Do bounce houses have a weight limit? They sure do. They also have a maximum capacity, whether that’s how many jumpers there are or how much they weigh.
The weight limit for bounce houses is easily found. It should be on the storage bag, near the entrance, or in the instruction manual. Speaking of which, it’s a good idea to read the instruction manual.
This is your complete guide to bounce house weight limits in case you ever wondered:
- How many people can fit in a bounce house?
- What’s the maximum weight per person?
- What’s the maximum weight total?
- How much does a bounce house weigh?
- Why are there weight limits?
We have the answers. Let’s begin by explaining why there are weight limits.
Do Bounce Houses Have Weight Limits and Why?
Bouncy castles have weight limits mainly for safety. Every part has its limits, and it’s not just the fabric. The blower matters too.
But how much weight can a bounce house hold? The answer to that question is that it really depends. The weight limit for bounce houses is closely related to bounce house capacity.
Generally speaking, the smaller the bounce house, the lower its capacity:
- Small: 100-300 pounds
- Medium: 300-600 pounds
- Large: 1000+ pounds
Please note that these are just ballpark figures. Your bounce house will vary depending on a lot of variables, including:
- Construction
- Materials
- Blower size
- Design elements (multiple sections)
- Environmental circumstances
The weight limit might be higher if a bounce house has more than two main sections. Consider moving the bounce house to the shade if it’s a hot day and the blower will be in the sun. If it’s windy, the blower may have to work harder to keep up.
On top of all this, there are other things to consider.
Some bounce houses are designed specifically for use on the water. These are usually rated higher than other bounce houses. Water absorbs a lot of energy.
Rental or commercial bounce houses usually have higher ratings than consumer models. This is because they are made from higher-grade materials and come with a heavy-duty blower.
What Is the Standard Weight of Bounce Houses?
When trying to figure the weight limit for a bounce house, you may also want to know how much it weighs on its own. This is a little tricky because they’re all so different. After all, there are at least three categories based on size alone.
Bounce houses aren’t lightweight things. Expect your bounce house to weigh anywhere from 150-400 pounds. This means you need to plan on having help when it comes time to set it up or take it down. You might even need to invest in a wagon or cart to move it around when it’s time to store it.
Where to Find Weight Limit of Your Custom Bounce House
You may have found yourself walking around a bouncy castle, asking, “What is the weight limit for a bounce house?” You search for the telltale signs of a label but aren’t sure where to look.
Most of the time, these labels are by the entrance. This is so parents can clearly see occupant capacities and weight limits.
Usually, those capacities and limits are mathematically related. A bounce house is rated at 250 pounds if it takes five jumpers with a maximum weight per jumper of 50 lbs.
What Can Happen If You Exceed the Weight Limit?
Some bad things can happen if you exceed the bouncy castle weight limit:
- Injury
- Deflation
- Fabric damage
- Blower damage
Obviously, the worst of these is the idea that anybody could get hurt. But if the weight limit is exceeded and the bounce house deflates, people can get hurt. What was once bouncy becomes hard ground. Somebody could sprain an ankle.
One of the biggest clues that you’ve exceeded bounce house weight capacity is that it begins to deflate. That usually means one of two things has happened:
- A seam has burst
- The blower is overwhelmed
Overworking the blower is dangerous. It could overheat and maybe start a fire. Stressing the fabric could cause permanent damage to the bounce house. Either way, you’ll probably void your warranty. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Staying Safe
The weight limit for bounce houses should be followed as closely as possible. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s label and instructions and follow them as closely as you can. This will make sure everybody stays safe and has fun.
There’s nothing sadder than a deflating bounce house just when the party got started. Even sadder is that it could have been avoided.
For the most fun and the most bounce, keep to the limits. And for the best bounce houses you’ve ever been able to imagine, let Floatie Kings design and build your special custom inflatables today.
