How do we design a tube slide?
We have more than 25 standard tube slides, however, we often, in collaboration with you, choose a customised solution tailored to your needs. In our design process, several factors may be of importance to the tube slide construction, including safety and wishes for start height and design. We have therefore gathered an overview of important factors that we take into consideration when designing a tube slide.
We have been working with tube slides for more than 25 years, and we have vast experience in tube slide construction and design. For us, the most important aspect of a good slide design is to achieve the most fun and safest sliding experience. We therefore design the tube slide according to your wishes while also complying with the current European safety standard EN 1176.
Important factors for your tube slide design
General safety requirements
It is important to be familiar with the safety requirements before designing a tube slide. The requirements may entail restrictions on the design of the tube slide for safety reasons. Here we always comply with the European safety standard EN 1176. There are many rules that apply to all tube slides, regardless of their type and purpose. But there are also rules that apply more specifically to the different types of tube slides, and we therefore always keep up to date on the latest EN 1176 regulations.
The surroundings
Is the tube slide meant for outdoor or indoor use? Is it to be placed in natural surroundings down a slope or added to a play tower in an amusement park? The surroundings will always be of importance to how the tube is to be designed and whether there are any restrictions or special conditions that need to be taken into consideration. Regardless of the surroundings, we always find a solution.
The start height
The start height is another important factor when we design a tube slide. Depending on whether it is high or low, this will affect the design of the course of the tube slide. For example, a high start height will require that the tube slide has speed-reducing curves, as the children will otherwise gather much too high a speed.
Design
Are there any wishes for the design? If there are no restrictions to take into consideration, you can freely choose whether the tube slide is to be straight, spiral or curved. There may also be wishes for windows and special colour choices. Our tubes come in five different colours that are freely combinable.
Measurements
Accurate measurements are one of the most important factors in the successful design and delivery of a tube slide. In order to design a tube slide, the length and height difference between the starting point and exit of the tube slide must be specified. However, where the terrain is irregular, more precise measurements will be required. If you need help with this, you can use our simple guides.
Positioning of support posts
Support posts are needed for almost all tube slides. Depending on the tube slide design, the number of support posts needed, and their location will vary. Based on various calculations, we know where the support posts are best positioned in relation to load capacity and to ensure a stable and safe construction.
Exit extension or not?
In some cases, it may be necessary to add an exit extension to the tube slide. For example, if the tube has a high start height and a long sliding length, or if it is a straight tube slide without speed-reducing curves, an exit extension may be necessary. The exit extension helps give the children a pleasant end to their slide ride where the speed can slow down.
Impact area
At the exit, there must also be an impact area. In accordance with EN 1176, there are many technical requirements for the location and size of the impact area, depending on the tube slide design. At the same time, the impact area surface must have an appropriate impact reduction level. This can be achieved by, for example, grass, rubber or gravel which has been approved. The impact area must not overlap with impact areas of other play equipment and must be free from objects, trees and bushes. With our professional playground inspectors, we can always help ensure that your impact area is designed correctly.
3D visualisation of your tube slide
Once we have received all the relevant information and wishes from you and have examined any questions of doubt, we can prepare a 3D visualisation in our 3D construction program SlideMaker. If you often use LEDON’s tube slides, you can also design your own tube slide in SlideMaker and get online training and guides for the program. If you want to implement the tube slide in your own project, we can send you the 3D model in different file formats. This is your guarantee that the tube slide will be a perfect match for your project.
