Party Rental FAQs

Is a deposit required to book?

Yes. A deposit is required at time of booking to secure your date and equipment. The deposit amount is shown at checkout before you complete your order. The remaining balance is due before or at delivery. Call (512) 293-0937 if you have questions about payment timing for your specific booking.

Is the deposit refundable if I cancel?

The deposit is nonrefundable, but it converts to a raincheck credit valid for one year from your original event date. That credit can be applied to any future rental. If you have paid beyond the deposit amount and need to cancel, those additional payments also convert to raincheck credit.

How far in advance should I book?

It depends on the event type and time of year:

• Backyard birthday parties: 2-3 weeks is typically fine, but 3-4 weeks for summer Saturdays
• Summer dates (June-August Saturdays): 3-4 weeks minimum - these fill fastest
• July 4th: Book by Memorial Day. This is our single fastest-filling date every year
• School carnivals and field days: 6-8 weeks out, especially for spring events
• HOA community events: 5-6 weeks for October dates; 4 weeks for other months
• Church fall festivals and trunk-or-treats: 5-6 weeks for October weekend dates

Earlier is always better. We never penalize you for booking early - you just guarantee the equipment you want.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, cash, Venmo, Zelle, and checks from schools, churches, and businesses. Online bookings are processed through a secure checkout. Cash customers - please have the correct amount as our drivers do not carry change. Call (512) 293-0937 if you have a specific payment question before booking.

Can I book the same day I need the rental?

Same-day availability occasionally opens up due to cancellations. Call (512) 293-0937 as early in the morning as possible to check. We cannot guarantee same-day availability but we will always tell you honestly what is available. During peak season (May-August and October), same-day inventory is limited.

How long is the standard rental period?

Our standard rental is a full-day rental, typically 4-8 hours depending on your event. If your equipment is at a secure location and you need it overnight, contact us to arrange - overnight stays are handled on a case-by-case basis. Let us know your event start and end time when booking so we can plan our delivery and pickup windows.

What time will you arrive to set up?

We typically arrive 1-2 hours before your requested event start time. On high-volume days we may arrive earlier - we will always contact you in advance to confirm someone will be available at the delivery location. If you need a specific delivery window, mention it at booking and we will do our best to accommodate it.

How much time does setup take?

Most standard bounce houses and combo units inflate and are setup-complete in 15-25 minutes. Obstacle courses, large water slides, and multi-unit deliveries take 30-45 minutes. We handle the full setup - you do not need to be actively involved, but we do need someone available to confirm the setup area and sign off before we leave.

Do you deliver to parks in Hays County?

Yes. We deliver to parks in Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, and throughout our service area. Most public parks do not have accessible outdoor electrical outlets - if your park event is away from a building, plan for a generator. We can arrange generator rental at booking. Also confirm your park reservation with the city or county parks department before booking the inflatable, as many parks require advance reservations for event setups.

Do you deliver to gated communities in Hays County?

Yes. We deliver to gated communities including those in Garlic Creek, Sunfield, Plum Creek, Waterleaf, and other master-planned Hays County neighborhoods. Provide your gate access code or visitor entry instructions at booking so our delivery team has it before arrival. For communities that require advance vendor registration, let us know and we will coordinate with your HOA contact.

What do I need to have ready before your delivery team arrives?

• Gate unlocked and path to the setup area clear of obstacles
• Setup area cleared of furniture, toys, rocks, and debris
• Outdoor GFCI outlet identified and confirmed working (within 50 feet of setup area)
• Garden hose accessible near the setup area (for water slide rentals)
• Surface type known - let us know if it is concrete, pavers, or artificial turf so we arrive with the right anchoring equipment

See our full Backyard Party Rental Setup Guide for detailed preparation instructions.

Do I need insurance to rent a bounce house?

You do not need to purchase separate insurance as a renter. Our commercial general liability policy covers third-party bodily injury and property damage related to our equipment during your rental. However, if you are hosting an event at a venue that requires its own certificate of insurance, we can provide a COI naming the venue as additionally insured. Schools, HOAs, churches, and city parks commonly require this. Request it at booking.

Are your inflatables cleaned and sanitized between rentals?

Yes. Every inflatable is hand-sanitized after each rental and inspected before delivery. As a Veteran family-owned company, we take sanitization and cleanliness seriously on every job. We use commercial sanitization products applied to all contact surfaces after each use. You will never receive a unit that has not been cleaned since its last rental.

What are the safety rules for using a bounce house?

• Remove shoes, glasses, jewelry, and hard objects before entering
• No food, drinks, or gum inside the inflatable
• Separate by age and size - never mix toddlers with older, heavier children
• Limit capacity per the unit's posted maximum - do not overload
• No flips, roughhousing, or climbing the walls
• Deflate immediately if wind picks up above 20 mph or if lightning is within 5 miles
• One adult supervisor assigned to the bounce house entry at all times

Our delivery team reviews all safety rules at setup. For the full safety guide, see Bounce House Safety 101 for Hays County.

What wind speed is safe for bounce houses?

Inflatables should be deflated when sustained winds reach or exceed 20 mph. This is a firm safety threshold - not a guideline. A bounce house that is operating safely at 15 mph wind can become a hazard at 20+ mph regardless of how well it is anchored. Monitor conditions during your event and deflate proactively rather than waiting for an obvious problem.

Am I responsible if the inflatable gets damaged during my rental?

Normal wear and tear is not your responsibility. However, if damage occurs due to misuse, failure to follow our safety guidelines, or negligence - such as not deflating in high winds or allowing prohibited items near the unit - repair or replacement costs may apply. All safety rules are reviewed and acknowledged at the time of delivery. Following the rules protects your guests and protects you.

What happens if someone is injured while using a rental inflatable?

Contact emergency services immediately if the injury requires medical attention. Document the situation and contact us at (512) 293-0937. Our commercial liability insurance covers qualifying third-party injury claims related to our equipment. This is exactly why carrying $1M+ commercial insurance matters - and why renting from an uninsured vendor creates real risk for event hosts.

Are bounce houses safe for kids' birthday parties?

Yes - when used with proper age separation, adequate supervision, and adherence to capacity limits. The most common bounce house injuries are caused by size mismatches (toddlers and older children using the same unit simultaneously) and inadequate supervision. A properly supervised bounce house with age-appropriate separation is a safe activity for children. See our full safety guide for specific protocols.

How much space do I need for a bounce house?

The unit footprint is not the same as the space you need. A 15x15 bounce house needs a 20x20 clear setup area minimum, plus overhead clearance. Every unit's product listing includes full setup dimensions. As a general guide:

• Standard 15x15 bounce house: 20x20 ft clear area, 14 ft overhead
• Combo bounce/slide: 20x22 ft clear area, 15 ft overhead
• Obstacle course (34 ft): 14x38 ft clear area, 10 ft overhead
• Water slide (15 ft): 14x30 ft clear area, 16 ft overhead

For the complete clearance table, see the Backyard Party Rental Setup Guide.

What power do inflatables need?

Each inflatable blower requires a dedicated 20-amp grounded outdoor outlet within 50 feet of the setup area. Do not run the blower on the same circuit as other appliances - this will trip the breaker. We bring our own heavy-duty extension cords. If your outdoor outlet is more than 50 feet from the setup area or is not on a dedicated circuit, plan for a generator.

Do the inflatables need to stay plugged in the whole time?

Yes. A continuous-run blower keeps the inflatable inflated throughout your rental. If the power is cut, it deflates. The blower should run the entire time guests are using the unit. Do not unplug the blower unless you are intentionally deflating the unit for the event end or a weather shutdown.

Do you rent generators if my event location has no power?

Yes. Generator rentals are available for parks, open fields, HOA common areas, and any venue without nearby electrical access. Generator sizing is based on the power requirements of your specific equipment order. Add a generator when booking online or mention it when you call - we will confirm the correct size for your order.

What are the weight and capacity limits for inflatables?

Weight and capacity limits vary by unit. Each product listing on our website includes the maximum capacity and recommended age range. Most standard bounce houses are rated for children up to approximately 200 lbs per rider with a maximum simultaneous occupancy of 4-6 riders. Obstacle courses and larger combo units have different limits. If you have a specific group composition - particularly teens or adults near the weight limit - call us before booking and we will confirm the right unit for your group.

Can adults use bounce houses?

Some of our larger units are rated for adult use within the weight limits. Most standard bounce houses are designed for children and are not rated for adults jumping simultaneously. The biggest risk with adults in standard bounce houses is the weight load on the unit structure and anchor system. Call us before booking if you have a party where adults want to participate - we can recommend the right unit.

My backyard gate is only 36 inches wide. What units fit?

Most standard 13x13 and 15x15 bounce houses fit through a 36-inch gate. Combo units, obstacle courses, and larger water slides typically require 40+ inches. Measure the narrowest point of your gate path - not just the gate opening, but any fence posts or structures along the side yard path as well. Tell us your gate width at booking and we will confirm which units work for your access. If nothing fits, a front yard setup is often a workable alternative.

What is the difference between a bounce house, combo unit, and obstacle course?

• Standard bounce house: An enclosed jumping chamber with a netted entry. Pure jumping activity. Best for children ages 3-10.
• Combo unit: A bounce house chamber with an attached slide (wet or dry), climbing wall, or basketball hoop. More activity per unit - good for mixed-age groups and when space limits you to one inflatable.
• Obstacle course: A linear challenge unit with crawl tunnels, climbing walls, pop-up obstacles, and a slide at the exit. Race format. Best for ages 6 and up. The most engaging unit for teens.

What age group are bounce houses best for?

Standard bounce houses are best for children ages 3-10. Below age 3, a toddler-specific unit with a lower entry and gentler obstacles is the appropriate choice. Above age 10, obstacle courses and combo units with climbing elements provide more engagement. For teens ages 12+, standard bounce houses lose interest quickly - obstacle courses and water slides are the better choice for that age group. See the Birthday Party Rentals Guide for full age-by-age recommendations.

What is the best bounce house for a toddler birthday party?

A toddler-specific inflatable with a lower entry point, soft obstacles, and a gentle slide is the right choice for parties where the primary age group is 2-4 years old. These units are designed for smaller children - lower maximum capacity, gentler activity, and no elements requiring upper body strength. Standard bounce houses are not safe for toddlers when older, heavier children are also using the unit. Call (512) 293-0937 to discuss toddler unit availability for your date.

How many kids can safely use a bounce house at once?

Most standard 15x15 bounce houses safely accommodate 4-6 children simultaneously. The actual safe number depends on the size of the children - 6 small kindergarteners vs 6 large 4th graders is a very different load. The posted capacity on each unit is the maximum, not the target. Supervise to capacity and rotate children in and out rather than trying to maximize the number inside at any given time.

Can I rent multiple inflatables for one event?

Yes - and for larger events, multiple units are often the better choice. Running two units of different types (bounce house plus obstacle course, or separate age-appropriate units for different grade levels) improves throughput, reduces wait times, and creates better age separation. Call (512) 293-0937 to discuss multi-unit configurations for your event and budget.

Is it better to buy or rent a bounce house?

For families and organizations that host events a few times per year, renting is almost always the better value. Purchasing a residential-grade inflatable that matches the quality of a commercial rental unit costs $2,000-$8,000+. Factor in storage, maintenance, blower replacement, and the liability of operating an uninsured inflatable, and rental economics are clear for anything less than weekly use. For businesses that rent inflatables commercially, that is a different calculation entirely.

What do I need to set up a water slide in my Buda or Kyle backyard?

• A clear, relatively flat setup area meeting the slide's dimensions (listed on each product page)
• An outdoor electrical outlet within 50 feet for the blower
• A standard garden hose connection within reach of the slide's water inlet
• A drainage path that flows away from your foundation, patio, and neighbor's yard

Our crew handles all setup. Have the area clear and the hose accessible when we arrive. For the full water supply and drainage guide, see Water Slides for Summer Events in Hays County.

What is the difference between a single-lane and dual-lane water slide?

A single-lane slide has one rider at a time. A dual-lane slide has two side-by-side lanes allowing simultaneous head-to-head racing. For parties with 15 or more children, the dual-lane is almost always worth the upgrade - it eliminates the single-line wait problem, creates a natural competitive structure, and generates more engagement throughout the event. For smaller parties under 15 kids, a single-lane slide is excellent and often fits smaller Hays County subdivision backyards more easily.

When is a water slide the right choice vs a dry bounce house?

For any event from May through September in Hays County with an afternoon start time, a water slide or wet inflatable is the right choice. Afternoon heat index values in Buda and Kyle regularly reach 95-108F during this period. Dry inflatables in direct summer afternoon sun have uncomfortable exterior surface temperatures and see declining use as children get hot. Wet inflatables keep children actively engaged and actively cooled. The full decision guide is at Birthday Party Rentals Guide.

What age is appropriate for a water slide rental?

Standard tower water slides are appropriate from age 5 and up with adult supervision. The climbing element on tower slides requires coordination that children under 5 may not have reliably. Wet combo units with lower entry points can work for children from age 4 with close supervision. Slip-n-slides are low-profile and appropriate for children from age 5 through adult. Never place a child under 4 on a standard tower water slide.

How much water does an inflatable water slide use?

A standard inflatable water slide uses approximately 10-15 gallons per minute running continuously. For a 3-hour event, this is roughly 1,800-2,700 gallons - comparable to a residential irrigation cycle. During active water restriction stages in Buda or Kyle, check with your water provider about whether recreational inflatable use is permitted. Hays County MUD, City of Buda, and City of Kyle each have their own restriction schedules.

Is a snow cone machine worth it for a birthday party?

For any party from May through September in Hays County, yes - consistently. A snow cone machine provides a structured activity for children not currently in the bounce house, helps manage the heat, and adds a party element parents appreciate. For parties with 20+ guests, the snow cone machine often runs continuously and is one of the highest-engagement items at the event. It books up alongside water slides during peak summer season - add it when you book the inflatable, not after.

What power do concession machines need?

Concession machines require a standard 110V grounded outlet. They should not be run on the same circuit as the inflatable blower. For events at parks or locations without power, a generator is required for both the inflatable and the concession machine. Let us know at booking if you need a generator and we will size it for your complete equipment list.

What does Hays CISD require for vendor approval?

Hays CISD requires external vendors operating on campus to provide a certificate of insurance naming the campus or district as additionally insured before delivery. Some campuses also require a W-9 for vendor registration. Start the documentation process at least 8 weeks before your spring carnival or field day - district approval can take 5-10 business days during peak spring season. For the full step-by-step process, see the Hays CISD Vendor Approval Guide.

What inflatable setup works best for a Hays County school carnival?

For a typical Hays County elementary carnival (K-5, 400-700 students), a combination of 2-3 age-separated bounce houses plus one obstacle course covers the most students most efficiently. Adding a water slide or wet combo in April or May significantly increases engagement in the afternoon heat. Add a snow cone machine or two - they are the highest-revenue concession at elementary carnivals. For a complete 10-week planning timeline, see the School Carnival Planning Guide.

Do you deliver to school field days on weekdays?

Yes. We deliver to school field days during school hours, including weekday mornings. We coordinate with your campus on delivery timing and access requirements. Provide the campus address, gate access information, and your event contact name when you book. We deliver at the time you specify - typically 1-2 hours before students rotate to the inflatable stations.

What are the most common inflatable rentals for HOA community events?

For Hays County HOA fall festivals, the most-booked combination is two standard bounce houses (age-separated), one obstacle course, and a snow cone machine. This setup handles communities from 150 to 500 families, manages the mixed ages typical of neighborhood events, and fits within the typical HOA event budget. For per-household budget tables and generator planning for common area events, see the HOA Community Event Guide.

What inflatable works best for a church trunk-or-treat in Hays County?

For a typical Hays County trunk-or-treat with mixed ages and a parking lot venue, one or two standard bounce houses positioned at the far end of the car layout works well. Keep the inflatable count to 1-2 for trunk-or-treat format - more creates layout and supervision challenges in the constrained parking lot space. Parking lot setups require sandbag anchoring, not stakes - tell us your surface type at booking. For full layout guidance, see the Church Event Planning Guide.

What weather conditions make inflatable use unsafe?

• Sustained winds 20 mph or higher: Deflate immediately. This is a firm safety threshold.
• Lightning within 5 miles: Evacuate and deflate immediately. Use the 30-30 rule - if lightning and thunder are less than 30 seconds apart, get inside and stay inside for 30 minutes after the last strike.
• Heavy rain: Wet conditions make surfaces slippery and reduce visibility. Deflate until conditions improve.
• Extreme heat (98F+): Dry inflatables in direct afternoon sun become uncomfortable. Switch to wet inflatables or move activity to morning/evening. See the Outdoor Events in South Texas Heat Guide.

How do I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Call (512) 293-0937 as early as possible. Your deposit is nonrefundable but converts to a raincheck credit valid for one year. We will note your preferred rescheduled date if you have one and check availability simultaneously. The earlier you call, the more flexibility we have to accommodate your preferred new date.

Can I use inflatables in the rain?

Light drizzle with no lightning and calm winds can be manageable in some situations, particularly for wet inflatables that are already running water. However, rain makes inflatable surfaces slippery, reduces traction at entry and exit points, and increases injury risk. We recommend deflating and pausing use during any meaningful rainfall and resuming after surfaces have dried. When in doubt, wait it out - the unit will not be damaged by short pauses in operation.

What rentals work best for a kids' birthday party in Hays County?

The right combination depends on the birthday child's age, the number of guests, your yard space, and the time of year. A quick guide:

• Ages 3-5: Toddler unit or gentle combo, dry for cool months, wet combo for summer
• Ages 5-9: Standard bounce house or combo unit; water slide for May-September
• Ages 9-12: Combo unit or obstacle course; dual-lane water slide for summer
• Ages 12-17: Obstacle course in race format; dual-lane water slide for summer

For the complete age guide, see Birthday Party Rentals Guide for Hays County Families.

Can I combine a bounce house with other party rentals?

Yes - and most of our customers do. Common combinations include a bounce house plus snow cone machine, obstacle course plus water slide, or a bounce house plus concession machine for school carnivals. We coordinate multi-unit deliveries as a single trip whenever possible. Call (512) 293-0937 to discuss the right combination for your event, guest count, and budget.

Can you set up a bounce house without a backyard?

Yes. Bounce houses can be set up in front yards, driveways, parks, parking lots, open fields, and most flat accessible outdoor spaces. For non-backyard setups, confirm power access (or plan for a generator), confirm the surface type, and confirm you have permission to use the space. HOA events on common areas and church events in parking lots are setups we handle regularly. Call to discuss your specific venue before booking.

How do I choose between different rental companies in Hays County?

Ask every vendor these questions before booking: Can you provide a certificate of insurance? What is your sanitization process? What is your cancellation and weather policy in writing? What happens if your equipment is damaged before my event? A vendor who cannot answer these clearly is a vendor worth reconsidering. For the full vendor evaluation guide, see Professional vs Budget Party Rentals in Hays County. To review Buda Bounce House Party Rentals' press coverage, boilerplate, and brand information, visit our Media Room.

Do you provide service in Spanish?

Yes. Buda Bounce House Party Rentals provides bilingual service - booking, quotes, and event coordination are available in both English and Spanish. Call (512) 293-0937 and we will assist you in the language you prefer. We proudly serve the full Hays County community.