When choosing swimming pool equipment, the first rule is always safety first. Here’s a look at the various accessories available, plus guidance for buying a swimming pool slide.

Swimming Pool Ladders, Rails & Grab Bars

When it comes to ladders, rails, grab bars, and anything else that eases access into and out of a pool, the more the better. Children, the disabled, and the elderly especially will appreciate the extra help.

All devices that will be grabbed and used for support must be firmly attached. Ideally, these items should be installed when the pool is built so they can be firmly embedded in concrete. If you choose to add a support piece to an existing pool, choose a reputable installer and make it clear that you want very firm attachment.

Simply driving a few masonry screws through a flange into the concrete will not be strong enough. Have the contractor explain how the pieces will be attached, and get a written guarantee of strength. The best method is to cut out a substantial section of concrete and set the new hardware in fresh concrete.

Unless the pool is very narrow, you should have a ladder on each side of the deep end. A ladder should have at least two steps in the water and one above. For children, consider a ladder in the shallow end as well.

Where people enter and exit the pool on concrete steps, grab rails provide welcome aid. You may install one in the middle of the steps or one on either side of the steps.

A horizontal rail just below the waterline will give swimmers a pleasant place to rest and will help youngsters learning to swim.

Stainless steel is a common hardware material, but be aware that it can get very hot. White powder–coated components stay cooler. Or, consider covering grab bars with zippered rail covers made of a soft material that improves your grip while it cools your hands.

Swimming Pool Slides

Before you decide to put in a swimming pool slide, check your local codes; slides in your region may be prohibited, or only certain types may be allowed.

If you are permitted to install a slide, it is imperative that it be firmly affixed, meaning the hardware should sink deep into concrete. If you are adding one to an existing pool, the best method is to have a professional attach it by cutting out a section of concrete, installing the hardware, and pouring fresh concrete. If a slide begins to wobble even a little, have the professional who installed it return to rectify the installation.

Sizes & shapes. Pool slides are available in a wide variety of shapes, some with names like “Vortex.” Choose a slide that is safe for your youngest but is also interesting enough for your children as they grow.

Straight slides are rarely sold anymore, not only because they do not provide enough thrills but also because they take up more space than a slide that snakes around. If you have limited area, choose a slide that runs parallel to the pool’s edge for most of its length. Also, make sure the water is deep enough for the slide’s speed or a slider may have a painful brush with the pool bottom.

In addition to a standard open-topped slide, you can also buy units with a tube, similar to (but much shorter than) those in a water park.

Materials. While older slides had metal stairs, most slides these days are made entirely of molded acrylic, PVC, or fiberglass with a slippery, high-gloss finish. Railings are typically made of stainless steel. A bright-colored slide may be an attractive design choice, but its steps can get hot in bright sunshine; a lighter color is more practical.

Running water. A slide will be more slippery and refreshing if water is running down it. Running a hose or a plumbing line from the house is a good idea only if you will be running the water occasionally; otherwise, you will be wasting water. If you want to run water down the slide for long periods, hook up a line to the pool’s circulation system. Be aware, however, that on a sunny day a good deal of water will evaporate and then you may need to add water to the pool.

Photo courtesy of S.R. Smith