What Pump It Up offers and how rentals work

Pump It Up is a franchise chain that rents inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, and interactive games for parties and events. You rent the equipment for a set number of hours, and Pump It Up handles delivery, setup, takedown, and pickup. The company operates in multiple states, though not everywhere — availability depends on whether a franchise location exists in your area.

When you rent from Pump It Up, you choose from their catalog of inflatables, select your rental date and duration, and the franchise handles logistics. Most locations offer 4-hour, 8-hour, and overnight rental windows. You pay a rental fee that varies by the specific inflatable, your location, and how long you rent it. Delivery and setup fees are typically separate from the equipment rental cost.

The company requires a damage waiver or security deposit at booking. This protects Pump It Up if the inflatable is damaged during your event. You also need to provide access to a flat, clear space outdoors (or indoors if the space is large enough) and confirm that someone will be present during delivery and pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • Pump It Up rents bounce houses and inflatable games by the hour through franchise locations in select areas, with delivery and setup included in most bookings.
  • Rental costs vary by inflatable type, location, and rental duration, and a damage waiver or security deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • You must provide a flat, accessible outdoor or indoor space and be present when the equipment arrives and is picked up.
  • Pump It Up's availability depends on whether a franchise operates in your area — not all regions are served.

How pricing and rental duration work

Pump It Up does not publish a single national price list because each franchise sets its own rates. A bounce house rental in one city may cost more or less than the same inflatable in another city. The best way to find current pricing is to visit the Pump It Up website, enter your zip code, and contact your local franchise directly.

Rental durations typically start at 4 hours for a standard bounce house. Longer rentals — 8 hours or overnight — usually cost more per hour than the 4-hour rate, though the per-hour cost often decreases as you rent longer. Some franchises offer weekend rates that differ from weekday rates, and peak season (spring and summer) may have higher prices than off-season bookings.

Delivery fees, setup fees, and the damage waiver or security deposit are usually listed separately from the equipment rental price. Ask your local franchise whether these are included in the quoted price or added at checkout. Some locations waive delivery fees for rentals over a certain amount or for bookings within a certain distance.

What inflatables and games Pump It Up has available

Pump It Up's inventory includes standard bounce houses, combo units (bounce house plus slide or obstacle course), water slides, obstacle courses, interactive games, and themed inflatables. The exact selection varies by franchise location. Smaller franchises may stock 10 to 15 different units, while larger locations might have 30 or more.

Common options include single-lane and dual-lane bounce houses, castle-themed inflatables, sports-themed games, obstacle courses with climbing walls and slides, and interactive games like basketball hoops or target games. Some franchises also rent concession equipment — popcorn machines, cotton candy makers, snow cone machines — though this varies by location.

Seasonal inflatables appear during holidays. Halloween-themed bounce houses, Christmas-themed inflatables, and summer water slides are more common during their respective seasons. Availability of specific units depends on how many are booked on your date, so booking early increases your chances of getting your first choice.

Space requirements and setup details

Pump It Up requires a flat, level surface for setup. Grass, concrete, or asphalt all work, but the ground must be clear of rocks, sticks, and debris that could puncture the inflatable. The space needs to be large enough to accommodate the inflatable's footprint plus a few feet of clearance on all sides for safety and airflow.

A standard bounce house typically needs a 15-by-15-foot space, though larger combo units and obstacle courses require 20-by-20 feet or more. You should measure your space before booking and confirm the dimensions with your local franchise. If you are unsure whether your yard or indoor space is large enough, the franchise can tell you during the booking call.

Setup usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the inflatable's size and complexity. Pump It Up's delivery team will position the unit, find it with stakes or sandbags, test the blower, and show you how to operate it. Takedown takes a similar amount of time. You must be present during both setup and pickup so the delivery team can access your space and confirm the condition of the equipment.

Damage waivers, security deposits, and what happens if something breaks

Pump It Up requires a damage waiver or security deposit to protect the equipment. The waiver is usually a one-time fee (often $50 to $150, though this varies by location) that covers normal wear and tear. If the inflatable is damaged beyond normal use during your rental, you may be charged an additional repair or replacement fee.

Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs, small seams that separate slightly, or minor air leaks that the company can repair. Damage that results in charges typically includes large tears, punctures, seams that split open, broken zippers, or damage to the blower. Intentional damage or damage caused by misuse (such as allowing sharp objects near the inflatable or overloading it beyond weight limits) will result in a charge.

If damage occurs, Pump It Up will inspect the unit after pickup and contact you with repair costs if applicable. Charges are deducted from your security deposit or billed separately if you paid a waiver fee. To minimize risk, keep sharp objects away from the inflatable, enforce weight limits, and supervise children during use.

Booking and cancellation policies

Booking with Pump It Up typically happens online through their website or by calling your local franchise directly. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, rental date, preferred inflatable, rental duration, and payment information. Most franchises require payment at the time of booking, though some may allow payment on the day of delivery.

Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by franchise. Many locations allow free cancellations or rescheduling up to a certain number of days before your rental date (often 7 to 14 days). Cancellations closer to your date may result in a fee or forfeiture of your deposit. Weather-related cancellations are sometimes handled differently — ask your franchise what happens if severe weather forces a postponement.

If Pump It Up cancels due to lack of availability or equipment issues, you should receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Confirm the cancellation policy in writing when you book so you know exactly what to expect if your plans change.

Comparing Pump It Up to other bounce house rental options

Pump It Up is one of several national and local bounce house rental companies. National chains like Bounce House Central and regional franchises operate similarly — they deliver, set up, and pick up equipment for a rental fee. Local independent rental companies often have smaller inventories but may offer more flexible pricing or faster booking.

Pump It Up's main advantage is consistent branding and availability in multiple states, which means you know what to expect if you have rented from them before. The disadvantage is that pricing and inventory vary significantly by location, and not all areas have a Pump It Up franchise. Local companies may offer lower prices or more personalized service, but quality and reliability can vary more widely.

When comparing options, check the inventory available in your area, compare rental prices for the specific inflatable you want, review cancellation policies, and read customer reviews for your local franchise. The cheapest option is not always the best if the company has poor reviews or limited availability on your preferred date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Pump It Up bounce house for an indoor event?

Yes, if you have an indoor space large enough. The space must have a flat floor, high ceilings (typically at least 10 to 12 feet for a standard bounce house), and good ventilation for the blower. Warehouses, gymnasiums, and large community centers work well. Call your local franchise to confirm your space meets their requirements before booking.

What is the age or weight limit for the bounce houses?

Weight and age limits vary by inflatable. Most standard bounce houses accommodate children up to a certain weight (often 250 to 300 pounds per child, with limits on total occupancy). Some units are designed for younger children only, while others work for mixed ages. Your local franchise will specify limits when you book or view the inflatable's details online.

Do I need to provide supervision while the bounce house is in use?

Yes. Pump It Up requires adult supervision during all use. You are responsible for enforcing safety rules, monitoring the number of children in the inflatable at one time, and ensuring no sharp objects are brought inside. The company provides basic safety guidelines at setup, but ongoing supervision is your responsibility.

What happens if it rains on the day of my rental?

Most bounce houses can operate in light rain, but heavy rain or thunderstorms may make them unsafe. Contact your local franchise to ask about their weather policy. Some companies will reschedule for free if weather is severe, while others may charge a rescheduling fee or require you to proceed at your own risk. Confirm this policy when you book.

Can I pick up the bounce house myself instead of paying for delivery?

Some franchises offer pickup options, though this is less common than delivery. If pickup is available, you would need a vehicle large enough to transport the inflatable and blower, and you would be responsible for setup and takedown. Ask your local franchise whether this option exists and what the cost difference is compared to delivery.