Buy a garden trampoline? Follow these top 10 trampoline buying tips, and you’ll find the right trampoline for you and your kids that will provide years of fun.
1. If I buy a trampoline, will it be used or ignored?
We find that every parent is surprised once they buy a trampoline how much it gets used and we hear time and time again they say, “…the trampoline was the best thing we ever bought for our kids – they are on it every day.” “. These are the comments after only a week and also after several years.
2. Should I buy a circular or rectangular trampoline?
Circular trampolines are the most common to use in the backyard, as they are less powerful than the rectangular trampolines used by experienced gymnasts. Circle trampolines naturally direct the jumper to the center of the trampoline mat, making them safer. For most children it would be too dangerous to use a rectangular trampoline at home without constant expert supervision for themselves and their friends.
3. Does size matter?
Make sure you know how much space the trampoline will take up in the garden. Round trampolines sold in the UK are sized in feet which refers to the diameter (or full width from the outside of the frame, through the center, to the outside of the frame on the other side). Sizes can range from as small as 6 feet to a whopping 16 feet. You will also need to leave approximately 18 inches around the trampoline to allow room for the enclosure netting to flex when a user falls against it. The best spot in your yard for your new trampoline will ideally be fairly level and free of overhanging wires and branches. Why not measure and string your lawn to get an idea of the space it will take up before you buy a trampoline online to avoid a surprise when it arrives? It’s always a good idea to get the largest trampoline with an enclosure that fits and within the budget. Don’t forget: most adults love being big kids and will definitely want to use the trampoline too!
4. How long will they last?
Many modern trampolines are built to last and last and come with warranties of 5 years or so. With that in mind, don’t just choose a trampoline that is big enough for your child to use now, choose one that will continue to be great for your child to use for years to come. It will save you having to buy a bigger one after a couple of years.
5. How do I choose which provider to use?
A trampoline pack will be large and heavy, so most people won’t have a car big enough to pick one up to take home from a store. Therefore, most trampolines are delivered to your home via mail order or an Internet provider. You should choose one that specializes in trampolines as they can advise you on trampoline choice, installation and ongoing product support will be invaluable. They will also keep a stock of spare parts and accessories that you may need in the future. Try calling them to see how much they know about their own models. Some vendors sell many different products and may well be selling something else next year just when you need a replacement part or accessory. Find out how long they have been selling trampolines.
6. What characteristics of the product should I take into account?
framework – the frame of the trampoline is the most important part, these are usually made of galvanized steel (a process that coats the metal against rust) and the best quality ones will have the galvanized protection on both the inside and outside of the pipe. Powder-coated frames may be cheaper, but they provide much less protection against rust. The weakest part of the frame may be where the circular ring meets the studs. On most trampolines this is a welded joint, but these welds can be of poor quality and even good quality welds can crack over time and render the trampoline useless. Atlantic Trampolines, for example, uses a patented T-joint for its trampolines that avoids the need for welding and the difficulties that can result from this method of construction.
rebound mat and spring padding – the rebounding mat must be strong and resistant. It should also be soft when a jumper lands against it with bare skin. The best trampolines use a mat made of Permatron polypropylene that is also UV resistant and will withstand years of exposure to direct sunlight. The spring padding is also exposed to bright sunlight and the PE material many manufacturers use will crack after a year or so of use. Atlantic trampolines, for example, use polyester on the top surface of their spring padding, giving it a much longer life.
number of springs – manufacturers will typically state how many springs they use for each size of trampoline they sell. Larger trampolines will have more springs than smaller ones. However, when comparing similarly sized trampolines from different manufacturers, the one with the most springs is not necessarily the best or most powerful. The number of springs required for optimal rebound is related to the user’s weight. A large number of springs can make bouncing difficult or impossible for a small child. In case of doubt consult your supplier.
Weight Limit – most trampolines will specify a maximum safe weight limit. A weight limit of around 100kg (16 stone) should be enough for most families.
7. What accessories should I consider buying?
security enclosure – Always choose a trampoline game that includes a safety enclosure. No matter how old the users are or how careful they are, you can be sure that without one installed there will be an accidental fall off the trampoline. If an enclosure is not installed, you will also need to leave extra space around the trampoline in case of falls. There are many different security enclosure designs on the market. As long as there is good safety padding over the springs, a net that is secured to the outside of the circular frame of the trampoline is ideal. This will maximize usable space inside and a jumping adventurer won’t be hindered by a net located inside the springs.
leaderboard – a trampoline ladder is essential as it allows easy access for older children, but especially younger ones. They are also less likely to jump off the trampoline and risk injury. If you have very young children, you can prevent them from accessing the trampoline when you’re not around by removing the ladder. We recommend a ladder that has flat rungs rather than tubular rungs, as these can be uncomfortable for children to use without shoes. Some vendors will automatically include a ladder with the trampoline, but others will sell it as an add-on.
weather cover – An all-weather trampoline cover covers the trampoline mat and protects it from leaves and bird droppings. It will usually have a hole in the center to allow water to pass through.
anchor kit – a trampoline anchor kit is essential if you are going to leave your trampoline in the garden all year round. Although the trampoline is heavy equipment, we have seen them lift off the ground, even in small yards, where they have the potential to damage themselves or cause damage to your home and other property. An anchor kit helps keep the trampoline secure to the ground during windy weather.
8. I have seen photos of trampoline tents, what are they about?
Special trampoline tents have been designed to sit like a dome on the trampoline and fold down like the roof of a convertible so the user can easily bounce or use the tent. Tents can provide a useful all-weather play area for younger children and protect them from strong sunlight. For older children, they offer the flexibility of turning the trampoline into a den or space for a sleepover. Whatever the reason they are purchased for, it means the trampoline can be used in all weathers and at all times of the year.
9. What about the delivery?
When comparing prices for products online, don’t forget to check what the shipping cost would be. Some retailers add a fixed delivery price, some charge extra based on the weight of the packages, and some even offer free delivery. Product delivery to your home will normally be during the business week, but some will offer Saturday delivery for an additional fee. The product is heavy and the driver may need help. Make sure there is a safe, covered place to store it until you are ready to assemble the trampoline.
10. What if I need to know more?
If you are unsure of anything, call or email the retailer and ask. It will help you make your point, and it will also give you a chance to see how well they know your products and if you feel you can buy from them with confidence.
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