Looking for a summer project your kids will love?
Create your own slip n slide! It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with the whole neighborhood—all at a fraction of the cost of a water park visit. Follow these simple steps for hours of fun in your backyard.
STEP 1 – Choose the Right Location
Find a long stretch of land for your slip n slide, preferably over a soft, grassy lawn. Avoid hard surfaces like driveways, as they can be dangerous and cause injury when kids slide onto them. A smooth, even area is key to a fun and safe experience.
STEP 2 – Set Up the Bumpers
Lay a series of foam pool noodles in two parallel lines, spaced about six feet apart. These will serve as the bumpers for your slip n slide. You can find pool noodles at most big box stores for around $5 each, and they’re often available in bulk packs for even more savings.
STEP 3 – Lay the Plastic Sheeting
Now it’s time for the plastic! Instead of using string-reinforced plastic sheeting (which can have seams that may cause injury), opt for a smooth, durable poly sheeting like Americover’s PCB10 Pro Crawl Barrier, Vapor Barrier Yellow, or VaporBlock Vapor Barrier. These options are engineered for strength and provide a smooth, consistent surface that won’t tear easily. Roll out the sheeting from the top of the slip n slide, allowing about a foot of extra material on each side beyond the noodles. Once you’ve unrolled the plastic, smooth it out, making sure there are no loose areas that could cause damage when kids slide.
STEP 4 – Secure the Plastic
To keep the sheeting in place, tuck the extra plastic under the noodles on both sides. This creates a mini bumper that helps hold the plastic down while providing extra safety. Starting at the top, work your way down the slip n slide, tucking the edges neatly beneath the noodles. For added security, you can tape the edges to keep everything in place.
STEP 5 – Add Lubrication and Water
For the slip n slide to glide smoothly, you need to add some lubrication. The easiest and most cost-effective way to do this is by drizzling dish soap down the middle of the slide. Make sure water runoff is directed to a proper drainage area to avoid any mess. Once your slip n slide is prepared, place one or more hoses at the top and turn on the water. Get ready for some fun as the kids zoom down the slide!
PRO TIP! Want to add an extra splash of fun? Tape the pool noodles together before laying down the plastic (Step 2), ensuring the joints are tight. Once everything is in place, drill small holes (about ½” wide) along the top of the noodles, about a foot apart. Attach a garden hose to the top of each noodle for a fountain effect that adds even more excitement to the slide!
BONUS: Summer Fun Inspiration
For more DIY summer projects, check out our Summer Fun for Everyone board on Pinterest for more creative ideas that will keep everyone entertained!
This DIY slip n slide is the perfect addition to your backyard water park. Enjoy the summer fun and stay cool with these easy-to-follow steps and high-quality, durable materials like PCB10 Pro Crawl Barrier, Vapor Barrier Yellow, and VaporBlock Vapor Barrier.
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Americover is the smart source for polyethylene and plastic sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation. We protect and enhance projects from the ground up with reliable solutions, responsiveness, and quick turnarounds.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with one of our experts, call us at 760-388-6294 or email sales@americover.com.
Disclaimer: Americover recommends that you purchase either 6′ or 12′ wide rolls for this project. Seaming panels together is NOT recommended as they may come undone with use. Americover Inc hereby claims no responsibility or liability for personal injuries or damages that may occur during use of this product in this application.