Ashley Aquatics

How to Make Our ‘Best of’ List

Our list contains inflatable water slides which meet and exceed the criteria in ALL of the following categories:

1. Well-Made, Quality Product

The inflatable water slide is quality-made, will stay inflated as long as needed and will not fade in the sun. If the company manufacturing a toy has a bad reputation, its product will not make our list. Materials used to construct the products on our list are sturdy, tear-resistant, and able to withstand a mob of high energy children for hours!

2. Safe Product

Each inflatable water slide on our list has met the following standards for safety:

No Choking or Puncture Hazards

Slides are free from sharp objects, as well as detachable objects that may pose a choking hazard to young children.

Easily Supervised

All water slides are tested for solo adult supervision. In other words, the slide must be designed in such a way that a single adult can observe every child using the product at the same time, from a mostly fixed position.

In the time it takes to supervise different compartments, divided by barriers obstructing the supervisor’s view, a child may drown. Even if the risk is small, it is unacceptable. Therefore, products with features that include hidden compartments or barriers between sections are not included in our list.

Appropriate Rails and Barriers

Inevitably, rubber and water make for a slippery surface so proper rails are very important to ensure safety. Each water slide is slippery in the appropriate places, like on the slide itself. However, handrails, climbing walls, and other features attached to water slides must be constructed with a surface easily gripped by children.

Proper barriers at the height of the slide and other ‘high off the ground’ features are necessary to prevent falls to the surrounding area.  All slides included in our list include all these safety features, reducing the risk of injuries.

NOTE: No matter how safe a product is, when water is involved, supervision is mandatory. A child can drown in less than 3 inches of water. Always have a designated supervisor when children are using a water-related product.

3. Age Appropriate

Every inflatable water slide on our list is fun for children, no matter the skill level. Although, children who are not able to walk may require assistance for some of the bigger slides and taller features.

Most inflatables are not able to hold twenty twelve-year olds at a time.  In fact, the product will start to deflate and this may cause injury. Be careful to watch weight requirements on the slides, as some of the smaller slides are not made for children over a certain age.

Each slide has different age suggestions.  Some features, like a ring toss, may not keep older children entertained.  On the other hand,  a climbing wall may be too difficult for younger children.  Keep these potential situations in mind when deciding on a final purchase.

4. Variety of Features

All inflatables on our list have, at the very least, an awesome water slide. However, many of the products include other water features, such as climbing walls, bouncy compartments, and more. The more features, the more children a product will entertain at one time. However, some features may be too difficult for the youngest children. Please be aware of your child’s abilities and purchase accordingly.

All slides have fun colors, cool features, innovative designs, or all the above! Each is handpicked for its superb ability to provide hours of entertainment and fun in the sun.

5. Affordable

We get it! No one wants to break the bank for a children’s party, but these products can be used at every gathering you have throughout the summer, potentially for many years to come.

The products on our list are the most affordable, quality inflatable water slides on the market. Slides priced for extremely cheap prices, are usually severely lacking in quality and safety.

If you decide to buy a slide at a clearance price, do not be surprised when it pops in the middle of your party! Trust me, I have seen it happen. (I think my cousin still has nightmares of her son balling his eyes out, with twenty other 4 year olds frowning in the background, twenty minutes into his birthday bonanza.) Not a fun memory, but we are thankful no one was hurt.

Point is, you get what you pay for when it comes to inflatable water slides but investing in a quality slide will provide entertainment for many summers to come!

6. Ease of Assembly

This one is self-explanatory. The assembly directions must be clear for a slide to make our list. An instructional video gains brownie points…or should I say gains a fish? 😉