Product dimensions and measurements.

The first thing to realize is that all products are measured deflated and their size is shown in an deflated state.
Such a measurement is the simplest. The diameter in the inflated state is not specified or guaranteed by any manufacturer. After inflation, the diameter of the products depends on many factors. Therefore, the marking of the size of products in an deflated state has become established among manufacturers and suppliers.

Product measurement in an uninflated state. The product does not have straightened edges and is not loaded due to straightening.
Product measurement in an uninflated state. In this case the product does not have straightened edges and is not loaded due to straightening.

Comparing and measuring the sizes of PVC products is a complex issue.

Measurement of deflated products:

The finished product is difficult to accurately align in the deflated state for measurement purposes.
For the correct measurement procedure, it is necessary to align the entire product on a flat surface. Align and load the edges of the products. It is at the edges of the products that there are welds. If the welds are not exactly aligned on both sides, a measurement error will occur. Note that the width of the welds used by different manufacturers can also vary from 2 to 4 cm. Therefore, the width of the weld can also affect the overall size of the products.
Therefore, when measuring, a difference in tolerance of +-3cm (converted to inches +-1.18″) can be usually measured.
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Measurement and comparison of inflated products:

NOTE: Newly inflated products will shrink from their original uninflated size.
For a 42″ product, inflating reduces its size to approximately 37-38″
For a 48″ product, inflating reduces its size to approximately 43-44″
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New products of one size and one brand have very small – practically immeasurable differencies in amateur conditions after being inflated with the same prescribed pressure.
Comparison of products of different colors, same size 42" and one GT model. The products are inflated to exactly the same pressure of 3 kPa. The differences in size are immeasurable.
Comparison of products of different colors, same size 42″ and one GT model. The products are inflated to exactly the same pressure of 3 kPa. The differences in size are immeasurable.

In order for comparative measurements to be relevant, it is necessary to observe:

1. Compare products that have exactly the same inflation pressure. For example 3 kPa. Read more about the proper inflation pressure.
Do not exceed the recommended pressure! Use accurate gauges designed for measuring pressure in PVC products!
2. To compare only, for example, new products. Long time inflated used old products will increase dimensions over time.
Comparing the size of the inflated old and new product will be wrong!
3. Compare only products from the same material thickness! A product made of material with a thickness of 0.75 mm will increase its volume more at the same pressure than a product made of material with a thickness of 1.00 mm.
4. Compare only products of one model series or one producer: for example ZT, GT, BT or RT. Different manufacturers use slightly different materials that may have different elasticity and use different manufacturing technologies.
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Inflated products can change their size depending on:

1. the pressure with which they are inflated,
2. from the length of use. Products also change their size due to the action of solar UV radiation, which causes degradation and softening of the material,
3. from the chemical composition of the water (disinfectants, chlorine compounds), which gradually degrade the material.
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Due to the influence of these factors, the dimensions of the inflated products usually increase over time.
Example of change in size of 48" products by pressure over time.
Example of change in size of 48″ products by pressure over time.

Our GT and BT series inflatable products are manufactured using a manual hot air welding process. Thanks to this, manual welding is much more durable than machine welding. However, manual work can affect slight deviations in the resulting dimensions.

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Materials are cut in production with a special computer-controlled cutting plotter.
Therefore, the dimension of materials of one size and one brand is practically the same with very small deviations.
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In case of more detailed measurement questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
If you need to know the dimensions of the deflated and inflated products in advance, ask us! We will make measurements and photo documentation with information about the method of measurement and the pressure used! You will save yourself unnecessary misunderstandings regarding measurements.
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It is important for you to know the exact dimensions of the products if your water slides are built for certain dimensions of the products to be used in them.