Setting Up a Bouncy Castle on Hard Surfaces: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to setting up a bouncy castle, the location is crucial for ensuring safety, enjoyment, and ease of installation. While soft grassy areas are often ideal, many events require inflatables to be set up on hard surfaces like slabs, decking, or car parks. At Airquee Inflatables, we understand the importance of making this process as smooth and secure as possible.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up a bouncy castle on hard surfaces.

1. Safety First: Assess the Surface

Before you start setting up your bouncy castle, it’s essential to assess the surface where it will be installed. Hard surfaces like concrete, decking, and car parks are generally stable, but they lack the natural cushioning provided by grass. Therefore, extra precautions are needed to ensure the safety of all users.

Key considerations include:

  • Level Ground: Ensure the surface is level and free from sharp objects or debris that could damage the inflatable.
  • Stability: Hard surfaces should be stable and not prone to movement or shifting, which could affect the bouncy castle’s balance.
  • Space: Measure the area to ensure there’s enough space around the inflatable for safe entry and exit, as well as for the necessary anchoring.

2. Secure the Inflatable Properly

One of the biggest challenges of setting up on a hard surface is securing the bouncy castle. Unlike grass, where pegs can be driven into the ground, hard surfaces require alternative anchoring methods to ensure the inflatable remains stable during use.

BS EN 14960 regulations specify that each anchor point on the inflatable must be secured with a minimum of 163 kg of weight. This is crucial to ensure the safety and stability of the inflatable, particularly in windy conditions.

Anchoring options include:

  • Sandbags and Water Weights: These are commonly used for anchoring on hard surfaces. However, to comply with BS EN 14960, you would need to transport a significant amount of weight—163 kg per anchor point. Depending on the size of the inflatable, this can add up to a substantial load, making transportation and setup challenging.
  • Fixed Objects: The use of fixed structures such as fence posts, park benches and other street furniture have an unknown load tolerance and for these reasons we do not recommend their use.
  • Anchor Bolts: If you have permission and the surface allows, anchor bolts can be drilled into concrete to provide a very secure fixing point. This is particularly useful for larger inflatables that require more robust anchoring. Ensure that the bolts are suitable for the surface and that they are installed correctly to avoid any damage or instability.

3. Matting Around the Inflatable

In addition to securing the inflatable, it’s crucial to ensure that the area around it complies with safety standards, particularly when setting up on hard surfaces. BS EN 14960 regulations require that impact-absorbing matting be placed around all open sides of the inflatable. This matting should be at least 1.2 metres wide and made of a material that can effectively cushion any falls or trips.

This matting is vital for:

  • Safety: Protecting users from potential injuries if they fall or trip near the inflatable.
  • Compliance: Ensuring that your setup meets industry safety standards, which is particularly important for public events or where insurance coverage is involved.

4. Power Supply Considerations

Bouncy castles require a continuous flow of air from a blower to stay inflated. When setting up on a hard surface, ensuring an adequate and safe power supply is essential.

Considerations for power supply:

  • Extension Leads: If the power source is not nearby, use a suitable outdoor extension lead. It’s important to note that an extension lead can only be used effectively up to 50 metres due to the power drop caused by the length of the cable. Beyond this distance, the blower may not receive enough power to function properly, potentially compromising the inflatable’s performance and safety.
  • Generators: If the power source is further than 50 metres away, or if a reliable power supply isn’t available, a generator may need to be considered. Ensure the generator has sufficient capacity to run the blower continuously and safely. Always check that the generator is positioned in a well-ventilated area and that it meets any noise regulations or restrictions that might apply to your event.

5. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Each bouncy castle may have specific setup instructions depending on its size, shape, and design. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines provided by Airquee Inflatables. These instructions will give you detailed information on the number of anchor points required, the correct inflation pressure, and any other specific setup requirements.

6. Conduct a Safety Check Before Use

Once the bouncy castle is fully set up, it’s essential to conduct a thorough safety check before allowing anyone to use it.

This includes:

  • Checking anchor points: Ensure all anchor points are secure and that the inflatable is stable.
  • Inflation level: Verify that the bouncy castle is fully inflated and that there are no signs of sagging or deflation.
  • Matting coverage: Confirm that matting is in place around all open sides of the inflatable as per BS EN 14960 regulations, ensuring that it covers the required distance and is securely positioned.
  • Surroundings: Make sure the area around the bouncy castle is clear of obstacles, and that users can safely enter and exit the inflatable.

7. Supervision During Use

Even after a perfect setup, supervision is key to ensuring the ongoing safety of those using the bouncy castle. Assign a responsible adult to monitor the inflatable at all times, ensuring that weight limits and user numbers are adhered to and that any potential issues are addressed immediately.

Conclusion

Setting up a bouncy castle on a hard surface requires careful planning and the right equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. By following these guidelines, including adhering to BS EN 14960 regulations regarding anchor weights and matting, and considering power supply limitations, you can be confident that your inflatable will be secure and ready for action, no matter the surface it’s on.

At Airquee Inflatables, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, durable inflatables and expert advice to make your event a success. Whether you’re setting up on grass, slabs, decking, or car parks, we have the products and the know-how to help you every step of the way. Happy bouncing!

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