How to Keep Pool Slides Safe for Kids & Adults

A swimming pool slide can add an exciting feature to your backyard’s aquatic paradise. Yet you might worry about whether it’s safe enough to include on your property. Similar to other swimming pool features, slides come with a few small risks of injury. But you can minimize the risks and maximize your family’s enjoyment of the slide by following a few simple steps.

Choose a Slide that Meets Safety Standards

Diving into the world of swimming pool installations often reveals safety standards the average homeowner never knew existed. When it comes to pool slides, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has an established list of safety standards that acceptable ones must meet. As you pick out a slide with your pool builder, make sure it’s CPSC-compliant to give you peace of mind even before the installation takes place.

Follow the State’s Guidelines for Pool Slides

California has regulations in place regarding pool slide installations on public properties. While residential pool owners must have proper fencing, you can also use these guidelines to plan for the safest slide installation at your home. For example, you can make sure to put the slide over water that’s the proper depth for its type and the people who will be using it. Working with an experienced pool builder helps you identify the proper depth you need for the slide’s safety. Adding a deck around the slide area that’s at least four feet wide and slip-resistant is also important for increasing safety.

Inspect the Slide Regularly

Well-built swimming pool slides should last for years without significant wear and tear. But it’s important to check the slide for potential issues that can arise over the course of the primary swimming season or after being covered for the winter. During your pool maintenance and cleanings, check the ladder on the slide to make sure the rungs are all properly secured without any loose or extending bolts and screws. You’ll also want to check the slide’s surface for cracks and other blemishes that could pinch a swimmer. Checking the water depth below the slide is also important for ensuring swimmers have a safe place to land in the water.

Teach Everyone the Safety Rules

A swimming pool slide is only as safe as the people who are enjoying the fun. Always supervise children using the slide. You can also teach everyone to only allow one person on the slide at a time to minimize accidental collisions. If possible, you can design your swimming pool to have a special area for the slide to direct people to land in. If you can’t use the shape of the pool to create a landing zone, you can add float lines to designate the area as off-limits for routine swimming. Teaching children to only slide feet-first also minimizes the risk of injuries.

Whether you’re looking to update your pool’s existing features or you’re getting ready to build a brand-new pool in your backyard, make sure to work with the finest professionals in the industry. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool design and new swimming pool construction. San Diego homeowners should call us today. We offer complimentary consultations and professional conceptual designs with all of our estimates.