Floating Docks: Inspire Your Water Leisure
When you hear the word “inflatable” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Children toys? Pool toys? No its Floats? That’s not even half of it. At Inflatable Island, there are enough inflatables to last you a lifetime. From inflatable slides, inflatable toys, floating rafts, anything and everything else you can imagine. Here we will be providing your ultimate guide to inflatables. You’ll learn everything there is to know about inflatables including the different types of inflatables, how to maintain and store them, and even some tips on inflation.
Types of Floating Inflatables:
When talking about inflatables, many different images come to mind. To make it simple, we can define inflatables as any object that can be inflated with gasses such as air, helium, and nitrogen. The type of inflatables we will be discussing in this article are inflatables that can be used in the pool, waterparks, and in emergency situations.
Inflatable Floats
You’re never too old to enjoy inflatable floats for both adults and kids. Here are a few of our favourites:
Inflatable Beach/Pool Balls
An inflatable that anyone can enjoy, no matter the venue. These are great for all ages and easy to carry around. Conventional volleyballs can also be considered inflatable since they need to be inflated but designated beach and pool balls are great for on the go. They are collapsible so you can fit them anywhere, and they can easily be inflated with or without a pump.
Inflatable floats and Rafts
Inflatable floats, or pool tubes are great water accessories that can enhance your pool or water park experience. These are great for those looking to lounge and sunbathe, or even for those who need support while swimming. Pool floats and inflatable life vests are great options for the little ones.
There are a variety of different pool rafts available on the market, from inflatable rafts for kids, to floating rafts for adults, and even fun rafts for photoshoots such as the popular swan pool raft. There are even multifunctional rafts such as designated cupholder rafts, floating cooler rafts, and raft holders for the swimming pool.
Inflatable Pool Floats
There are many inflatable pool toys on the market and for different age groups. These toys can be used in the pool, the beach, and even at water parks. To add to the list of inflatable fun are inflatable pools. Not everyone can have a pool built into their home. An inflatable pool is a great option for those looking for a pool day but don’t have a pool of their own. They are easy to manage, assemble, take apart, and no commitment or maintenance is needed. Inflate when using and deflate when finished.
There are a variety of different inflatable pools to choose from large pools for family fun, to shallow kiddie pools which require less supervision. You can even use an inflatable pool as a raft in a larger pool, granted that the flooring is also inflated. The possibilities are endless.
Inflatable Attractions and Units
Aside from inflatable water toys that you can take with you on the go, there are also a number of inflatable attractions, equipment, or installations on the market. These are commonly seen in inflatable water parks such as at Inflatable Island. These can include a variety of different types of inflatable water slides, water park trampolines, wave simulators, inflatable obstacle courses, and more.
Some of the most popular inflatable obstacle courses include a variety of different units such as inflatable islands, slides, and mazes. The best thing about these types of equipment is that they can be used wet, dry, or wet and dry. This makes for more family fun and is suitable for all ages.
Emergency Rafts
Emergency rafts are used during unwanted events like floods and during typhoons to rescue stranded people. It comes in many shapes and sizes, it depends on the budget and manufacturer. Emergency rafts have a first aid kit and other things for emergencies. It can also survive in strong winds and heavy rain because it has a material like water ballasted stability bags to maintain the balance of it during rough weather.
Inflatable Boats
Aside from water toys, water slides, and emergency rafts, there also exists a variety of different types of inflatable boats. There are many different models for different purposes ranging from recreational, sport, and functional use such as fishing. Unlike conventional inflatable water equipment, inflatable boats are made from heavy duty rubber that is made to last and withstand different obstacles and conditions depending on what type of boat it is.
When you hear the word “inflatable” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Children toys? Pool toys? No its Floats? That’s not even half of it. At Inflatable Island, there are enough inflatables to last you a lifetime. From inflatable slides, inflatable toys, floating rafts, anything and everything else you can imagine. Here we will be providing your ultimate guide to inflatables. You’ll learn everything there is to know about inflatables including the different types of inflatables, how to maintain and store them, and even some tips on inflation.
Types of Floating Inflatables:
When talking about inflatables, many different images come to mind. To make it simple, we can define inflatables as any object that can be inflated with gasses such as air, helium, and nitrogen. The type of inflatables we will be discussing in this article are inflatables that can be used in the pool, waterparks, and in emergency situations.
Inflatable Floats
You’re never too old to enjoy inflatable floats for both adults and kids. Here are a few of our favourites:
Inflatable Beach/Pool Balls
An inflatable that anyone can enjoy, no matter the venue. These are great for all ages and easy to carry around. Conventional volleyballs can also be considered inflatable since they need to be inflated but designated beach and pool balls are great for on the go. They are collapsible so you can fit them anywhere, and they can easily be inflated with or without a pump.
Inflatable floats and Rafts
Inflatable floats, or pool tubes are great water accessories that can enhance your pool or water park experience. These are great for those looking to lounge and sunbathe, or even for those who need support while swimming. Pool floats and inflatable life vests are great options for the little ones.
There are a variety of different pool rafts available on the market, from inflatable rafts for kids, to floating rafts for adults, and even fun rafts for photoshoots such as the popular swan pool raft. There are even multifunctional rafts such as designated cupholder rafts, floating cooler rafts, and raft holders for the swimming pool.
Inflatable Pool Floats
There are many inflatable pool toys on the market and for different age groups. These toys can be used in the pool, the beach, and even at water parks. To add to the list of inflatable fun are inflatable pools. Not everyone can have a pool built into their home. An inflatable pool is a great option for those looking for a pool day but don’t have a pool of their own. They are easy to manage, assemble, take apart, and no commitment or maintenance is needed. Inflate when using and deflate when finished.
There are a variety of different inflatable pools to choose from large pools for family fun, to shallow kiddie pools which require less supervision. You can even use an inflatable pool as a raft in a larger pool, granted that the flooring is also inflated. The possibilities are endless.
Inflatable Attractions and Units
Aside from inflatable water toys that you can take with you on the go, there are also a number of inflatable attractions, equipment, or installations on the market. These are commonly seen in inflatable water parks such as at Inflatable Island. These can include a variety of different types of inflatable water slides, water park trampolines, wave simulators, inflatable obstacle courses, and more.
Some of the most popular inflatable obstacle courses include a variety of different units such as inflatable islands, slides, and mazes. The best thing about these types of equipment is that they can be used wet, dry, or wet and dry. This makes for more family fun and is suitable for all ages.
Emergency Rafts
Emergency rafts are used during unwanted events like floods and during typhoons to rescue stranded people. It comes in many shapes and sizes, it depends on the budget and manufacturer. Emergency rafts have a first aid kit and other things for emergencies. It can also survive in strong winds and heavy rain because it has a material like water ballasted stability bags to maintain the balance of it during rough weather.
Inflatable Boats
Aside from water toys, water slides, and emergency rafts, there also exists a variety of different types of inflatable boats. There are many different models for different purposes ranging from recreational, sport, and functional use such as fishing. Unlike conventional inflatable water equipment, inflatable boats are made from heavy duty rubber that is made to last and withstand different obstacles and conditions depending on what type of boat it is.
Inflatable Rafts
Standard inflatable rafts are different from emergency inflatable rafts in terms of material and purpose. Emergency rafts are meant to withstand emergency conditions such as sea conditions. Whereas regular inflatable rafts are recreational and come in different packages and materials depending on the type of recreational activities and the level of rigour of your activity.
Heavy duty inflatable rafts are great for recreational use such as lounging in lakes and light fishing. Some of them even come with paddles for better control and maneuverability.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are one of the most popular in terms of inflatable boats and serve many purposes. Like inflatable rafts they are also made for recreational use but the difference is the construction, shape, and overall durability. Inflatable kayaks are known for having more solid and stable foundations and being harder to tip over, without sacrificing the portability when they are not inflated. They are great for solo or two people adventures and for more rigid water terrains with stronger currents.
Inflatable Dinghy
These boats are also known as inflatable water-sport boats and differ from those above in the sense that they are motorized. The great thing about these boats is that they are effective, versatile, and do not sacrifice portability as the main body is still inflatable and deflatable. These boats use smaller motors in order to operate and come with different options in terms of flooring and seating capacity. These are great for cruising around calm waters, transporting between boats, and in some cases, even light sea use.
Rigid Inflatable Boats
RIB's, as they are known, are very similar to the inflatable dinghy but take aspects from conventional boats and merge the two together. Without a doubt, these are the most heavy duty boats under the inflatable boat section and have a variety of different versatile and heavy duty features. Where they differ the most, is in terms of portability and convenience.
Unlike the other types of inflatable boats, these are not portable, and non collapsible. They take up as much space as a regular small boat would. They have a heavy duty under side exterior, motor, and some even have instalments for hard seating and flooring. These boats are ideal for speed, water-sports, and even light surveillance out on sea.
How to Blow up Your Inflatable
Just like how there are many different types of inflatables across different categories and purposes, there are also many different ways to blow up your inflatables. From electric pumps to good old fashioned DIY methods, there’s something for everyone.
Valve Check
The first thing you will want to do is check the valve on your inflatable. This refers to the opening where air comes in and out. Bigger inflatables sometimes come with one way valves where air will not come out unless you change the setting for it to. Standard toys usually have a two way valve where air will come in and out if not closed. Knowing what kind of valve your inflatables have will help you choose which method to use to blow up your inflatables.
Lung Power
This method is not always the most time efficient and takes a lot of energy. Nevertheless it is still effective in terms of blowing up smaller inflatable toys such as beach balls and smaller pool tubes. If you’ve ever blown up a balloon, you will find that this method is quite similar. The trick is to take in a lot of air, take your time, and do not exert too much force at a time.
At the entry point of the inflatable you are going to want to make sure you have a good access and pinch point. This way you can take breaks in between blowing up the inflatable, without losing air. It is also advisable to keep it as dry as possible. Nobody wants saliva over their pool toys- and losing traction between your lips and the airway can delay the process.
Pumps
Not everyone has lungs strong enough to blow up their inflatables themselves. Even then, not all inflatables can be blown up on just lung power alone. In this case you can use a pump to blow up your inflatables. Even in this case, there are still many different pumps to choose from in order to target what you need in terms of your inflatable. Portability, speed, convenience are all factors to consider when looking for the right pump to use.
Manual Pumps
Manual pumps are also known as hand pumps and are exactly what it sounds like- pumps you can use with just your hands. These are typically used for balloons, and can be used on your beach balls and other small inflatables such as pool tubes and floats. Most pumps already have built in nozzles or attachments compatible for your inflatable. In this case all you have to do is align the nozzle with the airway and use the pump to move air into your inflatable. Manual pumps still require time and energy, but are much faster and more effective than standard lung power. Most of them are small and compact so you can inflate your toys on the go.
Bicycle Pumps
Just like hand pumps, we also have foot pumps. These are not as portable as hand pumps as they can be bulkier, but they still get the job done. Bike pumps can be used on beach balls, inflatable toys, and can even work on smaller inflatable pools. To operate, you push down or use your feet to pump air into the inflatable. Bike pumps can exert more air at a time than regular hand pumps, but will require that you buy an attachment so that the nozzle will be compatible with the main airway of the inflatable.
Electric Air Pumps
Electric air pumps are the fastest to use out of the three but come at a higher cost and in different packages.There are different types of electric air pumps on the market and not all of them are suitable for inflatables. Some are even designed just for aquariums, so it is important that you know what type of electric air pump you are looking for. Generally, you would use an electric air pump for bigger inflatables such as larger inflatable pools, water slides, rafts, boats, and anything else that requires consistent air flow in order to properly and quickly inflate.
Battery Powered Air Pumps
Similar to electrical air pumps, battery powered pumps are powered and are stronger than conventional manual ways of blowing up inflatables. With a battery powered pump, all you have to do is follow the same procedures by aligning the nozzle with the airway and powering the device on. The benefits of battery powered air pumps is that they are still as efficient and can be taken on the go without having to worry about tripping on chords.
Alternative Inflatable Rafts Inflation Methods
If you don’t have a pump at home, there are still many different hacks and home remedies that you can use to blow up your inflatables. These hacks are easy and cost effective quick fixes that you’ll wish you thought of sooner.
Air Compressor
If you happen to have an air compressor in your garage, it can double as a quick fix replacement for an air pump. While the two are not the same, they both can get the job done in terms of blowing up an inflatable. The main difference is that a pump takes air and moves it or pushes it from one place to another.
Whereas an air compressor takes energy and transforms or converts it into a smaller amount of air. These are often used for automobiles and in similar parts. Nonetheless, if you already had one lying around, then you could use it for a makeshift pump and still get similar results to an electric air pump.
Leaf Blower
If you do not have an air compressor lying around, then you can use a leaf blower. This is a quick and easy fix and a great way to get more use out of your blower. There are a variety of different types of leaf blowers at different sizes and capabilities but nonetheless, they all get the job done in terms of blowing up an inflatable. Simply align the nozzle with the opening of the inflatable and turn your blower on. If the nozzle of your leaf blower isn’t compatible you can use alternative nozzles such as a funnel or make one yourself.
Vacuum Cleaner
If you don’t have a leaf blower, then an even more convenient fix is your vacuum cleaner. Standard vacuum cleaners work fine, but a shop vac is even better. Most vacuum cleaners have the option to blow out air instead of sucking it in. You will want to use this option in order to blow up your inflatable. Shop vacs are great because they have the tube ready and similar to the leaf blower fix, you can use a funnel to make the nozzle more compatible with your inflatable.
Hair Dryer
Another easy fix is using a hair dryer. Hair dryers are easier to use because they are handheld and more common among households. However, this is just a quick fix and not advisable if you are constantly blowing up inflatables. You will also want to use a blow dryer that has a cold air option because a heated blow dryer can cause damage to the inflatable or the dryer itself being in such close contact with materials such as rubber.
Unlike the leaf blower or vacuum hose, a blow dryer has a noticeably large nozzle that might not be compatible with even a nozzle. The trick is to find the right position over the opening of the inflatable. Once you find this spot, your inflatable should blow up at a steady pace. This hack is great for smaller inflatables such as beach balls, pool toys, and even small inflatable tubes. Anything bigger, you will want to find an air source with a narrower outlet for more concentrated air flow.
Large Plastic Bag
Yes, you can even blow up your inflatable using a large plastic bag. Keep in mind that you will need additional help to close the opening, or a one way valve. This method is very simple and can be applied anywhere. Simply create a closing in your bag and make sure that it is filled with air. Then you will want to wrap the bag around the opening and squeeze the air out. What this does is mimic the movements of a manual hand pump by taking air and moving it from the outside and into the inflatable. This is a great emergency hack and can be used on rafts and even air beds.
Conclusion
All in all, inflatables are a great way to add to your beach, pool, or waterpark experience. As you can see, there are many different types of inflatables and for different uses across different water terrains. Some are portable, some are just for fun, and some are functional. Either way, all can contribute to family fun!
Standard inflatable rafts are different from emergency inflatable rafts in terms of material and purpose. Emergency rafts are meant to withstand emergency conditions such as sea conditions. Whereas regular inflatable rafts are recreational and come in different packages and materials depending on the type of recreational activities and the level of rigour of your activity.
Heavy duty inflatable rafts are great for recreational use such as lounging in lakes and light fishing. Some of them even come with paddles for better control and maneuverability.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are one of the most popular in terms of inflatable boats and serve many purposes. Like inflatable rafts they are also made for recreational use but the difference is the construction, shape, and overall durability. Inflatable kayaks are known for having more solid and stable foundations and being harder to tip over, without sacrificing the portability when they are not inflated. They are great for solo or two people adventures and for more rigid water terrains with stronger currents.
Inflatable Dinghy
These boats are also known as inflatable water-sport boats and differ from those above in the sense that they are motorized. The great thing about these boats is that they are effective, versatile, and do not sacrifice portability as the main body is still inflatable and deflatable. These boats use smaller motors in order to operate and come with different options in terms of flooring and seating capacity. These are great for cruising around calm waters, transporting between boats, and in some cases, even light sea use.
Rigid Inflatable Boats
RIB's, as they are known, are very similar to the inflatable dinghy but take aspects from conventional boats and merge the two together. Without a doubt, these are the most heavy duty boats under the inflatable boat section and have a variety of different versatile and heavy duty features. Where they differ the most, is in terms of portability and convenience.
Unlike the other types of inflatable boats, these are not portable, and non collapsible. They take up as much space as a regular small boat would. They have a heavy duty under side exterior, motor, and some even have instalments for hard seating and flooring. These boats are ideal for speed, water-sports, and even light surveillance out on sea.
How to Blow up Your Inflatable
Just like how there are many different types of inflatables across different categories and purposes, there are also many different ways to blow up your inflatables. From electric pumps to good old fashioned DIY methods, there’s something for everyone.
Valve Check
The first thing you will want to do is check the valve on your inflatable. This refers to the opening where air comes in and out. Bigger inflatables sometimes come with one way valves where air will not come out unless you change the setting for it to. Standard toys usually have a two way valve where air will come in and out if not closed. Knowing what kind of valve your inflatables have will help you choose which method to use to blow up your inflatables.
Lung Power
This method is not always the most time efficient and takes a lot of energy. Nevertheless it is still effective in terms of blowing up smaller inflatable toys such as beach balls and smaller pool tubes. If you’ve ever blown up a balloon, you will find that this method is quite similar. The trick is to take in a lot of air, take your time, and do not exert too much force at a time.
At the entry point of the inflatable you are going to want to make sure you have a good access and pinch point. This way you can take breaks in between blowing up the inflatable, without losing air. It is also advisable to keep it as dry as possible. Nobody wants saliva over their pool toys- and losing traction between your lips and the airway can delay the process.
Pumps
Not everyone has lungs strong enough to blow up their inflatables themselves. Even then, not all inflatables can be blown up on just lung power alone. In this case you can use a pump to blow up your inflatables. Even in this case, there are still many different pumps to choose from in order to target what you need in terms of your inflatable. Portability, speed, convenience are all factors to consider when looking for the right pump to use.
Manual Pumps
Manual pumps are also known as hand pumps and are exactly what it sounds like- pumps you can use with just your hands. These are typically used for balloons, and can be used on your beach balls and other small inflatables such as pool tubes and floats. Most pumps already have built in nozzles or attachments compatible for your inflatable. In this case all you have to do is align the nozzle with the airway and use the pump to move air into your inflatable. Manual pumps still require time and energy, but are much faster and more effective than standard lung power. Most of them are small and compact so you can inflate your toys on the go.
Bicycle Pumps
Just like hand pumps, we also have foot pumps. These are not as portable as hand pumps as they can be bulkier, but they still get the job done. Bike pumps can be used on beach balls, inflatable toys, and can even work on smaller inflatable pools. To operate, you push down or use your feet to pump air into the inflatable. Bike pumps can exert more air at a time than regular hand pumps, but will require that you buy an attachment so that the nozzle will be compatible with the main airway of the inflatable.
Electric Air Pumps
Electric air pumps are the fastest to use out of the three but come at a higher cost and in different packages.There are different types of electric air pumps on the market and not all of them are suitable for inflatables. Some are even designed just for aquariums, so it is important that you know what type of electric air pump you are looking for. Generally, you would use an electric air pump for bigger inflatables such as larger inflatable pools, water slides, rafts, boats, and anything else that requires consistent air flow in order to properly and quickly inflate.
Battery Powered Air Pumps
Similar to electrical air pumps, battery powered pumps are powered and are stronger than conventional manual ways of blowing up inflatables. With a battery powered pump, all you have to do is follow the same procedures by aligning the nozzle with the airway and powering the device on. The benefits of battery powered air pumps is that they are still as efficient and can be taken on the go without having to worry about tripping on chords.
Alternative Inflatable Rafts Inflation Methods
If you don’t have a pump at home, there are still many different hacks and home remedies that you can use to blow up your inflatables. These hacks are easy and cost effective quick fixes that you’ll wish you thought of sooner.
Air Compressor
If you happen to have an air compressor in your garage, it can double as a quick fix replacement for an air pump. While the two are not the same, they both can get the job done in terms of blowing up an inflatable. The main difference is that a pump takes air and moves it or pushes it from one place to another.
Whereas an air compressor takes energy and transforms or converts it into a smaller amount of air. These are often used for automobiles and in similar parts. Nonetheless, if you already had one lying around, then you could use it for a makeshift pump and still get similar results to an electric air pump.
Leaf Blower
If you do not have an air compressor lying around, then you can use a leaf blower. This is a quick and easy fix and a great way to get more use out of your blower. There are a variety of different types of leaf blowers at different sizes and capabilities but nonetheless, they all get the job done in terms of blowing up an inflatable. Simply align the nozzle with the opening of the inflatable and turn your blower on. If the nozzle of your leaf blower isn’t compatible you can use alternative nozzles such as a funnel or make one yourself.
Vacuum Cleaner
If you don’t have a leaf blower, then an even more convenient fix is your vacuum cleaner. Standard vacuum cleaners work fine, but a shop vac is even better. Most vacuum cleaners have the option to blow out air instead of sucking it in. You will want to use this option in order to blow up your inflatable. Shop vacs are great because they have the tube ready and similar to the leaf blower fix, you can use a funnel to make the nozzle more compatible with your inflatable.
Hair Dryer
Another easy fix is using a hair dryer. Hair dryers are easier to use because they are handheld and more common among households. However, this is just a quick fix and not advisable if you are constantly blowing up inflatables. You will also want to use a blow dryer that has a cold air option because a heated blow dryer can cause damage to the inflatable or the dryer itself being in such close contact with materials such as rubber.
Unlike the leaf blower or vacuum hose, a blow dryer has a noticeably large nozzle that might not be compatible with even a nozzle. The trick is to find the right position over the opening of the inflatable. Once you find this spot, your inflatable should blow up at a steady pace. This hack is great for smaller inflatables such as beach balls, pool toys, and even small inflatable tubes. Anything bigger, you will want to find an air source with a narrower outlet for more concentrated air flow.
Large Plastic Bag
Yes, you can even blow up your inflatable using a large plastic bag. Keep in mind that you will need additional help to close the opening, or a one way valve. This method is very simple and can be applied anywhere. Simply create a closing in your bag and make sure that it is filled with air. Then you will want to wrap the bag around the opening and squeeze the air out. What this does is mimic the movements of a manual hand pump by taking air and moving it from the outside and into the inflatable. This is a great emergency hack and can be used on rafts and even air beds.
Conclusion
All in all, inflatables are a great way to add to your beach, pool, or waterpark experience. As you can see, there are many different types of inflatables and for different uses across different water terrains. Some are portable, some are just for fun, and some are functional. Either way, all can contribute to family fun!
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