Australian summers are hot, and in our opinion there's no better way to beat the heat than to cool off with some backyard water play! Inflatable water slides, water parks, slip & slides and inflatable pools offer endless fun and excitement for kids, whilst helping them stay cool in the sweltering summer sun.Choosing the right inflatable water slide can make all the difference in creating unforgettable summer memories. Here's what you need to know to find the perfect water slide or water play product for your backyard oasis!
Popular Water Play Products
Three of the most popular options you can choose from for a water-based backyard toy are an inflatable water slide, an inflatable pool, or a slip n' slide. Lets take a look at each one and see which might the best choice for your backyard.
Inflatable Water Slides
Our range of inflatable water slides
An inflatable water slide is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a product that you can blow up (usually with an electric pump) and then kids can slide down while the water is running. It’s a great choice for kids to have high energy fun in the summer.
What To Consider
Most inflatable water slides are rather large, so you’ll need to ensure that you have enough space in your front or back yard.
Each inflatable water slide should also come with size and weight limits. Some are designed for adults, teenagers, and older children, while others are designed exclusively for smaller children. The size and weight limits should be clearly indicated on the packaging.
You’ll also need a flat area and access to a water pump for an inflatable water slide to function properly. Some slides will include the pump as part of the package, but others won’t.
What To Look For
The best inflatable slides are made from heavy-duty and puncture-resistant materials such as polyester oxford fabric or reinforced PVC. These kinds of materials will withstand years of rigorous use and should also come with padded edges to enhance safety.
Some water slides come in the form of 'water parks' that have built-in splash pools and climbing walls. Additionally, some slides feature built-in sprinklers. While not essential, these extras can certainly make the slide more enjoyable!
Who is an inflatable water slide best for?
An inflatable water slide is a good choice if you have a large backyard and if you plan on entertaining families who also have children (warning: your backyard will quickly become the favourite place to hang out!)
The castle and canopy water park (pictured above) from H2OGO is one of our top selling water slides. We also have some very popular Bestway products now in stock and on sale.
Inflatable Pools
Our range of inflatable kids pools
Inflatable pools are exactly what they sound like as well: pools that can be inflated for your children to play in. And just like inflatable slides, pools come in many different configurations as well, and it’s important for you to know what to look for.
What to Consider
Inflatable pools come in many different sizes and depths. Some are designed for adults and larger children, while others are intended only for smaller children and will be much shallower. Each pool you consider should have the recommended age range clearly labelled on the box.
Some pools can be quite large as well, and they may take up more space in your front or backyard than you had anticipated. Be sure to read the dimensions on the box or container, and then confirm that you have enough space set aside in your yard for the pool.
Don't forget that rules apply to the use of inflatable pools in backyards in Australia, these rules vary from state to state but including pool fencing, warning signs and more.
What To Look For
Just like water slides, you’ll want to look for inflatable pools that are made out of soft and yet puncture-resistant materials, such as reinforced PVC or polyester oxford fabric.
As we noted above, inflatable pools come in many different configurations and set ups. Some, for example, have built-in benches, slides and sprinklers, climbing walls, and even water guns. You’ll want to think carefully about what your children enjoy and which setup should best maximise their enjoyment.
Who is An Inflatable Pool Best For?
An inflatable pool is a good choice if you’re looking for a versatile water feature in your yard that can provide your children with ongoing summer fun. While an inflatable slide might be a better choice for high-energy water-based activities, a pool is ideal if you’re seeking something a bit more relaxed and soothing under the hot summer sun.
They are also a great choice for families with younger children who just need some shallow water to splash around in. Water and sand play tables and products are another popular option for younger children as they can be setup close to the house where you can keep an eye on them while they play.
Slip ‘n Slide
A slip n’ slide is a classic outdoor water toy that requires much more minimal setup compared to an inflatable slide or pool.
While very similar in concept to the inflatable slide, a slip n’slide consists of a long and narrow sheet of plastic that is wetted down with a hose. This allows kids and adults alike to then slide directly down the surface.
New Product (pictured below): Shower Tower from Plum Play
What To Consider
Most slip n’ slides will require a long, flat, and grassy area to set up. Not only will you need enough space in your yard, you’re also going to make sure that all rocks, sticks, and other debris have been moved out of the way.
What To Look For
Look for a slip n’slide that comes with padded start and end points. This will help to soften the impact when somebody slides down the surface without sliding all the way into the lawn.
You’ll also want to look for a slip n’slide that comes with secure anchoring systems; the last thing you want is a slide that will be sliding down the lawn when somebody slides with it!
To keep the surface wet, some slip n’slides come with built-in sprinklers that should be able to connect to your garden hose. Others won’t, however, and will require you to manually keep the surface wet with your hose yourself. The slide will require a continuous supply of water to remain slippery throughout the duration of play.
Who is a Slip ‘n Slide best for?
A slip n’slide is a good choice if you’re looking for a water-based toy that’s cheaper and easier to set up than an inflatable pool or slide. While not quite as relaxing as a pool, perhaps, it will be a great choice if you have kids who enjoy fast-paced and active water-based play.
Conclusion
In short, an inflatable water slide, inflatable pool, and slip n’slide each represent great choices for summertime outdoor play and will offer hours of fun for your family.
Inflatable water slides are a good choice for higher-energy activities and for large gatherings with friends and family, pools are a good choice if you want a more laid back option that can be enjoyed throughout the summer, and slip n’slides are a cheaper option that are ideal for fast-paced games.
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