How to Choose a Trampoline

What size trampoline should you buy?
We can tell you that the most common regret we hear from customers is: "How I wish I had bought a bigger trampoline". So if you have the space and budget then buy the biggest. Do avoid non-standard trampoline sizes as you will find it very difficult to buy spare parts. Standard round trampoline sizes are always even numbers - 8, 10, 12 and 14 feet in diameter.

Will it fit in my garden?
No, we are not trying to insult your intelligence. There have been dozens of occasions when having just built their new trampoline, customers have called to say. "It's too big to fit the space in my garden". So please do measure the space you have allocated to the trampoline and try to visualise something several metres high filling that space. We suggest suggest that you lay out a hose pipe or sprinkle cooking flour to the approximate size and position to help with the visualisation.

Do I need a level garden?
Ideally, yes! but there are options if your garden has a slight slope. Your trampoline needs to be dead level so be prepared to either do a bit of turf removal and earth moving or to dig two mini trenches for the leg bases on the higher ground and to block up the lower leg bases. The mini trenches are vital otherwise your trampoline will slip down the slope and fall off the riser blocks.

How can I make my trampoline as safe as possible?
Firstly you need to be aware of the specific risks. They are:
a. Falling off the trampoline.
b. Falling on the trampoline frame.
c. Colliding with another bouncer
d. Landing badly on the trampoline bed.
e. Toddlers and pets going under the trampoline when it is in use.
f. Your trampoline being blown away in high winds.

To deal with these risks one by one:
a. Falling off: Easily prevented by buying your trampoline with a netting enclosure. These are great for your peace of mind especially with other parents' children bouncing on your trampoline. Having said that, one of the benefits of trampolining is the development of your children's spacial awareness, co-ordination and sense of self-preservation. Once these senses are developed it is in fact very difficult to fall off a round trampoline.

b. Falling on the trampoline frame. Ouch! This is the part of the trampoline that can do the most damage. Even the very best of trampoline frame pads are still concealing a solid steel framework. If there is no netting enclosure fitted experienced trampolinists will take their chances and make sure they bounce right off the trampoline onto the grass - we advise against jumping from a trampoline into the ground.

c. Colliding with another bouncer. Multiple use needs to be sensible use, collisions can happen if the trampoline is misused. It is tempting for more than one user to use the bigger Trampolines; although we recommend one user at a time for a safe experience, two users can bounce safely on a large enough Trampoline providing they are of a similar size and weight.

d. Landing badly on the trampoline bed. This is sadly a major cause of trampoline injuries most of which are avoidable. As part of your research into what trampoline to buy consider the suspension system and what sort of a landing your children will experience, especially if one of their moves doesn't quite work out. Make sure they always have a soft landing. Many lower cost trampolines have small tightly wound springs that give a very hard unyielding bounce. Some trampolines have fabric and rubber stretch bands instead of springs. These also give a hard, unyielding bounce. On a 12 foot or bigger trampoline that is likely to be used by teenagers and adults make sure it is fitted with springs that are over 150mm or 7 inches or preferably 216mm or 8.5 inches long unstretched. These will deliver a softer, safer and more enjoyable bounce. Once you have bought your trampoline it is extremely important to read the instructions and obey the rules. Discourage multiple use. Statistics show that where accidents occur when more than one person is bouncing it is the smallest bouncer who is 5 times more likely to be the one that is injured. Bounce in the middle of the bed. Plan your moves. Do not make split second or last minute decisions about your next move. If you want to do new moves learn from a qualified trampoline coach.

e. Preventing under trampoline access. This is an obvious one to consider with the mix of larger trampolines, bigger bouncers and toddlers or pets. Consider buying and fitting a trampoline undernet or "skirt". They are not expensive and could prevent a nasty accident.

f. Flying trampolines. For numerous examples set your Google alert to 'Trampoline' and read all about what can happen when the wind whisks your trampoline away. This is far more likely to happen if you have fitted a safety netting enclosure. They do tend to catch the wind. If you buy a trampoline and enclosure consider purchasing a tie down kit. Funnily enough trampolines that take off are usually easily repaired. It is the damage they do to objects and the people they could hit that is cause for concern. Our number one tip is to drop the net when there are winds forecast as the enclosure net itself acts as a sail!

Source: SuperTramp Blog