If you have an above-ground pool in your backyard, it might be time to set up a homemade water slide to get the most out of it this summer. While you can certainly buy slides from the store and attach them to your pool, sometimes those can be pricey, and you may not want to commit to buying another piece of expensive equipment that will only last one season. The good news is that with some PVC pipe, pool noodles, and elbow grease, you can set up your homemade water slide in no time! Here’s how to do it in simple steps.
Get supplies
The first step is to get all of your supplies together. You will need PVC pipe and fittings, a bicycle inner tube or two, vinyl or plastic sheeting, and nylon rope. The PVC pipe should come in different sizes, so you can make the slide as long as you want it to be. It should also come with several types of fittings, which will help you connect the pieces correctly. You’ll also want about 15 feet of nylon rope for the water slide’s safety net. This is optional but highly recommended if your pool has steep sides and there are no walls around it that could serve as a barrier between children and the pool. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! You will learn about Homemade Water Slide from this site: https://www.outdoorcelebrations.com/.
Create the track
- Find an open area at least 8 feet wide and smooth.
- Inflate the mat, about 12 inches tall, and place it on the ground where you want your track.
- Roll up the mat until it is 2 feet high (or less).
- Mark two locations on the mat where there will be a hole in the middle of each side. You can make these holes by poking them with a stick or pencil and then make them bigger by tearing them with your hands.
- Take some string or rope and tie one end tightly around one of the markers on one side of the inflated mat, then tie the other end around another marker on that same side of the mat.
Attach pool noodles and anchor them down
You will need nine pool noodles for the slide. Cut four of them in half lengthwise and attach them to the bottom of the ramp. These will act as your safety rails, so be sure not to cut them too short or too long. Attach the other five full-length noodles side by side at the top of your ramp, evenly spaced apart.
Fill it up with water
Fill the slide with water using a hose. If you are using a kiddie pool, you need to drain it of water before adding more water to the slide. You can also add some dish soap and baking soda for added splash effect. If you use an inflatable, blow it up until it’s firm, and then fill it with water. You will know when the slide is full by how much water there is around the edges of the inflatable or by how much water is inside the pool.
Set up a landing zone
- Select the location for the slide. A lawn is best, but you can also set it up indoors. You’ll need about 20 square feet of space for each foot of slide length.
- Pick a shady spot so kids can play all day in the summer and near an outdoor water faucet or hose.
- Place some rocks or pavers on one end of the area, so you have a landing zone for kids at the bottom of the slide.
- Put some rope or string down the middle of your chosen space and tie it to stakes on both ends, forming an X shape with an extra rope dangling off one side, as described below. The X should be about 5 ft wide and 10-12 ft tall. The rock on one side should be positioned so that when the last child goes down, they can swing around and land on it.
- Dig a hole in front of this stake at least 8 inches deep to create a safety hole where children can go if they fall off the slide instead of bouncing back into play (you may want more than one depending on how many children are playing). Be sure not to make this hole any deeper than necessary; it’s just there for safety!
Could you test it out?
There’s no better way to test the slide than on yourself, and the best place for this is at the top of the slide. You’ll need to get a slip-resistant mat (or two) and lay it down at the base of your slide. The mat will help keep you from slipping and sliding as you descend. Now, for some water! Place one end of your garden hose over the edge of your pool or pond, then put it in an area where it can be easily reached. For example, if you’re using a kiddie pool, put it right next to the pool so you can quickly switch over when someone wants to test out their new toy.
Add accessories like sprinklers or lights if you want them
You’re almost done! The final step is to enjoy the fun! Fill your water slide with water and have some friends over for an afternoon of splashy, summertime fun. You can even start planning your next project – finding out what you want to do next is always exciting. Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn how easy it is to build your water slide without buying one or paying someone else. Now get outside and enjoy nature’s simple pleasures.
Enjoy the fun!
It’s finally time to start having fun! Your homemade water slide is all set up and ready for play. Just fill the tub, add some water and turn on the hose. You’ll be amazed at how much fun your family can have with just one simple homemade toy!
What can I use to make a homemade water slide?
To make a homemade water slide, you need two things:
- A tarp. You want the tarp to be at least 20 feet long and 5 feet wide. It doesn’t have to be any thicker than that because it will get folded.
- A hose. You’ll also want two buckets for each end of the slide. The tarp should be laid down flat on the ground with one bucket at one end and another at the other.
Can you make your water slide?
Yes, you can make your water slide. You will need a PVC pipe, a tarp, pool noodles, and an air pump. The first step is to get some PVC pipe and cut it into about six different lengths that are about two feet long each. Then tape the pipes together, forming one long piece of pipe. The next step is to cover the area where you want the water slide with the tarp to protect it from any damage like dirt or leaves. Then take three pieces of PVC pipe and place them at one end of the tap, ensuring that their ends are touching so there is no space between them. Here you can learn about how to pack for a water part?
What material can you use as a water slide?
Materials for DIY water slides typically include plastic sheets and paint, but you can also use different materials like PVC piping, bamboo, or even sheets of metal. There are many options for how to make a homemade water slide. Be creative and think about what would be the most fun!
Paint: A basic option is to paint the inside of your slide with acrylic craft paint that should last for around two years before reapplying.
Corrugated Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard is sturdy enough to work as both the outer and inner layers of your water slide. This material also folds well, so it’s easy to transport and store when not in use.
Conclusion
To make a homemade water slide, get the following supplies: pool noodles, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, and a hose. You first need to find a dry area where you can set up your hose. Next, lay down the plastic sheeting and place the pool noodles on top. You should cut off the noodle to create curvy edges for your slide. Secure all the edges with duct tape, and then use scissors or a box cutter to cut holes in the bottom of each noodle so that when water is sprayed through them, they will fill with air and make it more like an actual slide versus just stepping on a slippery noodle.