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Written by Luke
An air pressure test measures the pressure inside an inflated bouncy castle using a manometer. It helps us check whether the inflatable is operating at the pressure it needs to support users and maintain its shape.
At Midland Play Inspections, we check internal air pressure as part of our inflatable safety inspections.
Bottoming out happens when a user compresses the inflatable bed enough to hit the ground beneath it. A castle may look inflated but still have insufficient pressure to cushion users properly.
The pressure inside a bouncy castle or any inflatable where users will be on or under the equipment must be above 1kpa. Apart form a couple of inflatable types, like air mountains.
Internal pressure helps the inflatable bed, walls and retaining barriers maintain their intended shape and firmness.
Low pressure can allow users to fall out of the inflatable or pull down the walls on to other users.
We use a manometer, an instrument designed to measure pressure. We insert the tube inside the inflatable, normally by the zip area.
Always check the manufacturer’s operating manual for the pressure requirements of the particular inflatable. HSE says an inflatable should not be used below the manufacturer’s minimum pressure or above its specified maximum.
You may see 1 kPa, mentioned in discussions about inflatable testing. That figure should not be treated as a universal pass mark for every inflatable.
The correct reading must be considered alongside the inflatable’s design, operating instructions and applicable inspection requirements.
During a recent inspection, we measured 1.3 kPa inside an adult bouncy castle. For that particular castle, the minimum pressure we were checking against was 1 kPa, so it passed the pressure check.
A low reading can prompt further investigation into the inflatable and its blower setup. Possible causes include:
The pressure reading helps identify a problem, but it does not diagnose the cause on its own.
Yes a manometer should be used when an inflatable is set up. If suitable measuring equipment is unavailable, the inflatable should not be operated.
An annual inspection records the condition at the time of testing. Operators still need to check the equipment during everyday use.
Midland Play Inspections
We test bouncy castles, slides, obstacle courses, disco domes, soft play and ball pools to BS EN 14960-1:2019, and we come to you anywhere across the Midlands. One unit or a full fleet, and we work all year round so your kit is tested when it isn't earning.
Tell us what you've got and roughly where it's stored, and you'll get a fixed price and the next free date.