10 Top Winter Tips for Bouncy Castle Operators: Maintenance, Repairs & SEO
Winter in the UK can be a tricky time for hire companies. Short days, cold damp weather, and quieter bookings can make it feel like business slows down—but with the right approach, winter is actually the perfect time to get ahead.
At BetterBounce, we know that taking care of your inflatables over winter and focusing on SEO can have a direct impact on profits and customer satisfaction in the busy season. Here’s a detailed, practical guide to making the most of the quieter months.
1. Deep Clean Your Inflatables Before Storage
Method:
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Use a mild detergent or pH-neutral inflatable cleaner with warm water.
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Wipe the surface thoroughly, focusing on high-contact areas like slides, entrances, and ballpools.
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Rinse with clean water and fully inflate the castle to dry completely.
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Use a towel for stubborn wet spots, and a low-heat hair dryer for corners or seams.
Benefits:
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Prevents permanent stains and mould growth
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Keeps material supple and extends the lifespan of the PVC
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Reduces customer complaints about dirt or smells when hiring
✅ BetterBounce tip: Clean your inflatables immediately after the last autumn event to prevent dirt from setting in over winter.
2. Inspect Every Seams, Stitch, and Surface
Method:
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Run your hand along all seams and stitching, checking for loose threads or small holes.
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Look for abrasion or thinning PVC, particularly in slide areas or steps.
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Check for any de-lamination or bubbling, signs the material is weakening.
Benefits:
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Early detection of wear prevents larger, costlier repairs later
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Ensures the inflatable remains safe and compliant for customer use
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Avoids downtime during peak season bookings
✅ DIY solution: Use our PVC Repair Kits for small repairs before storing inflatables.
3. Store Smartly and Protect Your Stock
Method:
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Choose a cool, dry space away from damp basements or direct sunlight.
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Fold inflatables loosely—avoid sharp creases—and store off the floor if possible.
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Cover with a storage bag (BetterBounce covers here) or protective sheet.Benefits:
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Prevents mildew, fading, and accidental tears
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Keeps inflatables ready for rapid deployment in December/January
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Reduces long-term wear, saving money on replacements
✅ Pro tip: If possible, keep inflatables slightly inflated for a few hours to allow creases to relax before storage.
4. Maintain Your Accessories
Method:
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Inspect blowers for dirt, dust, or blockages in the air intake.
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Check cables and plugs for damage.
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Clean props and ramps with mild detergent and allow to dry fully.
Benefits:
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Reliable performance at events
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Reduces risk of blower failure mid-hire
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Extends lifespan of expensive equipment
5. Keep Insurance, Safety, and Certifications Current
Method:
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Check PIPA, PAT tests, and annual inspections.
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Update risk assessments and insurance certificates during downtime.
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Schedule professional inspections if required.
Benefits:
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Avoids legal or compliance issues when bookings restart
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Demonstrates professionalism to clients
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Protects you and your staff from accidents or claims
6. Fix Minor Repairs Before Spring
Method:
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Patch small holes or seam tears immediately.
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Replace worn straps, buckles, or handles.
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Service blowers, check wheels, and replace worn parts.
Benefits:
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Prevents small issues from escalating into costly downtime
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Keeps inflatables safe and visually appealing
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Ensures you’re ready for the first Christmas or corporate booking
✅ BetterBounce tip: Winter is cheaper for professional repairs due to quieter schedules.
7. Rodent Prevention
Method:
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Seal all gaps in storage rooms.
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Place rodent-repellent sachets or ultrasonic devices nearby (not touching inflatables).
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Avoid storing food near inflatables.
Benefits:
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Prevents costly chew damage and ruined PVC
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Reduces need for emergency repairs before peak season
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Maintains hygiene and professionalism
8. Plan Your Seasonal Calendar
Method:
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Map out your stock and bookings for corporate events, schools, and shopping centres.
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Identify gaps in equipment and schedule maintenance accordingly.
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Prepare festive inflatables for November launches, school parties at the end of November, and retail staffing events in December-January.
Benefits:
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Avoids double-booking or missing high-demand periods
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Helps forecast revenue and workload efficiently
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Reduces last-minute stress for staff and clients
9. Train Staff and Refresh Procedures
Method:
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Run training sessions on setup, takedown, and safety protocols.
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Update your operator manuals and checklists.
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Role-play customer scenarios and emergency handling.
Benefits:
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Ensures smoother, faster setups at events
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Reduces accidents and damage
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Enhances customer satisfaction and repeat bookings
10. Winter SEO: Your Hidden Advantage
Method:
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Update product pages, including Christmas and seasonal inflatables.
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Write blogs with targeted keywords like:
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“Christmas inflatables for hire”
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“Bouncy castles for hire UK”
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“Santa inflatable slide”
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“Reindeer rodeo inflatable”
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Build backlinks from local directories and event-related sites.
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Optimise Google Business Profile, meta titles, and internal links.
Benefits:
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Gives you a head start over competitors before the busy season
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Increases visibility for corporate clients, schools, and shopping centres searching early
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Drives bookings even before your marketing campaigns start
✅ Pro tip: SEO done in winter compounds through the season, meaning your website attracts more inquiries without extra ad spend.
BetterBounce Winter Prep Essentials
Winter doesn’t have to mean slow business. Clean, repair, organise, and optimise your online presence, and your inflatables—and your bookings—will be ready to impress from November right through the festive season.
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