You want to make the most out of your investment when you purchase one of our top quality custom inflatables.
So, you want to be careful about how you use it to help you extend its lifespan.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your inflatable and continue using it for years.
Step #1: Always Choose a Proper Site Â
Before setting up your custom inflatable, inspect the intended site.
Ensure there is enough space to anchor it.
Look for the flattest areas to set up; you can work with a little bit of slope of up to 5%.
A 5% percent slope is equivalent to a 1:20 gradient or a 2.86° incline or decline. This means that for every 20 ft. of length, you can have 1 ft. of height difference.
The more sloped an area is, the higher the chances of your advertising inflatable falling over, so you’ll need to use extra anchoring.
You’ll need to be extra cautious on driveways and slanted yards.
And there will be a minor slope or none when setting up indoors.
Ensure your display area is at least as square as the custom inflatable’s tallest dimension to avoid hitting it against the ceiling when you move it around.
Once you’ve marked your site, check for anything that might puncture your inflatable or interfere with the inflation process.
Cover all sharp edges, as they might cut your tether cords and if your anchor points have uneven edges, cover them with carpet scraps.
Before setting up, look out for potential obstructions like:
- Power lines
- Tree branches
- Telephone poles
Expert Tip: Take down your inflatable if winds are blowing over 15 mph.
Step #2: Have a Reliable and Stable Power Source Â
Misting Tent Custom Inflatable From MVP
The area you set up your customized inflatable should be within 50 ft. of a dedicated power source—in reach of the extension cord provided with the inflatable.
Dedicated circuits have their own circuit breaker, ensuring that if the inflatable uses a lot of energy it will run without overloading your system or blowing your fuse. Make sure there aren’t any other devices plugged into the circuit when running your inflatable.
Large commercial inflatables require a 20 amp. circuit while smaller 1 HP blowers can run on a 15 amp.
If your inflatable was purchased with a lighting system, ensure the circuit doesn’t overload when it’s turned on.
Blowers generate a lot of heat, so use heavy duty extension cords when connecting them to the power source so they don’t blow up.
Expert Tip: If the inflatable must be placed more than 50 ft. from a power source, use a generator to power it, preferably 2,000 watts per inflatable blower.
Here’s a table showing the number of watts you need to power different inflatables.
| Powered Inflatable | Average Running Watts Needed | Surge Watts |
| Small product replica (1 HP blower) | 805 | 1,955 |
| Medium sized-helmet mascot tunnel (1.5 HP blower) | 1,035 | 2,000 |
| Large custom arch and mascot tunnel combo (2 HP blower) | 1,610 | 2,000 |
Step #3: Take Time To Anchor Correctly
Custom Inflatable Arch From MVP
Inflatables should be set up to withstand strong winds and impact from being leaned on or shoved by mistake. They have D-rings that are tied to anchor points for stability.
Anchor ropes should be secured tightly to give the inflatable a firm foundation.
Custom inflatables have unique shapes and sizes and the number of D-rings on them depend on the type you buy. Use the correct length of rope to secure each D-ring.
If the ropes are too short they stop the inflatable from inflating fully.
Short ropes are only used for the base and lower section D-rings, while longer ropes are used for the upper section.
When attaching the ropes, start at the bottom of the custom inflatable using a bowline knot to attach ropes to the D-rings and an adjustable trucker’s knot at the anchor points.
If you are setting up outdoors anchor stakes in the ground wherever you want. But, on a roof or in a parking lot you won't have much space, so attach as many ropes to as many D-rings as possible and anchor each rope to a 50 lbs. sandbag.
Have some anchor points close to the base and others further out to support your upper lines.
Remember: One anchor point can be used to secure multiple tether lines. You can extend tether lines to another level on the building or to the ground, where they can be tethered to trees or poles.
Step #4: Be Mindful About Cleaning and StorageÂ
When you are done using your inflatable don’t untie the anchor ropes before deflating it.
If your customized inflatable has lights, turn them off and allow them to cool. Remove them before deflation or you might damage the inflatable.
Gather the inflatable as it deflates and pile it onto the center of the tarp to keep it clean.
It’s recommended not to pack up an inflatable when wet because of mildew and mold.
Mildew grows on wet inflatables and is difficult to remove once it has stained the fabric. To prevent this, clean your inflatables regularly.
The best way to dry an inflatable before is to inflate it fully and leave it out in the sun for a while. If it's cold or rainy outside, stretch it out in a garage or basement.
Most of our custom inflatables are manufactured with premium oxford nylon and PVC vinyl-infused fabric, so cleaning them will require extra care.
Use a wet cloth treated with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning agent like baking soda.
Expert Tip: Don't use acetone, bleach, or thinner as these harsh chemicals can corrode the colors on inflatables.
MVP Visuals. Reliable. Experienced. Affordable.
Custom Inflatable Tunnel From MVP
Ultimately, the longevity of an inflatable depends on where you buy it from. If bought from a reputable and reliable company like MVP Visuals you are guaranteed a custom inflatable that is sturdy enough to last a great many years with proper care.Â
Get in touch with us today for a quick quote.
Frequently Asked Questions Â
Can I get my custom inflatable wet?
Yes, but the blower and electrical cords mustn't. Water can ruin the blower, but avoid covering it completely so it doesn’t overheat.
How many years do customized inflatables last?
A durable, well-cared-for inflatable can last anywhere between 5–10 years.
PVC quality has improved over the years, but UV degradation is still a significant factor in the life span of an inflatable.
Will the thread on my custom inflatable rot and the stitching come undone?
At MVP Visuals we use strong, synthetic, rot-proof thread, and multiple-seaming techniques that incorporate several rows of stitching to ensure a sturdy and durable product.
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