Backyard Tempest
Free plans for your very own waterpark attraction that you can build right in your own backyard.
You don’t have to travel to Waterworld, Schlitterbahn, Splish Splash or any other waterpark to have fun in the water. Here are complete instructions to make your own sprinkler toy.
Here are free plans with low cost items you can get at any home improvement store to build your very on waterpark ride and attraction right in your own back yard.
The fun is ready anytime you are. So any hot day you can have a waterpark attraction right in your neighborhood.
Here are the free plans to build this fun toy.
This project comes directly from Instructables.com The instructions and pictures are from a member of that site called “m32825″ and the project is called “KidWash 2 : PVC Sprinkler Water Toy”.
Before we start, here are some photographs of the completed project in action.
Step 1 - Parts List
All of the parts you need will be at any home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowes. Also, most local hardware stores will have all of these items.
- 2-ten foot lengths of 3/4″ PVC
- 3-3/4″end caps
- 1-threaded female hose connector (slip fit)
- 2-3/4″ elbow joints (90 degree)
- 2-3/4″ T connections
- 1-pack quarter circle mister jets (12 count)
(Optional) You can make more than one “Backyard Tempest” and link them together to make even more fun. If you are going to link two or more, for each one you will need to get two end caps (instead of three) and add:
- 1 threaded male hose connector (slip fit)
- 1 hose cap
Here is what the fittings will look like.
The mister jets will look like this (don’t worry about the brand). They may be in the gardening section of the store rather than in the PVC and plumbing section.
If you are going to use the option for linking two or more together you will need the parts that look like this.
Step 2 - Tools You Will Need
- Ruler
- Pen or pencil
- Saw
- PVC cement
- Drill
- 5/32″ drill bit
Step 3 - Cut PVC pipes
* 2 sections at 5 feet
* 1 section at 4 feet
* 4 sections at 18 inches
You will start with two 10′ lengths of 3/4″ PVD pipe.
Cut one of the 10′ lengths in half so that you have two 5′ sections.
Cut a 4′ section from the second one. Cut the remaining 6′ section in half and then each of the 3′ sections in half.
Step 4-Make a center line
In order to make all the misters pointing more or less in the same direction, start by making a center line on the three longest pieces of pipe. Hold two pieces of pipe next to one another and use one as a guide to mark the other. The angle you hold your pen/pencil at isn’t important, just keep it the same and you’ll end up with a straight line.
Step 5 - Mark locations for misters
With 12 misters, put four on each side and four along the top. Measure 9″ from the end of each pipe, mark it, and then mark three more locations at 10″ intervals. This will center the four misters along the top, and provide nice coverage on the sides.
Step 6 - Drill Holes
For the jets pictured here a 5/32″ hole was perfect, but check yours before drilling holes. The mister jets have threads and a taper that increases as they go in. The bit should leave a hole that allows the bottom to slide in easily, but engages the threads where they start. With the right combination you’ll need to bear down to get the first threads to “bite”, but after the first or second turn they’ll cut their own threads into the pipe for a tight fit.
Step 7 - Assemble the Upright Poles
Make sure there are no PVC chips or other debris in the pipes before assembly. Fit the drilled pipes together to form a “U” shape with all the drilled holes facing up. The drilled holes on the side pieces should be closest to the end with elbow joint (near cross piece). Once you’re satisfied glue the “U”, making sure the holes stay facing up.
Step 8- Screw in Mister Jets
Screw the mister jets into the holes. You’ll need to bear down at first to get the mister jet threads to bite, but after a turn or two they’ll burrow into the pipe just fine. When you get down to the last turn or so, align the jet so it faces inwards. Angle the jets near the corners towards the center so that the water goes where the action is.
Step 9 - Glue the Base
Now that the “U” is glued and has the misters are installed, it is time to make the base to stand it up on. Two options are pictured below.
This is the default setup, the right one has the option to support chaining. Check the fit of all your parts and glue them.
If you are using the optional plans so that you can fit two or more together it will look like this:
Step 10 -Attach the Base
Assemble the “U” and the base without glue. Make sure the base pieces are parallel with each other, and perpendicular to the plane of the “U”. You can place the base pieces on either edge of a sidewalk for a handy reference before gluing it. Line up the “T” pieces with each side of a sidewalk crack, then make the base pieces parallel to the edges of the sidewalk and you’re ready for glue.
Step 11 - Try It Out
Let the glue dry completely before testing.
Turn the water on low enough that you get a little spray from all the misters. Check and adjust the direction of the misters to direct the water towards the center.
Turn it on full and look for leaks around the base of the misters. If you find one, you can use a wrap of teflon tape around the base of the mister to stop it.
This project uses 12 misters rated at 10 gallons per hour, for a total of 120 gallons per hour.
Step 12 - Chaining Two or More Together
The pictures below show a hose connecting two Backyard Tempest toys. 
