Water slides have become a staple of water play, providing a thrilling addition to aquatic landscapes both in residential and commercial spaces. The versatility in their placement allows water park designers to creatively integrate water slides into existing or planned aquatic environments. Here's a detailed look at where a water slide can be placed to enhance aquatic facility design.
A swimming pool is the most common location for a water slide. This classic pairing brings excitement and adventure to traditional swimming pool settings. For safety and functionality, it's crucial that the pool has a minimum water depth of at least 3 feet to ensure a safe landing for water slide riders. Additionally, incorporating a ladder next to the water slide is recommended. This allows for a quick exit, making way for the next rider and ensuring a smooth flow of fun. Our partners at Spectrum Aquatics offer state-of-the-art swimming pool ladders for this type of application.
Splash pads offer an innovative setting for water slides. These areas can feature multi-level water playsets, which include small water slides that discharge into a run-out. Racing slides, wavey water slides, and closed and open flume body slides provide patrons with different ride experiences and are popular water slide options for water playgrounds. Another option is themed toddler Aqua Slides from our partners at Water Odyssey, which can be highly customized to fit the theme and aesthetic of the splash pad, adding a colorful and engaging element to the water playground. A foam mat adhesive is recommended for the discharge area of these types of water slides as they safely slow down riders and protect them from harsh surfaces.
Lazy rivers represent a unique and immersive option for water slide placement. Combining the relaxation of drifting along a gently flowing stream with the thrill of a water slide creates a dynamic water play area. Water slides can be designed to discharge riders directly into the "mouth" of the lazy river, seamlessly blending two water features. The necessary hydraulic equipment for the water slide can be discreetly integrated into the landscaping around the lazy river, maintaining the aesthetic appeal. Similar to pool setups, it's advisable to have a ladder or steps close to the water slide exit for an efficient transition from thrill to chill.
For locations lacking a traditional swimming pool, a concrete surface can provide an unexpected but effective base for a water slide. This option utilizes a run-out for the discharge area, where riders come to a safe stop. The necessary hydraulic equipment and recirculating filtration systems, complete with pool filters, are housed in above-grade equipment packs. This setup is an excellent way to repurpose unused spaces, transforming them into vibrant areas of aquatic entertainment without the need for a conventional pool. This placement option is also beneficial for facilities with competition pools looking to incorporate an area for recreational water play. Water slides can be placed on the surrounding pool deck, eliminating the need for an additional body of water.
Incorporating a water slide into an aquatic landscape not only amplifies the enjoyment of your patrons but also significantly enhances the visual appeal of the space. Whether attached to a swimming pool, designed for a splash pad, integrated into a lazy river, or ingeniously fitted onto a concrete base, water slides offer a versatile solution for adding excitement and appeal to any aquatic setting.