Remember those epic summer days, the shrieks of laughter, and the exhilarating rush of sliding down a giant, wet hill? A slip and slide is pure summer magic! But what happens when your old tarp springs a leak, or the one you bought at the store feels flimsy and just isn’t built for serious sliding fun? Choosing the right tarp for your slip and slide can be surprisingly tricky.
You want a tarp that’s tough enough to handle endless slides, smooth enough for maximum speed, and safe for everyone. Too thin, and it might rip. Too rough, and it won’t glide well. Don’t let a bad tarp ruin your water-filled adventures! This blog post is here to help you navigate the world of slip and slide tarps.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the best materials, sizes, and features to make sure your next slip and slide party is a splashing success. Get ready to find the perfect foundation for hours of cool, wet fun!
Our Top 5 Tarp For Slip And Slide Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tarp For Slip And Slide Detailed Reviews
1. 30 x 6Ft Slip and Slide for Adults with 2 Bodyboards
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for epic summer fun with this 30 x 6FT Extra Long Slip and Slide! It’s designed for adults and kids to enjoy backyard water play. You get everything you need for hours of splashing and sliding adventures. This is the ultimate way to beat the heat and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.
What We Like:
- It’s super long at 30 feet, giving you plenty of room to slide.
- The thick, heavy-duty 0.5mm PVC material is tough and won’t rip easily.
- It comes with two inflatable bodyboards, so you can glide in style.
- Setting it up is simple – just unfold, stake it down, and add water.
- The stakes are strong plastic and there are extra holes to keep it securely in place.
- It includes a handy storage bag for easy cleanup and saving space later.
- This slip and slide makes a fantastic gift for outdoor parties and family get-togethers.
What Could Be Improved:
- You’ll need a hose to get enough water on it to make it slippery.
- While durable, it’s still a large tarp that needs a good amount of space to set up.
This slip and slide is a fantastic addition to any summer backyard party. It promises hours of active outdoor entertainment for everyone.
2. RESILIA – Super Slip Lawn Water Slide XXL
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for some serious backyard fun with the RESILIA Super Slip Lawn Water Slide XXL! This massive 30-foot long, 8-foot wide slide is built for big thrills, whether you’re a teen or an adult. Its cool powder blue color looks great and helps keep the slide surface cooler on sunny days. Plus, it comes with special stakes to keep it firmly in place, so the fun won’t slide away!
What We Like:
- It’s super thick and strong, made to last for tons of sliding action.
- The high slip material means you’ll get a really fast and fun ride.
- It’s made with eco-friendly materials, using recycled stuff where possible, and doesn’t have harmful chemicals.
- You can choose from lots of sizes, from 20 feet all the way up to an epic 75 feet!
- It’s proudly made in the USA by a family-owned business.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stakes are included, ensuring they are firmly planted in various lawn types might require some effort.
- The “light blue color to keep the slide temperature low” is a nice idea, but on extremely hot days, the plastic might still get warm.
This RESILIA water slide promises hours of entertainment for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to beat the heat and create unforgettable summer memories right in your own backyard.
3. 30 x 9.8 Ft Lawn Water Slide Extra Long Heavy Duty Water Slide Tarp with 24 Metal Stake and 5 Self-Adhesive Repair Patches Outdoor Water Play Slide for Summer Fun & Outdoor Water Party Activities
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for epic summer fun with the 30 x 9.8 Ft Lawn Water Slide! This extra-long, heavy-duty water slide tarp is designed for hours of outdoor excitement. It comes with everything you need to create a fantastic water play experience right in your backyard.
What We Like:
- It’s super long at 30 feet, giving everyone lots of room to slide and have fun.
- The material is strong and waterproof, so it won’t tear easily and will last a long time.
- It’s really easy to set up – just unroll it and use the included ground stakes to keep it in place.
- The package includes 24 sturdy metal stakes to make sure the slide stays put.
- You also get 5 self-adhesive repair patches, so you can fix any small tears and keep the fun going.
- It’s a perfect way to cool off and have a blast during hot summer days.
- It’s great for backyard parties and outdoor water activities.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for using soap water for extra slipperiness could be clearer.
- While it’s durable, very rough play might still cause wear over time.
This water slide is a fantastic way to bring the excitement of a water park to your home. It promises endless summer smiles and memorable outdoor adventures for the whole family.
4. UCandy 20 x 6 Ft Lawn Slip Water Slide
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for a summer of splash-tastic fun with the UCandy 20 x 6 Ft Lawn Slip Water Slide! This heavy-duty water slide is designed to bring endless excitement and cool relief to your backyard parties. It’s perfect for creating unforgettable summer memories with family and friends.
What We Like:
- Full of fun: This water slide guarantees hours of laughter and thrilling water play, making it a hit for all ages.
- Widely use: It’s perfect for any outdoor space with a slope, like your backyard, lawn, or garden, transforming ordinary spaces into exciting water parks.
- Extra Long: The impressive 20 FT length and 6 FT width provide plenty of room to slide and race, adding an extra thrill to your water adventures.
- Durable Reliable Material: Made from super slip PVC that’s tough and UV-stabilized, this slide is built to last. The blue color also helps keep it cool and protects your lawn. Plus, it comes with 25 nails for easy setup.
- EASY TO USE: Simply set it up, add some water, and you’re ready to slide! For even more speed, you can use soapy water or lubricant, or even connect your own sprinkler.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires a slightly sloped area for optimal performance, which might not be available in every yard.
- While durable, like any outdoor toy, it will need proper storage to maximize its lifespan.
The UCandy water slide is a fantastic way to beat the heat and create lasting summer memories. It offers great value for an exciting outdoor activity.
5. Dry Top Multi-Purpose Economy Poly Tarp
Rating: 9.1/10
Need a reliable cover for almost anything? The Dry Top Multi-Purpose Economy Poly Tarp in a 16×20 foot blue is a budget-friendly choice that gets the job done. Its strong, tightly woven polyethylene fabric resists water and is easier to handle than heavier materials. This tarp is designed for a wide range of uses, from protecting your garden to covering stored items.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile! Use it for your home projects, camping trips, or even to cover your firewood.
- The fabric is tough with a 7×8 weave and dual lamination to keep water out.
- It’s lighter than canvas, making it easier to spread out and move around.
- You can easily clean it if it gets dirty.
- It has strong grommets for secure tie-downs, placed about every 3 feet.
- The price is great for its usefulness.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a light-duty tarp, so it’s best for general use and not for very harsh conditions or long-term heavy-duty protection.
- The actual size might be a little smaller than the listed 16×20 feet after it’s finished.
For everyday protection and a variety of projects, this blue poly tarp offers good value. It’s a practical solution for keeping your belongings dry and safe.
Choosing the Best Tarp for Your Slip and Slide Adventure
Get ready for some serious summer fun! A slip and slide is a fantastic way to beat the heat, but the right tarp makes all the difference. We’ll help you pick the perfect one for endless giggles and slippery slides.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a slip and slide tarp, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Matters: Make sure the tarp is big enough for your yard and for the number of sliders. Longer tarps mean longer slides!
- Durability: You want a tarp that won’t rip or tear easily. A strong tarp will last for many summer days.
- Smooth Surface: The smoother the tarp, the slicker the slide. This is key for maximum speed and fun.
- Water Resistance: Of course, it needs to hold water! But it also shouldn’t get too soggy and heavy.
Important Materials
The material of your tarp is super important. It affects how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Polyethylene: This is a common and affordable plastic. Many tarps are made from it. It’s usually waterproof and pretty strong.
- Vinyl: Vinyl tarps are often thicker and tougher than polyethylene ones. They can be a bit more expensive, but they are very durable and resist punctures well.
- Heavy-Duty Options: Look for tarps that are described as “heavy-duty” or have a high denier (a measure of thickness for fabrics). These are built to last.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a tarp great or not so great for your slip and slide.
- Thickness (Gauges): Thicker tarps are generally better. They resist tears and punctures more easily. A thicker tarp will stand up to lots of sliding and splashing.
- Seams and Grommets: Check how the tarp is put together. Strong, reinforced seams are a good sign. Grommets (metal rings) around the edges are useful for securing the tarp, but make sure they are sturdy.
- UV Protection: If your tarp will be in the sun a lot, UV protection is a plus. It helps prevent the material from breaking down and becoming brittle over time.
- Flexibility: A tarp that stays flexible, even when wet, is easier to set up and use. Some materials can become stiff in the cold or if they are old.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the tarp will guide your choice.
- Backyard Fun: For a simple backyard slip and slide, a medium-sized, durable polyethylene tarp works well. You can easily connect it to a hose to keep it wet.
- Party Star: If you’re hosting a big party, you might want a larger, heavy-duty tarp. This will hold up better with many people using it. Consider a tarp with strong grommets so you can anchor it securely.
- DIY Projects: Some people use tarps for other fun water activities, like creating a giant water play area. For these, a very large and tough tarp is ideal.
- Ease of Setup: Think about how easy it will be to unroll, position, and secure the tarp. A lightweight but strong tarp is often the easiest to manage.
A good slip and slide tarp is an investment in summer memories. Choose wisely, and get ready for some slippery, splashy fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Slip and Slide Tarps
Q: What is the best type of tarp for a slip and slide?
A: A thick, smooth, and durable tarp made from polyethylene or vinyl is usually best. It needs to be waterproof and strong enough to handle lots of sliding.
Q: How big should my slip and slide tarp be?
A: The size depends on your yard and how long you want the slide to be. Longer tarps mean longer slides! Make sure it’s wide enough for people to comfortably slide on.
Q: Does the thickness of the tarp really matter?
A: Yes, thickness is very important. Thicker tarps are less likely to rip or puncture, making your slip and slide last longer and be safer.
Q: What are grommets for on a tarp?
A: Grommets are metal rings around the edges of the tarp. They are used to tie down or secure the tarp, keeping it in place during use.
Q: Can I use any old tarp for a slip and slide?
A: While you *can*, it’s not recommended. Thin or weak tarps can rip easily, ruining the fun. A tarp specifically designed for outdoor use or water activities will work much better.
Q: How do I keep the tarp wet for sliding?
A: You can lay the tarp out and run a hose along it to keep it wet. Some people use sprinklers or even buckets of water.
Q: Is there a specific material that makes the slide faster?
A: Smoother materials tend to create a faster slide. Vinyl and some types of treated polyethylene can be very slick.
Q: How do I clean my slip and slide tarp after use?
A: You can usually rinse it off with a hose. For tougher dirt, mild soap and water can be used, then rinse thoroughly and let it air dry completely before storing.
Q: What if my tarp tears? Can it be repaired?
A: Small tears can sometimes be repaired with strong waterproof tape, like duct tape or special tarp repair tape. However, large tears might make the tarp unusable.
Q: Can I use a tarp that has been used for other things?
A: It’s best to use a new tarp or one that has only been used for similar, clean purposes. If the tarp has chemicals or sharp objects on it, it’s not safe for a slip and slide.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.