Can you set up a Bouncy Castle on Artificial Grass or Astro Turf?
We're often asked 'can we put a bouncy castle on artificial grass, Astro Turf (Artificial Grass)
Generally its a no, but technically it is possible to put an inflatable on astro turf but it must be done following the regulations in place for doing so.
Bouncy castles set up outdoors must be anchored, this is usually done using giant stakes, hammered into the grass/ground. When this isn't possible, UK regulations state that at least 163 kilos of holding force must be used on every anchor point. A standard children's bouncy castle will have at least 6 anchor points. This could be solved using sandbags; however at roughly 25 kilos per sandbag you need 7 sandbags per anchor point or 42 sandbags in total for a children's bouncy castle! That's about a tonne of sand.
There is the option to the tether the inflatables anchor points to strong structures or ground anchorage that weigh at least 163kg, such as a vehicle, tree, fence post concreted into the ground. However the specific requirements needed to ensure the tethering is done safely means that most back gardens with artificial grass are not suitable for hiring a bouncy castle safely. We have in the past done this for our customers with suitable gardens, but it does carry a £95 per inflatable set up charge to cover the extra work involved.
On occasion there may be the possibility of staking the castle down through the artificial grass but this is only available if you are willing to have the stakes leave holes in the artificial grass or if you are able to fold the grass back and that there is standard earth under the artificial grass and not a concrete layer.
Some local companies may be happy to use a few sand bags, no ropes and tell you it will be fine. However it only takes a slight gust of wind and a potentially life threatening accident occurs. Your child's safety really is not worth the risk.
Don't get us wrong, artificial grass looks fantastic and the fact there's no mowing the lawn, no weeds and you can use it all year round to play on and that's lovely but it's just not ideal for a bouncy castle.
What's the solution?
Education - should artificial grass installation companies inform customers about this? Should customers be more aware themselves this is a problem and will hinder their ability to hire an inflatable at home?
Indoor Hire - hire a church hall, village hall or community centre for your party or if that's really not an option then maybe ask a parent or family member if you can use their garden instead
Anchorage added - could artificial grass installers and landscape gardeners come up with ways to encompass strong points to the ground around the edges of the astro turf? So if a castle is hired in the future it can safely be tethered to the ground? After hours of research we have found a possible ground anchor solution that would fit well alongside astro turf, that can be lifted when needed, and put away when not. There is of course an installation charge involved, and the cost may put many people off. But safety must come first and the long term benefits of this will certainly outweigh the initial cost for many.
Summary
For the reasons above most hires across Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset on astro turf, artificial grass or concrete will be turned down. We usually ask for you to send us a photograph of your garden from different angles so we can assess the site to see if we can tether and sand bag safely.
If you run a company that installs astro turf, or you know someone that does please do get in touch with us. We'd love to work alongside local companies to come up with a solution that benefits all parties involved. If you would like to discuss the installation of the ground anchor system we have found please do get in touch. Its completely innovative and has no solutions such as ours have been established for back gardens to our knowledge.