Anyone that has ever worked with vinyl can tell you the problems faced with using your inflatables during the hot summer heat. Not only will your patrons possibly suffer burns from the vinyl used on the inflatable slide or obstacle unit, you may be held liable if you get a patron who feels that suing you will make his pain go away.

Differently-colored vinyl used on interactive inflatables radiate heat differently. Many rental companies demand their inflatable suppliers often prefer darker colors on the inflatable products they choose to purchase for their rental business. They want no part of the problems in having to clean the inflatable more often to keep the unit looking like new. But the trade-off is that the darker colors could land you a lawsuit if unsuspecting patrons come in contact with the darker vinyl surface and burns a part of the body during a hot summer day. If a burn leaves a permanent scar, it could cost you and your insurance carrier big bucks!

Stick with contact areas in white or yellow. When in the direct sunlight on a hot day, these brighter colors are less conductive of heat. Sure, they get warm but not enough to cause any burns when skin comes in contact with them.

Face slide lanes toward the North when possible to avoid direct sun on the side surface. Use a slide mat when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees. Because of high temps in certain parts of the US, humidity can cause a “sticky” effect on slide covers slowing down the slide action. It is very important to keep slide surfaces waxed to avoid these sticking situations with the inflatable.

On bouncers, try to utilize bouncers with roofs or add a roof to your existing bouncer. Surfaces on bouncers are usually darker than on inflatables with removable surfaces that have light colored covers.

Make sure to be a fair judge of the temperature conditions of the inflatable prior to the event or keep testing during the event. Shut down your inflatable early if it is exposed to severe heat – do not let the thought of losing a few more dollars interfere with your good sense.