SR Smith Typhoon Slide

[Toxophilite]

We are looking seriously at this slide for our grandkids. From what I can tell, there's some older threads here about that make & model and was just wondering if it's still a good recommendation and/or if there's a better option for a slide out there of similar dimensions.

 

[1poolman1]

Might want to check with your homeowner's insurance before you install something like that. Many won't cover any liability associated or charge rather high premiums. SR Smith is one of the best manufacturers of pool accessories. They generally need a large area, at least 7' X 15' for the install and need to be installed nearer the middle of most pools for safety, not the shallow or deep end. You will need a water supply line to it as well so kids can actually slide.

 

[Paulbhyo]

We wanted the SR smith slide, but last year they were on back order for a year…. Our installer got us a global pool products slide. I couldn’t tell the difference; both look very similar.

 

[Toxophilite]

Thanks for all the input!! 1poolman1, curious why not deep end? Yes, the global pool products slides look almost identical, but seem a little more in price.

 

[gingrbredman]

We installed one when we built the pool and the kids love it!

They generally need a large area

They sure do. Not only does it have quite the footprint, the builder needs to make sure there is concrete under where the slide is going. If you put in a concrete patio, no big deal, but if you are doing pavers, you have to have a concrete "foundation" for it under the pavers so it can be set in place.

Here is a shot when we first put it in. The builder ran the water line up where the placement would go, but did angle the slide so it went towards the shallow end. It was a bad placement. The slide is pretty fast with the water, and everyone, including small kids would bottom out in the shallow end.



When we made some modifications to the patio the following year, we had the slide moved to angle more towards the deep end. We planned our patio in two phases because of permitting issues, so we were going to take up part of the patio anyway, so we took the opportunity to re-position the slide.



We have ours connected to a Pentair controllable valve as well so in the Intellicenter app, we can turn on the slide from there. We keep the slide valve always open, and turn in on and off from the app.

Our installer got us a global pool products slide.

That is another option. I have seen a few of them and everyone that got one of these has been equally as happy as getting the SR Smith one. Probably some differences, but those are good slides too.

We didn't have any issues with our insurance, just talked to the agent about it and no problems.

 

[Toxophilite]

Thanks!!!

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks for all the input!! 1poolman1, curious why not deep end? Yes, the global pool products slides look almost identical, but seem a little more in price.

Thanks for all the input!! 1poolman1, curious why not deep end? Yes, the global pool products slides look almost identical, but seem a little more in price.

Took a class a long time ago. I believe it was so that inexperienced ones not end up in water that they can't swim in. You can find this same recommendation on several websites still. On the shallow end the one sliding can hit the bottom. One of the reasons slides have curves in them now is to slow down the velocity of the one hitting the water (other swimmers?)

 

[Paulbhyo]

We had our put in an angle also. The manufacturer has a detailed drawing of the landing zone that is required for these slides. Depth of water.. minimum width and length ..

We also put in a deep end bench near the slide to allow the kids to climb out of the water rather than climbing the ladder in the other side of the pool and running around. Doesn't matter how many times you tell them to walk.

 

[Toxophilite]

We had our put in an angle also. The manufacturer has a detailed drawing of the landing zone that is required for these slides. Depth of water.. minimum width and length ..

We also put in a deep end bench near the slide to allow the kids to climb out of the water rather than climbing the ladder in the other side of the pool and running around. Doesn't matter how many times you tell them to walk.

Thanks! Also have a bench near landing zone.

 

[Toxophilite]

Update, project got mothballed for a much cheaper, and probably equally entertaining for kids, solution. Web pic, mine's still in box.

 

[Texas Splash]

I guess this is against HOA or insurance rules.

 

[Toxophilite]

I guess this is against HOA or insurance rules.

Luckily, no alcohol is served on my back porch! Iced tea is miraculous at saving lives!

 

[Aquagenarian]

We wanted the SR smith slide, but last year they were on back order for a year…. Our installer got us a global pool products slide. I couldn’t tell the difference; both look very similar.

How’s the global slide working out? I’m also ordering one now.

 

[Paulbhyo]

How’s the global slide working out? I’m also ordering one now.

Its working out good. its been in the outside for a few years now.. I don't have any complaints.