Diving into the pool is fun but for kids, a pool slide will take fun to a whole new level.
If you’re considering a pool slide for your inground or above ground pool, then this is for you. In this article we review the best above ground pool slides in 2023.
Article Contents
What Should You Consider When Searching for Above Ground Slides?
When choosing a waterslide for your pool there are some things you must consider before buying. Here are the most important considerations:
- The pool surrounding. Do you have a deck or no deck surrounding your pool? In which case you’ll need either a slide for above ground pools with a deck. Or a slide suitable for an above ground pool without deck. Each pool slide is different.
- How much space on the pool surrounds do you have? You don’t want your slide to turn up and find you haven’t allowed enough space.
- Are there any safety regulations in your area that you should follow? Does your area require you to have a permit before installing the slide?
- Do you have a nearby water source? A garden hose will work for smaller slides. Some slides are able to be connected to your pool return line which means you can reuse the water from your pool.
- How deep and what are the dimensions of your pool? A higher or faster swimming pool slide will require a deeper pool which is longer and wider.
Best Above Ground Pool Slides at a Glance
| Slide | WOW Watersports Slide N Smile | Intex Water Slide, Inflatable Play Center | S.R. Smith Rogue 2 | FibroPool Full-Sized Slide | S.R. Smith Cyclone Right Curve Pool Slide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Images |  |  |  |  |  |
| Inflatable/Blow Up | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| For Inground Pools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| For Above Ground No Deck | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| For Above Ground with Deck | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built in Water Sprayer | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garden Hose Connection | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Construction Material | PVC | PVC | Moulded Plastic & Aluminium | Fibreglass & Stainless Steel | Moulded Plastic |
| Measurements | 4’2″(h) x 9′ (l) 6′ (w) | 3’10” (h) x 10’11” (l) x 3’10” (w) | 8′ (h) x 9′ 3″ (l) | 6′ (h) x 10’6″(l) | 4’1″ (h) x 6′ (l) |
| Weight Limit | 550 lbs | 176 lbs | 250 lbs | 200lbs | 175 lbs |
| Slide Height | 4’2″ | 3′ 10″ | 8′ | 6′ | 4′ 1″ |
| Price | Check | Check | Check | Check | Check |
Best Above Ground Pool Slides Reviews
Above Ground Pool Slide Under $150
Intex Water Slide, Inflatable Play Center
- Kids will have a blast
- Sits on pool decks next to pool
- Built in sprayers to ensure a slippery ride
After reviewing the available options again in 2023, the Intex pool slide is still one of the best selling low cost pool slides available. Here’s a video showing the setup and the product in use to give you a better idea of what the product is like:
Kids just love this blow up pool slide. Kids from 3 to 14 will have a blast.
It’s perfect for floating in above ground pools with no deck, inground pools and above ground pools that have a deck or pool surrounds that are flush with the edge of the pool.
The maximum weight limit is 176 pounds.
If the kids manage to poke a hole, the included repair patch will come in handy!
To add to the fun, the Intex Kool Splash water slide has built-in water sprayers that wet the slide and spray the user. Simply connect it up to a garden hose. The WOW Watersports slide doesn’t have this feature.
The handles and climbing holes also make it easy to use.
- Easy to set up (a shop vac or electric pump will make it easier)
- Comes with a patch kit
- Has multiple chambers for additional durability
- Half the price of the WOW Watersports slide
- There are complaints of holes appearing on the unit after a few uses but the repair kit should take care of that!
- Not durable over the long term. It is however good value for money and hundreds of dollars cheaper than solid pool slides.
Above Ground Pool Slide Under $300
WOW Watersports Slide N Smile – Floating Pool Slide
- Two-lane water slide with HI-VIS graphics
- Keeps kids amused for hours
- Heavy-duty PVC construction
The WOW watersports Slide N Smile is 9 feet long and features 2 lanes. You can use it for an inground pool, an above ground pool with a deck or if you don’t have a deck, float it in the pool.
It comes in gorgeous bright colors that children will love.
It’s not just for kids though. Since it measures 108 x 84 x 50″, even two adults can race down it. Bear in mind though that the maximum weight is 550 pounds!
It is inflatable and is constructed with heavy-duty PVC material for durability.
- Easy to install and set up
- Large size accommodates multiple people
- Holds up well from hours of kids use
- Can get holes in it but can be patched and repaired
- Takes a long time to inflate if you don’t have an electric pump
- Doesn't last as long as solid permanent pool slides but costs a fraction of what permanent slides cost
Above Ground Pool Slides Under $1500
FibroPool Full-Sized Swimming Pool Slide
- Full-size fiberglass slide - 6 ft high, 10 ft long
- Kids & adults will have a blast
- Includes sprayers
The FibroPool Full-sized swimming pool slide is a great choice for pools with a deck, grass, paved or concrete surrounds.
It is a permanent slide that is durable and will not “pop” after a few months use like some blow up slides do. It will comfortably carry up to 200 pounds and comes with a sprayer to ensure the slide remains wet while in use.
It stands at six-feet high making it a whole lot higher and a whole lot more fun than an inflatable slide!
- Beautifully designed to add a dash of elegance to your backyard!
- Comes with useful accessories such as surface mount flanges, hose clamps, sprayers, and adapters
- Constructed using fiberglass and stainless steel for durability
- There are some complaints that it is difficult to assemble & holes not aligning correctly. Anyone handy shouldn't have too much of a problem though.
S.R. Smith Cyclone Right Curve Pool Slide
- Compact pool slide for limited deck space
- 4 feet tall, for children & adults up to 175 lbs
- With enclosed ladder for convenient climbing
The S.R Smith 698-209-58110 Cyclone Right Curve stands just over 4 feet tall and is a great addition to an above ground pool with a deck or an in-ground pool.
It comes with a wide and deep flume which is large enough for adults and kids. Its enclosed ladder makes for convenient climbing minus having to worry about wet feet slipping through the rungs.
The weight capacity is 175 pounds and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
This unit comes with an inbuilt water delivery system which can be connected to a garden hose or plumbed into your pool.
This is the most sturdy slide on our list and one of best above ground pool slides.
- Sturdiest option out of all the slides
- Installation was reported to be fairly easy
- Cheaper than the S.R. Smith Rogue2
- There are some complaints that sometimes the molded pieces didn’t line up well
- More expensive than blow up pool slides
Above Ground Pool Slide Under $3000
S.R. Smith Rogue 2 Pool Slide
- 7 feet tall, suits adults & children
- Water delivery system can use pool plumbing or garden hose
- Can be surface or in-deck mounted
The S.R Smith 610-209-58110 Rogue2 poolside is a great pool slide for pools with a deck or with pool surrounds that are level with the edge of the pool – such as inground or above ground pools.
It’s wide and deep enough for adults and children as long as the recommended weight of 250 pounds is not exceeded.
This slide is the highest on our list and puts out a large volume of water. It’s able to be plumbed directly into your pool’s plumbing which means more water on the slide and less wastage compared to a garden hose.
If you’re looking for an above ground pool slide that will last for years, this could be it.
- Well-constructed and sturdy but not as sturdy as the S.R. Smith Cyclone
- Water source can be connected to the pool to save water
- Can be enjoyed by both kids and adults
- Several buyers said it was tricky to install
- There is a complaint that the surface-mount flanges were not included
- Most expensive option in this pool slides review
Inground Pool Slides vs. Above Ground Pool Slides – What’s the Difference?
With an inground pool, you’ll find that the pool surrounds, whether you have a deck or no deck, is flush to the ground. Most pool slides will require the waterslide be securely fixed to the pool surrounds and the pool surrounds will need to be flush with the pool edge.
Above ground pools, as the name suggests, sit above the ground and may have a deck or no deck surrounding them. Adding a pool slide when you have a deck surrounding your pool is easy.
But what happens if you don’t have a deck?
Pool Slides for Above Ground Pools Without a Deck
Having a slide for an above ground pool without a deck is still possible. It can be a little trickier though. Here’s the options you have for a pool slide when you don’t have a deck around your pool:
1) Build a platform for your pool slide
Many pool owners that don’t have a deck for their above ground pools have constructed a small platform that is flush with the pool’s edge. The slide is then mounted on the platform.
2) Use a floating pool slide
If you would like a slide for your above ground pool and you don’t have a deck and are not keen on constructing a platform for a slide, then an inflatable floating pool slide might be just the ticket.
What are the Different Types of Above Ground Pool Slides?
Blow up / Inflatable Pool Slides
Inflatable slides come in many different types and sizes. There are blow-up slides that are placed on the edge of the pool, on your deck or pool surrounds. There are also slides that are placed right in the pool of water – floating pool slides.
Many inflatable slides are only suitable to small children however some will accommodate adults.
Blow-up slides are cheap and cost effective and are suitable for above ground pools and inground pools
Non-inflatable Pool Slides
Non-inflatable slides don’t need blowing up and are made of solid hard wearing materials such as fiberglass and molded plastic. Unlike blow up waterslides, these slides will last for years.
These slides generally slide faster and are much higher than blow-up waterslides.
They need to be permanently fixed to your above ground pool deck or the edge of your inground pool to make them safe
Floating Pool Slides
Floating slides are perfect for drifting from one end of the pool to another. Some models come with a weight to stop them floating away. They are inflatable and transportable and are a great option for above ground pools without a deck.
How to Choose the Right Pool Slide for Your Above Ground Pool
When searching for the right slide for your above-ground pool, you need to consider things such as:
- The weight of the people using the slide
- Your pool water depth
- How the slide mounts
- Space requirements
- The water supply requirements
- Type of pool; above ground with deck or above ground without deck
Weight Limit for Pool Slides
Most permanent non-inflatable pool slides will be perfect for adults and kids of all weights.
Inflatable pool slides usually have a weight limit. Some are suitable for small children whilst other slides are suitable for adults and children. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before you purchase.
How Deep Should the Water Be for a Slide?
The depth of the pool is very important. You certainly don’t want to hit the bottom of the pool when you slide.
Each manufacturer will have their own guidelines as to the ideal pool depth. There may also be local laws and guidelines in your area.
As a general guide, slides will need a depth of 3.5 to 5 feet in the water envelope. The water envelope is the area at the front and sides of where you exit the slide.
We have a full article on the depth for slides. Check out:
Best Pool Depth for a Pool Slide (3 Builders Weigh In)
Slide Mounting Options
If you’re using a blow up slide, you don’t need to worry about how it mounts. Simply sit it on the pool surround or float it in the water.
For other slides, you’ll need to be able to fix the slide to a deck using bolts, or if you have concrete pool surrounds, fix the slide to the concrete with concrete anchors. If you have a grass pool surround, then you’ll need to concrete some posts in or pour in some concrete pads so you can securely bolt the slide down.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Pool Slide?
First of all you’ll need to consider the footprint of the slide itself. This is the ground space needed for mounting the slide. Not only will you need enough space around the pool edge or deck for the actual slide, you’ll also need enough room for people to be able to access the ladder.
In addition to this, you’ll need enough space in the water, in front of the slide’s exit, and also to the sides of the slide’s exit. The is called the water envelope.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for this. For example, for larger slides, you may need 3’ (91 cm) of space on each side of the slide and 13’ (4 m) in front of the slide.
What Water Sources Can a Pool Slide Use?
Pool slides can use water from either the pool or a garden hose.
Larger permanent slides will likely need more water flow than your garden hose can supply. In this case you’ll need to plumb it into your pool’s system by connecting a valve and hose to your filter. The other end of the hose will be connected to the slide.
Inflatable slides and smaller above ground pool slides can use a garden hose. Make sure your hose will reach!
Which Type Of Above Ground Pool Slide Do I Need?
For paddling or kiddie pools, an inflatable slide or a small floating waterslide will be perfect.
If you have an above ground pool with a deck, then you can opt for a blow up slide or a solid permanent slide.
If you have an above ground pool with a deck, then you can opt for a blow up slide or a solid permanent slide.
Slides For Above Ground Pool Without Deck
If you have no deck, then you can use a floating or inflatable slide like these ones:
- WOW Watersports Slide N Smile – Floating Pool Slide
- Intex Water Slide, Inflatable Play Center
Slides For Above Ground Pool With a Deck
If you do have a deck, then these models are a great choice:
- WOW Watersports Slide N Smile – Floating Pool Slide
- Intex Water Slide, Inflatable Play Center
- S.R. Smith Rogue 2 Pool Slide
- FibroPool Full-Sized Swimming Pool Slide
- S.R. Smith Cyclone Right Curve Pool Slide
Are Above Ground Pool Slides Safe?
Above ground pool slides are safe as long as they are installed correctly and the weight limit is not exceeded. Mount the slide in such a way that it has minimal movement when it is used to ensure safety.
It’s essential to keep the slide wet when using it. You risk friction burns and grazes if it dries out when sliding.
Make sure that the water envelope (where you exit the slide) is deep enough and a big enough area too.
And lastly, make sure your kids aren’t being too silly!
Summary
The best above ground pool slide will differ depending on your needs. The biggest factor determining which waterslide you get for your pool will be your budget and whether your above ground pool has a deck or no deck.
If you have a deck and your budget is over $1000, a non-inflatable slide like the S.R. Smith Cyclone or the FibroPool Full-Sized Swimming Pool Slide will last many years and are both great choices.
If you’re on a budget or are looking for a slide with no deck, then one of the inflatable pool slides like the Intex Water Slide Inflatable Play Center or the WOW Watersports Slide N Smile – Floating Pool Slide may be for you. These blow up slides certainly aren’t as durable but they are the best above ground pool slides in terms of value for money.
Happy Swimming!
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