Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to questions most frequently asked by Balloon Time® consumers. If you have a question that is not addressed here, or would just like to share a comment, we invite you to complete and submit our feedback form.
Where are the instructions?
Use instructions are provided in English on the outside of the carton. They are provided in Spanish and French on the balloon bag contained in the kit. View complete product instructions.
What do I do with the empty tank?
Balloon Time tanks are fully recyclable. After removing the easy-fill nozzle from the empty cylinder, take the tank to a steel recycling center or place with curbside recycling pickup. Instructions for preparing the cylinder for disposal or recycling are located on the Balloon Time package and helium tank. 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 get the Balloon Time tank refilled?
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 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 Helium Balloon Kits are not currently available with occasion-specific balloons. However, the Balloon Time A La Carte™ helium tank is available at select party goods stores. This product contains a lightweight, helium-filled tank by itself and gives you the flexibility to mix and match your own balloon colors, shapes, styles, and themes by purchasing your balloons separately to customize your helium balloon decor.
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 A La Carte is available at select party goods stores. Balloon Time A La Carte contains a lightweight, helium-filled tank by itself and allows you to mix and match your own balloon selections for custom decorating and theme-specific occasions by purchasing your balloons separately.
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 foil 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. Be sure to check out the Balloon Time A La Carte Regular and Large tanks, which are great for filling the balloons of your choosing.
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?
Check out our store locator section to see where our products are currently being sold.
I own a small party goods store. How can I purchase your product at wholesale?
A Balloon Time territory sales manager will quote all new customers. If you would provide your mailing address and phone number, we will forward your request to the appropriate manager who will then contact you. Go to our contact page for the quickest response.
Are coupons available for Balloon Time?
On occasion, we will participate in retailer promotions and/or special offers. Watch your retail store flyers or BalloonTime.com 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 Regular size tank and the Large 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 Regular size tank and the Large size tank for additional information.
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?
Although extensive research over long periods of time has shown us that average float time of the balloons if filled with Balloon Time helium is 13.2 hours, 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.
