Home-Made Slip 'N' Slide

I was going to start this post with some lame pitch about how awesome slip 'n' slides are. I've decided that I'm just going to assume that you already know that instead. If you aren't aware that slip 'n' slides are awesome, just take my word for it. The down-side to slip 'n' slides: most are made for children and are therefore too small for adult fun. Plus they can be pricey. I KNOW. IT'S AWFUL. Thankfully, the following is a guide to making your own super-fun slip 'n' slide for about $20-$30 (and if that's too expensive for you, make it with friends. If you get four of them then the price goes down to $4-$6 each. Not to mention this is one of those things that's better with friends anyways). And now for the guide:

What you'll need:

     - plastic sheeting, a tarp, OR heavy duty trash bags

     - duct tape (only if using trash bags)

     - water

     - dish soap (optional)

     - stakes

The first step in making a slip 'n' slide is selecting materials. The three listed below each have pros and cons.

     - Plastic sheeting is relatively inexpensive, but it can be difficult to find sheeting that is both as long and wide as you want, as well as thick enough. Avoid buying sheeting that is less than 5mil thick.

     - Tarps can easily be found in varying sizes (up to 60 ft long or more) and are much more durable than the other two options. They are, however, more expensive.

     - Plastic trash bags are inexpensive and can be used to make a slip 'n' slide as long or as short as you want. Unfortunately, trash bag slip 'n' slides require more assembly than the first two options. As with the plastic sheeting, thickness is important, so avoid buying anything less than 3mil thick (which doubles to 6mil).

I chose to use heavy duty trash bags so that my slip 'n' slide would be both thick enough and long enough. I bought the following box of bags:

and then duct-taped them together like this: (I taped both sides)

I decided to tape the longer sides together so that the slide would be wider. This does, however, require more taping.

After you assemble your slide (or open the packaging it came in), choose where you would like to put it. I usually look for a slight slope, although steeper hills or flat areas work too.

Stake the slip 'n' slide into the ground. I put two tent stakes at the top. If necessary, stakes can be put at the bottom of the slide as well. I would suggest covering them with scrap fabric using rubber bands so that they won't hurt if the slider hits them. You may have to readjust the slide's angle later (you'll figure out after the first few runs whether this is necessary or not).

Bring the hose to the start of the slide and let the water run along the length of it. You may need to adjust the material by stepping down on it or moving it in areas to ensure that the water flows down the entire slide. If desired, squirt dish soap onto your slide to make it more slippery.

A final suggestion is to put towels or a heavy-duty trash bag filled with water at the bottom of your slip 'n' slide so that the slider can easily stop, rather than going right onto the grass.

Voila! Your slide is ready for action! Here's a shot of me on the one my friends and I made: (We later extended it (15ft is pretty short for an adult slip 'n' slide) but by that time it was dark so no photos for you internet (you're SO disappointed, I know)).

More slip 'n' slide tips:
     - Tie soccer socks or dish towels around your knees to prevent bruises or grass burn (in the event you slide off course).
     - Bending your elbows WILL slow you down. Assume a 'Superman' position, with your arms straightened in front of you.