Everything you need to know about Water Slides
The complete info guide to hiring a water slide for your event or party in the San Marcos Area
History of Water Slides
​One of the first documented water slides came from New Zealand as part of the 1906 International Exhibition - A public prestigious event that hosted general, governors and members of the public.
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According to a 1906 newspaper account from a Christchurch, New Zealand newspaper the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Arthur Guinness took one look at the slide and had to give it a try. He rode with a boat full of shrieking girls, according to the newspaper, “with his silk hat pulled over his ears.”
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In the more than 100 years since that water chute in Christchurch, the water slide has become a staple of summertime fun around the world. Not only can you visit amusement parks to experience water slides, but now you have the ability to rent your own party inflatable water slide and have fun in your own backyard.
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What is a Water Slide?
A water slide (also referred to as a flume, or water chute) is a type of slide designed for warm-weather recreational use. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size. Some slides require riders to sit directly on the slide, or on a raft or tube designed to be used with the slide.
A typical water slide uses a pump system to pump water to the top which is then allowed to freely flow down its surface.
Water Slides have many different names!
Flume
HydroSlide
HydroShoot
Chute
Water Coaster
Water Ride
Slip 'n Slide
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Water Slides and Kids Parties
Water slides are an awesome addition for a kids party because they encourage fun exercise and exciting activity for children of all ages. Most inflatable water slides have high walls and shallow pools, meaning they are suitable for young children to enjoy safely. The water slide is a great alternative to a pool and is easy to hire and set up in most gardens. The water slides we use at KidPackz are fan favourites of many young children.
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Both kids and kids at heart can find oodles of fun with inflatable water slides. It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple themed slip-and-slide, something with extra features like a “dunk tank,” or an obstacle course. Inflatable water slides are designed for maximum enjoyment.
Inflatable water slide safety
To further ensure that everyone has a great time, it’s best to remember a few safety rules along with some care tips about slipping, sliding, and jumping on these colorful, blow-up structures. Here are some key things to remember to prevent injuries and keep inflatable water slides in good shape.
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Don’t Over-Inflate the Slide
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Think of an inflatable water slide like a balloon. If you fill it with too much air, it will explode. With such a huge structure as an inflatable water slide, an explosion can cause so much more than a few seconds of surprise. To prevent over-inflation, pay attention to the pressure release valve. When it starts releasing air, that’s your cue to stop. Do note that there are some inflatable water slides that are continual air models. If this is the case, you don’t have to worry about over-inflating.
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Keep Sharp Objects Away
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Obviously, you should keep any and all sharp objects away from an inflatable water slide to reduce the risk of puncturing it. An inflatable water slide is made from much stronger materials than a regular balloon, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Remove earrings, hair clips and pins, clothing with zippers or hooks, and the like before entering.
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Clear the Area
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Before you set up the water slide, make sure that the area is clear and as flat as possible. Again, make sure there aren’t any sharp objects like branches or thorns, sharp rocks, stray nails, or other objects that can cut or puncture the material. Repairing an inflatable water slide is simple enough, but you don’t want to be worrying about repairs when you can instead be enjoying, right?
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Avoid Roughhousing
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As earlier mentioned, inflatable water slides are made from heavy-duty materials that can support even the weight of multiple adults. Still, this isn’t a reason to engage in rough play like wrestling or excessive jumping at the same time. This could cause the water slide to burst and cause serious injuries. If there are children playing on the inflatable water slide, tell them to take turns to ensure safety.
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Follow Age and Weight Restrictions
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Usually, children who are younger than 5 years old are discouraged to play on inflatable water slides. In addition, people who weigh over 275 to 300 pounds may not be allowed. The latter is dependent on the size and type of inflatable water slide, however. For complete details and specifications, check with the supplier and then relay this information to everyone who will be using the inflatable water slide. If you need something with higher weight restrictions, contact your supplier and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
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Don’t Leave the Kids Unattended
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It goes without saying that if kids are going to play on the inflatable water slide, there should always be an adult supervising them. If you’re renting, there’s usually an attendant who will come to keep an eye on things (though this depends on the supplier and the attendant is mainly focused on the maintenance of the slide). Still, it’s always best to have another set of eyes to keep a watch on the children as they play.
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No Need for Special Soaps
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Keeping a water slide clean is easy. There’s no need to use disinfectants or special cleaners. Some regular detergent (even dish soap) and warm water will do. This way, the material won’t get discolored or get thinned. Once you’ve rinsed thoroughly, make sure to dry the inflatable water slide completely before storage. Check every nook and cranny, especially the areas where the materials crease since these can trap water and develop mold and mildew. Air-drying in the shade is ideal, but exposure to the sun for about an hour is okay if you want to speed up the drying a little bit.
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Having fun on an inflatable water slide doesn’t mean you should forget about safety and proper usage instructions. Keep these tips in mind to maximize enjoyment and minimize unpleasant experiences.
Inflatable Water Slide Water Consumption
Water slides usually consume 4 liters of water for every minute. This is equal to a garden tap for quarter flow. To give you an idea of how much you will be paying for the slide use on your water bill, you can take the sample calculation below.
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So, let’s assume that you are being charged with a flat rate of below 0.2 cents per litre. You then get an average of 36 cents each hour for the slide’s water consumption. With this sample estimate, you can now decide how long you want to use the water slide in your garden for the kids’ party.
Setting Up an Inflatable Water Slide
When hiring a water slide from KidPackz our team will helo you set up the slide and make sure that you order a slide that will fit into your event space.
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An inflatable water slide blows up using a blower and once laid out neatly on the ground, set's itself up.
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Connecting the slide to the garden hose is simple and uses standard garden hose fittings.
Recommended Party Suppliers in San Marcos Texas
When it comes to throwing parties we try to make it as easy as possible for you. That's why we have this list of our recommended party companies.
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If you need face painting, cotton candy or a range of other services, check out Texas Kids Parties below!
