Frequently Asked Questions About SplashGround Water Play Areas

Splash pads go by many names. Common names are spraygrounds, water play features, splashgrounds, water pads or splash zones. They are all the same thing. A typical splash pad consists of an underground water storage tank, pump, filter, water distribution system, nozzles and concrete. The pump pulls water from the underground storage tank, filters it and sends it to the water distribution system. This system directs the water to different nozzles encased in a concrete pad and blasts it into the air. The water drains back to the underground storage tank and the cycle begins all over.

Splash pads are a zero depth water play area – meaning that there is no standing water on the pad. Since the surface of a SplashGround splash pad is completely porous, the water drains through to the tank as soon as it hits the pad.

No. Our splash pad system is fully contained and can be installed in the ground or on top of it. There is no need for concrete work or heavy excavation with our portable splash pad.

Typical concrete splash pads require a large amount of excavation for the underground water tank, trenching for pipes and more excavation to place the concrete pad. Being that typical splash pads are made of concrete, once you install one, it is there for the long haul. A SplashGround splash pad is very different – they are made of polypropylene units that are 4' by 6' and interconnect to each other. These units are only 11" deep so the excavation is reduced, the need for trenching is negated and if you decide to move or the kids outgrow it, you can take it with you or resell it. What makes our portable splash pad units unique from other portable units is that they are less expensive and also recirculate and clean the water.

Each unit is 4'X 6' and 10.5" deep. They interconnect to make several different sizes. If installing above ground and you ramp up to the splash pads, it will take an additional 6'- 8' of space on each side to accommodate the ramp.

1 unit system which is 4'X 6' or 24 sq/ft
2 unit system which is either 6'X 8' or 4'X 12' depending on how you connect them or 48 sq/ft.
4 unit system which can only be configured as an 8'X 12' or 96 sq/ft

The sides of each unit have 2 pass-through holes that are easily connected with the supplied bulkhead fittings. Since these are screw on fittings they can be connected in a matter of seconds. The master unit (where the water is drawn from and returned) is pre-plumbed with all of the piping. Simply run the piping from unit to unit through the pass-through holes and connect to corresponding nozzles in the other units.

SplashGround does not recommend connecting the pipes of more than 4 units together. However, multiple 4 unit systems can be placed side by side.

Each unit comes with 2 nozzles. However, the units are designed to have as many as 4 nozzles. Let us know at the time of purchase how many nozzles you would like per unit.

Each system comes with a timer that adjusts the speed of the popping. Jets can pop as often as once per second or as infrequently as every 6 seconds.

Yes. A water control valve lets you set the height that the nozzles pop the water into the air.

SplashGround does not recommend placing the pump box any further away than 30' from the master unit splash pad.

There is no electricity needed in or around the splash pad units. The only electricity required is for the pump box, which can be placed up to 30' from the splash pad. A normal extension cord will do the trick since the pump box unit comes wired with a gfi.

SplashGround utilizes a proprietary porous rubber blend consisting of several different colors, but the dominant color is red. We also offer a synthetic turf overlay.

SplashGround splash pads offer a full 1.5" thick soft rubber cushion so running and playing is safe and won't hurt little feet.

Yes, SplashGround offers different color packages. Please contact a dealer or our factory rep for more information.

All of our surfaces have rubber, however we do offer a synthetic turf overlay that can be laid over the rubber surface.

The surface of a SplashGround Splash Pad is porous meaning the water drains straight through to the tanks underneath.

Each system comes with a pump box that contains an auto chlorinator and filter. Each time the water is drawn from the units, it is filtered and injected with chlorine before being pushed to the nozzles.

Our splash pad can be installed either in ground or on top. If leaving on top, simply ramp dirt up to the splash pad to form a ramp. This also allows you to make custom designs around the splash pad for a little extra flair. Sand, synthetic turf or real turf can be installed on top of the ramp. Installing this way makes the splash pad appear as though it is a flush in-ground installation, but no digging is required.

The splash pad units are only 10.5" deep, but SplashGround recommends digging down 12" deep and at least one foot wider than your SplashGround to make installation easier. There are only 2 lines running between the pump box and the SplashGround units and these can either be buried or run above ground. See installation manual for more detail.

Yes. We provide step-by-step directions for both in ground and above ground.

Anyone can install a SplashGround splash pad. Give our easy to follow instructions to whoever you decide and they can easily install it.

The support grid system is extremely strong and durable. Each unit can support up to 1000 pounds.

There are 2 ways to fill the system. On the side of the master unit we have pre-plumed a connection for an auto water fill. Simply connect a hose or pipe to this outlet and the system will automatically stay full. To manually fill the system, simply remove one of the support grids and fill with a hose.

SplashGround recommends draining the system if you plan on not using it for more than a month.

There is a hose connection at the pump that allows you to drain the system. In the winter, SplashGround also recommends that the support grid panels be removed and a wet vac be used to drain the last 1/2" of water from the tanks.

Most repairs can be done over the phone. However, in the case of an extreme repair we can recommend a local repair man.

This system was designed for minimal maintenance. The filter in the pump box will need to be cleaned about once per month and at the beginning of each season. A self chlorination system is included that allows you to control the level of chlorine injected and this unit will need to be checked once per week to make sure there are enough tablets. The surface will need to be hosed down periodically. An owners manual is included with every system that will give detailed instructions on all maintenance and trouble shooting issues.

Shipping will vary from state to state and country to country. Please contact us for a quote.

If you are located in the metro Phoenix area we can install the system for you. If not, we can recommend a local installer.