Trampoline Care and Maintenance - So Simple Even Kids Can Do It
It is easy to think a trampoline is a case of set and forget after you have spent time assembling. However, you want the fun to last for a very long time, especially since getting a new, high-quality trampoline that can be quite an investment.
With proper maintenance, you will keep your family bouncing safely for years.
The first step towards proper maintenance starts the very first day that you install your trampoline.
- Even though technically not a maintenance practice, placing your trampoline on safe ground will significantly reduce your chances of needing to do a repair.
- There should be no structure under your trampoline, no matter how small.
- If positioned on an abrasive surface like concrete we recommend putting some rubber matting under the legs – it will stop the noise of the rubbing and wearing the metal through.
Educating the kids on safe and appropriate use is also important before the kids get on. Too many times we have had kids damage their new trampoline mat within days by putting bikes, diggers, sparklers, and even using knives on their trampoline and of course, holes and tears occur.
Trampoline frame padding is designed to break falls and to save heads and limbs meeting with springs or frame edges. Talking to the kids about this is important so they do know the pads aren't an extension to the mat. They should feel comfortable knowing it is there as a safety buffer but not to jump directly on the pads.
Regularly inspect your trampoline. The first thing you need to check is that the mat has no tears or holes, no matter how tiny. If you see damage on the mat, just replace it. It is a matter of safety and tears mean reduced strength. It can be expensive, but it has much less value than the health and safety of your children. Unfortunately, there is no long term repair for a trampoline jumping mat so if there is a small hole it will only get bigger.
You also need to inspect the frame. Frames can come loose and you just need to tighten a few screws in order to keep your trampoline in perfect shape. If there are any screws missing, make sure to always replace them. In cases where the frame is bent, you should take it to a specialist to decide if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Bent frames also compromise the strength of your trampoline and can lead to serious accidents, so don’t ignore them! It is also important to check that the legs are straight at all times, as dragging or mowing under the trampoline can tilt them, just pull them back in alignment.
The same goes for missing or broken springs. You need to replace them before the trampoline is used. A mat not 100% secured to a frame is very dangerous as springs will continue to be over tension-ed and fly off, potentially hitting windows or kids! Please replace springs as a matter of urgency.
If you have some squeakiness or noises coming from your frame when the kids are bouncing you can spray a bit of WD40 (silicon lubricant) on the joints and springs – just don’t be too liberal with it as you don’t then want too much dust settling on the solution as the parts can wear from abrasive dirt particles.
Safety nets and safety padding should also be in good shape. Don’t ignore tears or other damage to these parts. They are the ones keeping your family safe from falls and they are worth the attention.. As the pads are directly in front of the entrance area suffer more wear, move your padding around to even out the wear after 6 months. Outdoor weather tape is available from good hardware stores if you were to get a hole or tear from any misuse. This can help to prolong the life of pads too. You may need to go around the trampoline and pull the “skirt” of the pads down from time to time to keep it tucked under the tension of the netting to help keep them securely in place.
Checking that the clamps of the safety net poles are in place and tight enough can save you from both accidents and damages when a user falls on the net.
Wind Anchor Kit- If you live in a high wind zone we strongly recommend that for any trampoline you secure it with one of our Trampoline Wind Anchor Kits.
A trampoline check only takes you a few minutes and even if parts need to be replaced, the cost will be much lower than that of getting a new trampoline. Plus, with proper maintenance, you can worry less about the safety of your kids!
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