As parents, we want our kids to be active, as we know how harmful the laziness that modern life affords today. The only way to win this is to offer something more fun than binge-watching YouTube, Netflix or Disney+ and make our children enjoy physical activity.
The good news is that summer is upon us, presenting a range of fun outdoor activities that allow a lot of body movement. You can turn your garden into a fun park – you only need water and an inflatable pool slide.
What is the Best Water Slide for the Kids?
When searching for the best inflatable pool slides in Australia you’ll come across various option sizes made with different age groups in mind. To choose the right one for you and your family, you must consider your and your kids’ specific needs. Here’s everything you should know.
Age Requirements
Various age groups are taken into account when designing water slides. Water play is a great sensory game to boost brain development of younger children. But they wouldn’t be safe on inflatable slides made with teens and older kids in mind. This equipment has a different height and weight requirements, just like standard amusement park rides. When purchasing one of these, always check the manufacturer’s suggested age.
Simple Use
Usually, parents are those who will assemble the slide. Make sure that the rig is something you can handle putting up before buying it. Having that in mind, you shouldn’t worry because most of the products are simple to use. Here’s a quick glimpse into the whole process.
First, you need to lay the slide flat with the bottom facing the ground on a flat surface. Then, the air blower should be turned on and connected to the designated hole. You must insert the hose into a specific connector for the water.
Drain all the water from the slide and ensure it’s dry and clean to prevent mould when deflating it. Give it a few hours to dry. Deflate the device, fold it, and put it back in the storage bag. Be prepared because deflating the slide might be more strenuous than setting it up.
The weight of the tools can also make the setup more complicated or simpler. That is something you should consider when looking for a slide.
Size of the Slide
Where will you place the inflatable water slide? As the product’s dimensions play an immense role in its location, what you choose will depend on the answer to this question. Almost all inflatable pool slides Australia-available will contain size specifications to make the process easier. Examine the space where you want to place the slide concerning the specified dimensions.
:Remember to account for height as well. This factor becomes crucial if you place the slide underneath a balcony or a few trees.
Durability and Sturdiness
Naturally, if you’re investing your money in this product, you want to ensure that it’s reliable and long-lasting.
The inflatable pool slide’s construction must be sturdy enough to withstand your children’s weight and frequent bouncing. Additionally, the material needs to be thick to prevent holes from developing. Longevity comes at a cost—the heavier the item is, the denser the material.
Also, remember that the slide may occasionally be in the sun for an extended period. Choose a material that can withstand the heat of the summer.
What About the Blower?
Blowers allow for quick setup and inflation. Some inflatable water slides include a blower, but not all. Choose products with the blower included if you want to avoid another purchase. And remember to buy a blower when you check out if the slide you have your heart set on doesn’t have one; it’s essential.
Additional Features
Most fancy add-ons for inflatable pool slides include cannons, fountains, basketball hoops, and rocks. These make these pool add-ons interesting for different child age groups. Make sure the one you choose has a variety of entertaining extras if you’re buying it for more than one child. We all know how impatient kids can be, so doing this will allow all the little explorers to enjoy the equipment at once rather than wait in line.
Safety Considerations
While you want your children to enjoy themselves, you also need to ensure their safety. To avoid making a mistake, try to buy inflatable water slides from well-known manufacturers who have stood the test of time.
Choose slides with detailed setup instructions, and then carefully follow them. Pay attention to the splash pool as well; it needs a soft bottom and smooth edges and shouldn’t be too deep.
Pick a slide with secure tether points, sandbags, and steel stakes. To anchor it firmly to the ground, fasten the tether points to ropes, anchors, or straps. Even then, keep in mind that kids should always be under adult supervision.