What to Look for When Buying Commercial Inflatable Products

Floating water parks, trampolines, inflatable water slides, and other products are becoming increasingly popular on bodies of water across the world. While family fun is the main focus, safety remains a top priority. How do you know if the commercial water slides and inflatables you are buying are safe for your patrons? Safety standards are a major key when choosing an inflatable company to purchase from. Make sure your inflatable investment has been invested in by the manufacturer too.

Below is a list of 10 important elements to look for when purchasing commercial-grade inflatables for your water.

Safety: Commercial inflatable products

1. Entrapment Hazards

These hazards can be found within grab and climbing handles. The gap between the handle and equipment should not exceed 1.2”. Larger openings can result in entrapment of a user’s ankle or wrist. Entrapment can also happen if your pieces are not tightly butted up against one another.

2. Safety Standards

Check that your commercial inflatable products meet or exceed safety standards. This guarantees that the proper test methods and compliance have been followed and are recognized. Safety labels certify these standards have been met by an accredited test house such as TUV or SGS. Be sure to ask if the inflatables are ISO or EN-certified. That means they meet the industry standard for safety.

3. Water Depth

Each commercial inflatable product should have a specified minimum water depth (the distance between the sea floor and the still water level) in its specifications. This should be shown in both the user manual and directly on the product itself. The minimum water depth is a calculation based on a certified formula that correlates with the height of the product–ensuring the safety of users if there is a fall from the highest point.

4. Labels

All commercial inflatable products should have clear warning labels, basic consumer information, and safety markings directly on the product. These labels include load capacity, intended number of users, place of use, hazards, performance, and relevant safety information.

5. Pressure Gauges

A pressure gauge should be available to purchase or included with your commercial inflatable products purchase to help ensure correct inflation is maintained. Pressure gauges may also be purchased from Water Warrior Services. Over or under inflation can result in dangerous in-water performance, damage and stress to the inflatable itself, and create hazards.

6. Anchoring

Anchoring instructions for the intended body of water should be supplied by the product manufacturer. Each product requires proper anchoring equipment. These anchors keep the floating product in place and adequately spaced from other solid objects.

7. Connections to Other Inflatables

As obstacle courses and tracks increase in popularity, and size, safe connections from one product to another are vital. No gap between products should be wider that 1”. A cover flap should also be used to avoid entanglement or entrapment of users.

8. Detailed Instructions

Each product should come with its own detailed user manual and specifications. These instructions should always include set up or assembly, disassembly, warning instructions, and safety and service information.

What to look for when buying Commercial inflatable products9. Repair Kit Information

Natural wear is inevitable; proper repair and maintenance information should be provided to ensure each product can continue to perform safely. Any spare parts likely to need replacement should be included as well as repair materials such as glue and patches for simple repairs. Water Warrior Services is also an excellent route to go for any inflatable repair. We are insured and professionally certified to work on all sealed air inflatables.

10. Locking Inflation Valves

Locking valves prevent unintentional opening and deflation of the product. Any protruding parts of the valve should be rounded and should not create a risk for entrapment.

This list is not all-inclusive and should not be exclusively relied upon to ensure the safety of your products and park.

Contact Us

At Water Warrior Services we do more than supply recreational equipment.  We’re also available for all of your commercial-grade inflatable set up, take down, cleaning, and repair needs.  Contact our team of experts today and tell us how we can help you keep your aqua park operating in prime condition.