How to Install a Bouncy Castle

Kids can spend hours playing in bouncy castles.

Bouncy castles are commonplace for birthday parties and other family-oriented events. Kids can spend hours entertained just by bouncing on the air-filled toys. A bouncy castle is basically an enclosed air trampoline. Installing a bouncy castle is easy. Take your time reviewing and preparing the area before setting up your castle can save you from disappointed children.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• Blower
• Tape
• Extension cord(s)

Instructions

1. Review the area where the castle is to be set up. The flatter the ground the more stable the castle is going to be when in use. Check for any large stones, sticks and animal droppings and remove them. Remove anything with a sharp edge that could puncture the castle.

2. Place a tarp or other ground covering on the area where the castle is to be. While you have already searched the area, it is still advisable to have a buffer between the castle and the ground. If the castle is on a hard surface, such as concrete, a tarp is essential to avoid friction on the bottom of the castle.

3. Roll out the castle over the tarp. Stretch it out completely. Look over the castle at this time to search for any obvious holes.

4. Attach the blower to the long inlet tube that is located at the back of the castle. Fasten using tape or straps to keep the tube from coming off the blower. Make sure that the deflation tubes, which are the smaller tubes at the back of the castle, are closed with rope or straps.

5. Unroll the extension cord completely. Connect the lead to the blower. All electrical cords should be situated away from high-traffic areas to avoid tripping. Also all wiring needs to be sufficiently covered in plastic or other water-proof covering to avoid exposure to water if the weather changes.

6. Inflate the castle by turning on the blower. Children should not be allowed to be in or on the castle during the inflation. Inflation usually takes only a few minutes to complete.

7. Install stakes through the castle's stake loops with a mallet to hold the castle in place if it's on soft ground. Use sandbags around the castle if it's on a hard surface. Also on hard surfaces, mats should be placed at the entrance door of the castle.

8. Review the castle and surrounding area again. The castle should have at least 3 feet of clearance from all obstacles; the castle will be moving quite a bit even once it has been secured to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• The blower must stay on the entire time or the castle will deflate.

References

• Inflatable Stuff: How to erect a Bouncy Castle
• Lefferts Place: Bouncy Castle Hire Liverpool Setting Up Your Bouncy Castles