How do you Maintain an Inflatable Water Slide?

Some people think that because inflatable water slides are always wet, they are constantly kept clean, but this is simply not the case. Inflatable water slides are a ton of fun, but they also require ongoing maintenance to prevent mold and bacteria from accumulating. So, how do you clean and maintain an inflatable water slide? Keep reading to find out. 

Step 1 – Perform a visual inspection

When it comes time to perform routine maintenance on your inflatable water slide, the first thing you’ll want to do is inspect the slide for any signs of dirt or damage. The best time to do this is while the slide is still inflated, as it’s easier to spot debris this way. 

Keep an eye out for any physical damage, such as rips or tears in the fabric, any dirt or debris, as well as any mold or mildew that might be evident. If you identify any of the above, make a note of it.

Step 2 – Rinse the Slide while it’s still inflated

Next, you’ll want to give the slide a thorough rinse while it’s still inflated. This will uncover any lost objects that may have gotten trapped in the slide and will also remove most of the ordinary dirt that accumulates throughout the day. After you’ve done this, you’ll want to deflate the slide and take it back to the home base for a more thorough cleaning. 

Step 3 – Re-rinse thoroughly once the slide’s deflated

Now that you have deflated the slide and taken it back to base for a deep cleaning, you’ll want to unroll the slide and lay it out flat before giving it another thorough rinsing. Afterward, you may want to inflate the slide again and reinspect for any visible signs of dirt or damage. The trick here is to use light water pressure, as too much water pressure can actually damage the slide further. 

Step 4 – Disinfect the slide with bleach-free disinfectant

Next, you’ll want to clean the slide thoroughly with a disinfectant. You have a few options when it comes to choosing a disinfectant for your inflatable water slide. The first option is to use a commercial cleaning product. It doesn’t matter which cleaning product you use as long as it doesn’t contain any bleach and kills bacteria such as mold and mildew. 

Alternatively, you can prepare your own cleaning solution by mixing water and vinegar. The ideal ratio is approximately three parts of water to one-part white vinegar. Once you’ve applied the cleaning solution, wipe down the slide and then re-rinse it to remove the cleaning solution. Afterward, you can move on to the final step. 

Step 5 – Dry the inflatable water slide

The last step is simply to allow your inflatable water slide to dry. You can do this manually with a soft towel or allow the slide to dry naturally in the sun. Either way, ensure the slide is completely dry before storing it; otherwise, mold and mildew can develop, which would defeat the purpose of cleaning and maintaining the slide. 

Summary

Inflatable water slides are a lot of fun, but they also require a lot of maintenance to keep them in good working condition. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to keep your inflatable water slide clean and free of any harmful germs and bacteria. 

If you require any replacement parts for your inflatable water slide or to order a new slide be sure to contact a reputable inflatable water park supplier.