Best Inground Pool Slides for Backyard Fun in 2024

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about Best Inground Pool Slides for Backyard Fun in 2024 and hope the blog can help you.

Turn your inground swimming pool into a water park by adding one of these top pool slides.

One of the best ways to amp up the fun in the backyard swimming pool is by adding an inground pool slide. Inground pool slides come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from rigid plastic slides that mount to the pool deck to most inflatable slides that sit poolside. 

We also spoke to Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, a pool and outdoor design firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, who shared his in-depth swimming pool knowledge. Ahead, we’ll examine what factors you’ll want to consider when turning your backyard inground pool into a mini water park by adding one of the best inground pool slides.

1. BEST OVERALL: S.R. Smith Cyclone Pool Slide
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Intex Kool Splash Inflatable Play Center
3. UPGRADE PICK: S.R. Smith TurboTwister Pool Slide
4. BEST INFLATABLE: Wow World of Watersports Slide N Smile Waterslide
5. BEST HIGH: S.R. Smith Rogue2 Pool Slide
6. BEST RIGID: S.R. Smith Typhoon Curve Pool Slide
7. BEST REMOVABLE: S.R. Smith SlideAway Removable Pool Slide
8. BEST CORKSCREW: S.R. Smith Helix2 Pool Slide

How We Chose the Best Inground Pool Slides

We used several criteria while reviewing more than 25 slides to narrow the field to the best pool slides for inground pools. Slide construction ranked high since it’s critical to the durability and safety of the water slide. With that in mind, we chose many rigid slides with rotomolded plastic, which is strong enough to support high weight capacities, those that can endure the elements and are smooth enough to promote sliding. 

For the best inflatable pool slides, we stuck with those made from thick vinyl that won’t easily puncture. We also stuck with models with ample handrails and nonslip treads to prevent falls. Of course, water slides for a swimming pool are also supposed to be fun for the whole family, so we went with models steep enough to ensure a zippy ride while still being safe; other models, which are inflatable, are geared toward younger children. 

Our Top Picks

The list below includes some of the top rigid and inflatable inground pool slides one can install on a pool deck. It includes tall slides for older kids and adults as well as smaller models for younger children. All the swimming pool slides below are constructed with durable materials and have been thoroughly vetted for reliability. Plus, we included a list of pros and cons for each of these products to help narrow down individual buyers’ needs for their swimming pools. 

Best Overall

S.R. Smith Cyclone Pool Slide

See It

Product Specs 

• Height: 4 feet 1 inch
• Length: 6 feet 10 inches
• Weight capacity: 175 pounds

Pros

• Low height is safe for young children as well as adults; weight limit of 175 pounds 
• Enclosed ladder adds safety and provides ease of use; less work in terms of installation and assembly 
• Comes in multiple color options to suit a given backyard space: taupe, gray granite, and sandstone 
• Works with shallower swimming pool decks than other slides

Cons

• Shorter ride than other slides currently available 

This durably built swimming pool slide blends a space-saving design with safety features that make it safe for younger riders, making it one of the most attractive options for adding a slide to the backyard swimming hole. Its twisting design minimizes the depth requirement for the pool deck to just 6 feet 8 inches.

With a flume length of nearly 7 feet, it delivers an entertaining ride despite rising just 4 feet off the ground. This low height, coupled with an enclosed molded ladder and high sides, makes it safe for kids and adults alike. It is also capable of holding up to 175 pounds. A standard garden hose connects to a hole at the top of the slide to provide a water supply. The Cyclone comes in three colors, including gray granite, taupe, and sandstone.

Get the S.R. Smith Cyclone inground pool slide at Amazon, Pool Warehouse, or Pool Supply Unlimited (with right curve).

Best Bang for the Buck

Intex Kool Splash Inflatable Play Center

See It

Product Specs

• Height: 3 feet 10 inches
• Length: 10 feet 11 inches
• Weight capacity: 176 pounds

Pros

• Numerous inflatable bumpers and aprons make it safe for kids and adults
• Integrated sprayers keep the slide surface slick; can attach easily to a garden hose 
• Durable 20-gauge vinyl construction is durable enough for long-term use 
• 5 air chambers keep the construction inflated and puncture-resistant

Cons

• 5 separate air chambers create a longer setup time

Intex uses its expertise in making durable budget-priced above-ground swimming pools to create this Kool Splash inflatable inground pool slide. The slide consists of heavy 20-gauge vinyl construction and five air chambers that are tough enough to endure punctures and up to 176 pounds of rider weight. This is also one of the safer inground swimming pool slides on the market thanks to numerous handles and integrated steps that make climbing to the slide’s top easier. It’s perfect for kids who are graduating from their best kiddie pool to a real pool. 

A wider profile makes the Kool Splash inflatable slide easier to slide down, and Intex uses inflatable aprons at the end of the slide and the base of the ladder to prevent falls and scrapes on the hard concrete. An inflatable bumper keeps the slide in place at the edge of the swimming pool by preventing it from shifting backward. Two integrated sprayers that work with a standard garden hose keep the Kool Splash inflatable slide’s surface slick. 

Get the Intex inground pool slide at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Upgrade Pick

S.R. Smith TurboTwister Pool Slide

See It

Product Specs

• Height: 8 feet 7 inches
• Length: 14 feet 4 inches
• Weight capacity: 275 pounds

Pros

• Longer and faster ride than other slides; suitable for adults and older children 
• High 275-pound weight limit is durable enough for long-term or heavy-duty use
• Provides a water flow of 25 gallons per minute (GPM), which keeps the slide slick for the user 
• Right or left curved design helps save deck space

Cons

• Not suitable for children under 48 inches tall 

At more than 8 feet tall and with a sliding length of more than 14 feet, this large slide from pool slide specialist S.R. Smith is a great option for those with a larger pool and a bigger budget. The pool is designed as either a right-turn or left-turn slide, allowing it to fit in a relatively compact space despite its long length. 

A recessed ladder and large handles molded into the sides allow swimmers to get a tight grip as they climb the ladder. The ladder assembles in less than an hour but does require plumbing for its maximum water flow of 25 GPM. With its high weight capacity of 275 pounds, it’s suitable for kids and adults. It also doesn’t take up a lot of space with a footprint of 13 feet 6 inches long by 6 feet 3 inches wide. 

Get the S.R. Smith TurboTwister inground pool slide at Amazon, Pool Supply Unlimited, or Doheny’s.

Best Inflatable

Wow World of Watersports Slide N Smile Waterslide

See It

Product Specs

• Height: 4 feet
• Length: 9 feet
• Weight capacity: 400 pounds

Pros

• Durable PVC construction can be used by children as well as adults 
• Double-wide size and 400-pound weight capacity allow 2 people to slide simultaneously 
• Can float in pool or sit poolside for versatility; can be taken to the lake if desired 
• Dual side grommets and 10-inch ropes are included for tying the slide in place 

Cons

• Offers a shorter ride than other slides despite being an inflatable giant water slide

This inflatable giant water slide doubles the sliding fun with a wide design—it measures 9 feet long by 7 feet wide—allowing two people to use it at the same time. WOW’s line of inflatable products are well regarded for their durability, and this model is no exception thanks to its use of heavy-gauge PVC construction, which resists tears and punctures. It also has the highest weight capacity of any slides on this list at 400 pounds.

This slide is versatile; it’s capable of sitting on the pool’s deck or functioning as a floating slide on the pool’s surface. Handles located around the slide make it easy to climb and maneuver, while inflatable side rails prevent occupants from slipping off the slide’s sides. This slide is also expandable with zipper connections that allow it to connect to WOW’s inflatable mats and water walkways. Plus, it has two grommets and 10-inch ropes for securing the slide in place in the pool or at the lake.  

Get the Wow inground pool slide at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Sam’s Club.

Best High

S.R. Smith Rogue2 Pool Slide

See It

Product Specs 

• Height: 8 feet 
• Length: 9 feet 3 inches 
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds 

Pros

• 8-foot tall construction with high walls and a 20-inch-wide flume; suitable for both children and adults 
• Flange kit and high-volume water delivery system included for user convenience; delivers up to 30 GPM
• Made with durable rotomolded plastic and aluminum steps 
• Water supply can be connected to a pool’s return line or a garden hose

Cons

• 200-pound construction may be difficult for 1 person to install alone 
• A few users have reported that some hardware was not included for installation 

At 8 feet tall and 9 feet 3 inches long, this inground pool slide from S.R. Smith is an excellent option for adults and children alike. This Consumer Product Safety Commission–compliant Rogue2 pool slide comes with a 20-inch wide right or left curve with high walls and is offered in white, blue, gray, or taupe. The Rogue2 pool slide can hold up to 250 pounds at a time.

This 200-pound Rogue2 slide is equipped with a high-volume water delivery system that delivers 30 GPM and operates through a pool’s return line or a standard garden hose. It also comes with a flange kit for ease of assembly upon delivery. For maximum durability season after season, this Rogue2 slide for inground pools is made with aluminum and rotomolded plastic. 

Get the S.R. Smith Rogue2 inground pool slide at Amazon, Pool Supply Unlimited, or Doherty.

Best Rigid

S.R. Smith Typhoon Curve Pool Slide

See It

Product Specs

• Height: 7 feet 4 inches
• Length: 9 feet 10 inches
• Weight capacity: 275 pounds

Pros

• Heavy-duty PVC construction resists abrasions and tears for long-term use
• Steep construction allows for a faster ride than other options on the market 
• 275-pound weight capacity is suitable for adults and older children 
• Large handles and recessed stairs add safety while climbing 

Cons

• Takes up 11 feet 8 inches of poolside deck space; not suitable for small pool areas 
• May not suitable for young children; adult supervision required

This larger version of S.R. Smith’s line of rigid curved slides features an aggressive height and slope, making it ideal for older kids and adults. With a height of 7 feet and flume length of just under 10 feet, the Typhoon has a steep pitch that allows riders to gather a healthy amount of splash-inducing speed. 
Like S.R. Smith’s other slides, the Typhoon consists of durable rotomolded plastic and is capable of supporting up to 275 pounds, making it suitable for adults. A recessed ladder with extended sides, large molded handles, and slip-resistant steps facilitate a safe climb to the top. Despite its long run, this pool slide for inground pools requires a deck depth of just 4 feet, which is less than other rigid slides that are shorter. That said, it does take up a fair amount of poolside space, requiring 11 feet 8 inches of deck space.

Get the S.R. Smith Typhoon inground pool slide at Walmart (with right turn), Pool Supply Unlimited, or Doheny’s.

Best Removable

S.R. Smith SlideAway Removable Pool Slide

See It

Product Specs

• Height: 5 feet
• Length: 6 feet 9.5 inches
• Weight capacity: 125 pounds

Pros

• 160-pound construction is lightweight enough to be moved away easily for storing; comes with a user-friendly dolly
• Folds up and rolls away for storage; convenient for colder winter months 
• Made of durable rotomolded plastic for long-term use and durability 
• Reaches 5 feet high with a long run of nearly 7 feet for a fast ride 

Cons

• Lower weight capacity than other slides at 125 pounds 

This removable rigid inground pool water slide is a great option for those who may not have enough space for a permanent slide. The slide folds in half at the joint between the ladder and the slide. Once f