Slides for above ground swimming pools
Two popular additions to any backyard swimming pool are slides and diving boards. Whether your friends and family love to slide or dive, safety should always be your main priority, especially when it comes to the initial installment of the apparatuses. The requirements for adding these pieces of aquatic equipment are continually evolving due to changing regulations from local government entities and insurance companies. By following the proper guidelines laid out by city officials and your insurance provider, installing a diving board or slide can be achievable and safe for your backyard pool!
Installing Swimming Pool Slides
- Size and Shape: There are many choices available for swimming pool slides. When going through the selection process, choose a style that your youngest child or swimmer can safely and easily use. This will ensure that all age ranges can utilize this fun feature! For smaller swim areas, choosing a slide that runs parallel to your swimming pool’s edge helps to save on space. Something else to remember is that the size and shape of your slide will also impact the speed at which the user enters the water. A pool professional can help you choose an option that safely
matches the depth of your swimming pool. - Slide Materials: If you live in a hot climate, the material of your slide is an important factor to take into consideration during the selection process. Modern pool slides are typically
manufactured out of fiberglass, molded acrylic, or PVC and have a high-gloss finish. Bright colors, like neon yellow, blue, or green, can heat up easier in the sun, causing the ladder and railings to get hot. Help protect your swimmer from the hot temperatures by choosing a lighter color if you live in a warm location that gets a lot of sun! - Running Water: When it comes to running water down a slide, there are two options that homeowners typically choose from; a hose connected to the house or a water line connected to the pool’s circulation system. Both of these options are effective at creating a slippery surface for swimmers to go down, but differ in costs. Using a hose that’s connected to a plumbing line in your house is a less expensive option for owners who use their slide intermittently or not for long periods of time. Connecting a line to your pool’s circulation system is great for owners who are using their slide for a long period of time with heavy use. Tip: If you are tapping into your pool’s circulation system to run water down your slide, make sure that you are monitoring your pool’s water levels because they can drop quite a bit in hot weather.
Installing Pool Diving Boards
Adding a diving board can be much more expensive and strenuous than a slide. The regulations and requirements surrounding the installation of a diving board are very strict to help protect the safety of swimmers. When choosing the right diving board for your pool, make sure to see if they are permitted by contacting your local city officials and insurance company first. Similarly to slides, diving boards must be anchored to a concrete surface and not a deck, thus commonly eliminating them as an option for above ground pools. Homeowners can choose from three diving board options:
Name of Board: | Characteristics: | Features: |
Diving Platform | Rigid Board on Rigid Stand | Some boards can be locked into place to serve as a bench |
Diving Board | Flexible Board on Rigid Stand | Typically has a sandy feel to help create a no-slip surface for swimmers |
Jump Board | Flexible Board on Flexible Stand | Provides some lift to swimmers as they jump or dive off, but not as much lift as a board found in a commercial swimming pool |
Once you select your diving board type, it’s important to know the requirements for height and water depth. As always, hiring a professional contractor to install your diving board will provide added assurance that it’s being done correctly and up to code. Be aware that local codes may be different than what’s outlined by the diving board manufacturer. Since a building inspection is required following the installation, it’s crucial contractors follow local codes as well as the manufacturer’s specifications in order to pass inspection.