Installing a custom fiberglass water slide is one of the best ways to upgrade your pool and elevate the backyard experience—but don’t overlook a key decision: where to place the slide. Strategic placement not only impacts how fun your slide will be but also plays a crucial role in safety, convenience, and overall pool enjoyment.
At Dolphin Waterslides, we’ve been helping homeowners design smarter, safer waterslides since 2006. Here’s what you need to consider getting the most out of your waterslide investment.
Start With Safety First
Before thinking about aesthetics or fun, ensure the slide exits into a deep enough area of your pool. Most slides should end in water that’s at least 3.5 to 5 feet deep, depending on the slide’s height and design. This gives riders plenty of space to safely land and resurface.
Pro tip: Avoid placing the slide where swimmers typically gather, like shallow lounging zones or tanning ledges.
Leave Room to Move
Crowding your pool deck can lead to bottlenecks and frustration. Be sure your slide doesn’t block walkways, stairs, or entry points. Good placement allows for clear movement around the pool, especially during busy gatherings.
Pro tip: Slides often work best in corners or along longer edges of the pool where they’re out of the main traffic flow.
Use Your Pool’s Shape to Your Advantage
Custom slides can be designed to fit the curves, corners, or geometry of your pool. Whether your pool is rectangular or freeform, you can use your pool’s design to make the slide feel like a natural extension rather than an afterthought.
Pro tip: Curved slides can follow the shape of a kidney or lagoon-style pool beautifully.
Check for Sun Exposure
Waterslides are more enjoyable when they’re cool to the touch. Placing the slide in an area that gets partial shade can keep the surface from heating up too much, especially during peak summer hours.
Pro tip: If you don’t have natural shade, consider placing your slide where future umbrellas or pergolas can offer relief.
Make Room for Access and Supervision
The climb to the top of the slide is just as important as the ride down. Be sure there’s ample room for the ladder or access stairs, and that parents or supervisors have a clear line of sight to the top and bottom of the slide.
Pro tip: Avoid placing slides where fencing, foliage, or structures block visibility.
Blend It into the Landscape
Your slide doesn’t just have to be fun—it can also be visually stunning. Many Dolphin Waterslides customers choose to place their slides near rock features, waterfalls, or garden beds to create a resort-style feel.
Pro tip: Ask about color-matching options to coordinate your slide with your deck, tile, or pool lining.
Plan for Plumbing
Every slide needs water flowing through it to keep the ride smooth and safe. That means you’ll need a dedicated water line and access to your pool’s pump system. Choosing a location that’s near plumbing access can streamline installation and reduce costs.
Pro tip: Consult with a Dolphin Waterslides expert during planning to ensure water access is simple and effective.
Make It a Focal Point
Your slide should do more than entertain—it should impress! Position your waterslide where it becomes a centerpiece of your backyard design. Whether that’s visible from the patio, your home’s windows, or the grilling area, it should invite attention and fun.
Pro tip: Elevating your slide slightly with landscaping or decking can make it even more eye-catching.
Dolphin Waterslides: Here to Help You Get It Right
From initial planning to final installation, our team is ready to help you choose the best slide and the ideal placement for your specific pool layout. We believe every backyard should be fun, functional, and uniquely yours.
Call us today at 731-632-1407 or contact us online to start creating your custom slide layout. With Dolphin Waterslides, the perfect position equals maximum fun!
