This DIY Above-Ground Pool Slide is perfect for little swimmers! This inexpensive project works perfectly with existing decks and doesn’t take up too much room.
If you have been looking for a pool slide for your above-ground swimming pool that consumes a minimum amount of deck space, we have found a good solution for at least the younger swimmers in the family. This slide was found in the backyard of a home where the family had outgrown the swing set and was looking to rehome it.
Finding a slide was the most time-consuming process associated with the project but with a bit of luck. Once found, the slide was quickly disassembled and refurbished to get everyone back in the pool. This project will show you how to repurpose a playset slide to create a stable slide that can be fastened to your existing deck.
DIY Above ground pool slide materials list
- 1 – 5/8 x 6 x 12 decking board
- A couple of scrap pieces of 2 x 6 and 1 scrap piece of 2 x 8
- 3 or 4 blocks of 4 x 4 about 4 to 6 inches tall
- 3 ” decking screws
- Paint
- Bolts and nuts
- Drill and a small bit
- Sandpaper varying from 60 to 220 grit
- Orbital sander and pads
- belt sander or angle grinder
- Wire brush or wire wheel for drill
- Conduit straps
- Conduit (if your slide doesn’t have 4 legs already)
Let’s get started with the tutorial and build this pool slide.
How to make an above-ground pool slide?
This is a great upcycling project! Simply scroll through Facebook marketplace or your local listings to find an inexpensive (often free) slide to start.
Step 1 Find a discarded slide or swing set with a slide.
Disassemble the swing set and salvage the parts that can be used to build the pool slide. The slide I used was built with three legs, so I will need to add a leg. The one pictured below would need two legs added to stabilize the slide. If your slide does not have 4 legs already, you will need to add using conduit.
Step 2: Disassemble the slide and prepare to remove any paint and rust on the slide.
The slide needed a fresh coat of paint and one additional leg. Cleaning off the paint and rush required the use of a wire wheel and orbital sander. When creating fine dust particles, PPE, eyewear, a mask, or a respirator is also necessary.
Step 3: Source extra legs or other pieces needed.
The slide I am using was originally built with three legs, so I went to Lowes to pick up a 3/4″ piece of conduit to be cut and bent for the fourth leg. I was able to convince one of the sales associates to allow me to use a conduit bender instead of buying one.
Be sure and bring the matching leg with you to make sure the diameter and angle of the bend are correct. Once I got home I used a belt sander to reduce the diameter of the conduit down enough to fit into the slide frame.
Step 4: Build a base for the slide.
I built a base the same width as the inside width of the legs and the same length of the slide. The end of the slide will be resting on a 2 x 8; the other braces are made of 2 x 6. I used 4 x 4 blocks screwed to both the inside and outside of the base as the point to attach the base to the deck. 3-inch deck screws were used.
Step 5: Attach the slide to the base.
Conduit straps will hold the legs in place very well. I used the two-hole straps for the front legs and the one-hole straps for the back legs, two per leg. I cut the base off even with the back legs to prevent anyone from stubbing their toe as they approached the ladder; that is why the two different straps were used.
Step 6: Get the kids in the pool and have some fun!
This was the easiest part of this project. If you have little daredevils you might need to lay out some ground rules and always keep an eye on the fasteners and make sure they are holding tight.
More DIY Projects:
- This DIY Pool Raft is a fun way to build a stable pool raft for the little ones getting their first taste of pool life.
- Learn How to Make a Corbel Table to refresh a corner of your home with a cute, easy new space!
- Consider making a DIY Grow Frame for your indoor plants or as a gift to your favorite plant parent!
- This Pallet Bookshelf for Kids is a simple, convenient project! The bookshelf can sit on a table or be installed on the wall to reduce clutter.
- When you really want to give an area a makeover, consider adding a DIY Brick Kitchen Nook! It can be done over a weekend for a fun, refreshing project!