Understanding how to maintain a trampoline annually is important for any dad with a backyard trampoline. Kids love jumping and playing on a trampoline so it’s an excellent addition to any fun dad’s collection of big toys for the kids. Any day that is not raining is a fun day to bounce a trampoline.
The roughest season for trampolines is the winter seasons, however, with routine care and maintenance it is safe to use your trampoline all year long
How to Maintain a Trampoline – Basic Tips
1. Clean the Trampoline Free of Debris
Water, leaves, and other dirt if allowed to sit on the trampoline will cause damage. This is the biggest cause for damage to springs as moisture can eventually rust them which can lead to breakage. Use a bucket with soap and water to occasionally wash all the surfaces of the trampoline, select a warm sunny day so that all the parts will quickly dry after washing.
2. The Correct Placement in the Yard
The number one step to trampoline maintenance is site selection for where the trampoline will sit. Select a spot that will provide your trampoline cover from the heat of the sun during the summer. UV rays can cause serious damage to the jumping mat and the frame pads Be aware of large trees that both produce leaves and the threat of a fallen branch. Aside from damage from falling limbs leaves can become a real chore to clean if the trampoline is not covered.
3. Routine Checklist Maintenance of the Trampoline
Follow a routine checklist for looking over the trampoline for wear and tear or causes for concern. Check the surface of the mat for any punctures or has any deterioration or sagging in the jumping mat. Assess the frame for bends in the materials or overstretched or rusty springs.
5 Winter Maintenance Tips
You can store the trampoline under a cover instead of breaking it down at the end of summer. store it This lets your kids have access to it on nice days during the winter.
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Frame, Jumping Mat, and Springs Inspection
Check the trampoline after harsh weather events including torrential rain, high winds or large snowfalls which can cause the trampoline to move around. Snow or other windblown in debris can add substantial weight to the framing and coils. Detect early damage prior to using the trampoline and it is likely that the repair will be less than if you used the trampoline and a part fails completely underweight.
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Remove Pads and Store Them Inside When Not Using During Winter
Remove the frame pads to eliminate damage from winter exposures such as moisture from rain and snow during the winter months. They are easy to store and will not take up much space in your shed or garage while significantly extending the life of your trampoline. Certain trampoline styles are exceedingly difficult to remove the pads without disassembling parts of the trampoline and should them be covered with a tarp or specifically designed trampoline weather cover.
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Use a Weather Cover When Not Using the Trampoline
A weather covering is advisable for use in climates that receive a lot of water or heavy snow. This will protect the trampoline springs, frame, and jumping pad. You want to be cognizant of the amount of moisture that gets in between the jump pad and the cover though as mildew can form and grow quickly under the cover on the pad. You can avoid the growth of mildew by occasionally taking the cover off and allowing the pad to completely dry. Installing weather covering over the trampoline allows you to quickly brush snow and knock ice off. By reducing the weight on the trampoline you will avoid significant weight causing damage to the jumping mat, coils, and framing.
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Clear Snow and Ice from the Jumping Pad
It is important to brush off all snow that can build up on the jump pad. The extra weight of snow and ice as it accumulates can make damage the jump pad, frame, or legs. Using a broom is sufficient and you do not want to use a metal shovel as you could cause real damage to the mesh jump pad. Many homeowners think they have a moment of genius thinking they will just use a snowblower to quickly blow off the snow from a trampoline only to find out that the little bit of heat that comes out from a snowblower can be enough to cause damage to the jump pad.
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Secure Anchors for Potential Winter Storms
Using anchors to secure your trampoline from blowing around in the wind is a critical step for winter storage. Wind gusts can be strong enough to flip a trampoline causing damage to the netting, jump pad, and even the frame. Anchors are cheap so use enough to keep your backyard trampoline secure to the ground.
A tie-down can be fixed to any heavy, secure object near your trampoline. This as an added layer of protection will keep the trampoline from moving in a wind storm by securing it to the house or other large objects like a tree or fence.
Annual Spring Trampoline Maintenance
Springtime trampoline maintenance is all about making sure the trampoline survived the winter and is ready for action.
- Inspect all the coils for rust and any areas that are uncoiling
- Look for any damage to the mat or protective netting such as puncture holes or tears in the material. Keep an eye on the enclosure net, paddings, and the covering over the spring coils.
- Look for any rust or damage to the poles, framing, and legs.
- Replace all parts are that worn or rusted. These can not be repaired they should just be replaced.
Annual Summer Trampoline Maintenance
Keep the trampoline out of the direct sun if possible to reduce sun exposure damage and potential sunburns for your kids. Keep an eye on all the critical components as your kids put the trampoline through a robust workout all summer long.
- If a thunderstorm passes check to make sure there is no debris and make sure to wipe away any standing water from the jump pad, frame pads, and any area where water may be sitting.
- Keep the trampoline free of leaves as the summer turns to fall, it doesn’t take long for wet leaves to make the jumping mat nasty.
- Consider covering the jump pad to keep the sun off it. The UV rays from the hot summer sun can degrade the materials in a couple of seasons. While you want to keep the trampoline easily accessible to use during the summer, it is wise to keep it covered if the trampoline will not be used for a period of time.
- If you have a basketball trampoline check the hoop and net for debris.
Routine Maintenance Lengthens the Lifespan of Backyard Trampolines.
You will make your trampoline last a long time by keeping an eye on the jumping pad and the spring coils. The biggest cause for a trampoline failure is unnoticed damage to the ma pad or protective netting. A rip can open quickly resulting in a child falling through the pad. Avoid playing with rusty coils, replacing a single coil is not costly, however, a damaged coil breaking can cause harm and serious damage to the frame and jump pad.
Stay on top of your trampoline annual maintenance checklist and avoid injuries and costly repairs.