What To Look For In the Perfect Inflatable Water Slides 

Inflatable water parks, fitted with all the bells and whistles, are a great way to turn your backyard into an action-packed oasis to beat the summer sun. These towering, increasingly extravagant structures aren’t just for kids anymore, either – they’re the perfect addition to your property’s lake or dam that can provide endless hours of fun and create unforgettable memories for the whole family, regardless of age. 

The exciting news is that beyond family entertainment, inflatable water parks can provide a great source of income by entertaining groups and parties. 

With so many possibilities available in Australia alone, selecting the ideal inflatable slide or inflatable add-ons for your new water park might be daunting. Do not fear, we have you covered. We’ve put together this thorough guide to show you all you need to know to pick the best inflatable water slide that fits your capacity and requirements, with a bit of extra room left for the imagination.

Slide Inflatables: A Splash of Fun for All Ages

Inflatable water slides have evolved rapidly since their humble origins of soap-lathered plastic slides into inflatable pools. Today, these entertaining inflatable structures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from jumping castles, blast bags, floating volleyball courts, and large commercial-grade slides suited for gatherings and celebrations. Whether you want to entertain the kids, wow your friends, or simply beat the heat on a hot summer day, there’s a slide inflatable for everyone.

Finding the Perfect Inflatable Water Slide

When it comes to selecting the ideal inflatable water slide, there are several important elements to consider. Who will the users be? What size fits your lake or dam? What safety measures should you take?  What features and additional accessories can you add to maximise the fun? Here’s what we think you should look for from the start, in order to get the most out of your investment.

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Size Matters

One of the first things to think about while searching for an inflatable water slide is the size. Consider the amount of space available in your backyard or on your lake or dam, and how many people will be using the slide at the same time. 

For bigger families or people who enjoy entertaining, a multi-lane slide with lots of space to stretch out is great. If you have limited room, a smaller model with a compact footprint may be a better option.

If the idea is to develop a water park into an operational business, it is worthwhile considering a few different water slide sizes to cater for a wider variety of potential customers. 

However, you should ensure there is ample space between slides to make it safe for all users.

Construction and Materials

We completely understand the temptation to cut corners on the initial investment in your inflatables, particularly as, depending on the scale of your water park, the initial investment can be quite lofty. But we implore you to keep the quality, durability, and longevity of your water slides at the forefront of your mind when embarking on your new aqua park adventure. 

The initial investment will of course be higher, but keep in mind that it is only an investment. The greater the quality of the inflatable, the longer it will endure, eventually saving you money on the need to repair or replace a cheaper product.

Look for slides that are made from robust and more durable materials like commercial-grade vinyl or PVC. These materials are more likely to be UV and puncture-resistant and will stand up to years of use without failing safety standards. 

Always ensure that the products you purchase meet the Australian standard of manufacturing. 

Extra Features and Accessories

A little word of warning – when it comes to extra features and accessories, the options are endless and can even veer towards the absurd and obscene. While adding quirky accessories can certainly be fun and even an attractive selling point to potential customers, we urge you to throw caution to the wind and not get lost down the rabbit hole of water slide accessories. 

Extra features like LED lights and music hookups can be a worthwhile addition to the fun, though. Particularly if you aim to attract larger groups like hen and buck parties, or corporate team-building trips. 

Inflatable Water Slides: The Ultimate Summer Fun

Nothing compares to the excitement of going down a huge inflatable water slide during the summer. There’s just something about inflatable water slides that unleashes our inner child, these towering inflatables give hours of fun and thrills for people of any age!

Now, we don’t want to be the party poopers by returning to our adult selves and talking all things safety, but ensuring the safety of your guests should be paramount, whether you are developing your lake or dam into a fledgeling inflatable water park, or just creating an extra element of fun for your family this summer.

Safety Considerations for Inflatable Water Slides

Safety should always be your primary concern, and when you have visitors on your property, it is your job and responsibility to ensure that the necessary precautions are followed to ensure safe entertainment for all. 

Let’s take a brief look at some of the procedures that should be addressed and implemented before you open your new water park to friends, family, and paying visitors.

To reduce the chance of an accident, always search for slides with solid handrails, non-slip surfaces, and safe exit and entrance locations. To avoid the slide turning over or collapsing while in use, observe all manufacturer requirements for correct anchoring and inflation.

Some of the bigger slides available may reach up to 30 feet tall and slide speeds of up to 30km! So you’ll want to keep the following safety considerations in mind:

• Choose a slide specifically rated for its users: Slides designed for kids won’t properly support the weight of most adults and could lead to injuries. Look for a slide with a weight capacity of at least 100 kg per person.
• Ensure proper anchoring: Adult slides require extremely secure anchoring to prevent tipping over and should come with heavy-duty stakes, sandbags, or concrete anchors. Bury at least 2/3 of the anchors in the ground for maximum stability.
• Add extra padding: Additional padding around the slide entrance, exit, and any areas where users may fall or collide helps prevent bumps, bruises, and abrasions. Padding should be specifically designed for inflatable slides.
• Enforce rules: Strictly enforce rules like one slider at a time, no head-first sliding, and no rough play to avoid collisions. Station attendants at the top and bottom of the slide to monitor for rule breakers and ensure a safe experience for all.
• Provide proper instruction: Give all users a full safety briefing before allowing them to go down the slide. Show them the proper sliding position (feet first, leaning back), how to slow down and stop safely, and how to properly exit the splash pool.
• Monitor weather conditions: Do not operate the slide in high winds, as this can cause instability. Also, avoid use during electrical storms. Deflate and secure the slide if severe weather is approaching.
• Consider insurance: For large commercial slides, liability insurance provides financial protection in the event of an injury. Check if your existing insurance covers inflatable slides, or look into event insurance for the day.

Dimensions & Weight Capacity 

For most residential applications, look for a slide that is 15 to 30 feet tall and has two to four slides that are at least 8 to 10 feet wide each. This gives adults plenty of room to slide down without feeling crowded and allows for many sliders to be used at the same time.

If you have limited room, try a smaller slide with a single lane. These slides are generally 10 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, making them ideal for small yards or interior applications. Weight capacity is also an essential issue. Look for a slide that can take the weight of several adults without drooping or collapsing. 

Conclusion: Making a Splash with Inflatable Water Slides

Inflatable water slides can be an incredible addition to your lake or dam this summer. Whether you’re creating a water park with a single inflatable water slide for your friends and family, or developing an inflatable water park haven with an inflatable pool, jumping castle, obstacles, and multiple inflatable water slides; endless fun is guaranteed so long as you implement and adhere to strict safety measures.