Water slide cleaning tips

By Pamela Mills-Senn
Contributing Writer

Routine water slide cleaning chores can be performed with a variety of nonabrasive, water-soluble products, including household bathroom cleaners.

However, operators must ensure that the cleaners do not contain bleach or other harsh chemicals that could damage a slide's gel coat.

Operators can also use cleaning products that remove lime, calcium and rust, as well as high-quality automobile or boating glosses, waxes and polishing compounds.

Other handy items include fiberglass repair kits, high-speed buffers, soft scrubbing brushes, caulking, wet/dry sandpaper and wire brushes.


Pamela Mills-Senn is a free-lance writer based in Signal Hill, Calif.


FEATURE STORY

Keep an eye on your slide
Knowing what to look for during daily water-slide inspections can keep slides in top condition — and keep guests coming back for more.

MORE INFORMATION

Pinpointing the problem
An assortment of defects can afflict a slide. Use this pictorial to spot some common trouble-makers.

Creating a water-slide inspection checklist
A thorough, consisently-used checklist can help provide a safe environment at your facility.

A change for the worse
Any manipulation of a water slide could prove hazardous to riders.

Water slide structural inspections
When a water slide approaches 10 or more years of operation, an annual structural review is in order.

TLC for aging water slides
Older water slides need some extra attention.


RESOURCES

Water slide suppliers guide