Finding the best inflatable water slide for your needs is sort of like choosing the ideal car. There are a whole lot of variables. There are all sorts of performance and aesthetic choices you’ll need to make. But at the end of the day, it’s your needs and your environment that will ultimately help you make a decision.
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I’m a parent. I want a car where I can get the baby seat in and out easily, leaving enough space for the bigger kids. Living in an urban area, I prefer smaller vehicles; I don’t want a big, tall SUV. I want something sporty and fun to drive when the kids aren’t with me. And living in Buffalo, I need a car that can handle the heavy lake effect snow our city is famous for.
Choosing an inflatable water slide? It’s a lot like buying a new car. You’ve got a toddler, an eight-year old, and a young teenager, so you want a slide they can all enjoy. You want it to fit in your backyard. You want to pick a gender neutral theme that all three kids will be happy with; a rainbow theme, or perhaps a tropical theme. Or maybe it’ll be something else entirely?
You may not be looking at fuel economy or how fast it accelerates from zero to 60. But like buying a car, buying an inflatable water slide is a big investment. And there are lots of things you’ll need to take into consideration before entering your card info. Let’s take a look at these common factors and see if we can find the perfect inflatable water slide to suit your needs.
Not every family needs a big inflatable water slide. Not every family has the time, the money, or the storage space to facilitate one. So before we get into all these factors that might shape the inflatable slide you decide to buy, let’s first take a moment to make sure you need to buy one in the first place.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may want to consider looking into booking an inflatable water slide rental. There are probably inflatable water slides for rent near you, and it might make more sense to book one than buy one. If you do answer “yes” to any of these questions but you still aren’t sure, give our sales team a call at 716-566-. We’re not going to try and sell you something you don’t need and we’re more than happy to help you decide if it’s better to buy or rent.
The second big issue we’re going to want to figure out is the size of the inflatable water slide. How large a footprint is this thing going to need? These games can be really, really big. We’ll want to make sure you find a unit that can actually fit in the yard, park, or other space where this will be set up.
What’s the maximum amount of space you can use up with your inflatable slide? And what amount of space are you comfortable using? These aren’t necessarily the same thing!
It’s important to note that when you’re looking at products listed on Pogo Bounce House, you’re seeing the height of the unit in the product’s title, not the length. For instance, our 12’ Blue Marble inflatable water slide is 12’ tall, but it’s 23’ long and 9’ wide. That’s more than 200 square feet of real estate.
Meanwhile, a much larger Tropical Marble Dual Lane Inflatable Water Slide is 30’ long, 20’ wide, and 22’ tall. That’s 600 square feet. And at 22’ tall, you also need to worry about environmental impacts other than sheer space alone. Will the unit run into tree branches or utility lines? Is there anything above the inflatable slide that can cause an obstruction, or even damage your brand new inflatable water slide?
Larger inflatable water slides—ones in the 15’+ range— use long tethers that help prevent swaying, and these tethers are usually secured with 36” to 42” stakes. These longer stakes pose the risk of damaging underground utility lines, which can in turn be very dangerous. Be sure to dial 811 and make sure you’re clear to drive these longer stakes!
The inflatable water slide’s footprint in your yard isn’t the only size-related factor. Larger inflatable games naturally weigh more, and that means you also need to consider how you’ll move the inflatable slide around.
An inflatable water slide can weigh as little as 100 pounds, or as much as 1,000 pounds. Yes, you read that correctly … 1,000! Of course, that’s for enormous commercial inflatable water slides designed to be set up by a team of people. If you’re one or two parents with no other help, moving something like that around is obviously a nonstarter.
We strongly recommend getting a heavy duty hand truck, or maybe a furniture dolly/appliance dolly. We also suggest you pick up some easy-to-use ratchet straps, which always prove useful when you’re trying to secure something huge—an inflatable water slide, for instance—to your hand truck.
The most important thing we can recommend when setting up an inflatable water slide: BE CAREFUL. These are large, heavy, and cumbersome. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Ask friends or family for assistance. If you’re hosting a party, see if any guests with whom you’re close are willing to stop by a little early and help you get set up. Your kids won’t be able to enjoy themselves if Mommy or Daddy are writhing in pain after pulling their muscles!
Pogo’s Vinyl Crossover™ and commercial inflatable water slides are tough, durable, and resistant. Take good care of them, and they can last several years … the first inflatable water slide you ever buy could even be the last you’ll ever need.
You’ll of course want to get an inflatable slide that’s suited to your present-day family. But you’ll also want to take into consideration where your kids might be in three or four years. Think about how much bigger they’ll be (kids grow way too darn fast, don’t they?). Will they still get the same value out of the inflatable water slide you’ve chosen when they’re a few years older and a few feet taller?
As a general rule, bigger kids have bigger fun on bigger inflatable games. A 12 foot inflatable slide won’t be as fun for a 14 year old as it is for a nine year old. But a huge 20’ tall slide might be too scary for younger kids. Trying to strike that balance with your choice of inflatable water slide may be a little challenging.
Our suggestion here isn’t to ask a salesperson …you’re better off asking your kids. See what they think is too big or too small. And always remember the old adage of someone’s eyes being bigger than their stomach. Kids are always super stoked by the prospect of the ginormous, humongous, gargantuan roller coaster with death-defying mega loops and lightning fast corkscrew spirals ... right up to the moment they see it in person.
Renting a bounce house or inflatable can transform any event into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're planning a birthday party, school carnival, church event, or community festival, choosing the right rentals is key. At A&E Air Jumpers, we specialize in bounce house rentals, combo unit rentals, and extreme attractions, ensuring your event is safe, fun, and memorable. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve successfully catered to events of all sizes—from intimate backyard gatherings to large community events with over 10,000 attendees. Because we offer full-service staffing as an option, we’ve gained unique insights into how children respond to our inflatables, giving us a wealth of experience in recommending the right number and types of inflatables for all age groups attending your event. Here are the top 10 questions to consider before booking your inflatables.
Choosing the right size depends on the number of guests and available space. For smaller backyards, our compact bounce house rentals or combo unit rentals are perfect. Hosting a large event? Consider a giant obstacle course or multi-activity inflatable, like our waterslide rentals paired with an interactive sports zone.
Capacity Considerations: Keep in mind that any enclosed inflatable, such as a standard bounce house, is limited by the manufacturer to allow only 5-7 children at a time. This is where selecting the right inflatable becomes crucial. Combo units with slides can almost double the number of children that one unit can handle. This is because some children will be sliding down the slide while others are running back to the entrance, spreading out the activity and allowing one inflatable to accommodate more children effectively.
Our Experience Advantage: With A&E Air Jumpers, our professional staff can assess your space and recommend the best inflatables for your needs. Thanks to our 15+ years of experience at events of all sizes, we can help you select inflatables that fit your space, guest list, and age groups perfectly.
At A&E Air Jumpers, we offer a wide variety of options tailored to any event type:
Bounce House Rentals: Classic fun for kids of all ages, available in themes like castles and animals.
Combo Unit Rentals: Combine slides, climbing walls, and bouncing areas into one inflatable for maximum entertainment.
Waterslide Rentals: Perfect for summer events, our water slides add excitement and a way to cool off.
Interactive Games and Sports: Options like carnival game rentals, Axe Throwing, and basketball hoops are great for competitive fun.
Extreme Attractions: Take your event to the next level with Rockwall Rentals, Bungee Jump Rentals, and mechanical rides like the Bull, Meltdown, Kapow, Dizzy X, and Toxic Twister.
Tailored Recommendations: With our full-service staffing, we’ve witnessed firsthand what inflatables work best for different age groups. Let us help you choose the perfect mix to ensure every guest has a blast.
Our inflatables cater to a wide range of ages, ensuring fun for everyone at your event. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a school carnival, or a large community event, we have the perfect units for each age group:
Younger Children:
For smaller kids, classic bounce house rentals like the Princess Castle or Dinosaur Bounce House are perfect. These units offer a safe, enclosed space where children can jump and play to their heart's content. If you're looking for a little extra excitement, our Toddler Combo Units like the Little Builders Playland provide additional interactive elements tailored for younger age groups.
Teens and Adults:
Older kids and adults love high-energy attractions that challenge their skills. Our obstacle courses, such as the Extreme Rush Obstacle Course or Adrenaline Rush II, are great for competitive fun. Additionally, units like the Rockwall Rental or the Bungee Jump cater to thrill-seekers who want a memorable experience.
Family-Friendly Units:
Some inflatables appeal to all age groups, making them ideal for mixed audiences. The Monster Truck Combo combines bouncing and sliding fun, while interactive games like the Human Foosball or Connect 4 Basketball Shootout engage guests of all ages in friendly competition. For water events, our waterslide rentals like the Cool Sun Slide Waterslide ensure everyone can cool off while having a blast.
Carnival Games and Attractions:
Adding variety to your event, carnival game rentals like the Ring Toss or Hi Striker are universally loved and provide entertainment beyond inflatables. These are great additions for all age groups, ensuring your event offers something for everyone.
Event Customization:
Thanks to our full-service staffing option, we’ve observed how kids of different ages interact with our inflatables. This allows us to recommend the perfect number and type of rentals for your event, ensuring a balance of fun and engagement for all attendees.
The best inflatable for your event depends on your theme, audience, and the type of experience you want to create. At A&E Air Jumpers, we offer a wide range of units tailored to fit any event size or style. Here’s a breakdown of recommendations based on event type:
For smaller, more intimate gatherings like birthday parties, bounce house rentals and combo unit rentals are ideal. They provide endless fun while being compact enough to fit in most backyards. Popular choices include:
For larger gatherings, interactive attractions are a must to keep the energy high and accommodate larger crowds. These inflatables provide opportunities for friendly competition and group participation. Some standout options include:
For large-scale events like festivals, fairs, or corporate picnics, you’ll need larger attractions that can handle high foot traffic and provide memorable experiences. These inflatables and rides are designed to entertain a wide age range:
At A&E Air Jumpers, our wealth of experience allows us to recommend inflatables that perfectly match your event’s size, audience, and goals. For instance:
By selecting the right inflatables for your event, you ensure every guest has a memorable experience. Ready to plan your event? Explore our full range of rentals to find the perfect fit!
Yes! Many of our bounce house rentals and combo unit rentals are suitable for indoor use. When hosting an indoor event, ensure the venue has adequate ceiling height and open floor space. For larger attractions like Rockwall Rentals or Bungee Jump Rentals, outdoor setups are typically required.
At A&E Air Jumpers, we understand how important your event is, especially when it comes to a child’s birthday party or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. That’s why we strive to be as flexible as possible when it comes to weather. Rain alone will never be the reason we cancel your rental. If you’re ready to party in the rain, so are we!
Northern California’s weather can be unpredictable, but we’re prepared to help you navigate it. If you decide to host your event regardless of the weather, we’ll be right there with you to ensure your guests have an amazing time. Rain or shine, we’re committed to making your event unforgettable.
The weather in Northern California is famously unpredictable—sunshine one minute, rain the next. We know how challenging it can be to plan around this, so we leave the decision up to you. If you decide to proceed with your event, even in the rain, we will deliver and set up your inflatables as planned. Whether it’s a bounce house like the Frozen Castle or a waterslide rental like the Blue Sky, we’ll be there to make sure your event goes forward rain or shine.
The only exception to our rain-or-shine policy is high winds. Strong winds pose a serious safety hazard, especially for larger inflatables like the Extreme Rush Obstacle Course or Rockwall Rentals. If high winds are forecasted, we will discuss alternative options with you, as safety always comes first.
We understand that inflatables can get wet during a rainy event. While we won’t offer discounts for units used in the rain, we also won’t charge you a cleaning fee for a dry unit that ends up wet. For instance, if your Tropical Bliss Combo or Fire Station Combo gets a little soggy during the party, we’ll handle the cleanup without extra cost.
At A&E Air Jumpers, we take every event seriously, especially when it’s for a child’s birthday party. We’ll never let a little rain stop us from delivering fun and memories. If you’re ready to party, so are we—just let us know!
Setup and takedown times depend on the complexity of the inflatable. Bounce houses, waterslides and combo units take about 30 minutes, while larger attractions like dunk tank rentals, Bungee Jump Rentals, or extreme attractions may require up to an hour or more.
We recommend booking your inflatables 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays. Unique items like the Toxic Twister, Kapow, or Rockwall Rentals can book out quickly, so reserve early to secure your date.
Reserve Early to Secure Your Favorites: We always encourage you to reserve your units as soon as you have a budget and a unit in mind. This ensures you get the inflatable that’s perfect for your event and fits within your budget.
Why Book Early with A&E Air Jumpers? As the provider of the largest selection of inflatables in the Sacramento area, we offer an extensive variety of bounce house rentals, combo unit rentals, and extreme attractions. However, despite our vast selection, we have limited staffing, trucks, and trailers to handle the logistics of every order. To ensure all our customers receive the top-notch service they deserve, we limit the number of orders we accept in a single day.
Lock in Your Delivery Schedule: Booking as far in advance as possible not only ensures you get the units you love but also guarantees your spot on our delivery schedule. Our commitment to excellent customer service means we prioritize delivering a stress-free experience, which starts with reserving your inflatables early.
Check out our Rental Policy for more details. Also check out How to plan a PERFECT PARTY or Choosing the RIGHT Inflatable for your party or EVENT!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of giant inflatable water slides for sale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.