5 Best Pool Slides for Inground & Above Ground Pools

A pool slide provides a simple but effective way of adding fun to your pool for both kids and adults. With the best pool slide, the pool users can enjoy much more than just swimming.

That said, pool slides come in different sizes and shapes, and you can also get them in a wide variety of styles and materials. Therefore, deciding which model to buy can be a little hectic given the many options.

In this article, we take a closer look at some fantastic pool slides that will transform your pool into a fun waterpark and explain the key factors to consider when deciding what to buy.

5 Best Pool Slide – Review

1. Best Overall: S.R. Smith Rogue2 Pool Slide

S.R. Smith Rogue2 Pool Slide is our best overall pool slide as everything from the looks to the build is just perfect. It has a pleasant retro overall look but with a more elegant, sturdier, broader, and deeper flume that adds to the fun and safety.

You can get the flume in both right and left curves, and its extra depth will support a water delivery of up to 30 gallons per minute. All you need to do is connect a garden hose or use the pool’s return line to add some water to the slide.

With a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, this slide will be ideal for use by both kids and adults. Also, it allows for more flexible mounting as you can install it on either the deck or surface, meaning it will accommodate any pool.

The instructions seem a little off and vague in some sections. However, they should not be a big concern, given there are countless videos online that can guide you through the entire installation process.

Pros

• Sturdy, elegant, and deep enough flume
• Holds more weight to accommodate both kids and adults
• Allows for both surface and deck mounting
• Easy-grip handrails

Cons

• Instructions are not very good

2. S.R. Smith TurboTwister Pool Slide

S.R. Smith TurboTwister Pool Slide is all about adding extra fun to your swimming pool. The slide includes some curves and dips on the flume that will ensure sliding is more exciting.

Also, the slide supports up to 275 pounds, meaning it will be suitable for both kids and adults. Overall, it is also a sturdy and durable slide, thanks to the sturdy rotomolded construction.

The flume is also wide and deep, ensuring that the users exit safely and supports a higher water delivery of up to 25 gallons per minute.

Other safety features include the enclosed ladder and molded handrail. Additionally, this is also a CPSC-compliant ladder, and so you can buy with confidence.

Setting up the slide can be hectic, but you should still be able to hack it with a little extra help. Also, the ladder is steeper, but it should be safe enough, even for little ones.

Pros

• Extra fun with the included curves and dips
• Sturdy and durable build
• Designed for maximum safety
• Supports up to 275 pounds

Cons

• Set up can be hectic
• Ladder is quite steep

3. Inter-Fab WRS-CR-SS Water Pool Slide

The ease of installation is one of the main things pool owners love most about the Inter-Fab WRS-CR-SS Water Pool Slide. The slide comes with complete installation instructions, and there is also a video on the manufacturer’s website that will take you through the entire process.

Besides being easy to install, this pool slide is made to last a long time. The manufacture uses heavy-duty materials like stainless steel and acrylic that are tough enough to withstand abuse from the users and the elements to ensure many years of trouble-free use.

The water supply is highly flexible because, besides the pool’s return system, you can also connect a garden hose by getting an adapter kit.

What’s more, the pool is also safe enough as it includes enclosed stairs and a good grip on the handrails to allow both kids and adults to climb safely. Almost anyone can use this slide as it can accommodate up to 250 pounds.

Although this slide is super easy to install, it is still not a one-person job. However, this should be obvious given its size and the number of parts you need to put together.

Pros

• Quick and easy installation
• High-quality materials
• Water supply works with both pool return system and garden hose
• Safe stairs and handrails design

Cons

• Installation is still not a one-person job

4. WOW World of Watersports 19-2210 Slide

The heavy-duty PVC construction of the WOW World of Watersports 19-2210 Slide makes it a highly durable inflatable slide that you can be sure of using for many years to come. Also, it works well as both a slide and pool dock.

Safety is also a guarantee with this pool slide. Besides the sturdy and comfortable material, it has inflatable side rails that protect users. What’s more, it is easy to spot in the water thanks to the highly visible graphics.

This WOW slide includes a zippered connection system that allows you to join it with other inflatables from the company, such as water walkways and mats, to create a more extensive water world. There is no limit to how many mats and walkways you can connect, provided you have space.

Although this one seems a little pricier for an inflatable pool slide, the cost is a reflection of its superior build, versatility, and larger size. Also, it seems to require more frequent refills to remain firm and nice, but this is typical of most inflatables when under constant use.

Pros

• Highly durable construction
• Side rails for extra safety
• Connects easily with others to build a pool playground
• Bright graphics ensure easy visibility

Cons

• Relatively pricier
• Require frequent refills

5. RAVE Sports Pontoon Slide

You will never have to stress over how to inflate the RAVE Sports Pontoon Slide, as it comes with a high-pressure pump as part of the package. Therefore, you get everything you need to set up and use this fantastic slide.

The slide uses commercial-grade materials with reinforcement to ensure you get a long service life. Better still, it offers more flexible and versatile use as it fits almost any pontoon as you only need to attach it using the provided straps.

Also, there is no lengthy setup as the slide will inflate fully in just 5 minutes which is faster than most other types out there. Additionally, you can deflate it quickly after use, and it will roll into a sleeping bag-like shape to ensure more compact storage. The slide can fit under small spaces like below a boat seat.

Price is the biggest drawback of this pool slide as it is pretty expensive. However, you still get a good deal given the inclusion of a pump and its commercial-grade quality.

Pros

• Pump included
• Super quick inflation
• Highly durable material
• Rolls up into a compact size for storage

Cons

• Quite pricey

Guide to Buy the Best Pool Slide

1. Slide Type

You can get pool slides in two main types, which are the inflatable and rigid slides. It is essential to decide what style you want from the onset as this affects other things like the price, material, and ease of installation.

Inflatable Slides

Inflatable slides such as the RAVE Sports Pontoon Slide are super easy to install as you only need to inflate them, and they will be ready to use. Their most significant advantage is that they are more affordable and easy to store, given their lightweight and compact size.

These pool slides are often PVC, vinyl, or nylon material. However, they require a high-pressure pump, so you will need to buy one separately if the model does not include it in the package.

Rigid Slides

Rigid pool slides are a more permanent pool installation. They are often made from metal, heavy-gauge plastic, fiberglass, wood, and other more rigid materials.

Rigid pool slides like the Inter-Fab WRS-CR-SS Water Pool Slide are more durable than inflatable ones and safer to use. However, these slides will also be more expensive.

2. Material

Regardless of the slide type you choose, it is essential to ensure the material is good quality, safe, and comfortable for the users.

PVC and vinyl are the two most common pool slide material types. Besides making sure your slide is heavy-duty enough, ensure it has no sharp edges, gaps, or other things like screws sticking out as they can cause injuries.

It is important to note that while the best pools sides are those made from commercial-grade materials as they last a lifetime, they also cost much more.

3. Size

Pool slides come in different sizes that will cater to both kids and adults. Therefore, how you intend to use the slide or the regular users should guide you when deciding the size to choose.

Besides the age of the users, the amount of space you have around your pool will also determine the right pool slide. The more area you have, the larger the pool slide you can get.

Most popular pool slides will be between 7 and 8 feet high and have a flume length of 15 feet. Also, most can hold up to 250 pounds. Therefore, any slide that falls within this size will work well for most pool owners.

4. Ease of Installation

A good pool slide should be quick and easy to install. You do not want to spend the entire weekend installing a pool slide or even have to pay someone to do the job for you.

The larger and more complicated the design is, the more effort and time it takes to set up. However, if the slide comes with some clear instructions with easy-to-understand illustrations and all the hardware you need, it will give you an easier time.

5. Safety

Safety should be at the top of your mind when deciding what pool slide to buy, which is even more so if you are buying something that kids will use.

The good news is that most modern pool ladders have various safety features, such as secure handrails, wide steps, and high slide flume walls.

Another crucial indicator of pool slide safety is CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) compliance. For a product to get CPSC compliance, it goes through rigorous testing to ascertain its safety.

Bottom Line

There is no doubt that a slide will be an excellent addition to your pool as it will add another level of fun. However, like any other pool fixture, you have to choose the best pool slide to ensure good service and maximum safety.

There is something for every pool owner in our review above. However, the S.R. Smith Rogue2 Pool Slide is our best overall and top recommendation. It is an elegant and sturdy slide that both kids and adults can use and includes multiple safety features.