The amount of water a water slide uses varies significantly, particularly depending on its size and type. For inflatable water slides, which rely on a continuous flow of water, the usage is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and directly relates to the slide's height.
Understanding Water Consumption for Inflatable Slides
Understanding the water consumption of your inflatable water slide is essential for planning its use and managing water resources. The taller the slide, the more water is generally required to ensure a smooth and continuous flow for riders.
Based on standard estimates for inflatable water slides:
Approximate Water Usage by Slide Height (Gallons Per Minute)
| Slide Height (ft) | Approximate Water Usage (GPM) |
|---|---|
| 12 ft to 15 ft | Approximately 4-6 gallons per minute |
| 17 ft to 22 ft | Around 6-8 gallons per minute |
| 25 ft to 30 ft | Roughly 8-10 gallons per minute |
This data shows a clear correlation: larger slides require a higher GPM to operate effectively.
What This GPM Means in Practice
Knowing the GPM helps you calculate the total water needed for the duration of use.
- Calculating Total Usage: To find out how much water is used over a specific period, multiply the GPM by the number of minutes the slide is in operation.
- Example: A 15 ft slide running at 5 GPM for 4 hours (240 minutes) would use approximately 5 GPM * 240 minutes = 1200 gallons of water.
- Factors Influencing Usage: Actual usage can vary slightly based on water pressure, hose size, and how the water dispersion system on the specific slide is set up.
While permanent water park slides use different systems, for common inflatable backyard slides, the height-based GPM is the primary indicator of water consumption.
