Can A Bounce House Get Wet? What You Should Know

As an inflatable rental business owner or event planner, you’ve probably had this question come up: Can a bounce house get wet and still be usable? Bouncy castles are the highlight of kids’ parties, school events, and community gatherings. 

When adverse weather strikes or water-related activities are introduced, their performance and longevity often become a concern.

To keep your clients informed and ensure your business runs smoothly, it’s important to understand how these commercial grade bounce houses react to water, the potential risks involved, and the precautions needed. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and keep your clients satisfied—even when water comes into play.

How Bounce Houses React to Water

These commercial grade inflatables are made from high-quality PVC vinyl or woven nylon, materials built to withstand regular usage and outdoor exposure. These materials are naturally water-resistant, meaning they can handle light water exposure, like splashes or a brief drizzle, without sustaining damage. This is good news for inflatable rental businesses, as it allows clients to enjoy bounce houses without worrying about minor water contact.

Prolonged or heavy water exposure can pose risks. Water pooling inside the bounce house creates added weight that strains the seams and stitching. If the bounce house isn’t dried thoroughly after being deflated, it can also lead to mold and mildew, reducing its durability and appealing appearance to potential renters. While bounce houses may be water-resistant, it’s important to note they are not waterproof, and excessive wetness can shorten their lifespan.

Pro Tip for Rental Businesses:
Think of bounce houses as water-resistant tools that require proper care. Allowing minor exposure is fine as long as you dry the unit properly afterward, but heavy rain should prompt an immediate deflation to avoid damage.

Risks of Using a Wet Bounce House

While bounce houses might manage light water exposure, wet conditions introduce additional risks you should communicate to your clients. Here are some common safety and operational concerns:

• Increased Slipperiness:

  A wet bounce house surface becomes slick, increasing the chance of slips, trips, and collisions. Children are particularly vulnerable to falling when conditions are slippery, which could lead to bruises, sprains, or even head injuries. For rental business owners, this increases liability risks.

• Electrical Hazards:

  Bounce house blowers are connected to an electric cord to keep them inflated. If water reaches the motor or cords, it could result in a short circuit or even a dangerous electric shock. For safety, always use waterproof covers for blowers and cords while maintaining proper ventilation for the unit. Disconnect from the power source immediately after the use.

• Structural Issues:

  Water that pools inside or around the bounce house can destabilize the inflatable, making it tilt or sag when users are inside. This added strain on the seams could lead to tearing, requiring costly repairs or even replacement.

• Hygiene Risks:

  After a bounce house becomes wet, it must be dried and disinfected thoroughly to prevent bacteria growth or mold formation. These hygiene issues can deter repeat rentals if not addressed properly.

Real-Life Incident:

In 2021, heavy rain at a community event caused a rental commercial bounce house to sag and collect water inside. As children continued to use it, the structure became unsteady and partially collapsed, spilling users onto the ground. While injuries were minor, the incident emphasized the importance of close monitoring and proper drying practices.

Weather Conditions and Their Impact

Weather is a factor that must be carefully considered when renting out jumping castles. Some conditions are manageable with the right precautions, while others require an immediate halt to operations.

Light Rain: Sometimes Okay

Bounce houses can often handle a brief, light drizzle without harm—provided that someone is on-hand to dry the surface regularly and ensure the blower motor stays protected. Encourage clients to monitor the weather and pause usage if puddles begin to form inside the bounce house.

Heavy Rain: Not Safe

Heavy rainfall creates slippery surfaces and allows water to pool inside the bounce house, increasing the risk of accidents or structural instability. For rentals, it’s important to stop use immediately during heavy rain and deflate the unit until conditions improve. This minimizes both safety precautions and potential damage to materials.

Wind and Rain Combined: A Major Hazard

Even with proper anchoring, wind combined with rain can create unsafe conditions. Research has shown that at wind speeds exceeding 15–20 mph, the risk of a bounce house tipping over increases significantly. 

Quick Weather Risk Guide for Event Planners:

Precautions to Safely Use a Wet Bounce House

If wet conditions are unavoidable, taking precautions can significantly reduce risks and keep users safe.

Tips for Inflatable Rental Businesses:

• Limit Participants: Reduce the number of children using the bounce house to minimize the chance of collisions on slick surfaces.
  
• Dry Often: Check for water buildup and remove it immediately using towels or squeegees.
  
• Protect Electrical Equipment: Use waterproof covers on the blower and power cords, ensuring air intakes remain free of obstructions.
  
• Train Staff/Clients on Best Practices: Educate your team or customers on safe handling of wet bounce houses, including when to stop use.
  
• Use Sturdy Anchors: Secure the bounce house with weighted bags or stakes to prevent tipping, even in mild windy conditions.

By sharing these tips and requiring customers to follow them, you can protect both your equipment and your rental reputation.

What Rental Companies and Event Planners Need to Know

Bounce house rental businesses and event planners have unique challenges when water becomes a concern. Here’s how to manage this issue proactively:

Rental Agreements:

Clearly state your policies on weather. Specify when a rental must be canceled due to rain or unsafe wind conditions, and highlight any penalty fees for not following weather-related safety guidelines.

Wet/Dry Combos:

Many rental companies invest in wet/dry inflatables, which are designed with waterproof vinyl and reinforced stitching to handle both bounce house and water-slide functionality. These units are versatile and safer for water exposure than traditional bounce houses.

Maintenance Practices:

Always inspect a bounce house after it has been exposed to water. Look for weakened seams, mold, or electrical issues, and emphasize the need for thorough drying and disinfection.

Communication with Clients:

Work closely with your customers to set up a weather contingency plan. Offer advice on alternate setups, such as indoor use, and provide clear instructions for handling wet scenarios.

Keep Away from Water Hazards

It’s important to keep the bounce house away from any potential water hazards. This includes ponds, pools, sprinklers, and any other sources of water that could create slippery or unsafe conditions for the children.

Here are a few tips to help you ensure the bounce house is safely located away from water hazards:

• Set Distances: Aim to keep at least a 10-foot buffer zone between the bounce house and any body of water. This distance helps prevent any accidental slips or falls into the water while children are bouncing or playing.
  
• Review Weather Conditions: Before your event, check the weather forecast. If there is a chance of rain, even if you have selected a dry location, ensure that the bounce house is at a safe distance from any nearby water sources that may overflow when it rains.
  
• Observe Surroundings: When choosing a location, assess the area for any existing water setup, such as hoses, water slides, or sprinkler systems. Make sure these can be turned off or moved away during the event to minimize risk.

Handling a Wet Bounce House

If you find that your bounce house does get wet despite your preventative measures, there are crucial steps you can take:

• Do Not Use When Wet: Safety should always be your top priority. If the bounce house has become wet, it’s best to keep children off of it until it has dried completely. Wet surfaces can lead to slips, falls, and injuries.
  
• Assess the Damage: After ensuring no one is using the equipment, check the bounce house for any damages. Look for tears, punctures, or any signs of wear that might have been exacerbated by the moisture. Pay particular attention to seams and corners, as these are common weak spots.
  
• Drying the Bounce House: If the weather permits, allow the bounce house to dry naturally in the sun. Ensure that all inflatable parts are exposed to the air to facilitate the drying process. If possible, use towels to wipe off excess water. A wet/dry vacuum can also be useful for removing moisture from the interior.
  
• Store Properly: Once the bounce house is dry, fold it carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that it’s stored in a dry and cool area to prevent mold.

FAQs

1. Can a bounce house be used in light rain?
   Yes, with proper precautions. Ensure the surface is dried regularly and electrical components are protected.
   
   
2. Should I invest in wet/dry inflatables?
   Absolutely. Wet/dry units are more durable, versatile, and marketable, particularly for warmer climates and outdoor events.
   
   
3. How do I dry a bounce house after it gets wet?
   Thoroughly wipe it down with towels, set it up in a sunny area, and use fans to help speed up air circulation for a complete dry before storing it.
   
   
4. What weather conditions require canceling usage?
   Heavy rain, high winds over 15 mph, or any combination of wet and windy conditions should prompt an immediate stop to use.

Conclusion

For inflatable rental business owners and event planners, knowing how to handle wet conditions is essential to maintaining safety, protecting your investment, and keeping your clients satisfied. While bounce houses are built to handle some water, heavy or prolonged exposure introduces risks that should never be ignored.

By following best practices—choosing versatile wet/dry inflatables, enforcing clear weather-related policies, and educating your clients—you can minimize risks and keep the fun going. With the right approach, even unexpected rain doesn’t have to ruin the party—or your reputation.

Have questions or additional tips for managing bounce houses in the rain? Contact BounceWave Inflatable Sales today to learn more about high-quality inflatables designed to meet the needs of rental businesses like yours!