How to Install a Pool Slide on Your Houseboat

There are so many different things you can add to your boathouse, such as a pool slide. A pool slide will give you and your family so much enjoyment for many seasons to come. Installing a pool slide on your boathouse is relatively a simple task. Follow the directions below.

Step 1 - Check the Municipality

You will need to check with your local municipality to make sure you are allowed to have the slide. Some municipalities have sizing standards for slides and others require that you obtain a permit for your houseboat. Whatever the case may be, make sure you are able to do what you want to do. You can get the phone number for your municipality online.

Step 2 - Map Out the Slide

Take a tour around your houseboat and decide where you would like to install and use a slide. Once you have determined the location for the slide, mark it out on a piece of paper by drawing a diagram of your houseboat and the intended location of your new houseboat slide.

Step 3 - Take Measurements

Take measurements of your slide location. Measure the width of the area where you will install the slide. The width will equate to the width of your slide. Measure how long or how far it is from the top of your houseboat deck to the bottom of the water. Note both measurements on your map or slide layout. The length of the slide will be determined by how far the water is from your decking.

Step 4 - Purchase a Slide

Take a trip to your local pool supply store and purchase a slide. Slides will come in all shapes or sizes. Make sure you consider the angle for your slide. You will want to make sure the end of the slide is away from other house boats and other things or structures in the water.

Step 5 -Follow the Instructions

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on what you need to do to build the slide. There are sometimes a couple parts and connections that need to be attached before you place your slide along your boathouse. Follow these directions carefully.

Step 6 - Place the Slide

Using the help of a friend, place the slide in the location you desire. Hold the slide up carefully and attach it to your decking material or surface on your houseboat. There are a couple different ways you can attach your slide. First, you can attach the slide using cord, threaded at the top of the slide (where the bolts would thread). The cord can then be threaded over your deck railing or steps. Second, you can attach the slide by fixing each side of the slide with two large hex bolts on either side of the slide. Last, some houseboat owners attach the slide to the rooftop. The bottom of the slide extends out past the houseboat onto the water. To do this, you will need to fix part of the slide to the roof using either clamps or bolts as fasteners.

Step 7 - Complete the Warranty

Most slides come with a manufacturer's warranty or guarantee, assuming it has been installed per factory or manufacturer instructions. Fill out the form and get it mailed in to the manufacturer.

Step 8 - Try Your Slide Out

Take your slide for a little test run. See how it works and see where it will dump you off in your water way. Enjoy every moment of your new pool slide on your boathouse.