisting them in selling and installing slides and diving boards in both new construction and renovation applications. Varden holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture and a bachelor of science in regional development from the University of Arizona. She can be reached via e-mail at kathryn@inter-fab.com.
