Knowing when it’s time to part ways with your trampoline can be tricky, especially if you have never had to replace one before. Trampolines, like everything else, are not immune to wear and tear and at some point will become unsafe to use.
At this point, it needs to be replaced, and you must recognise the signs when it’s time to say goodbye to your trampoline. Today, we walk you through the common signs that indicate your trampoline needs replacement, ensuring you know what to look for and can keep your children safe as they bounce. Let’s dive in and see the signs your trampoline needs replacing now!
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It has visible wear and tear
Wear and tear is one of the most common signs that your trampoline needs replacing, and thankfully, it is relatively easy to spot. Regular inspections of your trampoline will enable you to identify any wear and tear, carry out necessary repairs, or replace the trampoline as needed. You must know what signs of wear and tear you are looking for, including:
- Broken or warped frame – metal frames can bend and warp over time, especially if they become damaged by bouncers breaking the maximum capacity or rust weakening the joints. A broken or warped frame is incredibly dangerous, and the trampoline should not be used
- Holes, frays, or tears on the trampoline bed – any damage to the trampoline bed (where your children bounce) can cause serious injuries to your children. Keep an eye out for tears, undone stitching, or punctures.
- Missing, damaged, or worn pads and springs – if the pads covering your metal springs are damaged or missing, there is a chance your children could land on them and hurt themselves. These pads should be replaced, and any bent or broken springs can also cause serious injuries if your child lands on them
- Rust or corrosion can happen to the metal parts of your trampoline, usually meaning it’s time to replace them. Rust or corrosion will weaken the structure of your trampoline and increase the chance of injuries
- Sagging or damage to safety netting – the netted enclosure around your trampoline can deteriorate over time, becoming stretched out, torn, or filled with holes. All of these damages will prevent the net from doing its job, increasing the risk of bouncers falling off the trampoline and hurting themselves
It has sagging or weak trampoline springs
Trampoline springs are essential to help bouncers bounce, but over time, they can deteriorate. You should inspect your springs regularly, checking for any signs of sagging or weakness. Damaged springs won’t have the same tension, reducing their performance and making the trampoline unsafe for your children. Signs that your springs are broken include an uneven or off-bounce, or as if the trampoline bed is sloping to one side. Any weak springs can make your jump feel heavier, too, reducing the fun of the trampoline.
You might notice visible signs that the springs are damaged, such as if they look misshapen or stretched. As part of your inspections of the trampoline, test the springs by giving them a firm tug. They should feel taut and tense, but if they don’t, you will need to stop using the trampoline immediately and consider a replacement. It’s worth noting that if your trampoline has a spring-free design, you won’t need to inspect for this.
It has an unstable frame or legs
An unstable frame or legs is another sign that your trampoline needs to be replaced. Unstable frames don’t offer the same support, and it becomes harder for your children to maintain their balance on the trampoline, increasing their chance of falling off and injuring themselves.
Check your trampoline regularly for signs of corrosion or rust on the frame, as this can cause the frame to become unstable and compromise its structural integrity. Also, examine the connection points between the legs and the frame, as rust here can weaken the metal, making it unstable and increasing the likelihood of the legs breaking. If your trampoline rocks from side to side when pushed, there might be an issue with the legs. Your trampoline might not receive the support it needs, increasing the risk of the trampoline toppling over mid-use.
It has a damaged safety enclosure
A safety enclosure around the trampoline is essential for keeping your children safe, but over time, the netting can become damaged. You need to carry out regular inspections to ensure the net is free from damage, and repair or replace the net when needed. Common signs of damage to your safety enclosure include:
- Tears and holes – even the smallest hole can be a hazard, so check all of the netting for any holes or tears. You can often find them where the netting attaches to the trampoline mat or poles
- UV damage – constant sun exposure will cause the netting to weaken over time, resulting in fading and brittleness. Netting needs good elasticity to stretch tightly over the mat and protect your children. If you notice a fading or a loss in elasticity, it’s time to replace the safety enclosure
- Zips and attachments – zips, clips, or straps can become damaged over time, but they are essential for securing the net to the trampoline. All zips and attachments need to be free of damage to prevent the netting from moving away from the trampoline as your children bounce
The trampoline is old
Older trampolines are more likely to deteriorate, and you will typically need to replace them every five to ten years. Of course, this varies depending on the maintenance you provide for your trampoline, but most manufacturers use five to ten years as a guideline for replacing your trampoline. Over time, the springs and mat on your trampoline can wear out or sag, and the frame can begin to rust. These issues can cause injuries for your childre,n and you will want to check older trampolines for the following:
- Damaged, dented, or bent parts
- Grinding, squeaking, or creaking noises when used
- Loose or saggy springs or mat
- Missing or damaged padding around the springs
- Rips, holes, or tears in the safety netting
- Visible signs of rust or corrosion
If you notice any of these, then you should stop using the trampoline and consider replacing it.
Find your replacement trampoline at Vuly
Regular inspections will enable you to identify any issues with your trampoline and replace it before it has a chance to injure your children. When looking for a replacement trampoline, we recommend Vuly. Vuly has a huge range of trampolines to choose from to suit every budget, ensuring you can enjoy a new trampoline today. Check them out to see what they offer!
