Sand bags are a practical part of inflatable hire when additional ballast is required for an approved setup. Filled and positioned correctly, their weight can be used to help secure suitable inflatable equipment where the installation calls for ballast rather than relying solely on conventional ground anchoring.
They are not really a party attraction, but they can be an important part of making the equipment setup work. If sand bags are required for your Abacus booking, they can be arranged alongside the inflatable rather than sourced separately.
Ballast for Suitable Inflatable Setups
Inflatables need to be secured correctly whenever they are in use. On a suitable grass setup, anchoring can often be achieved using the appropriate stakes and anchorage points. Other approved installations may require weighted ballast instead, which is where sand bags can form part of the setup.
The amount and type of ballast required depends on the inflatable and the proposed installation. Sand bags should therefore be treated as functional setup equipment rather than simply optional weights placed wherever convenient.
Useful When Ground Stakes Cannot Be Used
Some event locations do not provide the type of ground into which normal inflatable stakes can be driven. Where the particular inflatable and setup allow an alternative ballast arrangement, sand bags may provide the additional weight required at the designated anchorage points.
Please give us accurate information about the proposed surface when booking. Grass, hard standing and indoor floors have very different installation requirements, and knowing the surface in advance allows the correct setup arrangements to be considered before delivery.
Sand Bags Do Not Make Every Surface Suitable
Adding weights does not automatically mean that any inflatable can be installed on any surface. The inflatable itself, anchorage requirements, available space and proposed location all need to be suitable for the intended setup.
If you are unsure whether your garden, hall, playground or event site is appropriate, contact us before booking rather than assuming sand bags will solve an unsuitable installation.
Particularly Relevant for Larger Event Planning
Schools, community events and organised fun days may use several different surfaces within the same site. One attraction could be positioned on grass while another proposed area is paved or otherwise unsuitable for normal staking.
When hiring larger equipment such as the Giant Blue Inflatable Slide, Balloon Fun Run 30ft or products from Assault Courses, tell us exactly where you intend the equipment to be positioned. We can then consider the installation requirements as part of the overall event plan.
Weather Requirements Still Apply
Sand bags provide weight; they do not remove the need to operate inflatables within appropriate weather conditions. Outdoor inflatable hire remains dependent on suitable conditions, regardless of whether the equipment is secured using stakes, ballast or another approved method.
If conditions are unsuitable for an outdoor inflatable, adding more sand bags does not make continued operation appropriate. Our FAQs contain further information relevant to inflatable hire and event planning.
Arrange the Practical Equipment at the Same Time
For larger or more complicated bookings, it is useful to consider the infrastructure as well as the attractions themselves. Alongside Sand Bags, an event may require Generator Barriers, Generator Hire or Staff, depending on the equipment and location.
Planning these items when you book can prevent practical requirements being overlooked while attention is understandably focused on choosing the bouncy castles, slides and games.
Sand Bags for Abacus Inflatable Hire
Abacus provides inflatable and event equipment throughout Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Castleford, Ossett, Rothwell and elsewhere in West Yorkshire. Suitable bookings can also be arranged in Harrogate, York and other parts of North Yorkshire.
Our team handles the approved setup of hired inflatables, so please provide accurate information about the surface, access and intended equipment position when making your booking.
Add Sand Bags to Your Booking
If sand bags are required for your inflatable or event setup, add Sand Bags to the booking or speak to us about the proposed installation. For advice about surfaces, anchoring or a more complicated event site, use the Contact page or call 07703 733744 before the event.