What to Do Before the Water Slide Rental Company Arrives

A little prep makes setup fast and safe. Before your water slide arrives, clear a flat area the size of the slide, make sure a water spigot and power outlet are within reach, unlock gate and driveway access for the crew, and mark any sprinkler heads or hazards. Ten minutes of prep is all it takes.

1. Clear and measure the setup area

Pick a flat, open spot and clear it of toys, rocks, sticks, pet waste, and anything sharp. Know roughly how much room your slide needs — a compact Lil' Splash Junior or Fiesta Splash 16 fits a modest yard, while a giant Tidal Tower 27 or Mega Monsoon 28 needs more space and overhead clearance. Not sure it'll fit? Ask us and check our answers hub.

2. Check water and power access

Make sure a garden-hose spigot reaches the setup area and a grounded outlet is within about 100 feet — see do water slides need electricity. No outlet nearby? Arrange a generator with us ahead of time.

3. Clear a path for delivery

Our crew rolls in heavy, bulky equipment, so unlock the gate (ideally 3–4 ft wide), move cars out of the driveway, and clear the side yard. The easier the access, the faster the setup.

4. Mark any hazards

Flag sprinkler heads, septic lids, shallow utility lines, low branches, and pet areas so the crew can anchor safely and avoid surprises.

5. Get the party essentials ready

Set out towels, sunscreen, and a water station, and decide who the adult supervisor will be for the day (every rental needs one). This is also a good time to review what's included in a water slide rental.

6. Confirm your details

Have someone home to show the crew the exact spot, confirm your arrival window and final headcount, and note the payment method you ticked on your quote so everything's ready to finalize.

FAQ

Do I need to be home for delivery? Yes — someone should be there to point out the setup spot and confirm details. The crew handles the rest.

What if my yard is sloped or uneven? Tell us in advance; slight slopes are usually fine, and we'll pick the best, safest spot on arrival.

Do I need to mow the lawn first? Shorter grass makes for a cleaner setup and easier anchoring — a quick mow the day before helps.

How early does the crew arrive? We schedule delivery to have the slide inflated, anchored, and safety-checked before your event start time.

Ready to book? Tell us your date and venue and we'll take care of delivery, setup, and pickup. Browse our water slides or request a free quote. Big Wave Slides — delivered, set up, and fully insured, nationwide, from $199/day. Planning a birthday party? We've got you covered.