How to Measure Your Backyard for Inflatable Setup

An inflatable can be set up on grass, concrete, sand, dirt, or even a combination of those surfaces. There should be not trees in the set up location. Trees with branches hanging over the inflatable setup location should be trimmed for safety. If this is not done prior to the inflatable set up, it can create a dangerous situation. Make sure that power lines do not interfere with the inflatable setup location, and if there are power lines present make sure they are at least 10 feet away from the inflatable. 

Choosing a Setup Location for the Inflatable Bouncer

1. Decide where you want it to be setup and facing
2. What surface will it be on
3. Note locations of any nearby trees, bushes, poles, power lines or any other objects that might interfere with the inflatable setup
4. Note distance from nearby walls, make sure there is at least 2 feet of space on each side
5. Note any slopes present in the setup location

Measuring the Setup Area

The first step is to find out the space requirement of the inflatable you are reserving. Usually the space required for inflatables is about 1-2 feet of additional space on each side, this includes the height. There needs to be no electrical lines going above the inflatable or any trees or bushes rubbing up against the inflatable.

To measure your area without a measuring tape, simply estimate each step as three feet. For example if it takes 30 steps to walk the width of your lawn, it is 90 feet wide. However, using a measuring tape is the most accurate method.

You can also draw a diagram detailing the area, dimensions in feet, and locations of any trees, bushes, poles, or any other objects that might interfere with setup. Drawing a diagram helps see the entire area and where the inflatable can be setup. 

Measuring the Slope

You may need to measure the slope of the setup area to make sure it will not be too steep. Here are some steps you can take to properly measure the slope of area.

Things You'll Need:

• Poles of even height
• String
• Level
• Yard stick

1. Use a line level, which is two poles of the exact same height (50 inches would be good) with string running between the poles. At the exact center of the string, a level is suspended. There are also notches at the exact same interval in each pole. Have one person stand on the slope holding one pole and the other person stand exactly down the slop from him holding the other pole with string running through the top notch.
2. Make the string level. The person at the top of the slope should move the string to the different notches on his pole until the level suspended from the middle of the string shows a level setting.
3. Calculate the slope by measuring the distance from the notch where the string was placed to the top of the pole. Slope is a percentage, meaning the number of units falls or rises in 100 units of horizontal distance. Every inch from the top of the 50-inch pole equals 2 percent of slope (with the top of the pole being originally level with the second pole, showing a 0 percent grade). The lower the string must be on the pole to be level, the higher the percent of slope. A notch 4 inches down the pole indicates an 8 percent slope and a notch 8 inches down the pole indicates a 16 percent slope.
4. Use another method of measuring slope with just one person. With a stick that is 50 inches long, a level, a pencil and a yard stick, stand on the slope holding the yard stick upright.
5. Place the stick on the slope, and hold the level on the end of the stick nearest you. Raise the stick until it is level.
6. Mark the height on the yard stick where the 50-inch stick is level. Measuring from the ground up, determine the height necessary for the 50-inch stick to be level.
7. Measure the slope of the land by multiplying the height from the ground required for level by two. This figure will be your percent of slope.