If you are looking to purchase an inflatable water slide this year then you probably want to know how much they cost and if they are any good.

For a good waterslide that is going to last year a few summers you could go for an inexpensive model  which only has the one slide and no added features for around $200 or you could pay over $600 and get one with multiple slides, wading pools, water guns and more like the Banzai Jungle Blast Water Slide.

Many people have expressed concerns over their durability however and while it's true that with heavy use (or if they are not dried properly) they will start to deteriorate you can buy kits to patch holes or even do it yourself with duct tape and silicone sealer.

photo credit: I Should Be Folding Laundry

If your kids have their hearts set on a different kind of birthday party and have been hounding you to rent a bounce house or water slide for their party, you might want to take a look at some of the available backyard water slides that you can buy instead of renting.

Depending on the area of the United States that you live and the availability of inflatable rentals in your town, many times you can purchase a nice inflatable water slide for your backyard for about the same cost as renting one for a day.

Owning their own water slide will surely please your kids, make planning the party easier and can save you money in the long run. You will be able to use the water slide time and time again.

Before you shell out that money to the rental company, check with local retailers as well as online retailers and you may save a chunk of money.