Your Backyard Party Space Checklist: What to Know Before Your Inflatable Arrives

One of the most common things we hear after a successful delivery is: "I didn't realize how much there was to think about ahead of time." We've done enough deliveries across the Grosse Pointes, St. Clair Shores, and the surrounding area to know exactly what makes for a smooth setup — and what causes headaches. Here's your checklist.

✅ Space & Clearance

Every inflatable needs more room than you think — not just footprint, but overhead clearance too. Our combo units and slides go up to 19 feet tall, so scan for tree branches, power lines, and overhangs before we arrive.

A general rule: add 5 feet to the length and width of the unit to account for the blower, anchor ropes, and staking area.

If you're placing the inflatable on a driveway or a tight side yard, let us know when you book. We've set up in some creative spots and can usually make it work — but the earlier we know, the better.

✅ Surface

Grass is ideal. It's the safest surface (soft landing if anyone tumbles near the edge), and stakes anchor cleanly into soil.

Concrete and asphalt work too, but instead of stakes we use sandbags, which we carry on every delivery. Just let us know your surface in advance.

Avoid gravel, mulch, or uneven ground if possible. Slopes over about 5 degrees can affect how the inflatable sits, and we'll flag that on arrival.

✅ Power Access

Our blowers run on standard 115V AC outlets — the same as any household outlet. You need one within 100 feet of the setup location. We will bring a heavy-duty extension cord with us so we just need access to the outlet.

If you're setting up in a park, school, or location without reliable power access, ask us about our generator add-on.

✅ Clear the Zone

Before we arrive, clear the setup area of:

• Lawn furniture, toys, and garden hoses
• Dog waste (seriously — it happens, and we appreciate it when it doesn't)
• Sprinkler heads that could puncture the base

We'll lay down a ground tarp on cement or for wet rentals — otherwise grass works perfectly. Just make sure the area is cleared and mowed so setup goes smoothly for everyone.

✅ Timing

We typically deliver 1–2 hours before your party starts so everything is inflated, staked, and reviewed before guests arrive. We pick up after your event ends — usually within an hour of your end time.

For wet rentals, plan for an additional 30-minute deflation and drain window at the end before we roll up.

✅ Gate Access

This sounds obvious, but locked or narrow side gates are the most common source of delivery delays. Our units travel on a heavy-duty dolly, so we need a clear path at least 36 inches wide from the street or driveway to the setup area.

If you have a fence gate, make sure it's unlocked and we know which side to use.

One Last Thing: Communicate Early

We'd rather know about a tricky yard, an early gate lock, or a last-minute venue change 48 hours ahead than 30 minutes before delivery. Text Tom directly at 313-451-4604 if anything changes. We're flexible — we just need to know.

Already checked all the boxes? Book your rental at pointeshorespartypros.com. Setup and teardown always included — no hidden fees, no surprises.