One of the most common questions we get: "Can you set up on my concrete driveway?" or "Will artificial turf work?"
The short answer is no. We can only set up on natural grass. Here's why.
Our inflatable nightclub weighs 150kg. When it's inflated and filled with people dancing, that weight increases significantly. This isn't a small backyard bouncy castle - it's a substantial structure that needs serious anchoring.
16 anchor pegs, each:
400mm deep into the ground
40° angle for maximum holding strength
16mm diameter
Driven into natural soil/grass
This anchoring system is what keeps 150kg of inflatable nightclub (plus guests) safely on the ground, even in wind.
Our engineer certified this specific anchoring method. Changing it means the certification is void. And without certification, our insurance is void. And without insurance, we can't operate.
"Can't you just use sandbags on concrete?"
We wish it was that simple. Here's why concrete is a hard no:
Our pegs need to go 400mm deep. Concrete is... concrete. We can't drill through your driveway, and surface anchoring methods (weights, sandbags) don't meet engineering standards.
Our insurance specifically requires grass anchoring as per our engineering certification. Setting up on concrete voids our coverage immediately.
Our engineer certified the tent for grass anchoring. Using a different method (even if it seems "safe") means we're operating outside our certification.
If wind picks up and the nightclub isn't properly anchored, the consequences are serious. Surface weights don't provide the same security as deep ground anchoring.
"But it's still grass, right?"
Not quite. Artificial turf sits on top of:
A concrete or compacted base
Rubber or sand infill
Weed barrier fabric
When we drive pegs through artificial turf:
We damage your expensive turf
We hit the hard base underneath (same problem as concrete)
The pegs don't achieve proper depth or angle
The anchoring system doesn't work as engineered
Result: Damaged turf, void certification, no proper anchoring.
Same issue as concrete. We need to penetrate 400mm into natural soil. Decking, pavers, tiles, and similar surfaces don't allow this.
Can we set up next to the deck on grass?
Absolutely! As long as there's enough grass space (7.5m x 6.5m minimum).
Not all grass is equal. Here's what we need:
Ideal Conditions:Natural lawn grass
Relatively flat and level
Firm soil (not waterlogged)
No recent aeration or seeding
Clear of major rocks or obstacles
Challenging But Possible:Slightly uneven ground (we can work with minor slopes)
Dry, hard soil (takes more effort but works)
Recently mowed or slightly overgrown
Areas with some bare patches
Won't Work:Artificial turf
Concrete, pavers, or tiles
Wooden decking
Very steep slopes
Extremely waterlogged or muddy areas
Areas with large tree roots at surface level
Before we arrive, you need to confirm there are no underground hazards where we'll be anchoring:
Underground pipes (water, sewer, irrigation) Electrical cables Gas lines Phone/internet cables Septic systems Underground tanks
The Good News: Most residential utilities are buried below 600mm depth. Our pegs only go 400mm deep, so we're usually fine. But it's crucial to check if you have any shallow installations.
Dial Before You Dig: Free service (1100) for utility location
Check your property plans if you have them
Look for obvious indicators: sprinkler heads, meter boxes, inspection covers
Remember recent work: pools, landscaping, extensions may have added services
On Setup Day: Our crew does a visual assessment and will adjust peg placement if we spot anything concerning.
We hear this a lot. Here's the reality:
Not all inflatable hire companies are:
Properly insured
Engineering certified
Following Australian Standards (AS 3533.4.1:2018)
Operating legally
Some operators use surface weights, sandbags, or water barrels on concrete. This doesn't mean it's safe or compliant.
Scenario: Wind picks up, inflatable isn't properly anchored, it tips or moves, someone gets hurt.
If the operator wasn't compliant:
Their insurance won't cover it
You (as the property owner/hirer) may be liable
Legal and medical costs fall on you
We're not willing to take that risk. And you shouldn't be either
We're a family business with kids of our own. We know where to draw the line on safety.
We could:
Use surface weights and set up on concrete
Tell you "she'll be right" and risk it
Operate outside our certification
Save you the hassle of finding grass
But we won't. Here's why:
Your safety matters more than our booking
Our insurance only covers compliant setups
We can't compromise our certification
We're parents - we get the responsibility
Legal liability isn't worth the risk
When we say "grass only," it's not us being difficult. It's us being professionals who won't compromise on safety.
Before booking Club Air, confirm you have:
Natural grass surface Minimum 7.5m x 6.5m space Relatively flat and level No underground hazards (or confirmation they're below 400mm) Permission to place 16 pegs into the ground 4.2m height clearance (no overhanging trees/structures)
Not sure? Send us photos! We can usually tell from pictures if your space will work.
