I'm excited about a project for next summer! I want to set up a slip and slide by using a pump to draw water from the lake and discharge it onto plastic sheeting on the beach. The challenge I'm facing is that most pumps I see only come with a 10-foot cord. Is there a way to get a pump with a longer cord, or is there a better solution to keep everything safe and efficient? I'd like to do this as cheaply as possible without compromising on safety.
3 Answers
If you're trying to pump the water, consider searching for a transfer pump! They usually take a garden hose connection and allow for longer hoses. Just make sure it has enough 'head lift' to reach the height you need. More hose can add resistance, so having some extra power is important.
You don't necessarily need to place the pump far out in the lake. If you put it near the water's edge, you could even dig a little pit to keep the connection away from the water while using that 10-foot cord. Plus, if you're concerned about the noise from the pump, keeping it back might help. Building a pump box could also shield it and make things look nicer! I remember using a similar setup when I was a kid, and we had the pump about 25 feet away from the edge.
Honestly, just putting the pump right at the top of the slide might work fine. We did a similar setup for a party just by using a garden hose trickling from the top. It saved us from the hassle of dealing with a pump altogether, and it turned out great!
That's true! Noise can be an issue, and keeping it at a distance sounds like a smart move. Building a pump box is a clever idea—definitely adds to the aesthetic while keeping it functional.