Even on calm, sunny days, weather can be unpredictable and may change drastically with little or no warning. A sudden gust of wind can turn a seemingly harmless play device into a dangerous hazard.
Do not let the size of the device fool you! It does not matter how large or heavy it may appear. Any size of an inflatable device, without proper anchoring, can become airborne or tip over given the wrong combination of factors.
Anchoring
Inflatable devices from reputable manufacturers are sold with a set of instructions that define, at a minimum, the placement and quantity of anchors required. Ground anchors are generally in the form of steel stakes ranging from 12 to 24 inches long, and a half inch to one inch diameter. Experience has shown that the device likely requires more anchors than the average person may expect.
What to Look For
Inflatable devices are supplied with permanent tether points around the base of the structure. Ground tether points are usually a heavy fabric loop, similar in shape to those found on your standard camping tent. Top tethers have straps that hang down from points near the top of the structure. As a general rule, every tether point should be utilized, with one stake per tether point. Top tether straps should be taunt, and pulled away from the device at approximately 45 degrees, tied to a ground stake that is four or five feet away from the side of the device.
The device should be set up on asphalt, hard compact soil, or a grassy area that is free of large rocks or sharp objects. Be wary of underground sprinkler systems or gas lines. You should get permission from your city utilities company prior to hammering any stakes in to the ground, as you may damage buried pipelines or similar items. Ample clearance (at least 15 feet) should be maintained from power lines or any other overhead structures or devices.
Staking in soft fluffy soil or beach sand is generally not effective and therefore ballast weight may be used instead, given the right arrangement and weight, provided the manufacturer has approved it. Examples of ballast weight include sand bags or concrete curb stones. Some devices are sold with a “Stakes Only!” rule, and this should be verified. Tying to vehicles, picnic tables, fences, barbeques etc. is not an acceptable means of anchoring.
The wind limit of most anchors is around 32 km/hr (20 mph). Since wind speed is often difficult to measure, and gusts can occur unexpectedly, inflatable devices should be deflated and put away on windy days - no exceptions.
Devices used indoors may still require ballast weights if the device is tall, such as a slide or a large obstacle course. Small bouncy castles can be stable enough indoors without any weight on the tethers, but you must confirm with the manufacturer to be sure.
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