Inexpensive water balloons are convenient to buy, but can be difficult to use. The lining on inexpensive balloons tends to be thinner than on higher quality balloons. Because of this, this product is known to pop and tear easily when stretched too wide. You just need to be more careful when handling it: stretch the balloon slowly, don't fill it completely, and consider using a faucet spray head to reduce the strain on the balloon's neck.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Stretching the Balloon
Step 1. Buy a pack of cheap water balloons
You can find them at pharmacies, party supply stores, online stores, and in some supermarkets. Make sure you buy as much as you need. Check carefully the price, size, and number of balloons, then compare each pack with the other options available.
You can use regular party balloons instead of water balloons, but they probably won't burst as easily as water balloons made for war games. Water balloons tend to be smaller than those filled with air and helium, and usually have a thinner material
Step 2. Fill the balloon with air to stretch it before filling it with water
Inflate the balloon using your lungs, or use a pump. Fill the balloon with air so that it becomes the size of the balloon when it is filled with water. Make sure the balloon doesn't inflate too much, or it could risk popping before you even put it on the faucet. You don't really need to stretch the balloon before it's filled with water, but this extra step can make the balloon less likely to pop.
Step 3. Stretch the neck and mouth of the balloon
Many people usually fill a water balloon by stretching the mouth of the balloon around the mouth of the faucet. However, these small and thin balloons tend to tear when stretched as wide as possible as soon as they are removed from their packaging. To stretch the neck of the balloon: insert two fingers into the mouth of the balloon to hold it. Pull the neck open about the width of any faucet, hose, or spray you want to use to fill the water balloon.
This step isn't particularly important if you're using a funnel, faucet spray head, or water balloon filler. These spray heads are usually much thinner than regular faucets, meaning the balloon neck doesn't have to be stretched too wide to fit on the faucet
Part 2 of 3: Filling the Balloons
Step 1. Attach the balloon to the mouth of the faucet or hose
Pull the mouth of the balloon to an easily accessible part of the faucet or hose. Use an easy-to-use spray head for filling, if you have one; some packages of water balloons are accompanied by a plastic spray pipe.
- Be careful when stretching the balloon on the faucet. If you don't stretch it beforehand-even if you have-the rubber can tear very easily when you try to fasten it to something.
- Make sure there is a place for water to drain in case the balloon pops while being filled. Sinks, lawns, and outdoor locations are great places to fill balloons.
Step 2. Run the water through the funnel
Pull the neck of the balloon down to the bottom (end) of the funnel opening, making sure that it attaches tightly. Simply pour water through the funnel (from a faucet, hose, sprinkler, etc.) for an easy and almost fail-safe at-home method. If you can't get a faucet spray head that has screws, this is the next easiest way.
Step 3. Hold the balloon so it doesn't slide down
Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the neck of the balloon against the water source as you fill it. This is an important step whether you're using a funnel, spray pipe, or regular faucet. Even if the balloon fits snugly against the faucet without tearing it, it's common for water to suddenly burst and cause the balloon to pop, split or be pushed back. Hold the balloon's neck tightly, and don't let go until you tie it.
Step 4. Fill the balloon slowly and carefully
Once you've attached the balloon to the faucet, turn the faucet halfway to create a slow to moderate flow of water. Watch the balloon as you fill it, and turn off the water before the balloon is full. Allow about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of air space for you to easily tie the balloon.
You can fill balloons with hot or cold water-or even any liquid with a density like water. If you're filling a water balloon on a hot day, you may want to use cold water to keep it cool
Part 3 of 3: Tying Balloons
Step 1. Pinch the neck of the balloon and make sure there is enough room to tie it
Pinch the bottom of the balloon's neck-just above the waterline-using the thumb and first two fingers of your non-dominant hand. Pull and stretch the neck a few times to make sure you can tie it around the two fingers pinching it.
If the balloon is too full to tie it down, spit out a little water. Release the grip on the neck of the balloon, but prepare your fingers to pinch it back in as soon as you have enough air space. Tilt the balloon and dump some of the water into the sink, plant pot, or lawn
Step 2. Tie the neck of the balloon
First, stretch the neck of the balloon all the way, and wrap it around the two fingers pinching it. Then tuck the end of the neck of the balloon between the tips of the two pinching fingers. Pull the knotted balloon out of your fingers, holding the end of the neck, and your water balloon is ready to go!
Alternatively, make a knot with the neck of the balloon and pull the ends. Pull the wrapped neck from both fingers, creating a small gap, then poke the ends through them. Pull the end of the neck of the balloon through the other side of the slit. In one smooth motion, pull the entire neck of the balloon from your two fingers
Step 3. Make a water spray bomb
Twist the neck of the balloon 10-15 times, until it feels tight. Then, close it tightly using clothespins or paper clips. Release the clamp just before throwing the balloon, then throw it at your target. Because there are no knots, the balloon will open on its own when thrown and spray water everywhere along its path. This will increase the area of the spray and keep your target wet.
This method will come in handy if you're playing water balloon wars with lots of people. You can use just one water balloon to wet multiple friends, making each throw more efficient
Tips
- Perform this entire process over the sink or outdoors.
- Use a funnel. Yes, funnels are really useful.
- Make sure you tie the balloons tightly or they may pop before you throw them!
- Buy a balloon pack that comes with a faucet head, then glue it to your faucet. This is useful for balloons with small necks!!!
Warning
- If the balloon pops, everything will probably get wet.
- Water balloons can be harmful if swallowed. Clean up balloon shards, especially if there are small children or animals around.
- Be warned: some people might not like getting wet!
