ROMELANDS Inflatable Mat and Floating Dock Care Guide

ROMELANDS inflatable gymnastics mats and floating docks are built for different environments, but they rely on the same basic principles: correct inflation, clean surfaces, controlled loads, careful storage, and regular inspection. Most avoidable damage comes from sharp objects, excessive pressure, heat, moisture left in storage, or using the product in conditions for which it was not designed.

This guide explains how to prepare, use, clean, store, inspect, and repair ROMELANDS inflatable products, including the air gymnastics mat and the 6 ft × 5 ft inflatable floating dock.

ROMELANDS Inflatable Mat and Floating Dock Care Guide

Before the First Use

Unpack the product on a clean, dry surface and confirm that all listed components are present. Depending on the model, the package may include an electric or manual pump, hose, carrying bag, repair materials, straps, and a user manual.

Before inflation:

Read the supplied manual completely.
Check the voltage printed on the electric pump.
Inspect the valve and valve cap.
Look for cuts, deep creases, loose seams, or shipping damage.
Remove stones, glass, branches, screws, pet claws, and other sharp objects from the setup area.
Make sure the product is at room temperature if it has been stored in a very cold vehicle or garage.
Confirm that the intended surface is level and stable.

The electric pump supplied with the ROMELANDS gymnastics mat is intended for a 110V power supply only. Do not connect it directly to a 220V outlet. Using the wrong voltage may damage the pump and create an electrical hazard.

Choosing the Right Setup Area

For an Air Gymnastics Mat

Place the mat on a clean, level surface with enough open space around it. Suitable locations may include:

Gym floors
Dance and cheerleading studios
Martial arts training rooms
Carpeted rooms
Smooth concrete covered by a protective layer
Short, clean grass
Dry poolside areas
Beaches with carefully cleared sand

A protective groundsheet is useful outdoors. It reduces contact with stones, dry grass stems, abrasive concrete, hot pavement, and hidden debris.

Do not place the mat directly over:

Gravel
Broken pavement
Thorns
Sharp landscaping material
Metal grates
Hot asphalt
Rough wooden decking
Uneven ground
Wet tile that may allow the mat to slide

Leave sufficient clearance from walls, furniture, trees, fences, pool edges, and other obstacles. An inflatable mat reduces impact but does not prevent a user from falling beyond its edges.

For an Inflatable Floating Dock

Prepare the dock on land before carrying it to the water. Use a clean shoreline, lawn, boat deck, or protected dock area. Avoid dragging the inflated platform across sand, rocks, concrete, or timber.

The floating dock is most suitable for:

Calm lakes
Protected bays
Pools
Quiet rivers without strong current
Sheltered coastal water
Use beside an anchored or securely moored boat

Avoid using it during thunderstorms, high wind, strong currents, breaking waves, poor visibility, or heavy boat traffic.

How to Inflate Correctly

Incorrect inflation can make an inflatable product unstable or place unnecessary stress on its seams.

Basic Inflation Procedure

Unroll the product completely.
Smooth out major folds without pulling forcefully on the material.
Check that the valve area is clean.
Attach the pump hose securely.
Inflate gradually.
Stop periodically and check the shape.
Follow the pressure instructions in the supplied manual.
Remove the hose and close the valve cap firmly.
Listen for escaping air around the valve.

Do not guess the recommended pressure. Different inflatable products may require different pressure levels even when they appear similar.

Signs of Underinflation

An underinflated mat or dock may:

Bend deeply under body weight
Feel unstable
Develop large surface waves
Allow users to sink toward the center
Twist during movement
Become difficult to climb onto
Place uneven stress on seams and attachment points

Signs of Overinflation

An overinflated product may:

Feel excessively rigid
Show stressed or distorted seams
Bulge around the valve or edges
Become harder in direct sunlight
Place unnecessary pressure on internal drop-stitch fibers
Be more vulnerable to damage from heat expansion

Air expands as temperature rises. A product inflated in the cool morning may become noticeably firmer in strong afternoon sun. Check it during the day and release a small amount of air when necessary.

Never leave an inflated mat or dock inside a closed vehicle. Interior temperatures can rise quickly and increase internal pressure.

Using the ROMELANDS Air Gymnastics Mat Safely

The inflatable mat can be used for tumbling, cheerleading, stretching, yoga, dance practice, martial arts drills, balance work, and general fitness. It is not a substitute for professional supervision or a complete gymnastics safety system.

Suitable Activities

Depending on the user’s experience and the available space, the mat may support:

Forward and backward rolls
Cartwheels
Handstand practice
Basic tumbling drills
Cheerleading technique work
Dance transitions
Taekwondo and martial arts exercises
Stretching and mobility routines
Yoga
Core and balance exercises
Supervised active play

Advanced skills, flips, aerial movements, and high-impact tumbling should be attempted only by trained users with appropriate coaching, spotting, and surrounding safety equipment.

Important Use Rules

Remove shoes unless the activity specifically requires suitable soft footwear.
Empty pockets before training.
Remove jewelry, belts, watches, keys, and sharp hair accessories.
Keep food, drinks, pens, tools, and phones away from the training surface.
Keep pets off the mat.
Do not use the mat near open flames, heaters, grills, or hot equipment.
Do not perform skills toward an unprotected wall or hard object.
Do not jump from furniture, roofs, stairs, or raised platforms onto the mat.
Do not use it as a crash pad for uncontrolled high falls.
Do not exceed the user or load guidance in the manual.
Stop training if the mat becomes soft or begins losing shape.

Children and Beginners

Children should use the mat under direct adult supervision. Beginners need enough space around the mat and should practice skills appropriate to their experience.

A cushioned surface can make users feel more confident, but it does not eliminate the risk of head, neck, wrist, ankle, or back injuries.

Using the ROMELANDS Floating Dock Safely

The ROMELANDS 6 ft × 5 ft floating dock is intended to create additional space on the water for swimming, lounging, water yoga, fishing, sunbathing, or use beside a boat.

The listed platform supports up to 400 lb and is intended for approximately 3–5 adults, provided the total weight remains within the stated limit and is distributed evenly.

Suitable Uses

The floating dock may be used as:

A swim platform
A resting area between swims
A floating lounge
A water-yoga surface
A fishing platform
A place to sit beside a boat
A staging area for paddleboard equipment
A surface for light boat-cleaning tasks
A shared family platform in calm water
A place to keep towels and lightweight recreational gear

Weight Distribution

Do not place the entire load on one corner or edge. Ask users to board one at a time and move toward the center before the next person climbs aboard.

Heavy coolers, batteries, anchors, fuel containers, sharp fishing equipment, or concentrated loads may damage the deck or make the platform unstable even when the total stated weight is not exceeded.

Securing the Dock

Use the six D-rings to connect the platform to a suitable anchor point, boat, dock, or another compatible inflatable product.

When securing it:

Use marine-grade rope or appropriate straps.
Leave enough movement for small waves.
Avoid a line so short that it pulls one edge underwater.
Keep ropes away from swimmers.
Do not tie around the inflation valve.
Do not use deck handles as high-load towing points unless the manual specifically allows it.
Check knots and clips regularly.
Use more than one attachment point when conditions require better control.

Never assume that a floating platform will remain in place without being secured. Even light wind can move a large inflatable surface quickly.

Boarding from the Water

Approach the lowest accessible edge and place both hands flat on the deck. Kick gently while pulling your upper body onto the platform. Avoid pulling aggressively on a D-ring, valve, or small fitting.

Another user should remain seated or kneeling rather than standing near the opposite edge while someone climbs aboard.

Use Near Boats

Keep the platform away from:

Propellers
Exhaust outlets
Engines
Sharp hull fittings
Hot surfaces
Fuel spills
Moving machinery
Pinch points between a boat and rigid dock

Never use the platform while the boat is moving unless the manufacturer explicitly approves towing. Do not attach it in a way that allows it to slide under the hull.

What Not to Do

The following practices commonly cause damage or create unsafe conditions.

Do Not Drag an Inflated Product

Dragging places concentrated friction on the underside and edges. Carry the product with enough people to support its weight.

Do Not Use High-Pressure Workshop Air Equipment

Air compressors designed for tires or tools can inflate too quickly and may exceed the safe pressure before the user can react. Use the supplied pump or another pump approved for inflatable sports products.

Do Not Sit or Stand on the Product During Inflation

Allow it to take shape without a load. Body weight during inflation can create uneven folds and stress.

Do Not Leave It Fully Inflated in Strong Heat

Direct sunlight, hot pavement, vehicle interiors, and closed storage areas can increase internal pressure.

Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals

Avoid bleach, solvents, gasoline, acetone, paint thinner, abrasive powders, concentrated disinfectants, and strong household cleaners. They may damage PVC, adhesives, printing, or EVA foam.

Do Not Fold It While Wet

Trapped moisture can produce odor, mildew, staining, adhesive deterioration, and surface damage.

Do Not Store Heavy Objects on Top

Long-term compression can create sharp creases, deform valves, and damage the EVA surface.

Do Not Use Near Sharp Equipment

Fishing hooks, knives, fins with damaged edges, tools, metal buckles, pet claws, and broken plastic accessories can puncture the material.

Cleaning After Use

Regular cleaning prevents dirt from becoming embedded in the surface and reduces premature wear.

Routine Cleaning

Remove loose sand, grass, and debris.
Rinse with clean water.
Use a soft cloth or sponge.
Add a small amount of mild soap if needed.
Clean around seams, handles, D-rings, and the valve.
Rinse away all soap.
Dry both sides completely.

Do not use a stiff wire brush or abrasive scouring pad.

Cleaning After Saltwater Use

Salt crystals can collect around seams, metal fittings, valves, and textured surfaces. After use in the ocean:

Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Pay special attention to D-rings and metal hardware.
Allow the product to dry fully before packing.
Check for corrosion on clips or detachable hardware.

Cleaning After Pool Use

Pool chemicals can remain on the material after the water dries. Rinse the platform with fresh water, especially after use in heavily chlorinated water.

Removing Stains

Start with warm water and mild soap. Allow the soap to remain on the stain briefly, then wipe gently.

For persistent marks, test any cleaning method on a small hidden area first. Do not use solvents to remove paint, ink, grease, or adhesive residue.

Drying Properly

Drying is as important as cleaning.

Place the product in a shaded, ventilated area. Turn it over so both surfaces dry. Lift folds and check the areas around handles, valves, seams, and EVA pads.

Do not rely only on the top surface appearing dry. Moisture can remain underneath or inside folded sections.

Avoid prolonged drying in intense direct sun. Moderate sunlight for a short time may help, but excessive UV exposure can gradually age PVC and fade colors.

Deflation

Air Gymnastics Mat

Clean and dry the mat.
Move it to a debris-free surface.
Open the valve according to the manual.
Allow the main volume of air to escape naturally.
Use the pump’s deflation function when available.
Press air out gradually from the far end toward the valve.
Do not jump or kneel forcefully on the folded mat.
Close or protect the valve before storage.

Floating Dock

Remove the dock from the water before full deflation whenever possible. Deflating it while floating can allow water, sand, or debris to enter folds and valve areas.

Disconnect ropes and accessories, rinse the platform, dry it, then release the air slowly.

Folding and Rolling

The goal is to avoid sharp, repeated creases in the same location.

Lay the product flat.
Make broad, loose folds.
Avoid folding directly across the valve.
Keep D-rings and fittings from pressing into the PVC.
Do not force the product into an undersized bag.
If the original fold pattern remains visible, use it as a guide.
Roll gently when the product is designed to be rolled.

In cold temperatures, PVC becomes less flexible. Allow the product to warm naturally before tightly folding or unfolding it.

Long-Term Storage

Store the product:

Completely clean and dry
Indoors when possible
Away from direct sunlight
Away from heaters and hot pipes
Away from freezing drafts
Away from rodents and insects
Away from chemicals, fuel, and paint
In a ventilated location
Without heavy objects placed on top

A closet, dry basement shelf, equipment room, or climate-controlled garage is usually more suitable than an outdoor shed with large temperature changes.

Do not store the bag directly on a damp concrete floor. Place it on a shelf or raised surface.

For seasonal storage, open the bag occasionally and check for moisture, odor, pests, or pressure marks.

Regular Inspection Checklist

Inspect the product before every major use and periodically during the season.

Check:

Valve condition
Valve cap and seal
Seam edges
Corners
Handles
D-rings
EVA deck adhesion
Underside abrasion
Cuts or punctures
Unusual bulges
Persistent soft areas
Mold or odor
Corrosion on metal parts

For a floating dock, inspect attachment points after strong wind, boat wakes, or repeated use beside a vessel.

For a gymnastics mat, inspect the main landing area more frequently because it receives repeated impact.

How to Find a Slow Air Leak

A product that becomes slightly softer after a major temperature drop may not have a leak. Air pressure decreases as the air cools.

To check for a real leak:

Inflate the product to the recommended pressure.
Move it to a stable temperature.
Listen near the valve and seams.
Mix water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
Apply the solution to the suspected area.
Watch for growing bubbles.
Mark the location with removable tape or a washable marker.
Rinse and dry the area before repair.

Do not submerge an electric pump, valve assembly, or very large product solely to locate a leak.

First Aid for Common Problems

Problem 1: Air Escaping Around the Valve

Possible causes include debris, an incorrectly seated valve, a loose internal valve component, or damage to the valve seal.

First steps:

Remove sand or fibers around the opening.
Confirm the valve pin is in the correct position.
Close the cap securely.
Apply soapy water and look for bubbles.
Use a valve tool only when the manual permits it.
Do not overtighten the valve.

If the valve body rotates, cracks, or pulls away from the material, stop using the product and contact service.

Problem 2: Small Puncture

A small puncture in an accessible flat PVC area can often be patched.

General procedure:

Deflate the product.
Clean the damaged area.
Dry it completely.
Cut a patch with rounded corners.
Make the patch larger than the puncture.
Use adhesive compatible with the product material.
Follow the adhesive instructions.
Press the patch evenly.
Allow the repair to cure fully.
Reinflate gradually and test with soapy water.

Do not inflate immediately after applying adhesive. A repair that feels dry on the surface may not be fully cured.

Problem 3: Cut or Tear

Small clean cuts may be repairable with a larger patch. Long tears, jagged damage, edge damage, or cuts near a seam require more caution.

Do not continue using a floating dock with a growing tear or a gymnastics mat with damage in the main landing zone.

Problem 4: Seam Leak

A seam leak is more serious than a simple surface puncture because the seam carries structural load.

Temporary adhesive applied from the outside may not restore full strength. Stop using the product for high-load activity and contact the seller or manufacturer.

Problem 5: D-Ring or Handle Pulling Away

Do not attach a rope to a partially detached D-ring. Do not lift the product by a damaged handle.

A fitting that separates from its reinforcement patch can tear a larger section of PVC under load.

Problem 6: EVA Surface Lifting

If a small section of EVA begins to lift:

Clean and dry the area.
Do not pull the loose section.
Keep sand and water out of the gap.
Use only an adhesive compatible with EVA and PVC.
Apply even pressure while curing.

Large areas of separation may require professional repair or replacement.

Problem 7: Electric Pump Stops Working

First check:

The outlet
The power supply voltage
The plug and cable
The hose connection
Whether the pump has overheated
Whether the intake is blocked

Disconnect the pump and allow it to cool. Do not open the pump housing unless the manufacturer authorizes user servicing.

Never operate an electric pump near standing water or with wet hands.

Emergency Measures on the Water

If a floating dock begins losing air:

Ask everyone to sit or lie down.
Move weight away from the soft area.
Return to shore or the boat immediately.
Do not continue fishing, yoga, or recreational use.
Keep swimmers away from ropes.
Deflate and inspect the platform on land.

A floating dock is not a life-saving device and should not be treated as a substitute for a personal flotation device, rescue board, or certified life raft.

If the dock becomes detached in wind or current, do not swim after it beyond your safe ability. Use a boat or appropriate retrieval method.

Repair or Replace?

A repair may be reasonable when the damage is:

A small surface puncture
A short clean cut in a low-stress area
A minor removable valve obstruction
A small section of lifted EVA
A replaceable accessory problem

Professional service or replacement is more appropriate when there is:

A long seam leak
Internal drop-stitch failure
A large bulge
Widespread delamination
A torn valve base
A detached load-bearing D-ring
Damage across the main landing area
Multiple leaks after material aging
Significant heat deformation
Structural damage caused by overinflation

Do not rely on repeated patches when the surrounding material has become brittle, sticky, cracked, or discolored.

Extending Product Life

A few simple habits make the greatest difference:

Use a protective layer beneath the gymnastics mat.
Carry rather than drag.
Rinse after saltwater or pool use.
Dry fully before storage.
Check pressure when temperatures change.
Keep sharp items away.
Secure the floating dock from multiple points when necessary.
Avoid leaving products inflated outdoors for long periods.
Repair small damage before it spreads.
Store in a clean, moderate environment.

Quick Care Schedule

After Every Use

Inspect for damage.
Remove debris.
Rinse when necessary.
Dry completely.
Check the valve.
Store away from heat and sharp objects.

Monthly During Frequent Use

Test for slow leaks.
Inspect seams and attachment points.
Check EVA adhesion.
Examine the underside for abrasion.
Clean the carrying bag.
Inspect ropes, clips, and pump hoses.

Before Seasonal Storage

Wash thoroughly.
Dry both sides.
Repair small damage.
Deflate fully.
Fold loosely.
Store indoors on a raised shelf.
Keep the manual and repair materials with the product.

Final Safety Reminder

An inflatable surface can make training and water recreation more comfortable, but it does not remove the need for judgment, supervision, suitable conditions, and correct equipment.

Follow the instructions supplied with your ROMELANDS product whenever they differ from general guidance. For warranty questions, structural damage, replacement parts, or technical service, use the customer service telephone number listed in the user manual or contact the seller through the platform where the product was purchased.