Terminology
The topic of water slides includes a variety of industry-standard technical terms, which can be very specific. For a better understanding, we have summarized the most common terms used in the world of water slides.
TECHNICAL TERM | EXPLANATION |
| 2-in-1 Racer | The2-in-1 Raceroffers two slides in an open or closed GRP version. In this structure, the sliders first start next to each other and then change the sides by means of separate tube slides. Afterwards, both lanes lead back into an open double slide. The system can be customized and expanded by adding acrylic segments. Light and sound effects increase the fun factor and make the slide attractive for all age groups. |
| Acrylic | A clear plastic used for transparent slide parts in order to achieve special lighting effects. |
| Aqua Shuttle | TheAqua Shuttleis a waterslide where the sliders slide down a steep, water-wetted path on special sleds or mats. In this context, speed levels of maximum 45 km/h can be achieved. According to the construction, the sliding ride ends either in a catch basin or the sliders glide over the surface of the water before stopping. |
| bobsleigh slide | Thebobsleigh slideis a park slide having a wave-shaped profile which is reminiscent of a bobsleigh run and allows for fast and curvy rides. |
| Body Bowl | TheBody Bowlis a water slide flowing into a large, bowl-like structure. After a steep turbo slide, the sliders enter the bowl, where they make several rounds before safely accessing to the landing pool or to another type of slide by passing through a central opening. Acrylic elements provide exciting insights for spectators, and an optional roof ensures the use of the slide also during the winter months. This experience combines high speed with a special torque. |
| Body Cone | The Body Coneis a water slide in which the slider slides into a funnel-shaped structure and then downwards in a spiral. Inside the cone, pendulum movements, sudden changes of direction and the feeling of weightlessness create unique effects which are comparable to a ride inside a washing machine. Special lighting effects enhance the exceptional sliding experience before the ride ends safely in the landing pool. |
| Body Racer | TheBody Raceris a multi-track slide where several people can slide at the same time for the fastest time without any supports. After an acceleration section, you go through separate tubes to reach an open double slide. The Race Guide system provides additional competition fun: The track lights up green when leading and red when lagging behind. It is available in stainless steel or GRP and can be customized. |
| Boomerang | TheBoomerangcombines visual highlights with a spectacular slide experience. In single or double tires, guests pick up full speed on the steep start-up route and glide to the highest point of the track. There the sliders experience a short moment of weightlessness before rapidly returning to the valley and further into the landing basin. The slide can be flexibly extended before or after the boomerang element. Sensors and a traffic light system ensure a maximum safety level. The stainless steel boomerang is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is available exclusively with complete cover for year-round use. |
| Broad wave slide | TheBroad wave slideoffers fun for the whole family. The parents can keep an eye on their children throughout the ride and slide with them. This family-friendly slide is suitable both as a single attraction in small pools and as part of large water parks. This slide persuades thanks to its high level of guest acceptance, an excellent price-performance ratio, low maintenance costs and a capacity of over 1,000 guests per hour. Made of seamless stainless steel, the wide-shaft slide is almost maintenance-free and particularly durable. |
| Cannonball | TheCannonballcatapults courageous guests into the cool water with a splash of air and water pressure. Like a human cannonball, the sliders fly up to 10 meters into the pool. To guarantee a maximum level of safety, a water depth of at least 3.4 meters is required. A special safety system allows users to trigger the start independently. |
| Crazy Cone | TheCrazy Coneslide combines exciting pendulum movements and changing speeds. The sliders will pass through several funnel-shaped structures, each losing speed before moving on to the next cone. Sudden changes of direction, the feeling of weightlessness and optional light effects enhance the unique sliding experience which is comparable to a ride inside a washing machine. |
| Crazy River | TheCrazy Riveris an adventurous variant of the Lazy River slide. It offers an exciting sliding experience with rapids, waves and obstacles. The open tire slide made of durable stainless steel has raised sidewalls and may be used with single or double tires. This type of slide is suitable both as an independent attraction and as a start-up route for the Boomerang. As an option, Makrolon covers and climbing elements are available in order to make the experience even more exciting. |
| Cyclone | TheCycloneis a slide having a spiral course and guiding the slider downwards in quick turns. |
| Stainless steel (V4A) | A particularly robust and rust-free steel which is often used for water slides because it is water and chemical resistant. |
| Standard EN 1090 | European Standard for the Design of Steel Structures. |
| Standard EN 1069 | European Standard for Water Slides. |
| Falling slide | TheFalling slidecombines classic sliding with free fall. Since the sliding guests are initially guided through a closed tube, a reduced safety zone in the water basin will suffice. This feature makes the slide ideal for limited space or multi-action towers. Length and drop height can be adjusted individually. In this context, the pool depth must always be taken into account. |
| Falling start | |
| Family Twister | The Family Twisteris a family slide with winding paths allowing for a shared slide experience. This slide is usable with single, double or triple rafts. In addition, it offers increased curves, seamless direction changes and space for up to 720 people per hour. Available as a tubular, open slide or with Makrolon cover, optionally with transparent elements for exciting lighting effects. |
| Remote maintenance | The ability to perform maintenance or diagnostics remotely, often over digital networks. |
| Hot-dip galvanized steel | A type of steel obtaining a protective coating by immersion in liquid zinc. This type of galvanization makes the material particularly resistant to corrosion by extending its service life. |
| FiSAT | Trade and interest association for rope-supported work techniques. |
| Flange | A round or square plate with holes used to connect pipe or slide components. |
| Free fall | TheFree fallis a steep speed slide creating an intense free fall feeling caused by an abrupt gradient. With a gradient of up to 59 degrees, it is a spectacular highlight for adrenaline lovers. A specially designed landing basin ensures safe and gentle braking. The seamless stainless steel design ensures a smooth sliding experience, even at the highest speed levels. |
| Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFR) | A sturdy and lightweight plastic reinforced with glass fibres. This material is often used for water slides because it is weatherproof and durable. |
| Harakiri | Harakiriis an extremely steep and fast slide giving an almost free fall feeling. |
| Hard joints | Fixed joints positioned between slide components permanently bonded to a hard material (for example: glue or resin). |
| Insuflex insulation | A flexible insulation material used for thermal insulation of the slides in order to achieve of reduction of energy losses. |
| IPAF | International Powered Access Federation. |
| Jump | A section of the slide where the slider lifts off easily and experiences a short "flying sensation". |
| Kamikaze | The Kamikazeis an extremely steep and fast slide for adrenaline lovers. |
| Box Slide | |
| Kids Cone | Kids Coneis a smaller version of the funnel-shaped slide, specially designed for kids, with gentler slopes and with a slower speed level. |
| Body Slide | A water slide used without any aids. You can slide directly with your body on the track. |
| Corrosion-free | Materials or coatings which are not affected by rust or other corrosion processes. |
| Landing basin | The pool at the end of a water slide, where the sliders can land safely. |
| Lazy River | The Lazy Riveris a leisurely flowing water channel in which the guests of all age groups can relax and float on tires. It is ideal for quiet moments alone or for shared experiences with the family. |
| LifeLine Safety System | A safety system consisting of a continuous safety line which makes the maintenance work on the slides safer. |
| Living Surfaces | Interactive digital interfaces responding to touch and movement with vibrant content. These interfaces can be used on floors, walls or ceilings and can create playful, interactive experiences for different areas. |
| Lotus | Lotusis a slide attraction with several leaf-shaped funnels reminiscent of the petals of a lotus flower. The sliding guests experience high speeds, small jumps and moments of weightlessness because they glide through the impressive structures in rafts for 1- to 4-persons. The Lotus Slide is a visual highlight and offers a harmonious and exciting sliding experience. Optional transitions from one leaf to the next add to the thrill. |
| Makrolon | A transparent, sturdy plastic (polycarbonate) used for clear slide elements. |
| Matracer | Matraceris a slide with up to 8 parallel lanes. Here the sliding guests can compete upside down for the fastest time on special mats. The combination of tight corners and open track sections ensures an exciting and competition-oriented sliding experience for the whole family. |
| Measurement system | The competition slides are equipped with timing systems recording the start as well as finish times by using sensors. In addition, traffic light systems can coordinate the start. This technique enables fair competitions by increasing at the same time the fun factor for users. |
| Multilane | The Multilaneis a slide equipped with several parallel lanes allowing simultaneous sliding. This type of slide is often used for competitions. |
| Groove and spring | A connection technique in which a protruding part (the so-called spring) fits into a matching recess (the so-called groove) in order to create stable connections. |
| Groove and comb | A connection technique for slide elements in which a comb profile engages in a matching groove. This sturdy and waterproof connection ensures precise mounting and a smooth sliding surface. |
| Park Slide | A slide often found in amusement parks or water parks. This slide model can be large, spectacular or particularly long. It is not absolutely necessary for the visitor to wear swimwear. |
| Pendulum Slide | |
| Race Guide System | The Race Guide System is a special timekeeping and display system for competition slides. This system increases the feeling of competition by recording the slide times of the participants and by displaying them on screens. It can be combined with additional features such as for example light and sound effects in order to further intensify the sliding experience. |
| Raft Bowl | The Raft Bowlis a slide flowing into a large, bowl-like structure where the sliding visitor rotates several laps before accessing to the landing basin. |
| Raft Racer | The Raft Raceris a multi-track slide allowing up to 2 people to slide on special tires at the same time for the fastest time. This slide combines separate tube sections with open tracks and allows for exciting head-to-head races. The Raft Racer is available in stainless steel, GRP or as a combination with uphill elements. It can be individually adapted to customer requirements. An optional Race Guide System equipped with light signals provides additional competition fun. |
| Tire Lift | A conveyor system which automatically returns inflatable slide tires to the start point of the respective slide. |
| Tire Slide | A type of slide used with inflatable tires in order to make the sliders glide smoother and faster. |
| Tubular Slide | A closed slide in the shape of a pipe, often equipped with light effects. |
| RR1200 | TheRR1200is a proven tube slide made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and a must for any successful water park. This versatile slide type offers exciting jumps, turns, timekeeping, and varied light and special effects. This type of slide is suitable for all age groups and guarantees fun for beginners and experienced sliding guests. The RR1200 can be supplied with or without a longitudinal flange and is individually adjustable. |
| RR1400 | TheRR1400is a versatile tubular slide having a diameter of 1400 mm. It is mainly used as a tire slide, but also offers an exciting experience as a body slide. Made of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP), this slide can optionally be equipped with acrylic elements. Special lighting effects such as blackhole or discoslide options make for an exceptional slide experience in any water park. |
| RR2050 | The RR2050 is a slide model having a diameter of 2,050 mm and often used for larger slides. |
| RR2700 | TheRR2700is a tire slide and the largest tubular slide offered by the portfolio and having a diameter of 2700 mm. This XXL water slide allows rides with 4-person tires, providing a shared slide experience for groups. This slide is available both as a closed tubular slide and in an open version. In the closed version, light and sound effects may be integrated in order to create an extraordinary sliding experience. Whether installed vertically or close to the floor, the RR2700 model may be individually adapted to the requirements of the respective project. |
| RR900 | TheRR900is a compact tubular slide having a diameter of 90 cm. It enables spectacular slide runs even in a small space thanks to variable radii. The body slide can be used as a family-friendly slide as well as a high-speed turbo or sloop slide. Made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and optionally equipped with daylight effects, electric lighting or acrylic elements, the RR900 model offers an exceptional sliding experience in any swimming pool. |
| Sandwich Insulation | A special insulation technique combining multiple layers of material in order to minimize heat loss and increase energy efficiency. |
| Surge Water Protection | A surge water protection prevents water from the slide area from getting into the surrounding areas. This is achieved by special structural measures such as for example seals or barriers, which effectively prevent the escape of spray and splash water. |
| Sensor Traffic Light | A traffic light system working with sensors for the regulation of sliding traffic and for the avoidance of collisions. |
| Sidewinder | TheSidewinderis a rocker-like slide for 1- to 4-person tires. Depending on their weight and speed, the sliders swing back and forth several times between the opposite slopes. So they can experience moments of weightlessness. Made of stainless steel, this slide can be individually adapted to customer requirements in various sizes, from the mini model to the large version. |
| Slide Coaster | TheSlide Coasteris the world's first hybrid attraction combining the roller coaster action with the fun on a water slide. Without climbing stairs, the guests are accelerated to high speed in seconds and experience a unique tingling sensation in their stomach. The patented starting mechanism allows a safe start in individually configurable slide layouts. |
| Speed Blaster | TheSpeed Blasteris a high-speed slide with steep slopes and fast corners. It is the ideal slide for adrenaline lovers. |
| Supervisor of the Assembly | Expert supervision of the assembly operations in order to ensure quality and safety in the construction of the water slides. |
| Trio Slide | TheTrio Slidemade of stainless steel offers varied sliding fun for kids and families on three separate slides. Different elements such as for example waves, steep sections and ramps ensure a variety of experiences. The smooth and almost seamless surface ensures comfortable and safe sliding pleasure. |
| U-Drop | The U-Dropis a slide start, in which the ground under the skid suddenly folds away by initiating a free fall. |
| Uphill Route | Sections in a slide which run uphill are often supported by water jets or other types of mechanisms. |
| Big Bang | TheBig Bangis the biggest slide for brave adrenaline lovers. Depending on its version, 1 to 4 people can slide in a tire at the same time. The ride begins with a steep mega jump catapulting the sliders into a huge funnel-shaped space. After reaching the highest point, the raft swings back and forth between the sides several times. The unique characteristic is that the pendulum movement first takes place against the actual sliding direction. This exceptional slide offers multiple, extremely high turns and an unparalleled slide experience. |
| Water Flow | The amount of water flowing through a slide or through a pipe system. It affects the speed while sliding. |
| Water Game Structure | TheWater Game Structureis an interactive playground equipped with various water elements such as for example spray nozzles, small slides and water cannons. This playground is particularly attractive for kids. |
| Soft Joints | Elastic connections between the slide components which compensate for movements and temperature changes. |
| Wie-GLOW | Wie-GLOW is an innovative black light color technique which can be integrated directly into the GRP of the slide. This ultraviolet LED technology creates a special shimmer effect that, in combination with sound effects, immerses the sliding guests in another world. Experienced artists create individual motifs and impressive color schemes in order to create a unique and themed slide experience according to your wishes. |
| Wie-Spray | Our interactive stainless steel Wie-spray products are specially designed for little explorers. On one level, they offer a variety of water attractions such as for example spraying rainbows, flower showers, bubblers and water swings. Whether natural or colorful, the design is individually tailored to your wishes by ensuring special fun on every water playground. |
| Wild Water River | TheWild Water Riveroffers sliding fun for all age groups. Here the visitors glide through the track by the force of the water. The slide made of GRP combines sliding and white water flow elements and offers flexible design options. With a capacity of up to 1,800 guests per hour and adjustable levels of difficulty, this structure is ideal for swimming pools and water parks. |
| Entangled Fibre Laminate | A glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) with disordered fibres offering a high level of stability and resistance to stress and weather conditions. |
| WR1040 | TheWR1040is a slide model having a diameter of 1,040 mm |
| Xslide | TheXslideallows you to slide through real crossings of two slides for the first time. Guests ride through the intersection in 2- or 3-person boats at high speed. Here the can enjoy a unique sliding experience. Spacers and a traffic light system ensure maximum safety. Multiple crossings are feasible thanks to precise control technology. Optional themes with GRP patterns, water effects and black light technology (Wie-Glow) make the Xslide a spectacular highlight in any water park. |
Costs and Purchase
This depends on the following aspects:
TheCostsfor a water slide vary depending on the product, location and scope of the provided services. A simple indication of costs is not feasible, as each project is individually evaluated and offered. The construction costs can be broken down into different services in order to enable a detailed cost statement.
The costs depend on several factors, including the following ones:
- Size and length of the slide
- Material (stainless steel or GRP)
- Additional functions (for example: LED lighting, virtual reality)
- Location and installation effort
For an individualofferwe create a tailor-made calculation.
Scope of services
Upon request, when purchasing a water slide, the customer not only receives the slide itself, but also stairs, towers, start and run area as well as potential special effects. The delivery also includes the entire planning documents and, of course, the applicable guarantees. In addition, a TÜV certificate for operational readiness can be issued. Static calculations and technical requirements for water technology are planned by us while the foundations as well as the water technology are usually provided by the customer.
Global market and its fluctuations
Choosing betweenGRPandStainless steeldepends on many factors. Although stainless steel can be slightly more expensive to purchase, the follow-up and maintenance costs are much lower, and the service life is longer than that of GRP when properly maintained. On the other hand, GRP moulds can be shaped individually and also offer a higher degree of design freedom in terms of visual presentation. This can be a key success factor. For this reason, it is not clear which material is the best choice.
Stainless steel
Stainless steelis almost maintenance-free if it is used and cared about properly.GRPon the other hand, is more susceptible to damage from sunlight and mechanical wear. For this reason, an annual maintenance is mandatory. As a consequence, stainless steel offers advantages in terms of maintenance costs as well as in terms of durability.
From China to Cuba
Yes, Wiegand water slides are sold worldwide. We are in many countries, from China to Cuba, and have an extensive network to for the global distribution and installation of the slides. From here you can reach ourReference Projects.
Go to the orientation
If you purchase a water slide, the construction situation on site is the first criterion determining what is feasible. It is important to select the correct product, check the statics and construction options, calculate the production times and construction costs and finally plan the implementation. A careful planning and a consideration of all factors is critical to the success of the project. For this reason, professional advice and concrete planning is recommended.
It depends
Our slides are designed to have a long service life and low maintenance costs. Their profitability depends on the number of visitors, water and energy costs as well as maintenance costs.
The payback period depends on the operating costs and on the frequency of visitors. The operators usually expect a payback period of around 5 years.
Go to the orientation
Yes, in addition to water slides, we also manufactureDry Slidesmade of stainless steel, including, for example, escape slides, playground slides, large slides and much more. The areas of application range from amusement parks to shopping centres to office buildings. Go directly to the manufacturer of dry slides:www.wiegandslide.de
Get in touch with us!
We will be happy to advise you on your waterslide project and prepare an individual offer. The maintenance work is also part of our service.