Nationally, the average daily rental rate for a dunk tank is $150-$250. The total price of your rental will depend on how far the rental company has to go to deliver and pick up the equipment and your location. Some companies offer less expensive partial or half-day rentals.
Whether you're in charge of organizing a carnival-game filled party as a school event, fundraiser, or corporate event, a dunk tank offers retro fun for guests especially if you're hosting the event outside on a warm, sunny day. Before you a dunk tank, find out how what price you can expect to pay to play this classic game at your next party.
What is a dunk tank?
Dunk tanks have long been a staple game at town fairs or carnivals.
While some are now inflatable, a dunk tank typically consists of a vinyl-lined metal tank with a chair suspended above the water, and a person (perhaps your school principal? Or CEO?) sitting in it, waiting for you to hit the target and dunk them.
When someone hits the target in front of the tank with a ball, the seat collapses and drops the person into the water. A barrier around the top of the tank, usually metal bars, protects the dunkee from getting hit by balls that miss the target.
What impacts dunk tank rental prices?
The cost to rent a dunk tank will depend on whether you need it for a full or half day, delivery distance, and additional supplies.
Full- or half-day rental
As with other rentals such as booths or slides, most companies that rent dunk tanks charge based on a partial- or full-day rental. They often calculate their price by the hour. Below are some example rental prices:
To rent a 500-gallon dunk tank, Gary Muersch of Chicago, Illinois charges:
To rent dunk tanks from Bouncy Store, also based in the Chicago area:
Glenn Johnson, owner of Fun Time Party Rentals in Orlando, Florida, charges:
Dinojump.com, The Bouncy Store, and G's Fun Time Party Rentals also rent a variety of bounce houses, slides, concessions and other equipment that can liven up an outdoor event.
Supplies
Most rental companies will provide 2-3 ordinary softballs with the dunk tank rental. If you think you will need more than that, you can purchase extras at a sporting goods store for $2-$5 each.
Unlike inflatable slides and bounce houses, dunk tanks do not require electricity to run. Companies typically bring the hoses necessary to draw the water and fill the tank, but you will need access to water near the setup location to fill the tank (no one wants to be running buckets of water back and forth from the nearest spigot).
The initial fill can take 45-90 minutes, so make sure you book your rental to arrive at least 1.5 hours before your party or event starts.
Delivery distance
Rental companies may charge an additional fee to deliver a dunk tank more than 30-50 miles from the rental company's warehouse.
Deposit
Most companies will require you to pay a deposit (typically $100 to $150 depending on the number of tanks and location) to reserve the equipment and delivery. This deposit is refunded to you after your party ends, so long as there is no damage.
Setup and takedown
Dinojump.com, The Bouncy Store, and G's Fun Time Party Rentals include setup and takedown of dunk tanks and all other party rental equipment in their rental fees. Johnson says he prefers it if his team, not the event host, empties the leftover water from the tank at the end of the event to ensure proper drainage and removal.
What should you consider when renting a dunk tank?
Before you rent a dunk tank, it's important to think about liability issues. There is some risk of injury when using a dunk tank. Some companies may require that you only permit adults age 18 and older to be dunked. If you use the dunk tank at your home (e.g. in your backyard) or on other private property, it's wise to ensure you are covered by liability insurance in case of an injury.
Reputable rental companies carry liability insurance, but the rental agreement you sign usually requires you to follow their equipment safety and operation guidelines. This may limit their liability for any injuries that occur if it is found that you did not follow them.