Why Do Playground Slides Shock You?

The thrill of rushing down a slide and feeling the air in your face is unmatched, for kids and adults alike. But the fun of sliding can be quickly turned into pain and anxiety when you keep getting shocked. 

So, why do playground slides shock you - and is there anything you can do to prevent it from happening? Static electricity is the culprit behind these unexpected jolts. 

As you slide down, friction between your clothes and the slide's surface creates a static charge. When you touch the ground or another person, the built-up charge is released, causing a shock. Sometimes, you can get shocked on your way back up as soon as you sit down on the slide.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this. Choosing the right materials, increasing humidity around the playground, and practicing certain behaviors can significantly reduce static buildup and ensure a fun, shock-free sliding experience.

We’ll cover all this and more below, including why our playground slide is the #1 choice online. Shop at Swing Set Mall for all the different types of slides for playground today!

Why Do Slides Shock You?

Let’s take a closer look at the problem at hand, as understanding the cause behind the stock is the first step towards preventing it. So, why do slides shock you?

Understanding Static Electricity

We said earlier that static electricity is causing that frustrating little shock, but what is this exactly? 

Simply put, it’s the buildup of electrical charge on the surface of objects. It occurs when two different materials come into contact and then separate, causing electrons to transfer from one material to the other. 

In the context of playground slides, static electricity is generated through friction between your clothing and the slide’s surface. Friction causes electrons to move from the slide to your body as you slide down, or vice versa, creating an imbalance of charges. 

Your body holds onto these extra electrons until you touch something else, like another person or a metal object. This provides a path for the electrons to discharge, and this sudden movement of electrons is what causes the shock.

How Different Materials Play a Part

Now, what are playground slides made of and how does this influence the static electricity at play? Here’s an overview of different materials and their shock potential:

• Plastic Slides: Polyethylene or polypropylene are the most common materials, and they’re excellent insulators. This means they don’t let electrons flow freely, so they hold onto static charge more easily. In other words, plastic slides are more prone to causing shocks.
• Metal Slides: These may be less common today, but they also cause static shocks - in a slightly different manner, though. Metals are conductors, meaning they do allow electrons to move freely. While sliding, friction still generates static electricity, but the metal slide may discharge the static more quickly if it is grounded. However, metal slides can still cause shocks if they become insulated from the ground or if the person sliding down is well-insulated by their clothing.
• Rubber and Coated Slides: Some slides are made with rubber coatings or other non-conductive materials to reduce static buildup. Rubber is an insulator and can accumulate static charge, but its properties can be engineered to minimize friction and thus reduce static generation. These materials are often chosen for their safer, non-shocking qualities.

There are other factors influencing the likelihood and degree of getting shocked by a playground slide, too. For example, Dry air, which is common in winter or arid climates, increases static electricity because there is less moisture to dissipate the electrical charges. 

Humid conditions, on the other hand, help reduce static buildup by allowing charges to leak away more easily through the moisture in the air. 

All that being said, what can you do to decrease the shocks from playground slides? 

Is There a Way to Prevent Playground Slides From Shocking People?

There’s no question that static shocks from playground slides can be startling and uncomfortable - in some cases, downright painful. 

While you can’t eliminate all instances of these annoying shocks, there are a few things you can do to decrease their likelihood and enjoy a shock-free sliding experience.

Choosing the Right Playground Slide

We mentioned above that some slides are designed with anti-static materials or coatings that reduce the buildup of static electricity. Look for slides made from specially treated plastics or rubberized coatings that are specifically designed to minimize friction and static charge.

The finish of your slide plays a role, too. Smooth surfaces generate less friction, and therefore less static electricity. Choosing slides with a polished, smooth finish can help reduce the likelihood of shocks. 

Investing in a well-made slide from a reputable manufacturer can provide a better and safer sliding experience, ensuring that materials are properly treated to handle static. It also offers peace of mind knowing your investment will provide safe, fun experiences for years to come.

As we said from the start, your search for safe, high-quality, and most importantly, fun playground slides ends here at Swing Set Mall. We’ve been the industry’s trusted choice for all things play since 1989.

All our playground equipment is sourced from respected manufacturers and we carefully vet every product in our catalog, so you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve. 

You’ll enjoy world-class customer service every step of the way, too, whether you need help choosing the right slide or navigating assembly. We even offer a low-price guarantee to help you save on the playground slide cost without compromising. Here are our most popular collections:

• Double slides
• Spiral slides
• Scoop slides
• Wave slides
• Sectional slides
• Freestanding slides

With a 30-day money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Your slide will ship free, too. Place your order today to upgrade the fun and decrease the shock.

Environmental Modifications

You know now that dry air is a major contributor to static electricity buildup. Thus, increasing the humidity around the playground can help dissipate static charges. 

You can do this by installing misting systems or strategically placing water features nearby, which not only increase humidity but also add to the fun! This is a great option for those wondering how to keep a playground slide cool during summer heat waves, too.

We also encourage you to look into grounding your slide. This involves creating a conductive path from the slide to the ground so static electricity can dissipate safely. Metal slides that are properly grounded can reduce the chance of shocks. For plastic slides, installing a grounding rod nearby can help.

The materials surrounding the playground, such as rubber mats or grass, can also influence static buildup. Using anti-static mats or surfaces around the slide area can help reduce the overall static charge in the environment.

Tips on Using the Slide

There are a few things you - the slider - can do to decrease your likelihood of getting shocked as well. For example, the type of clothing worn can affect static buildup.

So, encourage children to wear clothes made from natural fibers like cotton, which generate less static electricity compared to synthetic fibers. Avoid nylon and polyester, which are more likely to cause static buildup.

It sounds crazy, but there are actually anti-static sprays you can use, too! These are easy to apply and can be effective in reducing static electricity on plastic and metal surfaces.

Even just a bit of maintenance will go a long way in preventing static buildup. Dirt and debris can increase friction, so regularly cleaning the slide’s surface will help maintain a smoother, less static-prone environment.

More Ways to Enhance Playground Slide Safety

Before we wrap things up we want to leave you with a few parting tips on enhancing the safety of your slide beyond addressing static buildup that causes shocks.

Soft Landing Zones

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance slide safety is by installing soft landing zones at the base of the slide. These can be made from rubber mulch, sand, or foam padding. They cushion the impact when children reach the bottom, reducing the risk of injuries.

Think about the level of cushioning and maintenance when choosing a material for the base of your slide. Rubber mulch is durable and low-maintenance, while sand may require more frequent raking and leveling. We have a great selection of slide accessories, including mats.

Slide Hoods

Using slide hoods is a great way to encourage kids to sit down when entering the slide, preventing devastating falls from heights. They can be especially useful for younger children who might be tempted to stand up at the top of the slide.

Slide hoods are typically easy to install and can be added to existing slides without significant modifications. Choose hoods made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor elements and frequent use.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Conduct routine checks to identify any wear and tear, damage, or potential hazards. Look for cracks, sharp edges, or loose bolts that need attention. 

Address any issues promptly to prevent minor problems from becoming major safety hazards. If a part of the slide is damaged or shows signs of wear, repair or replace it as soon as possible. Regular maintenance ensures that the slide remains safe and enjoyable for all users.

Remember, you can always count on Swing Set Mall when it comes time to replace any of your playground components, including the slide. When the time comes, shop with us for peace of mind. For now, it’s time we wrapped things up below…

Final Thoughts on Why Playground Slides Shock You

So, why do slides shock you? In summary, this is a common, yet frustrating, issue with all playground slides. While certain materials and conditions can make the problem worse, static buildup is caused by the friction between clothing and slide surfaces. In other words, it’s just a part of sliding!

Fortunately, you can implement measures like anti-static materials, proper grounding, and regular maintenance to reduce the occurrence and severity of these shocks.

Our blog has additional resources on topics like DIY swing set with slide, DIY playground slide, DIY heavy duty swing set for adults, monkey bar height, how to move a swing set, and more.

From the different types of swings to the different types of monkey bars and of course, all your favorite slide styles, remember that Swing Set Mall is your one-stop shop for all things outdoor play.

If you’re looking to upgrade your backyard playground or commercial park, shop with us for the best quality equipment, unbeatable prices, and exceptional customer service every step of the way.