BLUE ICE POOL

Installing a pool in your backyard sets your family up for a summer of fun. Adding a pool slide to your mix of swimming pool accessories will increase the entertainment worth of your pool and make the investment value multiply.

There are several brands and styles of swimming pool slides that a buyer can choose from. Which one is right for you depend on the type of pool you have and the look you are going for. Pool slides range anywhere from basic straight models to tightly curved styles. The best way to start your search is to visit any of the websites for the popular manufacturers.

One of the better-known pool slide companies is Inter-Fab Incorporated. They offer six different styles of slides that range from a thirty-seven inch height to a staggering seventy-seven inch height. The Zoomerang, Whitewater, X-Stream, City 2, and Wild Ride slides feature either straight or slightly curved designs. Their popular G-Force slide is a tightly curved slide that propels the user at a fast rate of speed. Inter-Fab's prices are competitive for the market with the basic Zoomerang running around $830 to the G-Force, which runs for close to $3,300. Inter-Fab's slides get four-star reviews from users based on their durability and style.

Another popular pool slide manufacturer is S.R. Smith. With eight slides on the market, you can easily find one that fits all of your needs. Like Inter-Fab, S.R. Smith offers both straight and tightly curved styles. Their Big Ride, Cyclone, Turbo Twister, Typhoon, Aqua Blast, Rocket Ride, and Rogue Grand Rapids all fit into their straight slide category. Their Vortex model is curved with either an open or closed plume option. The S.R. Smith slides range from four feet tall to eight feel tall, depending on the model. Prices for these slides run between $1,000 for the basic Cyclone kid-sized slide to an astounding $12,000 for the Vortex. Due to the high cost of the Vortex slide, it is generally recommended only for commercial or high-end residential pools. Whichever model you choose, rest assured that S.R. Smith slides also rank highly with users for their ability to withstand heavy use.

For pool owners that cannot or do not want to invest in a pricey pool slide, there is another option. Intex inflatable slides provide the fun of a typical pool slide but without the high price tag. While Intex only offers one style of inflatable slide, the affordable price tag is a worthwhile trade-off for the limited choices. Ringing in at a mere $90, the Intex inflatable pool slide will be enjoyable without breaking the budget. Reviews are mixed on the Intex slide, with the majority of complaints being the eventual loss of air (this is true of inflatable pools as well). Intex provides patches for any damage that may occur during use; however, you will need to decide if the price is low enough to justify purchasing several replacements through the years. Plan your budget to see if it is more cost-effective to make a one-time expenditure of a pricier slide versus the multiple purchases of a cheaper slide.

All three manufacturers provide pool slide options for inground pools, although these pool accessories are tougher to come by for above ground pools. If you have an above ground swimming pool, you will need to contact the company of your choice to inquire about their options. To use many of the slides available you will need to build a deck around your swimming pool (obviously inground swimming pools don't need them).

By taking stock of your budget, the type of pool you own, and the amount of room available, it will be relatively easy to decide which slide is right for your family. Pool slides are a smart investment to increase the worth of your home and to upgrade the enjoyment of your personal swimming pool.  Throw in some pool floats and pool toys and you'll have a regular water park going on!