All parts of a trampoline
A trampoline has three main essential components; the frame, springs, and jumping mat. Without these, the trampoline cannot function. The other trampoline accessories are net, poles, cover pad, and ladder.
Trampoline frame
The trampoline frame is the very foundation of every trampoline as it supports all the other parts. It consists of horizontal and vertical legs and a top rail.
Trampoline frames are made of heavy gauge steel for strength and stability. And depending on the trampoline size, it can have 4, 5, or 6 legs.
Usually, the frame comes with the longest warranty of all trampoline parts, with most manufacturers providing a ten-year warranty. However, some also have a lifetime warranty.
If your frame parts get damaged and the warranty is already expired, you may need to get replacement parts to repair, and frame parts are usually very hard to get. You may find the only solution is to buy a new frame which is even more difficult to find. That is why we recommend you buy a trampoline from popular brands that mostly have their replacements readily available. We also recommend checking your trampoline regularly for damages as this could lead to serious injuries.
Trampoline Springs
Trampoline springs are major parts of a trampoline because they provide the bounce when you jump in your trampoline.
Springs are made from several materials like steel, electric straps, and even fiberglass rods. The best ones are made with heavy-duty galvanized steel because they resist breaking under pressure and also resist rust in case they get wet during the rainy season.
Springs vary in length from 5.5 to 10 inches depending on the trampoline size, so be sure to get the right size when looking to replace them. But as a note, the longer springs, the better the bounce.
With frequent use over a long time, spring often starts to stretch and can also get rusty when exposed to bad weather. This affects the quality of bounce and may also cause the mat to be damaged. Therefore, you should check your springs regularly.
When buying, it would be a great idea to get a trampoline from a brand that includes a few spare springs (most companies do not). That way, if you notice the trampoline isn’t bouncing back as before or the spring is broken, you can replace the springs right away instead of waiting for new ones to be delivered.
Never use a spring that is not designed for use in a trampoline, no matter how tempting the idea is. Other springs are not designed to support the bodyweight of the jumper and will not be safe to use. Plus, they cannot provide the kind of bounce that a real trampoline spring can offer.
Replacement springs are not hard to find, and you can find a wide variety available on Amazon.
Trampoline Mat
The trampoline mat is where all the bouncing fun happens, so it gets pretty banged up. It is another essential part of a trampoline. The trampoline mat is mostly made of woven polypropylene or waterproof canvas fabric. These fabrics are very strong to endure the pressure from jumping.
To maintain your trampoline mat, it is best to buy a trampoline cover to protect it from UV rays which make the mat brittle and prone to ripping. One of the places you are likely to see damages around the stitching. There is usually a UV coating to protect the stitching from damage, but eventually, it wears off.
Trampoline mats range in sizes from 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 15ft, and above. A good quality mat should feel smooth under your feet and should not be hard to jump on. That’s why you should aim to buy the best quality mat even though it cost a bit more.
Trampoline pads
Trampoline pads cover the springs and the outer frame of the trampoline to provide a cushion against injuries if the jumper were to fall onto either the hard springs or frame. Therefore trampoline pads are soft and colorful because they promote the aesthetics of the trampoline.
You will need to replace the pads frequently as they experience a lot of wear. And luckily, you can get them easily from trampoline replacement part shops and stores like Amazon.
Trampoline Enclosure/Net
The trampoline net surrounds or encloses the trampoline to prevent jumpers from falling off, which is the leading cause of injuries when using a trampoline. Installing the enclosure net on your trampoline is the best way to promote safety.
Replacement enclosure nets can be bought separately, so check for availability from the trampoline companies or stores like Amazon.
Also, never let your child jump on a trampoline without a security net.
Trampoline ladder
A trampoline ladder makes it easier to access the trampoline, given that the entrance of most trampolines is about 4 feet high. It is especially helpful for small children and toddlers when climbing in and out. When not in use, the ladder can be removed and kept in a safe place to protect it from wear and tear. You can read more about how to replace trampoline pads.
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Mary Stephens is our infant development and baby fun activities specialist here at Motherhood HQ. She has over 10 years of experience dealing with kids, previously as a K3 teacher and now as a K9-12 teacher specializing in physical education and Social Studies. She is certified to teach in New York and Massachusetts and when not teaching trampoline jump tricks or giving toddler safety guides, she enjoys writing and providing helpful guides to parents on baby fun activities from infancy to toddlerhood. Mary is also an independent consultant providing parents with fun activities at home and appropriate toys and baby gear for infants and toddler development. She can be reached at her email, mary.s(at)motherhoodhq.com.
