Key Questions to Ask When Ordering customized inflatable slide
Jun. 16, 2025
How to Choose the Perfect Inflatable Water Slide for Your Family
Which Inflatable Water Slide is Best?
Finding the best inflatable water slide for your needs is sort of like choosing the ideal car. There are a whole lot of variables. There are all sorts of performance and aesthetic choices you’ll need to make. But at the end of the day, it’s your needs and your environment that will ultimately help you make a decision.
I’m a parent. I want a car where I can get the baby seat in and out easily, leaving enough space for the bigger kids. Living in an urban area, I prefer smaller vehicles; I don’t want a big, tall SUV. I want something sporty and fun to drive when the kids aren’t with me. And living in Buffalo, I need a car that can handle the heavy lake effect snow our city is famous for.
Choosing an inflatable water slide? It’s a lot like buying a new car. You’ve got a toddler, an eight-year old, and a young teenager, so you want a slide they can all enjoy. You want it to fit in your backyard. You want to pick a gender neutral theme that all three kids will be happy with; a rainbow theme, or perhaps a tropical theme. Or maybe it’ll be something else entirely?
You may not be looking at fuel economy or how fast it accelerates from zero to 60. But like buying a car, buying an inflatable water slide is a big investment. And there are lots of things you’ll need to take into consideration before entering your card info. Let’s take a look at these common factors and see if we can find the perfect inflatable water slide to suit your needs.
Are You Better Off with an Inflatable Water Slide Rental?
Not every family needs a big inflatable water slide. Not every family has the time, the money, or the storage space to facilitate one. So before we get into all these factors that might shape the inflatable slide you decide to buy, let’s first take a moment to make sure you need to buy one in the first place.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may want to consider looking into booking an inflatable water slide rental. There are probably inflatable water slides for rent near you, and it might make more sense to book one than buy one. If you do answer “yes” to any of these questions but you still aren’t sure, give our sales team a call at 716-566-. We’re not going to try and sell you something you don’t need and we’re more than happy to help you decide if it’s better to buy or rent.
- Do you plan on using your water slide only once or twice per year? Can you realistically see yourself setting this up that often? Can you see your kids using it that much?
- Do you have enough yard space to accommodate an inflatable water slide?
- Do you have a spigot for a garden hose that can easily reach the area where you’d set up the slide?
- Will your kids continue to get value from the slide a few years from now?
- Do you have a place where you can safely and easily store the unit, without having to lug it up and down stairs?
Size Does Matter when Choosing an Inflatable Slide
The second big issue we’re going to want to figure out is the size of the inflatable water slide. How large a footprint is this thing going to need? These games can be really, really big. We’ll want to make sure you find a unit that can actually fit in the yard, park, or other space where this will be set up.
What’s the maximum amount of space you can use up with your inflatable slide? And what amount of space are you comfortable using? These aren’t necessarily the same thing!
It’s important to note that when you’re looking at products listed on Pogo Bounce House, you’re seeing the height of the unit in the product’s title, not the length. For instance, our 12’ Blue Marble inflatable water slide is 12’ tall, but it’s 23’ long and 9’ wide. That’s more than 200 square feet of real estate.
Meanwhile, a much larger Tropical Marble Dual Lane Inflatable Water Slide is 30’ long, 20’ wide, and 22’ tall. That’s 600 square feet. And at 22’ tall, you also need to worry about environmental impacts other than sheer space alone. Will the unit run into tree branches or utility lines? Is there anything above the inflatable slide that can cause an obstruction, or even damage your brand new inflatable water slide?
Larger inflatable water slides—ones in the 15’+ range— use long tethers that help prevent swaying, and these tethers are usually secured with 36” to 42” stakes. These longer stakes pose the risk of damaging underground utility lines, which can in turn be very dangerous. Be sure to dial 811 and make sure you’re clear to drive these longer stakes!
You’re Gonna Carry that Weight
The inflatable water slide’s footprint in your yard isn’t the only size-related factor. Larger inflatable games naturally weigh more, and that means you also need to consider how you’ll move the inflatable slide around.
An inflatable water slide can weigh as little as 100 pounds, or as much as 1,000 pounds. Yes, you read that correctly … 1,000! Of course, that’s for enormous commercial inflatable water slides designed to be set up by a team of people. If you’re one or two parents with no other help, moving something like that around is obviously a nonstarter.
We strongly recommend getting a heavy duty hand truck, or maybe a furniture dolly/appliance dolly. We also suggest you pick up some easy-to-use ratchet straps, which always prove useful when you’re trying to secure something huge—an inflatable water slide, for instance—to your hand truck.
The most important thing we can recommend when setting up an inflatable water slide: BE CAREFUL. These are large, heavy, and cumbersome. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Ask friends or family for assistance. If you’re hosting a party, see if any guests with whom you’re close are willing to stop by a little early and help you get set up. Your kids won’t be able to enjoy themselves if Mommy or Daddy are writhing in pain after pulling their muscles!
Who is Doing the Sliding?
Pogo’s Vinyl Crossover™ and commercial inflatable water slides are tough, durable, and resistant. Take good care of them, and they can last several years … the first inflatable water slide you ever buy could even be the last you’ll ever need.
You’ll of course want to get an inflatable slide that’s suited to your present-day family. But you’ll also want to take into consideration where your kids might be in three or four years. Think about how much bigger they’ll be (kids grow way too darn fast, don’t they?). Will they still get the same value out of the inflatable water slide you’ve chosen when they’re a few years older and a few feet taller?
As a general rule, bigger kids have bigger fun on bigger inflatable games. A 12 foot inflatable slide won’t be as fun for a 14 year old as it is for a nine year old. But a huge 20’ tall slide might be too scary for younger kids. Trying to strike that balance with your choice of inflatable water slide may be a little challenging.
Our suggestion here isn’t to ask a salesperson …you’re better off asking your kids. See what they think is too big or too small. And always remember the old adage of someone’s eyes being bigger than their stomach. Kids are always super stoked by the prospect of the ginormous, humongous, gargantuan roller coaster with death-defying mega loops and lightning fast corkscrew spirals ... right up to the moment they see it in person.
Still Need Help? Give Pogo a Call!
Inflatable Water Slide Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Buying ...
You have made a fantastic decision to enhance the excitement at your family gatherings this summer by investing in an inflatable water slide. However, it is crucial to note that commercial grade inflatable water slides come in various shapes, sizes, and quality levels. Before impulsively purchasing the first vibrant slide you come across, it is essential to conduct thorough research. By doing so, you can ensure that you acquire a slide that will provide maximum enjoyment for many years to come. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in selecting an inflatable water slide that suits your specific requirements and budget. By the conclusion of this article, you will possess all the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision and choose a slide that will bring joy to you and your family for countless summers ahead. Remember, the scorching heat won’t last forever, so let’s embark on this journey now.
Size and Height: How Big Should Your Inflatable Water Slide Be?
When choosing an inflatable water slide for your business or event, size definitely matters. Go too small and you’ll disappoint thrill-seekers, but go too big and you’ll overwhelm your space. The ideal size depends on your location and target audience.
For most families and events, a medium slide is a perfect choice. These are typically 4 to 5 metres wide and 8 to 8.5 metres long, with raised platforms for extra excitement and larger splash pools. Popular models in this range include the Tropical Marble and the Double Lane water slide, which are big enough for multiple riders but still compact.
If you want to make a real splash, consider a large inflatable water slide. These eye-catching attractions average 6 to 9 metres tall and often come in two sections for added thrills. The Double Splash and Triple Splash are popular big ticket items for resorts, camps and fundraisers. However, these monster slides require a substantial space and investment, so make sure you have the proper facilities and budget.
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For the biggest adrenaline rush, extra-large custom builds are available, some up to 20 metres high with multiple lanes and tunnels. But with great size comes great responsibility, so these massive slides are best left to major theme parks.
Whatever size you choose, look for a reputable company that builds to recognised safety standards, like Australian Inflatables’ commercial grade water slides. Their inflatables are designed for heavy use and built tough to stand up to excited sliders, ensuring your thrill ride is a splash hit rather than a wipe out!
Safety: Ensure Your Water Slide Meets Industry Standards
When choosing an inflatable water slide for commercial use, safety should be your top priority. Look for slides that meet industry standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Australian Standards (AS).
- CPSC standards require a minimum water depth of 3 feet for inflatable slides. This helps prevent injuries from collisions with the pool bottom. Slides should also pass CPSC’s 48 performance tests to ensure structural integrity and safety.
- Australian Standard AS sets additional safety standards for inflatable playground equipment. Commercial grade slides certified to AS undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle the demands of frequent use and high volumes of riders.
- Proper slide installation and supervision are also critical. Choose a reputable company that will set up the slide correctly and provide trained operators. Slide attendants should actively monitor riders to enforce rules like sliding feet first only in the proper position.
- Consider the slide’s maximum rider weight, height requirements, and number of lanes to suit your needs. A slide that is too small or large for your primary users could lead to unsafe overcrowding or exclude some riders.
- Look for additional safety features like non-slip surfaces, grab handles, and splash pools at the exit. These help riders maintain control and exit the slide smoothly.
By choosing a commercial grade slide that meets key industry standards, following all safety rules, and properly supervising riders, you can offer an exciting water slide experience while minimising risks. Focusing on safety will ensure your inflatable water slide provides family fun for years to come.
Material: Choose a Durable and Puncture-Resistant Material Like PVC or TPU
As leading professionals within the jumping castle industry, we cannot emphasise enough the significance of the material selection when purchasing an inflatable water slide. The durability and safety of your product are directly tied to the quality of the material used. We strongly advocate for the use of robust materials such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), renowned for their longevity and resistance to wear. While these superior materials may demand a higher initial investment compared to more economical alternatives, the payoff comes in the form of enhanced safety and extended product lifespan. In this industry, cutting corners on quality can lead to safety risks and customer dissatisfaction. Hence, prioritising top-quality materials like PVC or TPU when choosing your inflatable water slide is a sound and professional business strategy
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- PVC is a popular, cost-effective material used in many commercial inflatable water slides.
- PVC slides are resistant to damage from weather, temperature changes, and sun exposure.
- However, PVC can become brittle over time and in very cold temperatures. It also requires more maintenance to prevent fading and material deterioration.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
- TPU is a high-performance elastomer material that is more durable and weather-resistant than PVC.
- TPU slides have greater puncture and tear resistance, so they last longer.
- TPU material is also more flexible, so slides retain their shape better and are more comfortable.
- Although TPU slides have a higher upfront cost, their longevity and lower maintenance needs make them a smart investment for heavy or long-term use.
When choosing between PVC or TPU for an inflatable water slide, consider how often and intensely the slide will be used. For recreational home use, a PVC slide should work great for many seasons if properly maintained. However, for commercial use at a park, camp or event venue, a TPU slide is the superior choice for safety, durability and extended longevity.
Whichever material you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to:
- Regularly inspect for damage or tears and patch as needed.
- Deflate and properly store the slide when not in use to avoid weathering.
- Disinfect and clean the slide between uses to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Not exceed the maximum weight capacity to prevent injury.
By selecting a high-quality, durable material and properly maintaining your inflatable water slide, you’ll keep thrill-seekers safe and happy for years to come!
Features: Consider Extra Features Such as Splash Pools, Climbing Walls and Obstacle Courses
When buying a commercial grade inflatable water slide, Consider a supplier who got professional capabilities to maximize the fun. The science behind inflatable water slides is fascinating: the smooth, frictionless surface reduces resistance, allowing for thrilling speeds and an exhilarating ride down the slide. Adding extra features can dramatically amplify the fun quotient of your inflatable water slide. Consider incorporating elements like splash pools, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. These additions can transform a simple slide into an action-packed, aquatic adventure playground, providing endless hours of entertainment and making it an irresistible purchase for those looking to boost their leisure activities. Remember, a more engaging product translates to more interested customers or escalated fun activities for family.
Splash Pools
Introducing our exhilarating water slide experience! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you plunge down our thrilling slides, guaranteed to leave you with a splash of excitement! With our attached splash pools, you’ll experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you reach the end of the slide and make a refreshing splash landing. For those special events, we offer the flexibility of removable pools that can be effortlessly set up at the bottom of the slide. Whether you choose the attached or removable pool option, our slides promise an exhilarating journey that culminates in a satisfying and invigorating splash. Get ready to make a splash and create lasting memories with our incredible water slide experience!
Climbing Walls
For the ultimate thrill ride, look for slides with attached rock climbing walls. Climb to the top and zoom down twisting, turning slides for an adrenaline rush like no other. Climbing walls also provide another activity so guests aren’t just waiting in line for the slides.
Obstacle Courses
The most exciting inflatable water slides include obstacle courses with features like:
- Crawl tubes: Navigate tight, twisting tubes that lead to slides.
- Pop-ups: Surprise obstacles that “pop up” in the middle of the course.
- Balance beams: Test your skills walking a narrow beam 6 feet in the air.
- Slides: Zip down slides of varying heights, angles and paths.
Obstacle courses challenge both kids and adults with a variety of activities for maximum fun. They also give guests more options so the entire park stays active and engaged.
While a single slide can provide entertainment, extra features transform an inflatable water slide into an unforgettable experience. Splash pools, climbing walls and obstacle courses mean more thrills, less waiting and fun for all ages. When buying a commercial grade slide, consider how these add-ons can take your inflatable water park to the next level. Choose from a variety of sizes, styles and features so you can create a custom aquatic adventure that will make a splash in your community.
Rental Potential of the commercial slide you buy
When considering the option of renting out an inflatable, it is essential to take into account its potential appeal to potential renters. By incorporating enticing features such as splash pools, climbing walls, and obstacle courses, you can significantly enhance its rental potential. These additional elements not only provide an extra level of excitement and enjoyment for renters but also offer a unique and memorable experience. By investing in an inflatable with these attractive features, you can attract a wider range of renters and maximise your rental income.
Warranty and After-Sales Support: Look for at Least a 1-2 Year Warranty and Local Customer Service
Look for at Least a 1-2 Year Warranty and Local Customer Service
When investing in a commercial grade inflatable water slide, the warranty and after-sales support offered by the manufacturer is crucial. You want a guarantee that covers the main components for at least 2 years, and wearing parts for a minimum of 12 months. Anything less means you could be left with an expensive slide that needs major repairs shortly after purchasing.
- A reputable company will stand by their products and want to keep customers happy. Look for manufacturers that offer:
- Extended warranty options you can purchase for added peace of mind.
- A local customer service department in your country that you can call directly with questions or if issues arise. Avoid companies where you have to ship products overseas for repairs.
- Easy to find information on their website about warranty inclusions, the claims process, and contact information for support. If details seem hidden or hard to locate, it may indicate poorer service.
- Consider the lifespan of different components and how long parts may last with regular commercial use. Heavy-duty PVC or vinyl materials, seams, baffles, straps, and fasteners will deteriorate over time and with weather exposure, even with proper care and maintenance. Quality manufacturing and materials will prolong the life, but moving parts and high-wear areas will still need replacing.
- Think about the cost to repair or replace major slide sections or components once the warranty has ended. It may be worth paying a higher initial price for a slide with a more comprehensive and longer-lasting guarantee. After all, the warranty provides reassurance and helps ensure your investment will last for many summers of family fun to come!
When buying an inflatable water slide, don’t just consider the upfront cost. Look at the total value including after-sales support. A reputable company that stands behind their products will give you peace of mind and help maximise your return on investment. Their guarantee and customer service are worth paying extra for.
Newly introducing our VIP Slides
Introducing our exclusive VIP water slide experience! Are you ready to take your adventure to the next level? Our VIP slides offer an unparalleled thrill that will leave you breathless and craving for more. Get ready to be treated like a true VIP as you embark on an exhilarating journey like no other.
With our VIP water slides, we have taken the concept of excitement to a whole new level. Picture yourself soaring through twists and turns, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you speed towards the grand finale. Our slides are designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a smooth and sensational ride every time. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the excitement in your heart as you conquer each twist and turn.
To make your VIP experience even more memorable, we offer customizable packages for special events and celebrations. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate gathering, or family reunion, we have the expertise to create an extraordinary experience tailored to your specific needs. Our removable pools provide the flexibility to transform the end of the slide into a private oasis, where you and your guests can make a grand splash and create lasting memories.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunities these only lasts for a while
Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to elevate your water slide adventure to VIP status. Book your VIP experience today and prepare to be amazed. Get ready for a world of thrills, luxury, and unforgettable memories at our water park’s VIP water slide experience! Contact us today to get more information
Conclusion
So now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make an informed buying decision and invest in a commercial grade inflatable water slide that will provide years of enjoyment. Don’t settle for anything less than the highest quality and safest model that suits your needs and budget. Do your research, check reviews and ask suppliers lots of questions. When set up in your backyard, a commercial slide creates the perfect opportunity for laughter, memories and bringing people together. You’ll quickly become the favourite house on the block and the go-to location for the best summer parties. Buying an inflatable water slide is a big investment, but also a chance to create priceless moments and experiences that you’ll cherish for years to come. The excitement and joy from both kids and adults alike will make it all worthwhile.
For more customized inflatable slideinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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