Sofia Martinez
If you're looking to create a fun slip and slide for your backyard, the type of plastic you choose is crucial. While store-bought slip and slides tend to break easily, you can easily make a durable slip and slide by choosing the right materials. For a 100-foot slip and slide, you'll need a plastic sheet that's 6 mil thick. Clear plastic sheeting is recommended, and you can use an additional 6 ml sheet for the splash zone. If you want to reuse your slip and slide, consider using a thicker 30 mil HDPE liner, which is more resistant to sunlight and offers greater durability. You can also double up on the plastic sheeting for added durability. To create bumpers, roll pool noodles into the lengthwise edges of your slide and secure them with stakes. Now you're ready to add water and soap and start sliding!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic thickness | 6 mil is recommended for durability, especially for reuse. 4 mil is also used. 30 mil HDPE is heavy-duty and UV-resistant. |
| Plastic colour | Avoid black as it attracts and absorbs heat. Yellow and blue are popular. Clear plastic sheeting is also used. |
| Plastic composition | Polyethylene, polyolefin resins, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PVC |
| Underlay | Hay bales covered with a separate piece of plastic sheeting |
| Anchoring | Stakes, sandbags, or landscape pins |
| Bumpers | Pool noodles or pipe insulators |
| Water source | Hose or sprinkler |
| Soap | Baby shampoo or natural liquid soap |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended thickness: 6 mil
When creating a slip and slide, the type of plastic sheeting you use is important. A recommended thickness of 6 mil will ensure durability, especially if you plan on reusing the slide. This thickness will also be suitable for a slide longer than 100 feet.
For a 100-foot slide, you will need 100 feet of plastic sheeting that is 6 mil thick. You can also use an additional 6 mil of sheeting for the splash zone. It is important to choose a safe area with soft grass and clear it of any sharp objects that may puncture the plastic.
To create a wider slide, you can use a roll of plastic sheeting that is 8' x 100' in size and 6 mil thick. If you want to make your slide even longer, you can cut the roll in half lengthwise and join the two pieces end to end using poly patch tape or duct tape.
Once you have your plastic sheeting, lay it out on the ground and secure it with stakes or sandbags. You can also use pool noodles as bumpers along the edges of the slide to enhance safety and prevent sliders from veering off the edge.
By following these steps and using 6 mil plastic sheeting, you can create a durable and enjoyable slip and slide experience.
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Avoid black sheeting
When creating a slip and slide, it is important to consider the type of plastic sheeting used. While black plastic sheeting is readily available, it is recommended to avoid using it for slip and slides.
Black plastic sheeting will absorb heat from the sun and get very hot, which can make for an uncomfortable and even painful sliding experience. This is especially important to consider if you plan to use the slip and slide in direct sunlight or during the summer months. The heat absorption can also affect the durability of the plastic, making it more prone to damage and potentially reducing its lifespan.
Instead of black plastic sheeting, opt for clear, white, or blue sheeting. These colours reflect sunlight and will keep the slide cooler. Specifically, polyethylene sheeting in yellow and blue is recommended for slip and slides as they are designed for durability and can be reused for years. Additionally, look for plastic sheeting that is heavy-duty and has a thickness of 4 mil or 6 mil for added durability and to ensure it can withstand the weight and friction of people sliding on it.
When purchasing plastic sheeting for a slip and slide, it is also important to consider the length and width of the roll. For a standard 100-foot slide, a 10' x 100' roll can be used. However, if you desire a longer slide, you can opt for a larger roll, such as a 12' x 100' roll, and cut it in half lengthwise to create a 200-foot slide. Joining the two pieces end-to-end with poly patch tape or duct tape will ensure a seamless sliding experience.
In conclusion, when creating a slip and slide, it is best to avoid black plastic sheeting due to its heat absorption properties. Opt for clear, white, or blue sheeting, preferably in a heavy-duty material with a thickness of 4 mil or 6 mil for a durable and enjoyable sliding experience.
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HDPE for durability
When it comes to slip and slides, durability is key. You want a plastic sheet that can withstand the friction of enthusiastic sliders, the scratch of grass and debris, and the constant onslaught of water. Not to mention, you want to be able to fold it up and store it away for next summer without it falling apart.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a solid, strong plastic with excellent rigidity, impact and abrasion resistance. It is commonly used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, plastic lumber, and cutting boards. It is also used for large, seamless parts such as chemical drums and kayaks. HDPE is known for its high strength-to-density ratio and is exceptionally challenging to glue; joints are typically made by welding.
HDPE is a great option for a slip and slide due to its durability and resistance to scratches and impacts. Its thick and solid plastic frame means screws will be secure inside, and it won't absorb any moisture, so you don't have to worry about mold growth. It is also resistant to most common chemicals, water, solvents, acids, detergents, and cleaning fluids, so it can withstand the soapy water you'll be using to reduce friction.
When it comes to choosing the right thickness, 6 mil is recommended for durability, especially if you plan on reusing the slide. For a slide longer than 100 feet, you can join two pieces of plastic sheeting together end to end with poly patch tape or duct tape.
One thing to keep in mind is that HDPE is harder and more opaque, and while it can withstand higher temperatures for short periods, it cannot withstand normal autoclaving conditions. So, if you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to consider a different option.
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Using pool noodles
Pool noodles can be used to create 'bumpers' along the edges of your slip and slide, preventing sliders from veering off the edge. You will need around 30-35 pool noodles for a 100-foot slip and slide.
First, lay out your plastic sheet on the ground. Place the pool noodles along each side of the sheet, saving one or two for the very top of the slide. Ideally, you want the noodles to lay end-to-end down the sides, but small gaps are fine.
Next, roll the pool noodles into the plastic sheet so that they are a little more than fully wrapped inside it. Use 6-inch lawn stakes to keep your noodles in place, with at least two stakes per noodle. When it is time to disassemble the slide, unwrap the pool noodles and allow them to air dry before storing them.
You can also secure the pool noodles with Velcro tape instead of stakes. This will allow you to easily remove them when you are finished so that you can simply roll up the slip and slide and store it for future use.
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Anchoring the slide
To anchor a slip and slide, you will need supplies like plastic sheeting, stakes or sandbags, pool noodles, and a hose or sprinkler.
Begin by laying out your plastic sheeting on a soft terrain with grass or beach sand and a slight incline. Clear the area of any sharp objects that may puncture the plastic. If you're using pool noodles for bumpers, roll them into the lengthwise edges of your slide and secure them with stakes. For a slide longer than 100 feet, use a 10' x 100' or 12' x 100' roll and cut it in half lengthwise, then tape the two pieces together end-to-end.
Anchor the slide by securing the corners with stakes or sandbags. For longer slides or steep inclines, add extra anchors towards the middle of each end. Make sure to press the stakes all the way into the ground or cover them with something soft to avoid injuries. You can also use a separate piece of plastic sheeting to cover the hay bales and secure them with stakes.
Once your slip and slide is anchored, it's time to add water and start sliding! You can use a hose nozzle on a shower setting or a sprinkler to keep the slide wet. To reduce friction, apply a small amount of liquid soap or baby shampoo to the slide and spread it evenly.
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Frequently asked questions
The recommended thickness of plastic sheeting for a slip and slide is 6 mil. This thickness is durable and allows for reuse. For a longer slide, you can join two pieces of plastic sheeting together to create a length of 200 feet.
Polyethylene sheeting is a good option for slip and slides as it is durable and can handle a lot of use. It is also important to avoid black sheeting as it will absorb heat from the sun and could make the slide painful to use.
To set up a slip and slide, first, prepare the area by clearing any sharp objects that may puncture the plastic or cause injury. Then, roll out the plastic sheeting and secure it with stakes or sandbags. If desired, you can roll pool noodles into the lengthwise edges of the slide and secure them with stakes to create bumpers. Finally, add water and, if desired, liquid soap to the slide.
