Can we put a bouncy castle on artificial grass?
This is a fairly common question that we get at All Star Bounce NI.
The initial response is "no," and it is widely acknowledged that this is the case over the board for the whole business of hiring inflatables. Although it is theoretically conceivable, it is not cost-effective to set up a bouncy castle on artificial grass. The paragraphs that follow give the main reasons and justifications.
In order to secure bouncy castles outside, heavy-duty metal pegs placed deep in the grass are commonly employed. If this is not possible, we must adhere to the law and "Best Practice" and install 163 kg on each of the anchor points for the bouncy castle (en14960). A typical children's bouncy castle will have at least six anchor points, so keep that in mind (and sometimes as many as eight) (our assault course have 16 & 18 anchor points). Although sandbags may theoretically produce 163 kilograms, we would need seven of them for each anchor point and 42 for a little child's bouncy castle because they each weigh around 25 kilograms . To put this into perspective, securing a bouncy castle requires a massive one tonne of sand (or more if the bouncy castle has eight anchor points).
As a result, it appears that the only inflatable we could fit in our van together with the required amount of sandbags to put up a single bounce house on artificial grass would not cause us to go over the permitted weight limit for our vehicle. This would prevent us from completing more than one hire booking in a single day, which would drive up the cost. This is just not a viable or economical solution, not to mention that it would require Superman-level strength to put 42 bags of sand into the van, then back out into the garden, and finally to pack all the equipment at the other end.
It is occasionally feasible to stake the castle down on artificial grass, but you must have regular earth underneath the grass—not concrete, as some people do—and you must be ready to have the stakes create holes in the grass or its liner underneath or be able to fold the grass back. However, we normally do not advise using this tactic.
We are well aware that certain rental firms with a "less respectable" reputation would be happy to support the entire inflatable with just four sandbags while assuring you that everything would be OK. Customers frequently underestimate the actual quantity needed, so nobody finds out until an accident happens. Unfortunately, people frequently wait until they have had an accident before fully appreciating the need of these regulations. The repercussions are unimaginable if a child is on an unattended, unrestrained bounce house that is just lightly loaded with sandbags. The inflatable might be easily carried away by a heavy wind gust.
We are well aware that some people are able to get away with it for a very long time without any sort of problem.
We realise that artificial grass is attractive, does not require mowing, has no weeds, and is used all year round, but it is not the proper surface for a bouncy castle.
Therefore, we strongly suggest that you think about renting a hall for your party if your lawn has AstroTurf or artificial grass. If you are unable to do that, think about utilising a friend's, relative's, or even a co-worker's garden. This is because it's less likely that synthetic turf and artificial grass will be safe enough for youngsters to play on. Simply said, setting up a bouncy castle incorrectly on artificial grass is not worth the risk. Above everything things, your children's safety must be prioritised.
If you have any questions or queries about this please do not hesitate to contact us Contact Us
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards and thanks for supporting local.
All Star Bounce NI
Email: info@allstarbounceni.co.uk
Mobile: 07916208438
Here are just some of the areas we cater for: North Down and Ards Peninsula including Bangor, Newtownards, Donaghadee, Holywood, Ballywalter, Dundonald, Millisle, Comber, Conlig, Groomsport, Carrowdore, Greyabbey, Ballywalter, Kircubbin, Ballyhalbert, Portavogie, Lisbane, Ballygowan, Raffery, Killinchy, Crossgar, Killyleagh, saintfield, ballygowan, Carryduff, Moneyreagh, Newtownabbey, Mallusk, and surrounding areas.
<< Return to news