Ads by Wholesale Inflatable

How much lift does an 8 ft. balloon have?
Helium lifts about 1oz. for every cubic foot of helium, and an 8 ft balloon holds about 240 cu. ft. of helium, for a lifting capacity of approximately 15 lbs. For net lift, subtract the weight of the balloon and rope.
Our average 8 ft balloon weighs about 8 lbs. for a net lift of roughly 7 pounds. Added graphics will reduce the net lift even further. Air pressure and temperature will also affect your balloons lifting capacity.

How much helium do I need?
An 8 ft. balloon requires about 240 cu. ft. or one large bottle from a welding supply store. Note: the amount of helium in a bottle can vary from 200-250 cu. ft. depending on air pressure and temperature.

What if I run out of helium before my balloon is filled?
If your balloon has enough lift to fly, you can use a leaf blower or vacuum to finish filling the balloon. The added "cold air" won't provide any additional lift, but it will help to fill out the balloon. Note: adding 'cold air" will reduce net lifting capacity and may make your balloon fly poorly.

Do I need any special tools to fill my balloon?
No, you can fill your balloon directly from the tank, but we highly recommend purchasing a Wholesale Inflatable, fill kit which comes with the correct fittings and a fill tube, which makes filling much easier.

How much does it cost to fill?
Helium is a by-product of oil and gas exploration. If you live in an oil producing state, the cost will be less, and conversely the further away, the more you will pay. Currently a large bottle of Helium ranges from $75-$150 depending on where you live.

Where can I buy helium?
Check your local Yellow pages under "welding supplies" for a dealer in your area.

Can I fill my balloon with regular air?
Yes. Regular or "cold air" can be used to fill your balloon, but it won't provide any lift. The most common method of filling with "cold air" is by using a leaf blower or vacuum.

How do I fill my balloon?
First attach your balloon to the rope, with either a Mondo "quick release", or by tying a knot where the attachments points come together. Then secure the rope with enough slack to allow the balloon to float just above your head. Never attach the rope with the full length slack. If your balloon "gets away", it can develop tremendous momentum and grabbing the rope can cause severe burns or injury. There's been more than one balloon get away from it's owner during inflating! If you have the Wholesale Inflatable fill kit, attach it to the bottle, and then insert the fill tube into the neck of the balloon, Open the valve slowly, being sure the neck doesn't become twisted, which can cause a blow out. As your balloon fills, hold securely by the attachment ropes. Never hold by the neck. Once full, simply twist the neck, and tie a simple half knot and your 're ready to fly! If your design includes a plug and cap, insert the plug and screw on the twist cap before tying the neck. Since helium rises, it's not necessary to tie extremely tight.

Your new balloon is equipped with attachment ropes which come together in a knot at the bottom. Simply tie a 1/8' rope to the knot and the other end to a secure pint on the ground. Hint: If you are flying in a "tight" area, use multiple secure grounds points, with one in each direction of the compass, The extra ground points will add extra security in the chance of a wind shift.

Are giant balloons safe?
Yes, Giant balloons are enjoyed by thousands of people worldwide, but there are a few things to remember: Always use adult supervision. Keep away from small children and babies. Never Inhale helium. Never fly near power lines. Never allow the rope to become slack while the balloon is ascending. A balloon ascending at 1000' per minute creates a lot of force and you don't want the rope wrapped around your finger! Never fly in high winds. Imagine trying to hold an 8' sheet of plywood in a strong wind!

How high will it fly?

As a balloon rises, it encounters decreasing air pressure which causes the balloon to expand. For this reason, meteorological balloons are generally made from rubber allowing them to expand and reach a higher altitude without bursting. Since our balloons are designed for advertising purposes and general pleasure, PVC is a much better alternative, because it is repairable and re-usable, but we can safely say, your balloon will be far out of site before it burst! Note: Balloons are subject to FAA regulations. If you are near an airport, check FAA guidelines before flying.

How long will my balloon fly?
Normal flying time is 2-4 days, but we've seen balloons fly for 2 weeks with no additional helium, and we've also seen them attacked by angry hornets the minute they begin flying. On average, expect to "top off' your balloon every day or so. Helium is a very small atom and can migrate through PVC. Flying time also varies with temperature and atmospheric conditions. Higher temperatures will result in shorter flying times.

How long will my balloon last?

It depends on how well it's cared for. Here are some tips in caring for your new balloon. Lower your balloon every evening and store in inside if possible, if not, be sure your balloon is safely secured low to the ground. After flying, carefully remove all helium, by folding from top to bottom, forcing helium out the neck. Place balloon in storage bag, and store in cool dry area. Adding a bit of talcum powder will keep your balloon fresh and dry, plus helps eliminate sticking. With proper care, your balloon will last for years.

How do I extend my balloons flying time?
Mix a small amount of dish washing soap with water and slosh around inside prior to filling. The soap will aid in detecting leaks and help seal the pores of PVC. Be sure to remove all liquid before flying.

What is the maximum wind for my balloon?
We recommend flying your balloon in light to variable winds with a maximum wind speed of 15mph. Your surroundings will determine how much wind is safe. If you're in the desert, or open area, higher wind speeds may be possible, but if your are in an urban area with surrounding buildings, lighter winds are recommended. As a rule of thumb. Never fly your balloon higher than the nearest object.

Why are giant balloons so expensive?
We use only the finest materials in our balloons which makes them re-usable an repairable, as a result our balloons will last last for years compared to a rubber balloon which is only good for one use. We can also do custom graphics and logos which isn't possible on Latex balloons.

Can I fill my balloon with Hydrogen?
No! Hydrogen is extremely flammable and can cause severe harm to you and those nearby. The Hindenburg, was filled with hydrogen!

Can you make custom balloons?

Yes, we manufacture balloons in all shapes sizes and colors. Contact our sales department at sales@wholesaleinflatable.com for more details.

Is my balloon repairable?

Yes. First locate the hole, and clean the area using mild soap and water. After drying, cut a piece of clear PVC tape and place over the puncture both inside and out. Since your balloon is also made of PVC, your balloon will be good as new. Repair Video

What if my city doesn't allow balloons?

Check city ordinances before flying. Some cities may have height and size limitations. We also offer authentic flag designs which may be exempt. Even if you can't fly with helium, we have lots of people who use our balloons for ground and indoor displays.

Can my balloon be illuminated?
Yes. The easiest method is to use a small fluorescent, or LED flashlight, and insert it into the neck of the balloon. More elaborate methods of lighting can be used, but we recommend not using house type current or bulbs generating enough heat to melt the PVC.