Continuous blower in bouncy castles - why it has to run continuously
Why continuous operation is necessary - and what that means for power consumption, safety and handling
Anyone who rents or buys a bouncy castle for the first time often asks themselves the same question: "Does the fan really have to be running all the time?" The short answer is: yes. And there are good reasons for this - both from a technical and safety perspective.
How does a bouncy castle actually work?
A bouncy castle is not a self-contained air cushion that is inflated once and then closed. Instead, it is a so-called continuous blower module. This means: Air flows continuously into the Bouncy castle - while at the same time it is allowed to escape again through small seams and openings. This means the bouncy castle remains elastic, stable and ready to jump.
What happens when the fan is turned off?
As soon as that blower is switched off, the bouncy castle loses its shape and stability within seconds. Children could fall or injure themselves - that's why continuous operation is essential for safety. Particularly in heavily used modules, such as slides or climbing mountains, the fan must never be switched off during operation.
How high is the power consumption?
A standard bouncy castle blower requires between 1.1 and 1.5 kW per hour, depending on the model. This corresponds roughly to the consumption of a vacuum cleaner. If you calculate an average of 30 cents per kWh, the costs are around 30 to 45 cents per hour - absolutely reasonable for an event attraction that gives children hours of enjoyment.
Tips for safe operation
- Only use tested extension cables (suitable for outdoor use, with protective contact)
- Always set up the fan in a well-ventilated place - never cover it with tarpaulins
- In heavy rain or storms: dismantle the bouncy castle and switch off the fan
- Regularly check the air inlet for foreign objects - Leaves, grass or film residues in particular can be sucked in by the fan and block the air supply. This reduces the air pressure in the bouncy castle and the stability noticeably decreases.
- To protect against noise and weather The blower can be used in a specially developed for this purpose soundproof box operated with ventilation slots. This dampens noise and protects the cabling.
Are there bouncy castles that don't require the fan to run continuously?
Yes, there is an exception: so-called pneumatic bouncy castles. These models are completely inflated once and then sealed airtight - a continuous blower is not necessary here.
Such designs are particularly well known for water bouncy castles, such as those found in lakes, swimming pools or the sea. Since no power connection across the water would be possible or safe, these bouncy castles do not require a permanent fan. Instead, they keep the air inside for a longer period of time.
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