How to Inflate, Deflate, Store & Care for Your Inflatable Balls

How to Inflate Your Big Shiny Balls®

What You Need

We recommend The Pump, which is made for our balls and can both inflate and deflate them within minutes.

Do not use: High-pressure air compressors, tire inflators, or any pump that doesn't allow you to control airflow. These can over-pressurize and damage the seams.

Step-by-Step Inflation

1. Unpack and unfold. Lay the ball flat on a clean surface. If it's been stored folded, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the material.
2. Locate the valve and connect the pump.
3. Inflate slowly. Turn on the pump and inflate until the ball is firm but not rock-hard. You should be able to press the surface slightly with your hand. Over-inflation puts unnecessary stress on seams.
4. Seal the valve. Remove the pump and close the valve straight away. A properly sealed valve holds air for weeks to months.

Inflation Time by Size

• 20 inches: 1–2 minutes
• 2–3 feet: 2–4 minutes
• 4–6 feet: 5–8 minutes
• 8–10 feet: 8–15 minutes

How to Deflate Your Big Shiny Balls®

1. Open the valve. The Pump can also help draw the air out.
2. Press gently. Apply light pressure to help air escape. Don't stand or sit on the ball — controlled deflation preserves the seams.
3. Roll from the opposite end. Once most air is out, roll the ball from the end opposite the valve toward the valve opening. This pushes remaining air out efficiently.
4. Fold flat. Once fully deflated, fold the ball flat for storage. Avoid sharp creases — gentle folds preserve the chrome finish.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Routine Cleaning

After each use (especially outdoor events), wipe down with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water. This removes dust, fingerprints, and any debris that could scratch the metallic finish over time.

For chrome/metallic finishes: Use a microfiber cloth to avoid micro-scratches. The chrome surface shows marks more than matte finishes, so gentle handling during cleaning matters.

For matte finishes: Any soft cloth works. Matte surfaces are more forgiving with cleaning.

What NOT to Use

• No solvents or chemicals: Acetone, rubbing alcohol, bleach, and strong cleaning chemicals can damage the PVC and strip the metallic finish.
• No abrasive pads or brushes: These can permanently scratch the chrome surface.
• No pressure washers: The high-pressure water can damage seams and valve seals.

Removing Stubborn Marks

For scuffs or marks that don't come off with soap and water, try a small amount of baby oil on a microfiber cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Storage

Short-Term (Between Events)

If you're using the balls again within a few weeks, you can leave them inflated. Store in a room-temperature space away from direct sunlight and sharp objects. UV exposure over time can fade metallic finishes, so indoor storage is preferred.

Long-Term Storage

1. Clean and dry completely before storing (moisture trapped in folds can cause mildew).
2. Deflate fully following the steps above.
3. Fold gently — avoid sharp creases that could crack the metallic finish.
4. Store flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.
5. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sharp objects.
6. A storage bag or bin protects against dust and accidental punctures.

Temperature Considerations

If stored inflated in a space with significant temperature swings (garage, outdoor shed), check inflation levels periodically and top off if needed. Extreme cold (below freezing) can make PVC stiffer — let the material warm to room temperature before handling to prevent cracking.

Repair

Finding a Leak

If a ball is slowly losing air:

1. Check the valve first. Make sure it's fully sealed.
2. The soap test. Mix soap and water, apply to the surface with a sponge, and look for bubbles forming at the leak point.
3. Listen. In a quiet room, you can often hear air escaping from a small puncture.

Patching a Puncture

Small punctures (from pins, thorns, rough surfaces) can often be repaired:

1. Deflate the ball.
2. Clean the area around the puncture with soap and water. Dry completely.
3. Apply a standard PVC patch kit (available at pool supply stores or online). Cut the patch to cover the puncture with at least 1 inch of overlap on all sides.
4. Apply adhesive per the patch kit instructions and press firmly. Let cure for 24 hours before re-inflating.

For larger tears or seam damage: Contact the Big Shiny Balls® team. Some damage is repairable; for significant tears, a replacement may be more practical.

Outdoor Use Tips

Wind

Use the D-ring attachment points to secure balls with stakes or sandbags. A gust can easily move an unsecured 6 ft ball, so always anchor outdoor installations. See our outdoor setup guide for more.

Rain

Rain won't damage the balls, but water pooling on top of upward-facing valves can potentially seep in. Position valves downward in long-term outdoor setups, or simply wipe dry after rain.

Sun

Extended direct sunlight (months of continuous exposure) can gradually fade metallic finishes. Rotate balls periodically if possible, and store out of direct sun when not in active use.