Setup Requirements for Bounce Houses, Water Slides, and Tents
Preparing Your Yard Before Arrival
To ensure a smooth and clean setup, please prepare your yard or setup area before our arrival:
- Remove any animal waste, rocks, sticks, or sharp debris from the setup area.
- Freshly mow grass at least 24 hours before delivery (avoid wet grass).
- Turn off any sprinklers the night before your rental.
- Unlock gates and clear all access paths for our crew.
Proper preparation protects our equipment, speeds up setup, and ensures a safe and fun event for everyone!
Watch Our Pre-Setup Inflatable Video
Before delivery day, please watch this quick video that walks you through how to get your yard or event space ready for your inflatable rental:
How Much Space Do I Need?
Each inflatable or tent rental requires enough flat, clear space for both the equipment and a safe buffer around it. Please allow the unit’s footprint size plus at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides. This includes extra room for the blower, entrance ramp, and participant safety.
For example, a 15’ x 15’ bounce house would need an area of at least 20’ x 20’ with 20 feet of vertical clearance.
Please note: Each rental page includes the specific setup area required for that item. We recommend checking the individual product listings for exact dimensions and space requirements.
- Measure your event space before booking.
- Add 5 feet clearance on all sides.
- Check overhead for low-hanging branches, power lines, or ceilings.
What Surfaces Can I Set Up On?
Grass is the ideal surface for setting up inflatables and tents, offering easy anchoring and a soft landing area. We can also set up on concrete or asphalt, provided we use sandbags for safety instead of stakes. Unfortunately, we cannot set up on gravel, mulch, rocky surfaces, uneven ground, or steep slopes.
- Flat, level ground is required.
- Surface must be clean — remove sticks, rocks, or pet waste.
- For hard surfaces, request sandbag setup when booking.
Checking for Underground Utilities
If your inflatable or tent will be set up on grass and staked into the ground, it’s important to ensure there are no underground utilities in the setup area.
Common underground utilities include:
- Septic systems and septic lines
- Irrigation and sprinkler systems
- Gas lines
- Water pipes
- Electric or fiber optic cables
- Drainage systems
If you are unsure about the location of underground lines, we strongly recommend contacting 811 (the national "Call Before You Dig" service) at least a few days before your event. Identifying underground utilities helps prevent accidental damage and ensures a safe setup.
Tent Setup Requirements & Safety
Tents require extra planning to make sure your setup is safe, secure, and compliant with local guidelines. Please review these requirements carefully before your event, especially if your tent will be staked into the ground.
- Choose a flat, level area that matches the tent size, plus at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Keep tents away from buildings, tree branches, power lines, and overhead obstructions.
- Do not plan to set up tents over decks, retaining walls, steep slopes, or uneven ground.
- For grass setups requiring staking, you are responsible for ensuring the ground is safe.
- You must call 811 at least 3–5 business days before your event to mark underground utilities.
- All irrigation, septic, drain lines, or hazards must be clearly marked.
- If the area is unsafe or cannot be staked, setup may be refused and no refund issued.
Important: All tent rentals require a 2-week (14-day) cancellation notice. Due to planning, staffing, and scheduling needs, no exceptions will be made.
Watch Our Tent Planning & Safety Video
Please watch this short video before your tent rental so you know how to prepare your space and avoid delays:
What Are the Power Requirements?
Every inflatable requires one standard 110-volt household outlet located within 100 feet of the setup area. If power access is limited, you can rent a generator through Joy Bounce House for an additional charge. Learn more about our generator rentals here.
- Standard household outlet within 100 feet.
- Dedicated breaker preferred — no major appliances on the same line.
- Extension cords provided with rental.
How Should I Prepare Access for Setup?
Delivery crews need safe and clear access to the setup location. Pathways should be at least 48 inches wide for standard units and 60 inches wide for larger slides or obstacle courses.
- 48” minimum width for bounce houses, combos, tents.
- 60” minimum width for large slides and obstacle courses.
- Clear stairs, fences, and tight turns.
- Notify us about any obstacles ahead of time.
What Are the General Safety Requirements?
Safety is our top priority. Adult supervision is required at all times while any inflatable or rental is in use. Units should never be used during heavy rain, lightning, or winds above 15 mph.
- Always supervise children and guests.
- No sharp objects, shoes, food, or drinks inside inflatables.
- Discontinue use if bad weather arrives.
Watch Our Safety Guidelines Video
Need Help Preparing for Your Rental?
Have questions about your setup area? Contact Joy Bounce House today — we’re happy to help you plan a safe and fun event!