Trampoline Maintenance And Care Tips You Should Know
Performing essential trampoline maintenance is the best way to maximise your investment after purchasing a trampoline. That’s why it is a good idea to learn essential trampoline maintenance and care tips.
But it’s more than just getting the most years of service from your trampoline–it’s also about keeping your family safe.
This post will guide you through all you need to know about caring for trampoline parts and maintaining your trampoline during different seasons. We’ll provide the most useful care tips to help you become a well-rounded trampoline owner.
Do Trampolines Need Maintenance?
Yes, trampolines need maintenance. Maintaining your trampoline protects it from damage, prolongs its lifespan, makes it safer to use, and ensures the validity of your warranty. Moreover, it reduces the cost of repairs and replacements.
How Do You Maintain A Trampoline?
To maintain a trampoline, you must take proper care of the mat, safety pad, frame, spring, and net and repair or replace them when necessary. It’s also essential to protect the trampoline from weather elements that may damage it during winter, spring, summer, or autumn.
Caring For Trampoline Parts
Mat And Safety Pad
A mat is the trampoline part most prone to wear and tear.
There are generally two approaches to trampoline mat maintenance: repair and replacement.
Repair your mat if it has a rip or hole less than 2 inches long and is otherwise in good condition. Consider a replacement if the mat has severe damage, such as multiple snags or rips.
As for the safety pad, pay more attention to the bungees since they tend to get the most wear. Regularly inspect them and replace those with significant wear. This will keep your trampoline in good shape and ensure you don’t compromise on safety.
Frame
The frame is the most durable component of a trampoline. However, it also needs some care. Make your trampoline frame last longer using these three tips:
- Install the frame on a flat surface–such as sand or grass–and anchor it to the ground for protection and stability.
- Cushion your trampoline frame using a soft rubber base when setting it up on a hard surface like pavement or concrete.
- Move your trampoline using wheels to protect the legs and connections.
Spring
Weight is the primary determinant of your trampoline’s springs’ lifespan. It would be best to keep the jumpers’ combined weight within the trampoline’s weight limit to prevent the springs from stretching. We also recommend keeping the trampoline free of snow loads or heavy objects.
Inspect the springs every time before use to identify potential issues and mitigate them before they cause damage or injury. The best way to go about it is to touch and bend the springs. If a spring feels loose, is easy to bend, or has rust, that’s a sign that a replacement is due.
Net
Inspect the enclosure net to ensure it’s in good condition before use. Check for possible net snags, holes, tears, and rips. Minor ones aren’t a major safety concern, but you should consider replacing the net if it has several or severe rips.
Trampoline Care During Different Seasons
The most efficient way to maintain your trampoline is to inspect and clean it at least once every season, winter and spring maintenance being the most essential.
Follow the steps below when cleaning your trampoline:
- Wipe the safety padding, enclosure pole sleeves, and frame tubes with mild detergent.
- Remove the detergent residues.
- Remove debris from the mat using a broom.
- Use cold water and a garden hose to wash the mat.
- Allow the trampoline mat to dry before use.
Winter
Trampoline winter maintenance is crucial.
During winter, you can either disassemble your trampoline or leave it as it is.
Disassembling your trampoline is the surest way to protect it from damage during winter, prolong its lifespan, and minimize the risk and hassle of repairing or replacing parts.
The disassembly process allows you to inspect the trampoline since you’re in close contact with the parts.
After fully disassembling the trampoline, store the parts in a dry area at standard room temperature to ensure they aren’t affected by moisture.
If you choose to leave the trampoline in your backyard during winter, we recommend finding a trampoline cover to protect against the snow. You should also keep the mat clear of snow to prevent the springs from stretching and loosening the coils.
Summer
Consider the following trampoline maintenance tips during summer:
- Clear the trampoline of foreign items such as tree branches, debris, or sharp items that might cause holes or rips on the mat or safety risks.
- Change the trampoline placement in your backyard to control heat exposure.
- In severe windy weather conditions, either disassemble the trampoline or secure it to the ground using an anchor set, skates, and ropes.
Fall and Spring
The best trampoline maintenance practices during fall and spring include:
- Covering your trampoline to keep it free from dirt.
- Dry the trampoline after rain to protect it from damage and ensure the safety of jumpers.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Trampoline?
The average trampoline lifespan is 3 to 8 years; however, your trampoline may last longer or shorter, depending on how you care for it. Some trampoline parts last longer than others. A trampoline frame can last up to 10 years, while the mat and enclosure net may wear in 2 years.
Final Words
Trampolines need maintenance to enhance safety and resilience against wear and tear. Proper trampoline care and maintenance can help your trampoline last 8 years or longer. The best practice is to repair or replace defective parts depending on the severity as soon as possible.
Other useful practices for prolonging your trampoline’s lifespan include covering it when not in use, keeping the jumping mat clear of any dirt or foreign materials, and storing the trampoline at room temperature during the harsh seasons.
These trampoline maintenance tips will reduce repair and replacement costs, ensure your trampoline lasts longer, and keep your kids safe while jumping on it.
