How to revive an old rectangle trampoline; to today’s 2015 safety standards

How to revive an old, original rectangle trampoline; to current 2015 Australian safety standards

The good old rectangle trampoline used to be part of many Australian kid’s childhoods, and there is still some nostalgia related to using one of these because they were built to last, and families have had the trampoline for so long it is now time for the next generation of the family to use it. There can be a few hurdles to make the trampoline as safe as parents expect them to be these days. So although many of these old style rectangle trampolines are potentially usable there is one issue which is the main reason they do go to landfill they did not come with a leg configuration to suit safety nets.

How to check if a net can fit your rectangle trampoline

• The leg configuration needs to be checked first as this is where most come unstuck.
• If you take a closer look to the way the legs on a traditional rectangle trampoline are, you will notice that they are parallel, two by two. Running directly under the trampoline.
• A modern rectangle trampoline has 2 pairs of legs positioned diagonally from each other on each corner.
• This simple difference is related to how safety nets are attached.
• It also means that you will not be able to just attach a safety net to an old school rectangle trampoline without some serious modifying.
• This is the link to all our rectangle nets - nets on their own or with full pole, foam and clamp kit.
• The net itself in some cases will need to be resewn as our nets are not always a 100% fit.
• Measure and check before purchasing

How can I make a net fit my old rectangle trampoline?

• If you want to adapt your old trampoline to the safety standards needed today, a bit of welding will be required.
• The idea is to get the poles holding the net in the right position so that they do not tip over.
• Welding the safety net system into the leg configuration is not a simple solution but it works.
• Be aware of the thickness of steel it may even be too thin? 
• If you have someone in mind willing to do the job for you show them the same size trampoline most likely to be the 8x12 ft or 7x10 ft trampoline - look at the leg configuration and then look at the instructions on how to measure for a net for a rectangle trampoline.
• before you go ahead and get a net to fit read the rest of the article - especially if you are likely to need a new jump mat in the near future as often it is difficult to get a mat to match an old rectangle trampoline.

Consider a mat replacement

• Since it is almost certain that your old trampoline has suffered through a lot of jumping and bouncing in its lifetime, it is only natural to reward it with a new mat. 
• Measure the frame and count how many springs it does have - compare with our range and if we don't have it try eBay - many odd sizes will appear there.
• A company in NSW to try is www.trampolinereplacementmats.com.au 
• Or QLD based - www.topline-trampolines.com.au

Rectangle Trampoline Padding

• Padding is another part that can be tricky but not as tricky as getting the net assembly to fit!
• Once you are happy and confident about getting a mat and netting then we can help you with spring cover padding.
• Measure your frame - outside edge to outside edge of frame for both length and width.
• Then you will need to check with our padding to be sure that it will fit your frame.
• If you find that our padding is a little too small - 5cm+ then you will need to purchase a bigger size.
• Our padding comes as a snug fit for our trampolines and is one piece that looks like a picture frame - mitred at the corners.
• Our padding specification sizes can be found at the bottom of each pad size product page. Rectangle trampoline padding 
• If we don't have a perfect fit for you then the bigger padding will be too big.
• To make the bigger padding fit you will need to cut the foam down to size.
• The foam is inside a "pillowcase" like pocket and can be easily removed and cut down to size.
• Any excess PVC can be either taped back in place with outdoor weather tape or by taking it to a local sailmaker / upholster etc.

Safety is important when it comes to trampolines. We hope that you will be able to revive your old rectangle trampoline back to life with these simple tips if not to meet the current 2015 Australian safety standards but at least be safer.

If we can be of any further help just message us with photos and sizes or phone us (03) 5292 1100