Where to place a trampoline

Position trampoline with safety in mind

We all know that purchasing your trampoline can get you very excited. But in order not to regret it later, you need to put some thought into where you are going to install it. You might think that your back yard is very spacious, but space is not the only criteria to help you decide on the best placement.

What are the best places to put a trampoline?

• First, you need to make sure that your trampoline will be placed on the ground and not on hard surfaces, like concrete or pavers. In many cases, your warranty won't cover damage done to the joints or the wear to the bottom of the legs, if your trampoline has been placed on such surfaces. You can always add safety matting under the legs if you don't have the option of grass or soil etc. 
• When you find a flat spot on the ground that seems right, make sure that the area is level. A tilted trampoline is often unstable and it is more likely to cause users to slip.
• Remove any hard objects like big, sharp stones or twigs and bushes under the trampoline. Double-checking never hurts, this way you will avoid tears.

You also need to make sure that there is nothing hanging above the trampoline:

• Tree limbs, wires, cables, and ropes are some of the common causes of accidents when kids play on trampolines. 
• A high bounce can get them tangled or cause them to hit their head. Head injuries can lead to serious injury so you should be extra careful about removing obstacles from your kid's (bouncing) way.

Be sure the trampoline has clearance around it

• Even with a good quality safety net, you need at least 70-100cm of clearance space around the trampoline. This is because you need to take into account the weight of the kids if they were to land on the netting.
• If limited by space buying a trampoline with an "inside net" would mean less clearance required around the trampoline.
• Walls, cables, trees, swimming pools, lighting fixtures, and fences should all be a safe distance from the trampoline to avoid accidents.

Another precaution when deciding the positioning of your trampoline is the exposure to high winds.

• This one is often overlooked, but it is very important
• Since the trampoline mat has a big surface, wind traveling underneath can make it move uncontrollably
• This can lead to damage of the trampoline, but also to damage to your property if it hits fences, walls, trees or even worse your car
• If you know that strong winds are just part of the climate in your area, you might want to consider
• installing an in-ground trampoline or using a wind anchor kit to secure your trampoline from the frame down to the ground

Make sure that your trampoline is not accessible by children when you are not able to supervise.

• Imagine how bad you would feel if the neighbours kids played while you were at work and were to get hurt.
• Either keep your trampoline in a yard that can be locked or cover the trampoline when not in use.
•  As you can understand, the placing of your trampoline is not a matter to be taken lightly.
• Spend some time observing your property and measuring the size of the safe trampoline area.
• This way you will pick the right model for you and will be able to enjoy your trampoline without worries!

The photo used for this article is not a good example of a good safe place to install a trampoline - simply a very nice photo!

If you would like to contact us, feel free to call us on (03) 5292 1100 or message us here.

Photo By Max Baars - Flickr