How To Repair A Pool Slide

Pool Slide Care & Repair

Puddle Slides are loads of fun, e'er set up for activity. Since they are not mechanical, nosotros don't ofttimes call back of maintenance or repair issues – but they do exist.

In the terminal x years, puddle slide structure materials accept inverse, and this has led to presumably less maintenance or repair issues.

For case, slides are no longer fabricated from a fiberglass shell, with a thin gelcoat surface. Rotomolded polyethylene, or thermoplastic acrylic surfaces are used present, with the color all the fashion through. And ladders are unlike too – gone are the flimsy aluminum legs, nigh slides now have a closed ladder blueprint, which not only looks improve, but is safer too.

Nonetheless, even these new mode pool slides volition need cleaning, maintenance and repairs. And, there are thousands of older pool slides installed in America, in demand of some tender loving care.

And so and then – here's a short commodity on how to clean and maintain a puddle slide, and some information on making some common puddle slide repairs on your own.

Pool Slide Cleaning

Cleaning a pool slide is needed every few months to keep the original luster of your pool slide. Ladder treads and the elevation of the slide deck tin grab grit and clay, held fast by air borne oils and pollutants. Pilus products, skin lotion and tanning oil residues can be left behind by users, and your slide could get the occassional target for birds flying overhead. The slide legs, which can be powder coated steel or aluminum, can develop scale or rust on the surfaces or around nuts, bolts and flanges.

Pool slides get dirty – and need at to the lowest degree an annual cleaning.

For all surfaces, if you clean information technology frequently, you will only need to use a small amount of dish soap and a soft fabric. For a deeper cleaning, you can gently utilise a granulated chlorine powder (not pool shock!), like Bon Ami or Clorox powder. Be careful not to scrub too hard, and utilise only a soft fabric. Windex (Ammonia) can be used to bring a polish or quick wipe downs. You likewise can employ Formula 409 or Fantastik cleaners.

Don't utilise abrasive scrubbing pads, and don't use vinegar, Lysol, Pinesol, or other general purpose cleaners or disinfectants to make clean a pool slide. Whichever cleaner yous use, don't use also much, to keep the residue from getting into the pool. Some cleaners contain phosphates and nitrates that are best kept out of your puddle.

Steel or Aluminum ladders and legs tin exist cleaned with the same cleaner, and rinsed onto the pool deck. Ofttimes, a quick wipe with a soft clean cloth and some windex is all that'southward needed. Utilise Bon Ami for scale build-upwardly on aluminum.

For saltwater pools, indoor pools or pools by the ocean, it is recommended that the slide surfaces exist rinsed daily to remove salt buildup. Cleaning schedules should be accelerated as well, to keep the slide looking proficient.

Rinse slide well, so tape a heavy plastic trash bag onto the bottom of the slide, to catch soapy rinse water. Bonus tip – empty the bag earlier it gets too total!

Pool Slide Maintenance

In one case per twelvemonth, brand a pool slide inspection – for condom and maintenance.

1. Cheque tightness on all bolts, and inspect closely for any issues.
2. Cheque the water supply organisation for leaks or worn components.
3. Check that warning labels are still readable, not torn or faded.
4. Check ladder treads for any sign of wear, yield or fatigue.
5. Check the slide surfaces for whatever cracks or chips.
6. Check the bolts and nuts for any calibration or rust.
7. Climb the ladder and inspect it top-side.
8. Bank check water supply jet direction.

Pool Slide Repairs

• Surface Scratches – Very light scratches, scuff marks and haze tin can be paw polished with Permatex Plastic Cleaner or Gel-Glass. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Make clean cotton textile works best for applying the polish and buffing. Turtle Wax white polishing compound can too be used for deeper scuffs and scratches.
• Surface Cracks – Newer rotomolded and acrylic slides rarely scissure, but if they do, it can be fixed. It requires a plastic welder and PE plastic which can be purchased in flat rods. After preparation, new material of a like colour is melted into the crack, sanded and polished. Fiberglass slide cracks are more mutual. Information technology can be small stress cracks in the Gelcoat surface, or in rare cases, the fiberglass shell itself tin become cracked. Gelcoat repair kits can be purchased, or your slide could be completely recoated, past a local boat repair visitor. Fiberglass repair kits are too available, commonly sold for fiberglass gunkhole hull or car panel repairs.
• Ladder & Legs– For steel legs, (used on the larger puddle slides) if rust develops around bolts or flanges, it should be sanded and touched upwards iwith Rustoleum. Matching paint tin be purchased from the manufacturer. Steps or treads that prove any sign of stress, or are bent or bowed should exist replaced. Replace whatsoever stripped broken or loose bolts or deck lags. It's recommended to use only hardware from the original manufacturer.
• Water Supply Issues – Modernistic slides no longer use the skinny 1/4 inch diameter hose and those tiny jets. New slides may have a 1 inch pipage, which rarely requires replacement. Jet nozzles may clog in areas of hard h2o, and may need to be reamed clean. Connection gaskets will need replacement at some point, as will the valve that turns on the water to the slide. Older slides can buy a complete slide hose / parts kit to supercede the 1/4 inch hose, gaskets and slide jets.

Remember that pool slides have a weight limit of 200-275 lbs. Exceed this limit and the slide could get damaged, or the slider could become injured. For more than on prophylactic and intended apply of your puddle slide, delight see the possessor'due south manual.

Source: https://blog.intheswim.com/pool-slide-maintenance-repair/

Share this post