Step 1: Check the Area and Setup TarpIt is a good idea to get a duffel bag or work bag to hold your "stuff"; stakes, straps, extension cords, extra rope, tape, etc. |
| Check your site for stones, sticks, or other obstructions. Check for the nearest electrical outlet and TEST IT before you start. This can save you a lot of work later. Many outdoor outlets do not work. Once you have your site ready, unfold your tarp. |
| A word about tarps: some people do not use them on grass setups. We always use a tarp a) to protect our investment and b) so a driver isn't making the decision whether to use a tarp or not. The picture shows the tarp unfolded and ready to be staked down. |
| Stakes: Shown here are lightweight tent spikes used to hold the tarp in place and 18" landscape spikes with washers for securing the inflatable unit. You can use heavy-duty tent stakes for the inflatable unit as well. We like the landscape spikes because you can use a hammer or mallet to drive them securely into any type of soil, even hard-packed clay. |
| Stake down your tarp in at least 4 corners, driving the tent spike all the way into the ground so no one will trip on it. You may want to drive spikes into the center hole of each side of the tarp as well, although the corners are usually enough. It is important to stake down your tarp to prevent it from moving while you are setting up the inflatable unit. |
Step 2: Unload the InflatablesWe show a trailer being used. Many people use the back of a van or a truck to deliver inflatables. |
| Unsecure the units. |
| Tip the unit up on the rolled end. |
| Once the unit is on its' end, pull your hand truck into place. It is important to place the unit on the hand truck with the blower tubes facing out, on the opposite side from the hand truck. The tubes show you where the back of the unit is so that you know which side you need to place toward the blower. This will help you to easily position the unit on the tarp, ready to unroll. |
| Slide the hand truck under the unit, then tip it back onto the hand truck and roll it off the trailer. This hand truck has inflatable wheels- they are much better for this type of work than the hard-wheeled type of hand truck. Hard wheels tend to tear up grass and drag in low traction conditions. |
Step 3: SetupGood placement on the tarp will make unrolling easy. |
| Position the unit in the center of the back of the tarp (wherever you plan to place the blower). Tip the unit forward and pull the hand truck out from under it. Then allow it to fall back onto the tarp with the blower tubes on top. |
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| You may need to adjust the unit to that it lines up correctly and is centered. |
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| Unknot the straps and remove them. Place them in your bag so you don't lose them. |
| Unroll the blower tubes. |
| Unroll the unit. |
| Unfold the sides and straighten them out. |
Step 4: Secure the Inflatable UnitSecuring the unit is a critical safety step. Check with your insurance company to see if they have any specific requirements for your state for how the unit must be secured. |
| We will demonstrate the double-tie-down method. In many places, you can use a single tie-down on each corner, but it only takes a few minutes to do two tie-downs. We have two heavy nylon rope loops about 2 1/2 feet long looped through our tie-down ring. |
| Pull the loop out at an angle from the unit. Make a small loop at the end of the rope loop and place the spike through it. Pound the stake into the ground at an angle away from the inflatable unit for best stability. The loop and washer keep the rope securely held to the stake. |
| Stake down the second tie-down at an angle to the first. The ropes should not be taut- there should be some slack to allow the unit to move a bit as it is being used. If you were using sandbags, you would attach the handles of the sandbag covers to the ropes with carabiners and place them at the same angles. Stake down each corner. |
Step 5: Inflate & InspectInflating only takes a minute or two! Don't skip a quick inspection before you allow the kids in. |
| Most units have two blower tubes on them. On the one that will not have the blower attached to it, you will need to close the opening. Pleat or fold the vinyl fabric as tight as you can, then use the attached strap to secure it shut. This doesn't have to be airtight- expect some air to leak out of this tube. Escaping air is what make your unit bouncy. |
| Hook the blower up to the other tube. Slide the blower opening into the tube, then pleat and fold the extra fabric around the blower to hold it while you tighten the strap. Wrap the strap around the blower and tube and tighten. Make sure you have gathered all the fabric in the strap, especially around the bottom, where it is hard to see. All set! |
| Check to make sure your extension cord is away from foot traffic as much as possible. Arrange the cord so that it is away from the entrance of the unit. Make sure all children are away from the unit before you turn the blower on. Simply plug in the blower and turn it on. Inflatation only takes a minute or two. Kids will want to get in immediately but make sure you complete your inspection and training with the responsible party first. |
| Take off your shoes and get in the unit with spray cleaner, a rag, and a small vaccuum. Quickly check for anything that may have been missed in the last take-down cleaning. Then walk around the unit and inspect it for any dirt or damage. You may want to have the responsible person (if you are leaving it unattended) walk with you. Then review operating instructions and emergency procedures with the responsible party before packing up and heading out. |
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