Frequently Asked Questions – Waterslides Tents & Events
1. What types of inflatable rentals do you offer?
We offer a wide variety of inflatable rentals, including bounce houses, water slides, combo units, obstacle courses, interactive games, and more. Whether you need wet or dry options, we have something perfect for every event.
2. Do you deliver to Lakeland, FL, and surrounding areas?
Yes! We deliver throughout Lakeland and Polk County, including Kathleen, Polk City, Highland City, Auburndale, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, and Plant City. Some locations outside our standard delivery zone may include a small travel fee. We also deliver to public parks, though park deliveries are a $100 additional service fee due to extra permitting and setup requirements.
3. How far in advance should I book my inflatable rental?
We recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for summer, weekends, and holiday events. Last-minute? Give us a call — we’ll always do our best to fit you in.
4. What are your pickup and delivery times?
We always arrive early to set up, so you get your full rental time to enjoy the inflatable. Our latest pickup time is 7:00 PM. A full-day rental is considered 8 hours, and the time you select on your booking is your actual playtime — there’s no need to enter an earlier start time because we already arrive before that.
Most deliveries occur 1–4 hours before your event starts, depending on our route and schedule. On busy days, we may need to set up as early as 24 hours in advance. If that happens, we’ll call ahead to confirm someone will be at the location.
Pickups are also 1–4 hours after your event ends, depending on our workload for the day. Please be patient as we safely collect equipment from all scheduled events.
5. What is included with my rental?
Your rental includes delivery, setup, a 50-foot extension cord, and takedown. (Any setup beyond 50 feet will require a generator.) We’ll secure the unit, walk you through safety instructions, and ensure everything is ready for fun.
6. Are the inflatables safe for children?
Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. All inflatables are cleaned, sanitized, and inspected after every use. Our equipment meets or exceeds industry safety standards, and we review rules with you before your event begins.
7. Can I rent a bounce house or water slide for a backyard party?
Yes! Backyard parties are our specialty. Just make sure your setup area is flat, clear of obstacles, and large enough for your chosen inflatable.
8. What is the maximum weight limit for the inflatables?
Weight limits vary by unit. Most bounce houses support around 500 lbs total, while larger water slides typically support up to 600 lbs. Contact us for exact specs on the unit you’re renting.
9. Do you provide water for water slides?
NO! You’ll need to supply your own water. Please have a garden hose connected and ready near your setup area. If you’re on well water, a filter or softener is recommended to protect the slide material.
10. What if bad weather occurs on my event day?
.Safety Always Comes First — No Exceptions
At Waterslides Tents & Events, your child’s safety is always our #1 priority. We follow strict industry standards and manufacturer guidelines to ensure every inflatable is operated safely at every event.
Florida weather can change fast, and we will never put your guests — especially children — at risk.
Weather, Wind, & Safety Policy (Professional Standard)
We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any event if the weather conditions are unsafe. This includes:
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High Winds:
All inflatables are rated for a maximum of 15 mph wind speed.
If sustained winds or gusts exceed 15 mph, the inflatable must be shut down immediately and remain deflated until conditions improve.
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Rain & Storms:
Light rain is typically safe, but heavy rain, thunderstorms, or lightning require the inflatable to be powered off for everyone’s safety.
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Severe Weather Forecasts:
If dangerous weather is expected for your rental time, we will work with you to reschedule or apply your payment toward a future date, as outlined in our Weather & Cancellation Policy.
Why We Enforce This
These rules aren’t optional — they follow industry safety guidelines used by top companies nationwide. High winds can cause inflatables to become unstable, and lightning or heavy rain can create unsafe conditions for both children and equipment.
We would rather lose a booking than risk anyone getting hurt.
Your peace of mind, and your child’s safety, come before anything else.
11. Can I pick up and set up the inflatable myself?
No. For safety and insurance reasons, all inflatables must be delivered and set up by our trained team. We handle everything so you can relax and enjoy your event.
12. How much space do I need for a bounce house or water slide?
A standard bounce house typically needs at least 15–20 feet of space. Larger slides and obstacle courses require more room. We’re happy to help determine what will fit best at your location.
13. Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Most costs are included, but additional fees may apply for long-distance delivery, generators, extra time, Damage Waiver or special setup requirements. We’re always upfront about pricing — no surprises. Read # 26
14. Can I rent multiple inflatables for my event?
Yes! We offer discounts for multi-item rentals and party packages. Add tents, tables, chairs, concessions, and more to maximize savings.
15. Do you offer party packages or bundles?
Yes! We can customize packages that include inflatables, tents, seating, concessions, and more. Perfect for birthdays, school events, church functions, and large gatherings.
16. Do you require a deposit to book a rental?
Yes. Rentals under $500 require a $25 deposit. Rentals over $500 require a $100 deposit. The remaining balance is due on your event day.
17. How long can I rent an inflatable for?
Standard rentals are 4–8 hours, but we’re flexible. Extended and overnight rentals are available for an additional fee.
18. Can I keep the inflatable overnight?
Yes, weather permitting. Overnight rentals must be kept in a secure, fenced area. Additional charges apply.
19. What happens if the inflatable gets damaged?
Please use the inflatable responsibly. Damage caused by misuse or neglect may result in repair costs. Always follow the rules provided by our staff.
20. Do you offer a Damage Waiver?
Yes! Our optional 10% Damage Waiver covers accidental minor damage that occurs during normal use. You may opt out, but it’s highly recommended for peace of mind.
21. How do I cancel my reservation?
Please see our Cancellation Policy for full details. We do our best to work with weather issues or schedule changes when possible.
22. Are you properly licensed and insured?
Yes, we are! Waterslides Tents & Events carries full liability insurance for all rentals. Florida is one of the few states without strict regulations for inflatable companies, which means some operators work without proper coverage. Even if you don’t book with us, we strongly recommend choosing a company that is fully insured and legitimate.
23. Can I add a generator to my rental?
Yes! We offer generator rentals for locations that lack accessible power. Please let us know in advance so we can reserve one for your event.
24. What safety precautions do you take?
Every inflatable is sanitized and inspected before delivery. We secure each unit with proper anchoring, review safety instructions with you, and ensure all safety features (mesh walls, ramps, safety stops) are functioning as intended.
25. What types of events do you service?
We provide rentals for birthdays, school events, church events, corporate parties, festivals, backyard parties, holiday gatherings, and more. If there’s a reason to celebrate — we have the inflatable for it!
26. Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Yes — depending on your event, the following fees may apply:
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10% Damage Waiver (optional, highly recommended)
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Travel Fee (based on distance)
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Sales Tax (required by Florida law)
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Hard Surface Anchoring Fee (sandbags, barrels, or concrete anchors when stakes cannot be used)
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Park Delivery Fee ($100, for deliveries to public parks)
We are always transparent with pricing — no hidden costs.
27. How much does it cost to rent a water slide or bounce house in Lakeland, FL?
Pricing depends on the size and style of inflatable. Our smaller water slides and bounce house combos start around $239–$259, mid-size units run $269–$359, and our largest dual-lane slides (like our 27' Pirate Ship Dual Lane) top out around $669. Additional fees may apply for long-distance delivery, generators, or park deliveries — see our full fee list above. You can browse our full inventory and live pricing anytime at waterslidesoflakeland.com.
28. What age is a water slide or bounce house appropriate for?
Most of our inflatables are great for kids as young as 3 through early teens, as long as they meet the unit's weight limit. Toddlers under 3 should always be supervised closely, and we recommend keeping younger and older kids on separate units when possible to avoid collisions. Planning a party with a wide age range? Let us know — we can recommend a unit or combo that works well for mixed ages.
29. Are bounce house and water slide rentals worth it?
For most families, yes — a rental keeps a large group of kids entertained for hours at a fraction of the cost of many other party activities, and it's usually what people remember most about the day. Because we're fully licensed and insured, clean and inspect every unit between rentals, and handle delivery, setup, and takedown ourselves, you get professional-grade fun without the liability or hassle of running one yourself.
30. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit and debit cards, and Apple Pay. Payment can be made in person on the day of your event or online when you book.
31. Are we responsible for the unit if it gets a tear or damaged in any way?
Yes and no. You are not responsible for normal wear and tear on our units — seams may develop small tears in high-traffic areas over time. If this happens, please alert us right away so we can remedy the situation. However, if damage occurs due to failure to follow our safety rules or negligence (for example, not turning off the blower in high winds), you will be responsible for all resulting damages, up to and including replacement of the unit, blower, etc., which can cost thousands of dollars. We don't want you or us to be in that situation, which is why we have you sign and initial all of our safety rules — so you're a trained operator before your event begins.
🎉 Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help!
Call us at 863-581-0655 or book online at WaterslidesofLakeland.com.
We handle the setup — you enjoy the fun!