How We Set Up Water Slides Safely in Lakeland, FL

Professional Water Slide Installation & Safety Standards Explained

When renting a water slide for your backyard party, school event, or church gathering, one of the biggest questions parents ask is:

“Are water slides safe?”

The answer is yes — when they are installed properly and operated correctly.

At Waterslides Tents & Events, water slide safety is our #1 priority. We don’t cut corners. We don’t rush setups. And we never take shortcuts that could risk someone getting hurt.

Here’s exactly how we safely install and secure every inflatable water slide in Lakeland and throughout Polk County.

How Are Inflatable Water Slides Secured?

Every commercial inflatable water slide must be anchored properly to prevent movement, lifting, or shifting.

✅ We Use 18” Commercial-Grade J Stakes

We secure our water slides using 18-inch heavy-duty steel J stakes driven deep into the ground.

Why 18 inches?

Provides deeper ground penetration
Reduces movement in high traffic use
Meets commercial safety anchoring standards
Keeps the unit firmly planted during use

We also use extra stake points beyond minimum requirements whenever possible to ensure additional stability.

✅ 2-Foot Stakes for Lanyards & High-Stress Points

Water slides include lanyards and tension points that help stabilize taller structures.

We secure these using 2-foot steel stakes, especially on:

Tall slides
Dual-lane slides
Triple-lane racing slides
24-foot units

This prevents shifting and ensures proper tension across the inflatable.

Why Proper Staking Matters

Improper anchoring is one of the biggest safety risks in the inflatable rental industry.

When a water slide is not properly secured:

It can shift during use
It may lift in windy conditions
Stress points can loosen
The structure may become unstable

That’s why professional installation matters.

We never “just drop and go.”
Every setup includes a full inspection before we leave your property.

We NEVER Use Soap or Oils on Water Slides

This is extremely important.

Some inexperienced operators suggest adding soap or slippery products to increase slide speed.

We do NOT do this. Ever.

Why Soap on a Water Slide Is Dangerous

Adding soap or oils can:

❌ Make the climbing stairs dangerously slippery
❌ Cause uncontrolled sliding speeds
❌ Increase risk of falls and injuries
❌ Create unsafe footing at the entrance
❌ Damage the vinyl surface

Water slides are engineered to operate safely with water only.

Adding soap changes the friction level and makes the slide move faster than it was designed to.

This is especially dangerous for:

Younger children
Multi-lane slides
Taller slides (like 18’ and 24’ units)

We strictly use clean water only, as designed by the manufacturer.

Do Water Slides Need Constant Supervision?

Yes.

For maximum safety:

Adults should supervise at all times
Only one rider per lane
No climbing up the slide
No flips or rough play
Follow posted rider height/weight guidelines

We review safety instructions at every delivery so parents feel confident and prepared.

Weather & Wind Safety in Florida

Living in Lakeland means unpredictable weather.

If winds exceed safe limits:

We advise shutting the slide down
We will not install in unsafe wind conditions
We monitor forecasts on delivery days

Safety always comes before profit.

Why Professional Installation Matters in Lakeland

Not all inflatable rental companies operate the same way.

Here’s what makes a professional setup different:

✔ Commercial-grade anchoring
✔ Extra stake points when needed
✔ Proper blower placement
✔ Electrical safety checks
✔ Clean extension cord management
✔ Full pre-use inspection

We treat every event like it’s our own family’s party.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Slide Safety

Are inflatable water slides safe for kids?

Yes, when installed properly and supervised by adults. Professional anchoring and manufacturer guidelines make them very safe for backyard events.

How are water slides anchored?

Commercial slides are secured with 18-inch steel stakes driven into the ground, with additional 2-foot stakes at tension and lanyard points for tall units.

Can you put soap on a water slide?

No. Soap or oils make slides too slippery, increase speed, and create dangerous climbing conditions. Only water should be used.

What happens if it’s windy?

If wind conditions are unsafe, slides should not be used. We monitor weather conditions closely and prioritize safety.

Do you inspect equipment before setup?

Yes. Every unit is cleaned, sanitized, inspected, and secured before guests use it.

Safety Is Not Optional — It’s Our Standard

At Waterslides Tents & Events, we don’t compete on being the cheapest.

We compete on:

Safety
Professionalism
Cleanliness
Reliability

That’s why families across Lakeland, Auburndale, Winter Haven, and Polk County trust us with their events.

If you’re looking for a professionally installed, properly secured, safe water slide rental — we’re here to help.