How do Floating Water Parks Stay Anchored in Place?

For decades, swimming was the only water-related activity considered a form of amusement. In 1923, the first water park was introduced in Faribault, Minnesota. Following this, the experience of enjoying water has undergone significant modernization, leading to the development of a floating water park, first introduced in 2008 for commercial use. They float on the water near the beach or in a large swimming pool, offering a fantastic experience for both children and adults. They also offer a wide range of options and customization choices, and can be assembled or disassembled as needed.

However, the most critical aspect of floating water parks is how they are anchored to the ground, ensuring they remain in place and don't float away. At the end of this article, the reader will learn about what a floating water park is, how it remains in place, its key components, and the methods used for anchorage.

What is a Floating Water Park?

1.1 Use of Inflatables in Floating Water Parks

Inflatables, as the name suggests, are objects that can be inflated with gas, usually air, but helium and nitrogen can also be used. Floating water parks use the same method to prevent not only from drowning but also to bear the weight of the tourists. One additional advantage of inflatables is that they can be stored in small spaces when not inflated. These parks are anchored to the ground for stability.

1.2 Inflatable Material

Inflatables are typically made from flexible and durable materials for long-term use in all weather conditions. It should be airtight in inflated conditions at all times, maintaining a specific level of tension and pressure. PVC tarpaulin is typically used for floating water park inflatables. The thickness of the inflatable is also essential. According to research, any thickness below 0.9mm is prone to affect the airtightness. It is also recommended to purchase floating water parks from companies that adhere to international standards, such as EN ISO 25649, during their production. Good-quality inflatables also ensure a strong and easy anchoring of the floating water park.

1.3 Inflatables Make Floating Water Parks Fun for All Ages

Floating water parks are places where your kids can enjoy thrilling sliding, climbing, and splashing. With life jackets, they can also jump into the water. Many floating water parks offer a variety of indoor games and inflatable toys. As an adult, you can just relax in the lounges of floating water parks. Alternatively, you can swim in the water, which is the perfect combination for entertainment and calorie burning, keeping you in shape. In this way, floating water parks are enjoyable for people of all ages.

How do Floating Water Parks Stay in Place?

Just like sailing ships, these floating water parks are also anchored to the ground underwater so that they don't move with the wind or due to the activities of tourists. Several anchoring techniques are employed, taking into account various factors such as the size and weight of the floating water park, the condition of the water on which it needs to be installed (clean water or saline water), and prevailing weather conditions. Moreover, you can combine different components of the park and anchor them together. Other companies offer various plans for the anchoring of floating water parks.

2.1 Types of Anchoring Techniques

• Weighted Anchor Blocks: The most common technique involves tying a rope or chain to a heavy concrete block placed on the seabed. This technique is typically used when you don't need to relocate your waterpark frequently. Moreover, this method also works on saline sea water. Concrete doesn’t affect marine life and doesn't get affected by saline water.
• Metal Anchors: Metal anchors are also used as weights combined with chains. They are easier to install compared to concrete ones, but are more suitable for freshwater, such as lakes or large swimming pools.
• Sandbags are also used as both seabed stakes and ground stakes. The advantage of using a sandbag as anchor weights is that you can fill the bag with sand to meet the precise weight requirement.
• Screw Anchors: you alway have clarity about the situation of seabed where you are installing the floating water park. If the seabed surface is soft, screw anchors are used for tight grip of the park so that it doesn't go away.

2.2 How Anchoring Resists Waves and Wind?

When the floating water park is anchored, it means it is secured to a stable ground or object. Concrete and metal structures resist any change in park position due to waves or wind, thanks to their mass and friction with the seabed. Therefore, wind speed and direction are crucial factors when determining the number of anchors for floating water parks and their optimal positions.

2.3 Materials Used (Marine Ropes, D-rings, Bungees)

Regarding the effectiveness of anchors, the quality of the components plays a crucial role.

• Anchor Rope: Typically, an 8mm nylon rope is suitable for floating water parks due to its strength and shock-absorbing capacity; however, its effectiveness decreases over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
• Safety Bungees: Sometimes, on a giant floating water park, a mighty wind blows, and anchors also start moving with the float. To avoid this, many floating water park owners use stretchable bungees so that whenever unusual winds blow, the bungee bears the load instead of the anchor itself, thereby preventing the entire park from moving.
• Buoy Lining: If you attach any float to the end of the anchoring line. It will be easier to identify the anchors when detaching the park for any maintenance. Moreover, it also helps personnel reinstall the floating water park at the exact location where it was removed.

3. Anchoring Components of Floating Water Parks

1. Inflatable Water Slides

These are inflatable slides with water running from the topside. Not only kids but also adults enjoy that. Nylon ropes, combined with sandbags, anchor them in place. Bungees are also used according to the wind conditions. This is the most popular part of the floating water park.

2. Inflatable Climbing Walls

Climbing walls are another component that both kids and adults equally enjoy. These are the walls with holding hooks, allowing the person to climb through them. If they miss, they slide or fall into the water. These are anchored both through the base and directly to the wall to prevent tilting.

3. Inflatable Trampolines

For kids, jumping on a trampoline is the best source of entertainment. And if they found a water inflatable trampoline, it's like the cherry on top. These are anchored by concrete blocks with D-rings. Anchored points for the trampoline are positioned around the circumference with some distance between them.

4. Inflatable Seesaws (Rockers)

Seesaws have also been very popular in the parks from the very beginning. Now they also come in inflated form underwater. Since they are not easy to maintain, they are not typically included in every floating water park. They are anchored from the bottom through anchor weights and mooring lines.

5. Inflatable Swings

You must have tried swings at some point in your childhood. They are also amazing kinds of entertainment one can have. The inflatable swing is usually large, and to anchor it, heavy-weight concrete (3000 kg) is required. If you are installing this as a standalone, a boarding platform will also be required.

6. Inflatable Obstacle Courses

This is also an incredible course, featuring jumping, climbing, and crawling through various obstacles constructed from materials filled with air. This course is also anchored with concrete or sandbags with nylon ropes. Its pieces are also connected through straps.

7. Inflatable Balance Beams

Balance beam is just a narrow platform, on which you have to walk, without falling into the water, if it is inflatable. If it is part of a large floating water park, it is simply connected to the other already anchored setups, as it also comes with attached D-rings at the connection points.

8. Inflatable Bridges

If you have a large group of friends at the floating water park, inflatable bridges are the most suitable option for your entertainment. These bridges span a vast water area, allowing participants to run, chase each other, and even push someone into the water. Inflatable pontoons provide an extra buoyancy force, keeping them anchored in the water.

9. Inflatable Tunnels

Another inflatable structure for the enjoyment of both kids and adults is the inflatable tunnel. It also requires the horizontal pontoons to stay on the water surface and be anchored to the fixed frame on the shore or the seabed.

10. Inflatable Monkey Bars

Monkey bars have a double function; they are not only a source of entertainment but also a form of exercise that helps kids develop good height for their growing bodies. It's like a competition for tourists' enjoyment. These are also anchored with heavy concrete or metal weights with ropes and straps.

11. Inflatable Platforms

If you're done with all your adventures and just want to relax, inflatable platforms are there for you. The anchoring of these platforms is the same as described above.

12. Inflatable Water Pools

Inflatable water pools are also part of the floating water park. They also require a combination of ropes and a metal weight to secure the anchor.

13. Inflatable Slip N Slides

The Slip' N Slide is another type of ride in which a person slides on horizontal slides. It's also so much fun. These inflatable slips are anchored with sandbags and ropes. Special care should be taken on this end, as all the tourists tend to slip. That point nears the most weight throughout the slide.

14. Inflatable Floating Islands

Floating islands are ideal for families. It gets them good vibes. Similar to above, they should also be anchored to the ground or any stable structure.

15. Inflatable Water Totters

These are also inflatable floats, but of different shapes to enhance the fun. They also come with hooks to secure them in place.

16. Inflatable Jumping Pillows

For youngsters or teens, jumping pillows are a great place of joy. Its anchoring requirement is almost similar to that of an inflatable slide.

17. Inflatable Action Towers

Have you ever done cliff jumping? It is similar to that. It is also heighted and requires extra ropes and bungees to retain its orientation after anchoring.

18. Inflatable Launch Pads

It is similar to inflatable jumping pillows.

19. Inflatable Water Walks

This is another fun game. Walking through the inflatable waterwalks and reaching the end is not easy. They also have D-rings provided for an anchor.

20. Inflatable Ziplines

For ziplines, a large inflatable structure is required, and therefore, proper anchoring is essential.

Final Words: Anchoring Floating Water Parks in Place

Water parks are a great attraction suitable for both young and adult visitors. They make the time in water enjoyable while maintaining the exploration aspect. Inflatable floating water park manufacturers create a variety of components that can make large cover a large body of water. Anchoring such a huge installation while ensuring safety for the visitors is key to a successful build. Using techniques such as the use of anchor blocks, metal blocks, sandbags, and buoy lining is popular.

If you're looking for top-quality inflatable water park solutions, we recommend Joy Inflatable—renowned for its durability, adherence to international standards, and customizable options. Explore their full range of products at joyinflatable.com and bring floating fun to life!

FAQs

Q. Can a floating water park be used in both fresh and saltwater?

A. Yes. It can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The material is PVC Tarpaulin, which is compatible with saltwater as it is airtight, allowing the inflatable to float. Even on a sunny day, the material will retain its composition, thanks to its UV protection and reinforced sealing.

Q. Are the floating water parks fun for just kids or adults as well?

A. Floating water parks are perfect for all ages—kids can climb, slide, and splash safely with life jackets, while adults can relax or swim for fun and fitness. With inflatable games and lounging areas, these parks offer a great mix of excitement and relaxation for the whole family to enjoy.

Q. Are there age or height restrictions for certain activities in a floating water park?

A. Yes, there are some restrictions. In most floating water parks, children under the age of 6 are not allowed. Children aged 6 to 12 are permitted with constant adult supervision. (One adult can supervise a maximum of 3 kids.) For children between 12 and 18 years old, their parents must be present to provide consent for them to visit a floating water park.

Q. Are there any height restrictions?

A. It depends upon the part of the floating water park you are in, but in most cases, a height below 120cm (4 feet) is not allowed.