Howdy Folks.
I like effects that people have to deal with such as fog and garbage bag tendrils. With that in mind, let me tell you about my swamp.
You need a flat, or slightly low, spot on the path to your door for this effect.
1. Place a ground cloth where you want the swamp.
![Tent Plant Tree Shade Grass]()
2. Place an empty waterbed bladder on the ground cloth.
![Tent Plant Tarpaulin Grass Shade]()
3. Fill the bladder with about 2 inches of water.
Note: Make sure you leave air bubbles in the bladder before screwing on the fill cap.
4. Place a tarp that completely covers the waterbed bladder and ground cover.
Note: you can fold excess ground cover back over the bladder.
![Sports equipment Ping pong Rectangle Wood Racquet sport]()
5. Use 12-inch spikes driven fully into the ground to tightly secure the cover to the ground.
Note: The minimum number of spikes to use is 8, one spike at each corner and one in between each corner. You are trying to prevent a trip hazard.
6. If needed add extra grommets to the tarp for more spikes.
Note: Spikes are generally 3/8 inches in diameter, so be sure to use ½ inch grommets.
![Electric blue Font Auto part Metal Circle]()
7. Ask to borrow your neighbors leaves and place them over the bladder sandwich you just made. (Is anyone else getting hungry?)
![Plant People in nature Ingredient Tree Natural landscape]()
Result: When people walk over this, the ground moves and gurgles. A lot of people freak right the hell out. Great fun.
Tip: Add an arm sticking out of the ground with a sign that says, “Beware of Quicksand.”
8. Be sure to return your neighbor’s leaves after Halloween.
Questions that nobody has asked me, but they might (QTNHAMBTM):
Can I use any old waterbed bladder I find on Craigslist?
Do not get any “waveless” mattresses. These often have a thick open-cell foam block in them to dampen waves. They will not work for this effect. Try to find a plain, empty bladder with no baffles or other wave attenuation tricks.
How long will the bladder last?
It was many years ago that some kids at a family gathering were given an empty waterbed bladder to play with. It was partially filled with air. They jumped and bounced on it all weekend and the bladder never popped. I was impressed. I have been using my waterbed bladder for over 30 years with no leaks ever appearing. Of course it’s only used once a year, so that means it has really only lasted a bit over a month (not nearly so impressive sounding).
What can I do if I can’t find the right type or size of bladder?
You might try making your own using 4mil or thicker plastic sheeting from the hardware store. That’s apparently a thing now. Check out “How to Make a Leak Proof Water Blob” at .
I like effects that people have to deal with such as fog and garbage bag tendrils. With that in mind, let me tell you about my swamp.
You need a flat, or slightly low, spot on the path to your door for this effect.
1. Place a ground cloth where you want the swamp.
2. Place an empty waterbed bladder on the ground cloth.
3. Fill the bladder with about 2 inches of water.
Note: Make sure you leave air bubbles in the bladder before screwing on the fill cap.
4. Place a tarp that completely covers the waterbed bladder and ground cover.
Note: you can fold excess ground cover back over the bladder.
5. Use 12-inch spikes driven fully into the ground to tightly secure the cover to the ground.
Note: The minimum number of spikes to use is 8, one spike at each corner and one in between each corner. You are trying to prevent a trip hazard.
6. If needed add extra grommets to the tarp for more spikes.
Note: Spikes are generally 3/8 inches in diameter, so be sure to use ½ inch grommets.
7. Ask to borrow your neighbors leaves and place them over the bladder sandwich you just made. (Is anyone else getting hungry?)
Result: When people walk over this, the ground moves and gurgles. A lot of people freak right the hell out. Great fun.
Tip: Add an arm sticking out of the ground with a sign that says, “Beware of Quicksand.”
8. Be sure to return your neighbor’s leaves after Halloween.
Questions that nobody has asked me, but they might (QTNHAMBTM):
Can I use any old waterbed bladder I find on Craigslist?
Do not get any “waveless” mattresses. These often have a thick open-cell foam block in them to dampen waves. They will not work for this effect. Try to find a plain, empty bladder with no baffles or other wave attenuation tricks.
How long will the bladder last?
It was many years ago that some kids at a family gathering were given an empty waterbed bladder to play with. It was partially filled with air. They jumped and bounced on it all weekend and the bladder never popped. I was impressed. I have been using my waterbed bladder for over 30 years with no leaks ever appearing. Of course it’s only used once a year, so that means it has really only lasted a bit over a month (not nearly so impressive sounding).
What can I do if I can’t find the right type or size of bladder?
You might try making your own using 4mil or thicker plastic sheeting from the hardware store. That’s apparently a thing now. Check out “How to Make a Leak Proof Water Blob” at .
