Technical Info & Troubleshooting Guide
Everything you need to know about power requirements, setup tips, and common rental issues. If you need additional help at any time, call our office at (305) 985-0505.
⚡ Power & Electrical Requirements
Nearly all of our rentals require electricity, and some require a significant amount of power. Planning ahead for your power needs will help your event run smoothly. Every inflatable listed on our website specifies the number and type of blower motors needed to operate it. Below you'll find the electrical specifications for each type of equipment.
Blower Motor & Equipment Specifications
| Equipment | Amps | Volts | Watts | Airflow (CFM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 HP Blower Motor | 7 | 115 | 805 | 1,170 |
| 1.5 HP Blower Motor | 8.8 | 115 | 1,015 | 1,290 |
| 2+ HP Blower Motor | 14 | 115 | 1,610 | 1,520 |
Concession Machine Specifications
| Machine | Amps | Volts | Watts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Candy Machine | 11 | 120 | 1,320 |
| Popcorn Machine | 8 | 120 | 955 |
| Sno-Kone Machine | 5.6 | 120 | 672 |
| Hot Dog Roller | 7 | 120 | 840 |
🔌 How to Check for a Power Failure
If your inflatable suddenly deflates or the blower shuts off, it's most likely a tripped circuit breaker or a GFCI outlet issue. Follow these steps before calling our office:
Troubleshooting Power at Your Home
- Check the blower first. Make sure the blower motor is still plugged in and the power switch is in the ON position. Sometimes cords get accidentally unplugged during the party.
- Check the outlet. Plug in a phone charger or lamp to verify the outlet itself has power. If nothing works, the circuit has likely tripped.
- Check GFCI outlets. Look for outlets with "Test" and "Reset" buttons (commonly found in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas). Press the RESET button firmly. GFCI outlets can trip when they detect moisture or an overload.
- Check your breaker panel. Locate your home's electrical panel (usually in the garage, utility room, or side of the house). Look for any breaker switches that are in the middle position or flipped to OFF. Flip the tripped breaker fully to OFF first, then back to ON.
- Redistribute the load. If the breaker trips again, you likely have too many items on one circuit. Try plugging the blower into an outlet on a different circuit (different room or area of the house).
- Check extension cords. If you're using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for outdoor use and is at least 12-gauge. Thin or undersized cords can cause the blower to overheat or trip the breaker. We recommend cords no longer than 50 feet.
Troubleshooting Power with a Generator
- Check fuel level. Generators will shut off automatically when they run out of gas. Refuel and restart if needed.
- Check the generator's breaker. Most generators have their own built-in circuit breaker. Reset it if tripped.
- Verify wattage capacity. Make sure your generator can handle the total wattage of everything plugged into it. Add up the watts from the table above — a 3,000-watt generator can typically handle one 1.5 HP blower plus one concession machine.
- Let it warm up. Start the generator and let it run for 1-2 minutes before plugging in the blower motor.
- Avoid daisy-chaining. Plug each blower directly into a separate outlet on the generator. Do not use power strips or multi-outlet adapters.
🛠 Common Rental Issues & Solutions
Here are the most common situations our customers encounter during their rental period, along with quick solutions. For any issue not listed below, call our office at (305) 985-0505.
🌀 Inflatable is Losing Air / Not Fully Inflated
Inflatables are designed with continuous airflow — blowers run the entire time the unit is in use. A slight "softness" is normal. However, if the unit is noticeably deflating:
- Check the blower: Ensure it's running and the air tube is securely attached to the inflatable's intake.
- Check for openings: Make sure all zippers, flaps, and velcro closures on the inflatable are fully sealed.
- Check the air tube connection: The tube that connects the blower to the inflatable should be tied tightly with no gaps.
- Weather conditions: Extreme heat can cause vinyl to expand and feel softer. This is normal and not a defect.
If the issue persists, call (305) 985-0505 immediately.
🌧️ Weather Concerns (Wind, Rain & Heat)
Safety is our top priority. Here's what to know about weather:
- Wind: If sustained winds exceed 15-20 mph, inflatables must be deflated and shut down. Do not attempt to use inflatables in high winds, even if staked down.
- Rain: Light rain is generally okay for most inflatables (they're already used with water slides!). However, lightning is a serious danger — if you see lightning or hear thunder, immediately evacuate the inflatable and shut it off.
- Heat: Dark-colored inflatables can get hot in direct sun. Wet down the surface with a hose before use. Ensure kids stay hydrated and take breaks.
When in doubt about weather safety, call our office at (305) 985-0505.
📈 Inflatable Won't Stake Down / Anchoring Issues
Proper anchoring is critical for safety:
- Grass setup: Our team uses metal stakes driven into the ground. Do not remove or adjust stakes during the rental.
- Concrete/asphalt setup: We use sandbags or water barrels as anchors. Make sure they stay in place and are not moved.
- Indoor setup: Sandbags are used. Ensure the unit has adequate ceiling clearance and is away from sprinkler heads and light fixtures.
Never operate an inflatable that is not properly anchored. Call (305) 985-0505 if anchors come loose.
💧 Water Slide Not Flowing Properly
For water slides and wet combos:
- Check hose connection: Ensure your garden hose is securely connected to the water attachment point on the inflatable and the water is turned on fully.
- Check water pressure: Low home water pressure can reduce flow. Try turning off other water sources (sprinklers, washing machines) during use.
- Sprinkler placement: Some units use a sprinkler system at the top. Make sure the hose reaches and the sprinkler arm is positioned correctly.
- Multiple units: If running more than one water unit, you may need a Y-splitter and two hose bibs for adequate pressure.
For water flow issues, call (305) 985-0505 for guidance.
⚠️ Mechanical Ride Not Working
Our mechanical rides (mechanical bulls, sharks, etc.) are operated by trained attendants. If the ride malfunctions:
- Do not attempt repairs yourself. These are specialized machines with safety protocols.
- Check power: Follow the power troubleshooting steps above to verify the outlet/generator is working.
- Contact our attendant: If an attendant is present, alert them immediately.
- Call the office: If no attendant is on-site, call (305) 985-0505 right away so we can dispatch assistance.
🚴 Generator Rental Tips
If your event location doesn't have access to electrical outlets, you'll need a generator. Here are our recommendations:
- Size it right: Add up the total watts needed from the specs table above, then add 20% for a safety margin. For example, two 1.5 HP blowers need ~2,030 watts, so a 3,500W+ generator is recommended.
- Fuel planning: A typical 3,500W generator uses about 1 gallon of gas per hour at half load. Plan for extra fuel for longer events.
- Placement: Keep generators at least 15 feet from the inflatable and any seating areas. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space — carbon monoxide is deadly.
- Noise: Generators can be loud. Inverter generators are quieter and recommended for residential events.
Need help choosing the right generator? Call (305) 985-0505.
💡 Setup & Safety Tips
🏠 Backyard Setup Checklist
- Clear the area of rocks, sticks, pet waste, and sharp objects
- Ensure the ground is level — slopes can be hazardous
- Trim any low-hanging branches or overhead wires
- Verify access to electrical outlets within 50 feet
- Ensure at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of the inflatable
- Remove any furniture, grills, or obstacles nearby
🏝 Park Setup Requirements
- Obtain a park permit if required by your city
- Confirm the park has accessible electrical outlets or plan for a generator
- We need flat grass areas — asphalt or gravel may require special anchoring
- Ensure vehicle access for our delivery truck to unload
- Some parks have time restrictions — confirm setup and pickup windows
- Contact our office if you're unsure about park regulations
🚶 Supervision Guidelines
- An adult must supervise the inflatable at all times during use
- Group riders by similar age and size — do not mix toddlers with older kids
- No shoes, glasses, jewelry, or sharp objects inside inflatables
- No food, drinks, or gum inside any inflatable
- Follow the posted maximum capacity for each unit
- No flips, roughhousing, or climbing on exterior walls
📦 Before Our Team Leaves
- Confirm you know how to turn the blower on/off
- Check that all stakes or anchors are secure
- Verify the inflatable is fully inflated and operational
- Know where the blower power cord is plugged in
- Save our office number: (305) 985-0505
- Confirm your scheduled pickup time with the driver
🧹 Cleaning & Care During Your Rental
💧 Keeping It Clean
You don't need to deep-clean our inflatables — we handle sanitization before and after every rental. However, to keep things enjoyable during your event:
- Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth if they get dirty
- Keep food and drinks away from the inflatable
- Clean up any spills immediately to prevent slipping
- For water slides, a quick rinse with the hose keeps things fresh
🚫 Damage Prevention
You're responsible for the equipment during your rental period. To avoid damage charges:
- No silly string, confetti, paint, or markers on inflatables
- No pets inside or on top of the units
- Do not drag or move inflatables after setup
- Do not modify, cut, or puncture any part of the unit
- In case of accidental damage, call us immediately — do not attempt repairs
Need Help? We're Here for You!
Our team is available to assist with any technical questions, power issues, or concerns during your rental. Don't hesitate to reach out — we want your event to be a success!
(305) 985-0505Available during business hours and on event days for emergencies
