Pool Slide Maintenance
- Check tightness on all bolts, and inspect closely for any problems.
- Check the water supply system for leaks or worn components.
- Check that warning labels are still readable, not torn or faded.
- Check ladder treads for any sign of wear, yield or fatigue.
- Check the slide surfaces for any cracks or chips.
- Check the bolts and nuts for any scale or rust.
Full Answer
How do you fix a pool slide that won't stay up?
Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block to make this easier. Finally, clean the area with the acetone soaked rag again. The gel coat should match the color of the pool slide. Mix this coating, adding about one percent catalyst to the mix. Stir the mixture together and apply it to the areas that you have repaired.
How do you clean a fiberglass pool slide?
Most pool slides are made from fiberglass, so you’ll then need to scrub the surface with TSP (Trisodium phosphate). This acid wash will remove all mildew, stains, grease, and dirt. Be sure to avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear chemical resistant gloves and goggles, and use it in a well-ventilated area — preferably outdoors.
Can you repair a fiberglass pool slide with Rustoleum?
Fiberglass repair kits are also available, commonly sold for fiberglass boat hull or car panel repairs. Ladder & Legs – For steel legs, (used on the larger pool slides) if rust develops around bolts or flanges, it should be sanded and touched up iwith Rustoleum.
How can I repair my boat slide?
Gelcoat repair kits can be purchased, or your slide could be completely recoated, by a local boat repair company. Fiberglass repair kits are also available, commonly sold for fiberglass boat hull or car panel repairs.
How to clean a slide with soapy water?
How long have pool slide construction materials changed?
How much weight can a pool slide hold?
What can be left behind on a slide deck?
What can I use to clean aluminum pool ladders?
What to check for on a slide?
What to use to clean pool shock?
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Can a pool slide be refinished?
As an alternative, clean the slide with a high-pressure washer set at no more than 3,500 psi. Afterward, rinse the slide with clean, fresh water and let it dry completely. You can now paint the slide using the EP Epoxy Pool Paint as directed on the manufacturer's label.
How do you clean an old pool slide?
Windex is a good way to polish slide surfaces as well as aluminum laders. Formula 409 and Fantastik are other household cleaners that aren't too abrasive while still giving you a good clean. DON'T use an abrasive scrubber like steel wool to clean the pool slide. Soft, lint-free cloths are the best option.
How do I make my sliding pool slides more slippery?
This is one of the best ways to make a slide slippery again. While removing dirt from your slide on its own helps, waxing the slide really brings back the slick ride that the slide boasted when it was new. To do this safely, we recommend rubbing wax paper over the entire slide surface.
What kind of paint do you use on a pool slide?
High Performance Epoxy Pool Paint is designed to provide long lasting protection for concrete, plaster, gunite, and fiberglass swimming pools, slides, and spas.
How do you clean dirty sliders?
Use compressed air to remove dust and debris. The rule of thumb when cleaning 35mm slides is to minimise contact with the photo to prevent any further damage. By using compressed air, you remove any light dirt from the slide without scratching the image. It should be noted that blowing on your slide is a bad idea.
How do you remove mold from old slides?
Use a soft artist's brush to loosen debris and then blow the dirt off with compressed air. If that doesn't remove the mold then try plain water on a cotton swab. It may be that you have a fungus that is living off the emulsion. If it is mold then a mild acid will likely soften it.
What is the best lubricant for a slip and slide?
Many people use dish soap for more viscosity, but getting soap in your eyes can bring the fun to an end pretty quickly. Pro tip: Use tear-free baby soap to lubricate your slip 'n slide, especially when kids are participating in the fun.
How do you make sliders slide easier?
A thin film of lubrication should be applied to the top and bottom of the door track. Tips: on vinyl door tracks, use a non-stick silicone lubricant. Instead of spray lubricant, use a hard wax like candle wax or beeswax if you have wood tracks.
How do you fix sun faded plastic slides?
Use soapy water and sandpaper to restore hard plastic. Then, dip 150-grit sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface in a circular motion. Cover every faded area 5-6 times. Next, grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process by rubbing it the same way.
Can you repaint a plastic slide?
I used tsp and a rag to really scrub off any of the leftover dirt and debris. A pressure washer would have been helpful too. Paint the slide using even coats of spray paint, allowing it to completely dry between coats. I gave our slide three coats of spray paint for lasting durability.
What kind of paint do you use on a plastic slide?
Spray plastic with a plastic primer and allow to dry. Spray the plastic with spray paint specially formulated for plastic. Use light even strokes when spraying. Allow to dry completely between coats.
Can you use car wax on a pool slide?
Waxing. The next step in new slide maintenance and the pool slide shows no signs of weathering, your only step after cleaning will be to polish the slide surface with a good UV blocking self cleaning marine or automotive wax.
How do you clean the inside of a slide?
Cleaning the Inner Slide Make sure you have clean hands, wash if necessary. Use some isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and some soft cotton cloth to wipe down the outside of the inner slide. Wipe until the cloth comes clean.
How do you clean used slides?
When slides get soiled, you can clean them with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol. Do not immerse slides in water or soak them in it. This loosens the cover glass adhesive, causing the cover glass to come off and possibly ruin the slide.
What do you use to clean a water slide?
The ideal ratio is approximately three parts of water to one-part white vinegar. Once you've applied the cleaning solution, wipe down the slide and then re-rinse it to remove the cleaning solution. Afterward, you can move on to the final step.
What do you use to wash the slide after it is stained?
Immediately rinse with tap water to remove the remaining decolorizing agent. Counterstain with Saffranin: flood the slide with saffranin and let sit for 30 seconds, then wash with tap water.
How to clean a slide with soapy water?
Rinse slide well, then tape a heavy plastic trash bag onto the bottom of the slide, to catch soapy rinse water. Bonus tip – empty the bag before it gets too full!
How long have pool slide construction materials changed?
In the last ten years, pool slide construction materials have changed, and this has led to presumably less maintenance or repair issues.
How much weight can a pool slide hold?
Remember that pool slides have a weight limit of 200-275 lbs. Exceed this limit and the slide could become damaged, or the slider could become injured. For more on safe and intended use of your pool slide, please see the owner’s manual.
What can be left behind on a slide deck?
Ladder treads and the top of the slide deck can catch dust and dirt, held fast by air borne oils and pollutants. Hair products, skin lotion and tanning oil residues can be left behind by users, and your slide could become the occassional target for birds flying overhead.
What can I use to clean aluminum pool ladders?
Often, a quick wipe with a soft clean cloth and some windex is all that’s needed. Use Bon Ami for scale build-up on aluminum.
What to check for on a slide?
Check the slide surfaces for any cracks or chips.
What to use to clean pool shock?
For a deeper cleaning, you can gently use a granulated chlorine powder ( not pool shock !), like Bon Ami or Clorox powder. Be careful not to scrub too hard, and use only a soft cloth.
How much paint do I need for a slide?
For most paints, I'd think at most I'd need somewhere between 1 and 2 quarts of paint to do a couple of coats over that surface area.
What is the SR Smith slide?
The slide seems to be an Aquaslide 'N Dive Queen (there was a "Duke" (three legged) and "Queen" (four legged) version of the slide). It looks like SR Smith might have taken over the Aquaslide company and the Aquaslide 'N Dive Queen evolved into the SR Smith Frontier (or Frontier III) and later evolved into the SR Smith Rogue or Rogue Grand Rapids. Parts kits seem to be available for these slides with a lot of crossover in references to them, with parts ads referring variously to these slides as the Queen, the Duke, the Frontier III and the Rogue. The older the version of the slide, though (like the one I have) the less likely someone like me is to be able to find any complete assortment of parts. And, it's not clear whether the parts for the current SR Smith Rogue will fit the older Aquaslide 'N Dive Queen. I know the water delivery system is different, so the fittings for the water are not the same. However, I do see older water kits that seem like they might be the right ones for the old slide...but it's hard to say.
How long does it take for a fiberglass pool slide to set?
Leave the fiberglass filler for approximately two hours to set.
How to gel coat a pool slide?
The gel coat should match the color of the pool slide. Mix this coating, adding about one percent catalyst to the mix. Stir the mixture together and apply it to the areas that you have repaired. Leave it for an adequate amount of time to set and dry as directed to by the label on the product.
How to clean fiberglass filler?
Use a clean rag soaked in acetone to clean the areas that you have sanded down. If you don’t do this, contaminants will remain which will affect the adhesive properties of the fiberglass filler.
How to repair cracks in fiberglass?
Wear a pair of protective gloves and a respirator when working with fiberglass. Using an 80 grit sandpaper, sand down the area to be repaired. Try to make the walls of the cracks and holes taper towards the inside while smoothing the area.
Is a fiberglass pool slide easy to repair?
A fiberglass pool slide is quite cheap and easy to repair. Its high durability, low cost and relatively low maintenance demands are what makes the fiberglass slide so popular. Nonetheless, with normal wear and tear, a fiberglass pool slide can develop cracks or holes in it over time.
How do I clean a pool slide?
Clean the Pool Slide. First, remove any dirt and loose paint with a pressure washer. This should be no less than 2000 psi. Let the surface dry thoroughly. Most pool slides are made from fiberglass, so you’ll then need to scrub the surface with TSP (Trisodium phosphate).
What is the best part of a pool party?
The best part about a pool party is the water slide. Get yours ready for summer barbecues with a fresh coat of paint. Follow these five simple steps and you will be making a splash again in no time!
What happens if you put too thick coat on a slide?
A coat that's too thick will result in bubbles, blisters, and having to redo the entire project.
Can you paint fiberglass pool slides?
Choose an ep oxy paint that is suitable for fiberglass. Both Ramuc Type EP Epoxy or EP High Build Epoxy is good for painting pool slides. If applied correctly, high-build epoxies will last eight years or longer. There's a vast selection of colors to choose from, and it forms an abrasion-resistant surface that’s easy to clean.
Can you use epoxy paint on pool slides?
You will again need proper ventilation when working with epoxy paint. Avoid direct contact and make sure to use quality tools. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully regarding the quantity and application of your pool slide paint. Too thin a coat will not give your slide the weather protection or slickness required for proper use and enjoyment. A coat that's too thick will result in bubbles, blisters, and having to redo the entire project.
How long does it take for a slide to dry?
It takes approximately 4 hours to dry to the touch and 14 hours to overcoat which means if your slide is exposed (as ours is) you have to have some good weather. We did have a couple of bugs land in the wet paint but it didn't hurt the finish. The bugs didn't fare so well however. It does look like we have a new slide!
Can you refinish a pool slide?
They have the best recommendation for refinishing a pool slide. It is just like the outdoor play set that capable to restore the texture of the slide. It's better to know the process identification of the slide so that you know how to restore it.
How many sq ft will a gallon of water rejuvenate?
One gallon will rejuvenate roughly 3,000 sq. ft.
Is a water slide safe?
All of our water slide products are environmentally friendly, worker safe, and can be applied by your most trusted local painting contractor, internal maintenance staff, seasonal employees, or you can hire one of our experienced team of certified applicators who travel worldwide.
Can gelcoat be used on water slides?
All other water slide restoration companies use retail marine gelcoat as well as harmful cleaning products and solvent-based compounds and waxes. Such products have not been formulated to withstand long periods of chlorine water immersion, UV rays and surface abrasion from riders. Extended use of these products will permanently damage your slide surfaces.
How to remove oxidation from pool?
Use a proper fan tip to remove all oxidation evenly. Cover pool with solar panel cover. Now that all the oxidation has been removed and your loose paint areas have been exposed, wire-wheel to remove additional paint and palm sand to smooth.
What is the deck on a pool covered with?
The pool deck is wrapped like a big present with felt paper and the surrounding areas are covered with tarps and clean drop cloths. All exterior walls are papered and taped extensively to protect from over-spray (which is minimal) Set up scaffolding system and begin the process of painting.
How to clean a slide with soapy water?
Rinse slide well, then tape a heavy plastic trash bag onto the bottom of the slide, to catch soapy rinse water. Bonus tip – empty the bag before it gets too full!
How long have pool slide construction materials changed?
In the last ten years, pool slide construction materials have changed, and this has led to presumably less maintenance or repair issues.
How much weight can a pool slide hold?
Remember that pool slides have a weight limit of 200-275 lbs. Exceed this limit and the slide could become damaged, or the slider could become injured. For more on safe and intended use of your pool slide, please see the owner’s manual.
What can be left behind on a slide deck?
Ladder treads and the top of the slide deck can catch dust and dirt, held fast by air borne oils and pollutants. Hair products, skin lotion and tanning oil residues can be left behind by users, and your slide could become the occassional target for birds flying overhead.
What can I use to clean aluminum pool ladders?
Often, a quick wipe with a soft clean cloth and some windex is all that’s needed. Use Bon Ami for scale build-up on aluminum.
What to check for on a slide?
Check the slide surfaces for any cracks or chips.
What to use to clean pool shock?
For a deeper cleaning, you can gently use a granulated chlorine powder ( not pool shock !), like Bon Ami or Clorox powder. Be careful not to scrub too hard, and use only a soft cloth.
Tools and Materials
Step 1 – Sand The Surface
- Wear a pair of protective gloves and a respirator when working with fiberglass. Using an 80 grit sandpaper, sand down the area to be repaired. Try to make the walls of the cracks and holes taper towards the inside while smoothing the area.
Step 2 – Clean The Area
- Use a clean rag soaked in acetone to clean the areas that you have sanded down. If you don’t do this, contaminants will remain which will affect the adhesive properties of the fiberglass filler.
Step 3 – Apply The Fiberglass Filler
- Following the instructions supplied by the manufacturer, mix a small quantity of the fiberglass filler. This will be ready to start applying to the repair area as soon as it is a consistent color. Apply it to the pool slide using a putty knife. Make sure that the surface of the filler is as smooth as possible, making it level with the surrounding fiberglass surface. Leave the fiberglass filler fo…
Step 3 – Sand The Repaired Area
- Using the higher grade 100 grit sandpaper, sand down the repaired area once it is completely dry. Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block to make this easier. Finally, clean the area with the acetone soaked rag again.
Step 4 – Apply Gel Coat
- The gel coat should match the color of the pool slide. Mix this coating, adding about one percent catalyst to the mix. Stir the mixture together and apply it to the areas that you have repaired. Leave it for an adequate amount of time to set and dry as directed to by the label on the product.
Step 5 – Sand The Repaired Area
- When the surface is dry again, use the 1200 grit sandpaper. The sandpaper should be wet. This is to remove any brush marks or lines in the gel coating. Rinse the surface down after doing this and leave it to dry.
Step 6 – Apply The Wax
- Apply a thin coat of the fiberglass wax to the repaired area. Allow this to dry and then buff it using a dry, clean cloth. The slide should be ready to use again.