.png?width=200&height=47&name=KS_LOGOS7%20(2).png "KS_LOGOS7 (2)"){kind=small}
Summer has a funny way of keeping us on our toes. We spend months looking forward to longer days and warm weather, only to find ourselves searching for ways to stay cool once the heat arrives.
The good news? With a little creativity, your King Swings playset can become the ultimate backyard water park.
From splash-filled slides to cooling mist systems, there are plenty of ways to add water play to your backyard and create unforgettable summer memories for your family.
Prefer to watch instead? Scroll to the bottom for our video demonstration.
CAUTION: Adding water to any slide on our swing set will considerably increase the slide’s speed. Only do the following if you have adequate space around the swing set. Also, when water is involved, parental supervision is always highly recommended!
Let’s slide into our first topic, turning your swing set into the ultimate slip-n-slide!
Slip-N-Slide Swing Set Fun
It is well known that slides speed up with a bit of water. But what if the slide is not the end of the ride, rather just the start?
Adding a tarp out on the ground at the end of your slide takes a classic summer activity and maxxes it out! Children build up speed on the slide, zip off the end, and keep zooming along the tarp. It will be an unforgettable memory!
Here are a few tips:
1. Remove any rocks or debris from the area the tarp will cover.
1. The tarp should go underneath the slides (as seen above). This helps pin down the tarp and keeps it from rolling up.
2. Extra stacks should hold the back ends in place, but be sure they are driven in deep enough to not be a hazard, and do not stake the end the children are heading towards.
4. Keep the tarp and slides wet to keep sliding smooth.
5. Adding a little (not a lot, a little!) dish soap to the top of the slide will really, really speed things up!
6. Always monitor children while they play.
To see our setup, check out the video below!
Swimming Pools and Slides
%20(2)-1-1.jpeg?width=690&height=484&name=Water%20Cosmic%20Launcher%20p1v2%204x5%20(1)%20(2)-1-1.jpeg)
A splash pool at the end of a slide can take water play to the next level.
For the best experience, choose a rectangular inflatable pool. The shape provides more room for children to slide, slow down, and splash safely. Inflatable sides also create a softer landing area and can be positioned beneath the slide before inflation.
How deep of a pool should you get?
That depends on your children's ages. But if you have children who are four and up, go with the 22’’ tall version of the inflatable pool. It makes it fun and really makes a splash when they come down!
The link to the pool we used in the video is below: Pool.
What are some more tips for using swimming pools with slides?
- Get the slide into position before inflating or filling! It is easy to slip the pool under the slide while it is still flat, but not so easy when it is inflated!
- If you have grass that you love dearly, take the pools down after every use. You will kill the grass under them if you don’t.
- The pools take a long time to fill up, so if you are planning a pool party, start the prep far before the guests arrive.
- Slides like turbo tubes or other tunnel slides can be hard to lift, so make sure you get extra help to scoot the pool underneath. If you have dual slides, measure across them to ensure your pool is wide enough to fit both in.
- Take your slopes into consideration. If the pool is on a nasty slope, all the water will collect at that end.
Misting System
One of the easiest ways to make your playset more comfortable during the hottest days of summer is with a misting system.
King Swings offers misting systems designed specifically for our playsets. Mounted above swing beams or slides, they create a refreshing mist that helps cool children while they play without soaking the entire backyard.
The result is a more comfortable outdoor experience and even more opportunities to enjoy your playset throughout the summer.
If you want to get one for an existing set or are just curious about its appearance and function, check out this installation video.
Other Fun Items
While they were not the focus of the fun, here are a few more items to up the fun!
- Bubble Blower – Adding a cloud of bubbles really makes the atmosphere around the set feel magical! Be careful not to overdo it, as adding too many bubbles can make the decks slippery.
- Water Fights – While this should not be done in tandem with bubbles due to the risk of slippery surfaces, having a water fight on the set is a blast. Water guns and water balloons are always a great time!
- Popsicles and Juiceboxes – Take a break to enjoy a snack on your lemonade stand or coffee bar!
- Sunscreen – You don’t want to forget that!
Beat the Heat
Adding water play to your King Swings playset is one of the easiest ways to make the most of summer. Whether you're creating a backyard slip-and-slide, adding a splash pool, or installing a misting system, these simple upgrades can turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable adventure.
With a little preparation, plenty of supervision, and a lot of fun, your backyard can become the place everyone wants to be this summer.
Interested in designing a playset built for years of outdoor adventures? Our team would love to help you create the perfect backyard destination for your family.
Dad to three kids, Justin knows how important it is for children to get lots of physical exercise. His time as a school teacher reinforced that idea. He is passionate about creating fun, enjoyable playgrounds that are safe but full of learning opportunities.
Read More Justin Doutrich