How To Fix An Inflatable Water Slide

Kids and adults alike enjoy playing with inflatable water slides. However, due to the constant use at events, including parties, pools, carnivals, and fairs, these slides can lead to wear and tear over time. Fortunately, in most cases, the damage is easy to fix and does not require replacing the entire product. By following a few easy steps, you can restore inflatable water slides so others can continue using them multiple times.

Locate the tear

If an inflatable water slide begins to leak air, the initial step is to locate the tear. This can occur for many reasons. It may become difficult to find the tiny hole causing the air leak. If the tear is not visible, spray a soapy water solution onto the slide and then inflate the slide. Eventually, soap bubbles will appear in the area where the material is torn, making it easier to spot and fix the damage.

Mark the punctured area

Once the damaged area is spotted, use a temporary marker to mark it while you prepare for the next part of the repair process. You can also apply strips of masking tape around the hole to form a square. This will ensure you do not lose track of the area during the fixing process.

Dry the area

Since you sprayed soapy water onto the slide to mark the damaged area, you need to ensure the area and the rest of the slide are completely dry before sealing. To maintain the effectiveness of the patchwork, there should be no soap or water residue left on the slide after this process, especially in the torn region.

Sew the hole shut

After the water slide has dried, sew the hole shut with a needle and thread. Use a thick and strong thread so that it does not damage the slide further once it is reinflated. Additionally, sew the hole as close as possible to seal it effectively. You can ask for help if you are unsure with this process.

Apply the patch

The next step is to apply a patch to the hole. To get this done, you will need a patch that is at least half an inch bigger than the tear. Before applying glue to cover the region, make sure the area around the tear is clean from any leftover debris. Lastly, place the patch on the glue to cover the tear and let it dry for about 24 hours.

Protect the patch from harsh weather

It is important to note that the gum used to patch the inflatable slide may take a day or more to dry completely. Therefore, you must take precautions to protect it from harsh weather conditions. If there is a high chance of rain or high humidity in your region, it is best to keep the inflatable slide in a well-ventilated indoor area until the patchwork dries. Once the glue has dried, you can reinflate the water slide.

Maintenance tips
Maintaining an inflatable water slide properly to maximize its lifespan is important. In addition to repairing holes with patches, there are a few things you can keep in mind:

• If you set up the water slide on a rough surface or in an area with sticks and sharp objects, it might get punctured or develop scratches from multiple uses. To avoid this, place it on a large vinyl tarp or similar material to protect the base of the slide.
• Detach the water spray before drying and rolling the water slide. It will prevent it from bending and potentially causing punctures.
• Before deflating and drying the inflatable water slide, hose off any mud, debris, or grass that may get stuck to the slide. Keeping it as clean as possible can prevent damage and be reused multiple times.
• As mentioned earlier, inflatable water slides need to be thoroughly dried to prevent the formation of mold or mildew. Place the slide in a sunny area and leave it with the blower running for about an hour to ensure it is completely dry before deflating it. You can also use a dry towel to wipe away any areas that are visibly wet. Lastly, clean the slide with mild soap and warm water before drying and packing it away in a safe space.
• The packaging of the slides needs careful attention. The inflatable water slide should be carefully folded and stored in a bag provided by the manufacturer. It is best to store it in a cool and dry place to avoid damage to the material and prevent mold and mildew from growing.