Party Planning Tips for Renting an Inflatable

Party Planning Tips for Renting an Inflatable

Party planning can be rather overwhelming at times due to the many tasks involved.  All of the decisions tend to start adding up when trying to decide on food options, decorations for theme, entertainment, and other minor details involved with planning a party.   These are among the many things needing to be done without even realizing the chores around the party location. 

While the end results is worth the effort, it is hard to pull off without a few hiccups along the way.  If you are planning on renting an inflatable party rental for your entertainment choice whether it’s a bounce house, water slide, obstacle course, or interactive games then we have a few ideas to help you along the way.  Avoid any minor hiccups by following these few party planning tips. 

1.       Do you have enough space or area?

If you’re hosting a party in the backyard, make sure you have enough space for the inflatable desired.  The most popular bounce houses are 13ft x 13ft (Medium) or 15ft x 15ft (Large) and the sizes increase with more features such as our bounce house with slide combos or toddler playgrounds.  When deciding which inflatable you should reserve, measure the area you are planning on setting the inflatable up at.  Keep in mind there are things you should consider also like where do I want the entrance, where is the power source, and do I have enough room around the inflatable at all times without any obstructions.  Most of our customers like to setup in the back corner of the yards or area at the event location to ensure enough room in front for entertainment and parents to observe the kids playing. 

2.       Do you have power within 75ft?

As mentioned in tip #1, things to consider are where you want to put the entrance for the kids so they can get in and out of the inflatable game within eyesight of parents.  Once the setup location is decided, one of the other items to consider should be the location of the power source (generator) or standard household electrical outlet (GFCI 110V Outlet on 20 amp circuit).  The blowers use a significant amount of power during its use so an ideal maximum distance is 75-100ft before any power loss or tripping of the circuits.  We provide 12 gauge extension cords to be able to power the blower at those distances.    

Inflatables require electric blowers in order to inflate the structure and maintain the inflation during its use at all times.  Therefore, it’s wise to make sure the location of the blowers are out of the way especially considering the noise level when it is on.  Our delivery crews will make sure the extension cords used will be placed safely out of the way of any walking areas, if applicable on your setup. 

Please be cautious not to overload the circuit once the inflatable is setup to avoid accidental deflation of the inflatable with any kids inside!

3.       Do you have any obstructions?

When considering your setup location, please be aware of any obstructions underground such as utilities or water lines.   Inflatables must be secured at all times during operation by steel hook stakes at every anchor point driven into the ground.  These large stakes are typically 18-36 inches long.  Knowing the location of any underground obstructions can help avoid any damage when securing the inflatable.

There are some inflatables such as combos, water slides, and obstacle courses that may exceed 15ft in height so any overhead obstructions must be observed as well when planning our your setup location.  Inflatable structures must have a clearance of at least 3ft above the top of the unit to avoid any interference.  Therefore, all power lines, cable lines, low lying tree limbs or any other overhead obstructions must be considered and carefully measured to ensure a safe setup is available for your inflatable rental.  See our inflatable rental tips for more details. 

4.       Having a party at a park?

Parks and recreational areas have many rules in place when it comes to inflatables being allowed on grounds during your event.  It is advised to research all of their rules and regulations prior to booking an inflatable.  We have compiled some basic questions you should ask the coordinator at the location for you. 

                -Do you allow inflatables on grounds?

                -Which type of inflatables do you allow, if any?

                -Do you require any additional insurance or liability for inflatables?

                -Do we need a permit for the inflatable on grounds?

                -Is there power available for my inflatable?

-What is the earliest time we can have the inflatable delivered and the latest time picked up?   

Most parks require the rental company to have at least a one million dollar insurance policy in order to setup any inflatable on their grounds, which we have.  At some parks, they even require us to add them as an additional insured onto our insurance policy for liability coverage, for an additional fee.  Please make sure you provide a few weeks in advance in order to complete the process and ample time for us to submit the certificate of insurance to your locations coordinator.   Additional fees may apply when renting at parks, see our park rental tips.   

5.       What is the type of setup surface?

What type of surface are you going to have at the location, would it be grass, concrete, asphalt, dirt, or indoor floor?  Although we can setup on any surface, certain inflatables are not best suitable on every surface.  Inflatables are best setup on a grass surface to assist in avoiding any injuries to the kids while getting in and out of the inflatable you rent.  If the inflatable must be setup on concrete, asphalt, or indoor floor then we must secure using sandbags, additional fees may apply. 

The larger water slides and taller structures are safer while setup on grass so our delivery crews can secure using large stakes in the ground.  The smaller inflatables like bounce houses and the like are suitable for being secured by sandbags.  We will not setup any inflatable on any surface type with obstructions protruding the surface, uneven surfaces, as well as gravel or rocks.  See our setup area tips for more details.

During your planning process, if you have any questions or need suggestions for choosing which inflatable is best suited for you then please contact our office.  PartyZone Inflatables has all of your inflatable bounce house, water slide, and other kids party rentals ready to be delivered to you for an affordable price!