What to Do If It Rains While Your Bounce House Is Set Up: An Emergency Guide

In many parts of the U.S., a sudden summer afternoon thunderstorm is almost a rite of passage for backyard birthday parties. One minute the sun is shining, and the next, you’re scrambling to save the cake—and the bounce house.

If you find yourself staring at a giant inflatable as the clouds open up, don’t panic. While water and inflatables aren’t best friends, a little rain won’t ruin your investment if you act quickly. Here is the professional emergency protocol for handling a wet bounce house, with tips on how Eastjump designs make this process much easier for homeowners.

1. The Immediate Response: Safety First

As soon as you see lightning or hear thunder, the party on the inflatable must end. Safety is the absolute priority.

• Evacuate Immediately: Get all children out of the bounce house safely but quickly. Wet vinyl becomes incredibly slippery, increasing the risk of falls.
• Check the Blower: If it’s just a light sprinkle, you can keep the blower running to keep the unit inflated (which actually prevents water from pooling inside). However, if it’s a heavy downpour or there is standing water near the blower, shut it off and unplug it immediately to avoid electrical shock.
• Protect the Motor: Move the blower to a dry garage or shed, or at least cover it with a waterproof tarp while it’s disconnected.

2. The “Taco Fold” Method (If You Have to Deflate)

If the storm looks like it will last a while, you need to minimize how much water gets inside the unit. Once the air is out, a bounce house acts like a giant bowl, collecting hundreds of gallons of water.

• The Fold: After deflating, fold the sides of the bounce house inward toward the center (like a taco).
• The Tarp: If you have a large tarp, throw it over the folded unit. This prevents the “inside” of the jumping area from getting soaked, which is the hardest part to dry later.

3. Why Eastjump Is a Lifesaver in Bad Weather

One reason Eastjump has become a favorite for American families is that they understand backyard reality. Unlike heavy, cumbersome commercial units that require a team of three to move when wet, Eastjump’s residential and light-commercial lines are designed with manageability in mind.

• Lightweight Durability: Eastjump uses high-quality reinforced materials that are rugged enough for years of play but light enough for a single parent to manage during a rain emergency.
• Quick-Dry Materials: Their specialized PVC-coated fabrics are designed to shed water more efficiently than cheap nylon alternatives, meaning your “drying time” is significantly cut down once the sun comes back out.

4. The Most Important Step: Drying It Out

Never, ever store a wet bounce house. If you roll it up while damp and leave it in your garage, you will have a mold and mildew nightmare within 48 hours.

1. Re-inflate as soon as the rain stops: This is the most effective way to dry it. The air pressure helps push water out of the seams.
2. Mop it up: Use old towels to soak up puddles in the corners and the jumping surface.
3. The “Bubbling” Stage: You might see soapy-looking bubbles coming out of the seams. Don’t worry—this is just air mixing with the trapped rainwater. It means the unit is breathing and drying out.
4. Wait for the “Bone Dry” touch: Check the underside and the nooks of the slide. It should feel completely dry to the touch before you even think about rolling it up.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can the blower get wet?

A: Most blowers are “weather-resistant” but not “waterproof.” A few drops are fine, but heavy rain can short the motor. Always prioritize covering or moving the blower during a storm.

Q2: How long does it take for a bounce house to dry?

A: On a sunny, breezy day, a fully inflated unit can dry in about 1 to 2 hours. If it’s humid or cloudy, it might take 3-4 hours.

Q3: What if I have to leave it wet overnight?

A: If the rain doesn’t stop, leave it folded and covered. As soon as the sun comes out the next morning, you must inflate it. Do not let it sit for more than 24 hours while wet.

Q4: Will the rain ruin the colors or the material?

A: Not if it’s a quality unit like an Eastjump. Their UV-resistant and waterproof coatings are built to handle the elements. The only thing that will ruin it is mold from improper storage.

Q5: Can kids play on it while it’s drying?

A: It’s not recommended. Aside from being slippery, the added weight of jumpers can trap water in the seams, making the drying process take much longer.