5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Trampoline

With so many different trampoline models available ranging from the very best premium quality right through to the inexpensive entry level, choosing the right trampoline can be tricky. People often ask which trampoline is right for my family? What size should I choose for my garden? What size and model trampoline is best for my children?

Follow these easy steps to find the perfect trampoline fit for you.

How Much Space Do You Have?

The first step to decide which trampoline you need is to measure your garden and find out how much space you have. Trampolines range in sizes as small as a compact 8 ft round and as large as massive 13 ft diameter.

Next, look for a section of your garden that is clear of debris, fences and slopes. And don’t forget that most trampoline require additional safe clearance space around the trampoline. Here are our recommendations to find the best space:

• Flat and even (if the space you have isn’t level, we recommend the rise/gradient be no more than 3 degrees across the whole space.  We don’t advise installing where the slope is greater than that).
• Safe lateral clearance space of 1.5m on every side of the trampoline.
• Minimum height clearance of 6m from the ground.

Who Is Jumping on the Trampoline?

• The trampoline model you choose also depends on who will be bouncing on the trampoline. Is it just the kids or will adults use it too?
• The Maximum User Weight is based on how heavy you are and how high you jump. It is about ensuring jumpers don’t ‘bottom out’ (touch the ground while jumping). Each trampoline will have this marked and depending on who will be using it you may need a larger trampoline.

What Type of Trampoline Do You Want?

• There are two types of trampolines on the market – the traditional spring-based trampolines and new springless trampolines.
  
  
• Springless designs completely remove springs from the equation – like our Springfree trampolines. Instead of springs, they use flexible composite rods that are underneath the jumping surface and out of harms way. Learn more about the difference between spring-based and spring-free trampolines.

Trampoline Safety Features

When it comes to trampolines, safety should be at the top of the list for every parent. Fortunately, trampolines have come a long way since you were a kid. Now all trampolines are required to have an enclosure net and pads covering the springs.

Dr. Keith Alexander, Dad and the inventor of the Springfree trampoline, has gone so far as to redesign the trampoline from the ground up to make jumping safe, originally for his own family but now as an award winning trampoline.

• Mat Rods - Springfree Trampoline uses flexible composite rods that lie beneath the jumping surface out of harm’s way.
• Hidden Frame - Springfree Trampoline’s frame is well beneath the jumping surface - you can’t hit it.
• SoftEdge Mat - Springfree has created a shock absorbent SoftEdge™ mat that eliminates any hard edges at the jumping surface.
• FlexiNet Enclosure - Springfree Trampoline's FlexiNet enclosure has flexible net rods that cushion jumpers and prevent falls.

I want to use our trampoline All Year?

Some trampolines can be left outside all year but, not all and you may need to take precautions in order to protect it including taking down the net, removing the mat, and covering it during winter. You can also disassemble your trampoline, but this can be very difficult (not to mention re-assembling in the Spring!).

Springfree trampoline makes it easy for you. They are designed to stand against the harshest weather conditions. The SoftEdge mat and safety enclosure are UV-resistant to prevent deterioration from the sun and our frame is double powder coated steel for durability and to prevent rusting. The composite fiberglass rods are rust proof, unlike metal coil springs. So you can leave a Springfree trampoline up all year long, even in the rain and snow.

Is a Trampoline Right For You?

When all the above are considered, part of choosing the right trampoline for you comes down to personal preference. Do you like the look of the square models the most or maybe the oval? What shape fits best into your garden? Do you want a springless trampoline or not? How much do you want to spend on your trampoline? How long do you want your trampoline to last?

After you've checked you have the space and safe clearance required, sometimes the best way to choose is to simply try one out. Try before you buy… we have several show-sites across the UK

As a quick footnote, a lot of parents want a trampoline to get their kids outside and active. Springfree Trampolines offer a fun physical workout and can challenge the whole family, while increasing the family time in fresh air. Why not set some personal trampoline fitness goals and jump into a healthier lifestyle!

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