Protect Your Investment: Why You Should Always Use a Tarp with Your Water Slide

January 10, 2025

Key Takeaways:

Tarps protect your investment. They prevent damage from sharp objects and reduce wear and tear.
Tarps improve safety. They create a smooth surface, prevent slipping, and define a safe play area.
Tarps are easy to use. Simply place the tarp under your water slide and secure it properly.
Tarps are beneficial in various situations. Use them on rough terrain, during outdoor events, or for extended use.
Proper maintenance is essential. Clean, dry, and inspect your water slide regularly to ensure its longevity.

When you purchase a commercial water slide or even a cheap water bounce house, you're making an investment in fun. However, maintaining that investment is just as important as the initial purchase.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your water obstacle course or splash bounce house is by using a tarp underneath it. But why exactly is this step so crucial?

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why you should always use a tarp under your inflatable water slide and bounce houses, how it can extend the life of your equipment, and the added safety it provides for the users.

Why Use a Tarp? The Key Benefits

Should I put a tarp under a bounce house? The short answer is yes, and here’s why:

Protects Against Damage

The ground beneath your water slide or bounce house may contain sharp objects like rocks, sticks, or even roots that could puncture or damage the material.

Using a tarp creates an extra layer of protection between your commercial water slide and the ground, preventing costly repairs or replacements. Dura-Lite™ Vinyl is durable and lightweight, but even the strongest materials need protection from sharp objects.

Reduces Wear and Tear

Continuous use of your cheap water bounce house or water slide on uneven surfaces can create unnecessary wear and tear. A tarp helps reduce friction between the ground and the lightweight material of the inflatable, ensuring it lasts much longer.

Keeps the Slide Clean

A tarp helps keep dirt, grass, and mud away from your splash bounce house. This not only reduces the cleaning time but also ensures a more hygienic play experience for the kids.

Improves Safety

A tarp helps to level out the ground, reducing the risk of tripping or falling while children are playing on the water obstacle course. By creating a smooth and stable surface, you ensure a safer play area for everyone.

Additional Safety Features with a Tarp

In addition to preventing wear and tear, a tarp can add an extra layer of safety for kids using your water obstacle course or commercial water slide:

Prevents Slipping: Wet grass and mud can create a slippery environment around your water inflatable. A tarp helps to keep the area around the slide dry, reducing the chances of kids slipping as they climb in and out of the inflatable.
Creates a Defined Play Area: A tarp can help define a clear, safe play area. This helps both kids and parents know where the boundary of the inflatable is, reducing the chances of kids running into stakes or equipment outside of the inflatable.

How to Properly Use a Tarp with Your Water Slide

Using a tarp may sound simple, but there are a few steps you should follow to ensure it's being used effectively. Here's a quick guide to help you set it up correctly:

Select the Right Size: The tarp should be slightly larger than your commercial water slide or bounce house to provide complete coverage.
Choose a Heavy-Duty Tarp: Make sure the tarp is durable enough to withstand regular use and protect your inflatable from any rough surfaces.
Smooth the Ground: Before placing the tarp, remove any sharp objects like rocks, sticks, or debris from the ground.
Secure the Tarp: Use stakes or heavy objects to secure the corners of the tarp so it doesn’t shift around during play.

By following these simple steps, you'll extend the life of your budget-friendly water bounce house and keep it in great condition for years to come.

When Should You Absolutely Use a Tarp?

While it’s always a good idea to use a tarp, there are specific instances when it becomes even more critical:

On Rough Terrain: If your yard is uneven or filled with debris, a tarp can help level things out and provide protection.
During Outdoor Events: If you're setting up your water obstacle course or commercial water slide at a park or other outdoor venue, always use a tarp. These public spaces are often less maintained than your backyard.
Extended Use: If the bounce house or water slide will be set up for several days, a tarp is essential for reducing wear and tear.

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Water Slide Investment

Using a tarp is one of many ways to protect your water slide or bounce house. Here are a few more tips to help keep your equipment in top shape:

Clean Regularly: After each use, clean and dry your splash bounce house to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Store Properly: Always store your lightweight inflatable in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Perform Regular Inspections: Check your inflatables for any small tears or damage after every use, and repair them immediately to prevent further issues.

A Simple Step for Long-Lasting Fun

Whether you're setting up a cheap water bounce house for a birthday party or an elaborate water obstacle course for a family event, using a tarp is a simple and effective way to protect your investment.

Not only does it keep your commercial water slide safe from damage, but it also improves the safety and cleanliness of your play area.

When you invest in a high-quality inflatable made from Dura-Lite™ Vinyl, you want it to last. So, the next time someone asks, Should I put a tarp under a bounce house? you'll know that the answer is a resounding yes.

Keep Your Inflatable Safe with Hero Kiddo!

Ensure the longevity of your commercial water slide by using a tarp and following these essential maintenance tips. At Hero Kiddo, we offer high-quality inflatables made with Dura-Lite™ Vinyl for durability and fun.

Call us today at 650-731-3150 to learn more about how we can help you protect your investment and keep the fun going all summer long!