Measuring your yard - Essential tips for your bounce house rental 

Renting a bounce house for your next event can bring hours of fun and excitement to your kids and adults alike.  However, before you finalize your rental, it's crucial to ensure that you have enough space in your yard to safely accommodate the bounce house.  Here are some essential tips for measuring your yard to guarantee a hassle-free setup and an unforgettable experience.

1.  Determine the bounce house size

Before you start to measure your yard, it's important to know the dimensions of the bounce house you are planning to rent.  Bounce houses come in various sizes, typically ranging from 10x10 for smaller models to 15x15 or larger for more elaborate designs.  Obstacle course and water slide bounce house rentals can come in all types of shapes and sizes!  It's best to check with your rental company to get exact measurements.  

Example: Here an example is shown with www.3monkeysinflatables.com where 

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2.  Measure your yard space

Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the area where you plan to set up the bounce house.  Ensure to account for additional space around the bounce house for safety and accessibility.  As a rule of thumb, add at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides of the bounce house.  This extra space allows for secure anchoring and ensures children can safely enter and exit the bounce house.  

3.  Check for obstacles

Inspect your yard for any obstacles that might interfere with the bounce house setup.  Look for trees, bushes, fences, and any other structures that could limit the available space.  Also, consider the power lines, you should be at least 10 feet away from a power line in the air.  Ensure the setup area is free from sharp objects like low lying branches, and rocks, and even ground that can cause setup hazards.  

4.  Consider the Surface

The surface where you plan to place the bounce house is just as important as as the size of the area.  Ideal surfaces include grass, smooth concrete, or asphalt.  Typically bounce house companies will not setup inflatable rentals on gravel, dirt, or other rough surfaces that could damage the inflatable, or pose risks to others.  If you're setting up on concrete, or asphalt, consider using a tarp underneath the bounce house to protect it and provide a soft landing area.  Here is a quick and informative do's and don't checklist published by 3 Monkeys regarding Setting up on varied surfaces guideline checklist.  

5.  Plan for Weather Conditions

Weather can play a significant role in your bounce house setup.  Ensure that the setup area is clear of any debris and doggie traps, in addition to any drainage areas that could be problematic if it rains.  Additionally, if your setting up on a particularly sunny area, consider the potential for the bounce house to get hot.  If possible, choose a shaded area or plan to setup a canopy to provide shade to those waiting in line to use the bounce house.  Keep in mind that at any point during your event if winds were to intensify that you are noticing movement of the trees around you and your grow concerned that the wind is higher than 10-15mph, you should safely and quickly get the kids off of the inflatable bouncing house and look at the winds currently projected or call the jump company to get advice on how to move forward.

Example:  3 Monkeys Inflatables, one of the top bounce house and party rental company has posted an Emergency Procedure Guideline along with an adapted beaufort wind scale that helps you determine wind speed preparedness for your upcoming event.  We ask that anyone renting an inflatable check out these procedures and ensure the safety of all guests on their site.  

6.  Preparing for your Delivery Checklist

Check out this Preparing for your delivery checklist by 3 Monkeys Inflatables.  

7.  Verify Access to Power

All bounce houses, obstacle course rentals, water slides, inflatables and games will require constant airflow provided by an electric blower.  Verify that you have access to a power outlet within 50 feet of the setup area.  If an outlet is not available, you might needs to use a generator.  Check with your individual rental company to understand the power requirements and make necessary arrangements.  3 Monkeys Inflatables has an article all about Event Power:  You can check out the Event Power article here.  

Properly measuring your yard is a crucial step to ensuring a safe and enjoyable rental experience.  By taking the time to measure accurately and prepare your yard, you can avoid last-minute surprises and focus on whats important and that's creating memorable moments for your guests! :) Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to hosting a fun and successful event with your bounce house rental.

About the Author:

Pam is a 17 year veteran in the Party Equipment Rental business, as well as the owner of Woman of Vinyl Group which is an informational Inflatable and Party Rental Nationwide Group that empowers woman that are operating a Party Rental Equipment business.  Pam also is an accomplished website SEO and Social Media superstar that continues her education in those fields monthly.  

Pam also is a licensed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Ride Safety Division Inspector.  She has been in an inspector for 8+ years now, and continues to get higher education every 3 years.  

Pam is also the mother of 3 boys, Gabriel, Cole, and Lincoln who are the OG of 3 Monkeys Inflatables and the reason the name 3 Monkeys Inflatables came to be.