There aren’t too many pontoon boat slide kits on the market, with only three or four that I would probably recommend. But I have been asked recently to make a final decision on what I believe to be the best of the best.
Quite simply it’s the Aquaglide and you can take a look at it on Amazon for the latest prices and customer reviews that others have left before you read on so see my own personal thoughts and review.
If I could choose three words to describe it, those would be big, sturdy, durable. It will last you for years. But, there are some things that you need to be aware of which you can read more about in my Aquaglide pontoon slide review further down this page.
It’s my preferred slide, but there are others which are a little cheaper that you can read about on my pontoon slide reviews page if you want different options, some of which will be be smaller though, with shorter slides.Â
You can read more about the Aquaglide further down this page, but first up here are two alternative kits that aren’t inflatable.
Alternative Non-Inflatable Slide Kits
Inter-Fab ZM-CR-SS Water Slide
Don’t be fooled by the photo, as this is a compact slide that can easily fit onto the deck of a pontoon boat. Take a look at the Amazon reviews.
At just 3 feet, it’s small enough to go on your deck, but large enough for the kids to still have fun with it. With strong steps and stainless-steel grip handles, it’s secure enough to give you the peace of mind you need.
You will need an 8-foot by 4-foot space to operate it in, and it can take up to 200 pounds in weight. It could be just what you are looking for so go take a look.
Pure Fun 3m Wavy Slide
For something really cheap, and still small enough to be placed on the deck of your boat, then this could be just the ticket.
It’s compact and simple to assemble and take back down again, and despite the plastic construction, it does have a stainless-steel frame that gives it the strength needed.
In terms of age ranges, it’s best for kids of 2 to 3 years old. Children older than that will probably be too large to use it.
Table of Contents
Why I Recommend the Aquaglide
I’ve got a couple of kids, and we will often invite their friends along with us, and they always have an absolute blast with this water slide. After three summers of use it’s still going strong, and believe me, the kids do not show it any mercy – it’s still working well and provides for hours of fun.
I also host pontoon block parties every year, where I get the other boat owners on the lake to all get together. Having this slide is not only an amazing talking point, but also serves as a great hub for all the kids (and big kids!) to congregate on and have fun.
Of all of the things that I have customized my pontoon boat with over the years, and you can click here for the list of recommended gear, this has been one of my best ever investments.Â
In terms of fun, hours spent, and value for money, it’s hard to put a price on what our Aquaglide pontoon slide has truly given us. But for me, it’s an invaluable accessory.
Want to Know More? View the latest prices and reviews of the Aquaglide Pontoon Slide on Amazon.
It’s Also Very BIG!Â
Be aware of the size and dimensions before you buy, as you will need the right space in order to set it up. After blowing it up, you will need to be able to accommodate for 35 inches in width.
Here’s what the slide looks like in action when on the side of your pontoon boat.
The slide itself will fit over the railings and onto your deck clearing bench seats, so you are going to need that type of space available. If you do, it’s a great purchase, as it’s also one of the longest pontoon water slides on the market, with a massive 120 inches of slide available. That provides enough length for speed and acceleration into the water.
It’s Safe to Use
Safe to use steps
Obviously, it will only be as safe as the way in which you set it up, inflate it, and use it, which will be your responsibility ultimately. But as a product, it’s safe to use when done correctly with well gripped steps plus straps and rings which you will need to attach.
It doesn’t deflate when in use either, which is a common complaint of cheaper products where sun and constant use can lead to air escaping.
The longest period of use ours has seen was 6 hours at a pontoon boat party, and it just kept going and going.
Why Choose this Pontoon Boat Water Slide?
The Price
It’s expensive, you can’t get away from that fact. But, it’s a quality product that will last, is sturdy, and won’t deflate or tear with normal sliding use.
Pros
- It’s got a 12-foot slide making it one of the longest on the market
- Comes with a 12-month warranty for peace of mind
- Inflates quicker than other models, in under 3 minutes
- Comes with straps to help secure in place
Cons
- It’s bulky, large, and you will need more storage space
- It doesn’t come with a storage bag
- You might think it’s an expensive price to pay for a pontoon slide kit
Spec & What’s Included
- 12-volt high pressure inflator / deflator
- 12 feet of slide length
- Molded steps
- Straps and rings
- Max passenger weight: 200 pounds
- 1-year warrantyÂ
Aquaglide Pontoon Slide ReviewsÂ
Don’t just take my word for it though. I know of 3 other pontooners online who have already purchased this inflatable slide and emailed them asking for their thoughts on the product and whether they believe it to be a sound investment. Here’s what they had to say.
“Don’t think of it as a toy, as it’s a serious pontoon accessory that you can buy with absolute confidence. The inflator pump is even a serious piece of kit that is outstanding. But, if you want something smaller and lighter, this isn’t for you. But in terms of the best product on the market, it’s the winner.”
“We have grandchildren who love it. Nearly six years down the line we are still using it and have never had to do any repairs or fixes. I recommend it and will remember the days the kids used it fondly until the day I die.”
“I won’t lie, it is a heavy-duty pontoon water slide, but it’s still simple to blow up and pack away afterwards. The only drawback that I see is that it doesn’t have a way to keep wet and slippery like a water slide does, so you need to throw water down it if the sun dries the slide part out.”
Alternative Pontoon Slide Kits
If you are concerned at the price or want something a little bit more lightweight, then there are other pontoon slide kit products on the market. I have reviewed more of them in depth, but for a very quick overview on my recommendations, here are two alternatives.
Rave Pontoon Water Slide
You might also want to consider the Rave slide. It doesn’t cost as much as the Aquaglide, but is smaller. It appears to be the best selling water slide on the market, and has outstanding reviews, all of which you can see on Amazon.
Like the Aquaglide, it’s made from durable high quality rubber and components, but does tend to inflate quicker and won’t take up as much deck floor space. It’s lighter too, making it far more portable.
Again though, it doesn’t come with a carry bag which seems to be a recurring issue with the pontoon slide kits available on Amazon. You might want to purchase something else to store it in.
Once inflated you can hook it over the boat’s side rails or front rails, or instead find an open spot on deck like a fence gate or somewhere with no seating to get in the way.
SportStuff Pontoon Water Slide
This is the smallest inflatable pontoon water slide kit, but it’s still very highly rated. It’s called the SportsStuff slide (see Amazon prices) and has some great reviews.
If you do decide to buy this one though, you will also need to purchase a pump with it, as that won’t be supplied. When buying on Amazon, you should get the right pump recommended as an extra item to add to your basket.
It’s a good choice if you’re on a budget, or perhaps have a pontoon boat that is 18 foot in length or under. Go check it out.Â
Other Things to Consider
Check Weight RestrictionsÂ
Before you buy any slide, make sure to check on the weight restrictions. Whilst most will happily carry heavier people, most have a cap at 200 pounds, including this recommended kit. Always check the product specification before purchasing if this could present an issue.
Keep Safe in Shallower Waters
Always play safe. Any pontoon slide kit you buy will inherently come with risks attached. After all, you are sliding from a height into water. As such I don’t recommend you use it out in the middle of a lake, but instead near to shore where the depth is deep enough to let kids slide into, but not deep enough to get weak swimmers into trouble.
Keep the Slide Part Wet
There’s nothing worse than the sun drying the slide out, and you then getting stuck on it, or burning your backside on hot PVC! With our slide we regularly douse it in water using a bucket to keep it slippery and easy to use.
Aquaglide Slide Review FAQs
Does the Aquaglide pontoon slide come with an inflator and valve?
Yes, it does. You won’t need to buy anything else at all as it comes with a pump included. The total time that it takes from unpacking to getting it ready to use take around 5 minutes. It will deflate in a similar time too.
Is there a weight limit for people sliding down it?
On the manufacturer’s website they state that the weight limit for a person using it is 200 pounds. That equates to just over 90 kilos, and for those using UK measurements you are looking at a maximum weight capacity of about 14 stone.
Can you use the kit on a normal outdoor swimming pool at home?
This is a great question, as at this price, it would be great economically to be able to use it at home as well. Given how this pontoon boat slide kit is set-up, I see no reason why not, but I doubt that the manufacturer would say that, due to concerns over liability. Personally, I see no reason why you can’t use it with swimming pool at home though.
Will the steps clear the boat seats on my pontoon?
They do on mine. From the bottom of the slide steps on deck to the top of the slide you are looking at a 5-foot height that kids and adults will need to climb in order to slide down.
How does the product ship and arrive and at what weight?
It comes packaged in two boxes with actual inflatable slide part weighing 42 pounds when packaged up. The package dimensions are approximately 30 x 22 x 12 inches. You then have the pump accessory which weighs 2 pounds when packed, with package dimensions of 9 x 7 x 7 inches.
How easy is the Aquaglide pontoon slide kit to fold up when not in use?
It is a thick and rugged material, and it’s quite hard to completely fold it tightly so we tend to roll it up lightly and then store it in our garage. If you spend more time trying to fold it up then you will be able to get it compressed into a smaller packages. It just depends on how much time you want to spend pressing out creases and folds.
Can it be used on other boats, aside from pontoons?
I haven’t tried, but I see no reason why not as long as you securely attach the slide straps. But bear in mind, it is designed to attach to pontoon configurations and rails. It will be your responsibility to ensure the slide kit is anchored and secured properly, but I am convinced it’s possible to do so.
How long does it take to inflate?
As already mentioned, you should be able to get it inflated with the accompanying pump in under 5 minutes. Deflation time can also be as little as 5 minutes too.
Conclusion
You might think it’s a lot of money to pay, and you’re right, it is. It will probably be one of the most expensive accessories you ever consider for your boat, but you need to think of hours per dollar, and what that actually too in real time. Keeping your kids entertained, whether that’s at the movies or a theme park costs a huge amount of money these days, but if you’re going to be using this summer after summer, it soon breaks down into an excellent investment.
As an example, I reckon we’ve had at least 200 hours of use from ours. That breaks down to a figure of 2 dollars for each hour. That’s a bargain in my mind.
