The questions that arrive after the box does.
Finding helium
Search for a welding-gas or industrial-gas supplier in your city. Every metropolitan area has several and they are used to small accounts that return monthly.
About $300 for a 200 cubic foot cylinder. Ask about cylinder rental terms on the first call, because that is the cost people forget and it turns up on the second invoice.
Knowing when to top off
At about one percent loss a day nothing fails suddenly. The envelope softens and the balloon rides lower on its tether.
Use that as your gauge rather than a calendar, and judge it in the warm part of the day. Cold makes gas contract, so a winter morning balloon looks softer than it actually is.
The wind rule
Over 25 miles per hour in the forecast, bring it in. Not when the wind arrives, when it is forecast.
Almost every serious loss traces back to somebody deciding to ride out a forecast. Weather loss is not covered by our warranty or anybody else’s, and it is entirely avoidable.
Indoors and at shows
You need 15 feet of clear ceiling. Net lift is about three pounds, so a sandbag or booth tie-off holds it.
At one percent loss a day, a single fill comfortably covers a three-day show. Ask the venue about **helium rules** specifically, not just hanging signage; some halls restrict it regardless of ceiling height.
Storage
Deflate, fold at room temperature, and return it to the carton it shipped in. Do not fold it frozen.
That is the entire maintenance schedule. Polyurethane tolerates the cycle indefinitely, which is what makes a seasonal purchase sensible.
More at arizonaballoon.com.