Inflatables and bouncing castles are usually inflated using blowers and fans, which are normally petrol-powered or electric-powered. Because the fan is on constantly, leaks and small holes don’t necessarily pose such a huge problem. Most experts will recommend you use a Bounce houses, circuit breaker or RCD when using electrical equipment.

This article will show you how you can both inflate as well as unpack your inflatable. Depending on how your castle looks, there may be some slight differences. However, the principles shouldn’t differ too much.

Setting Up The Inflatable

• Find level ground where the inflatable can be placed. Ensure that it has enough space as well as a little extra room on its side for movement
• Ensure the ground you’ve chosen for the inflatable is free of cables, low-hanging branches, stones, dirt, debris and anything that can damage the castle. You’ll also want to scout the area for animal waste or mud

Unpacking And Inflating

• Unfasten the strap and then locate the funnel
• Place your funnel over your fan, however, don’t try to tighten it to the deflation tube
• Use a buckle strap to fasten your fan securely to the funnel. Make sure the funnel is untwisted and straight
• Tie the funnel and deflation tube off. Plug in the blower and then switch it on. Unfold the rest of your castle while inflating.
• Cover the sidewalls with the rain/sun cover. Always secure the product using sandbags or pegs and safety mats.

Packing Away The Inflatable

• Excess air should be treaded towards your funnels, usually at the inflatable’s rear end. Once most of the air is removed, make sure you straighten the bottom seam and the sidewalls of the castle should meet in the middle as well
• Fold into the middle and locate the bottom seam. Do this for all sides. After each seam is folded, push all the excess air into your funnels. Always keep the inflatable as neat and straight as possible. For easy folding, tread down the inflatable’s middle section.
• One last time, fold it in half always making sure that you’ve laid out your funnel straight. To eliminate all the excess air, tread down one more time. This will help make your inflatable more compact when it comes time to be rolled.
• Make the rolls as small as you can and start the rolling process from the front. Continue rolling keeping your rolls tight and compact.

How Long Does Inflation Take?

Bouncing castles typically come in many different shapes and sizes. Each of them equipped with their own recommended unique blower. While the regular commercial inflatable can be inflated in under three minutes, it can easily take double the time on the larger bouncy castle options. During operation, the fan gives you continuous airflow and cannot be switched off.

Giant commercial bounce castles can have two or more blowers. Some of the older combo systems may need both additional power and another blower the older they become. This generally means that how long it’ll take to inflate your bounce house will largely depend on how old and how big it is.