Balloon Time FAQ

• Where are the product instructions?

  Instructions are provided on the outside of the carton. Instructions may also be on the cylinder silkscreen or inside the balloon bag, depending on the specific product you are using. View complete product instructions.

• What do I do with the empty Balloon Time tank?

  Balloon Time tanks are fully recyclable. Download complete recycling instructions or view the tank disposal video. However, please note that recycling programs for this product may not exist in your area. Contact your local solid waste authority for more details.

  If you are a solid waste authority and are interested in establishing a non-refillable cylinder waste management program or have concerns, a document detailing such a program is available at the Product Stewardship Institute's Web site and at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Web site. PSI is continuing work to develop a program that would facilitate the recycling of non-refillable cylinders.

• Can I refill the Balloon Time tank?

  Balloon Time tanks cannot be refilled. These tanks are designed to be non-refillable, allowing consumers the convenience of being lightweight and easy to handle.

  Do not attempt to refill. Please refer to warnings on the tank and carton. Attempting to refill can cause injury or death.

• What kit varieties are available?

  Balloon Time is available in several varieties. Find a retailer near you by using our store locator.

• Do you offer special occasion theme-specific balloon kits?

  Balloon Time Create-A-Party Balloon Packs come in a wide variety of  themes including: Luau, Baby Shower, Wedding Shower, Race Car Birthday, Princess Birthday and many more. Just choose a themed pack and purchase a lightweight, portable Balloon Time helium-filled tank and inflate the balloons at your convenience. Create-A-Party Balloon Packs are available at select party goods stores.

• Can I pick my own balloon colors/shapes/sizes?

  Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits are currently available with assorted color, 9" latex balloons. However, Balloon Time Create-A-Party Tanks, available at select party goods stores, contain a lightweight, helium-filled tank . Purchase your balloons separately and mix and match your balloon selections for custom decorating and theme-specific occasions.

• Is the product safe for children to use?

  Helium-filled balloons are a safe way to bring fun to any event. However, we do recommend that children have adult supervision at all times when they are in close proximity to or using the Balloon Time helium tank. Do not allow any person to inhale helium. Inhalation of helium can cause asphyxiation or suffocation, which may lead to serious injury or death. For more information on helium gas refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet.

• Can I use Balloon Time to inflate mylar balloons?

  Yes, you can inflate foil balloons with the Balloon Time helium tank. However, keep in mind that foil balloons generally are larger and require more helium than latex balloons. Therefore, you may not be able to fill as many balloons as the total stated on the box. 

• Is there any way to tell when the Balloon Time tank is almost empty?

  As the helium is used up, the speed at which the balloons are filled will reduce. As filling takes progressively longer, the tank is closer to being empty. Weight is not a good indication of when the tank is low or empty because the difference between the weight of a full helium tank and an empty one is only a few grams.

• Where can I purchase Balloon Time?

  Balloon Time products are available at mass retail and party stores worldwide. Check out our store locator to find a store near you.

• I own a small party goods store. How can I purchase your product at wholesale?

  Fill our the business request form for a sales rep to contact you. 

• Are coupons available for Balloon Time?

  On occasion, we will participate in retailer promotions and/or special offers. Watch your retail store flyers, BalloonTime.com, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for upcoming offers.

• Why didn't the tank fill all the balloons?

  The Balloon Time tank has approximately 15% more capacity than what is needed to fill the supplied number of balloons at the designated size when filled per instructions. However, if you choose to use balloons other than those supplied, or create larger filled balloons, you may not be able to fill all of the supplied balloons. To prevent helium waste and leakage while filling, please ensure that you have a good seal between the easy-fill nozzle and the balloon neck. See the helium balloon capacity charts for the Standard size tank and the Jumbo size tank for additional information.

• What is the purity of the helium in Balloon Time tanks?

  There are many types of helium concentrations based upon the application for the helium. Medical helium is over 99% pure. Balloon grade helium is approximately 94% - 96% pure. Our helium has been tested to be at least 98% pure, with most readings over 99% pure.

• Why do my balloons keep popping?

  It is possible that the balloons have more helium in them than they were designed to hold. The balloons are designed to be 9" in diameter when filled. Properly filled balloons should have a rounded appearance. Balloons shaped like light bulbs or pear-shaped balloons are overfilled. See the helium balloon capacity charts for the Standard size tank and the Jumbo size tank for additional information.

• My tank valve won’t open. Is there a tool I should use?

  You can use a wrench to open the valve if needed. The handwheel is mechanically tightened in order to prevent leaks and sometimes it’s necessary to use a wrench to open it the first time. Turn the green handwheel counterclockwise to open.

• Why wasn't there enough ribbon in the kit?

  Recommended ribbon length per balloon is 48". The 30 balloon kit provides 48" of ribbon per balloon. The 50 balloon kit provides 57" of ribbon per balloon. For best results, trim the ribbon into 4' strips; one for each balloon.

• How long will the balloons float?

  Extensive research over long periods of time shows us that average float time of the balloons filled with Balloon Time helium, is 13.2 hours,. However, we conservatively state on our package that balloons will float for 5-7 hours. Float time can vary significantly based on the level of inflation (underinflation, regular inflation or overinflation), size of balloon (9", 11" 18") and external factors such as temperature and humidity. (Balloons float longer in colder temperatures and in higher humidity.) Balloon Time recommends inflating balloons 1-2 hours prior to the event for the best results.

• What can I do to make the balloons float longer?

  There are a few things you can do to help increase float time. First, be sure to tie a tight knot in the neck of the balloon. The balloons included in Balloon Time have extra-long necks for easier tying. If you are attaching ribbons to the balloons, be sure to tie the ribbon below the knot. For special occasions that require prolonged float time, you can also purchase and add ULTRA HI-FLOAT® product to your Balloon Time balloons.

• Is there any way to tell when the Balloon Time tank is almost empty?

  As the helium is used up, the speed at which the balloons are filled will reduce. As filling takes progressively longer, the tank is closer to being empty. Weight is not a good indication of when the tank is low or empty because the difference between the weight of a full helium tank and an empty one is only a few grams.

• What is the working pressure of Balloon Time tanks?

  Balloon Time tanks operate at a working pressure of 260 psi and are successfully leak-tested at a minimum of 325 psi to ensure quality. In addition, each Balloon Time tank has a patented flow restriction safety device, reducing the helium flow rate and improving the safety of the product.

• Where can I find a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Balloon Time?

  Material Safety Data Sheets are located here.