In their ideal form, trampolines should provide you and your family with memorable moments and minimal headaches.
But if you’re dealing with a trampoline that is constantly running into issues, that sentiment switches to frustration and major headaches.
Just like almost any product, trampolines deteriorate with age and it’s imperative to know when it’s time to say goodbye to your old trampoline.
Why? Because an aging trampoline with wear and tear can turn into a safety hazard. As a parent or guardian of little kids, the last thing you want is to have to make a trip to A&E because the trampoline, that should’ve been replaced, gave out.
We’re going to help you avoid that disastrous but completely avoidable scenario today.
At Springfree Trampoline, we are an industry-leading trampoline innovator and manufacturer. Through our decades of experience, we have come to learn what makes a good trampoline, and more importantly for today’s topic, when it’s time to find a replacement.
Using our expertise, we are going to provide you with the seven signs that signal it might be time to replace your trampoline.
Once you read through this, you will be able to assess for yourself whether you want to keep going with your current trampoline or whether it’s time to go with something new.
7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Trampoline
Here are the seven signs that you may need a replacement trampoline, based on our expert-led analysis:
Trampoline Parts Are Starting to Rust
Rust is always one of the key indicators of age, and depending on how rusted a metal trampoline part has become, it may be one of the first signs you need a replacement.
Any metal part of a trampoline can rust over time, including the springs, poles and frame. The trampoline frame, though, is the most important to pay attention to.
If you catch rust on the frame or springs early enough, you can clean it off with a wire brush and some kind of anti-rust spray. However, if rust begins to accumulate and you don’t clean it off, the structure of the trampoline can become weakened causing a potential safety hazard for the jumpers.
Tip: If you’re looking for a new trampoline, search for one with a steel frame that is galvanized inside and out. Those will have the strongest protection against rust.
Example of a rusted trampoline frame and spring, courtesy of Get Trampoline:
The Mat Has Begun to Tear
A noticeable sign of deterioration on a trampoline is holes or tears in the jumping mat.
Smaller holes in the jumping mat (below ½ inch) will likely not cause issues and can be fixed using duct tape.
If the hole is between ½ and 3 inches wide, there are ways you can manually repair the hole in the trampoline mat.
If the hole is above 3 inches wide, then you should consider replacing the trampoline mat or the trampoline altogether. A replacement trampoline mat won’t break the bank: Depending on the size, trampoline mats can cost anywhere from £49-£200+.
But if you have a cheaper trampoline that is already giving you issues, then it might be more practical to purchase a new replacement trampoline than to replace the mat on the old one.
The Net Is Falling Apart
The enclosure net is an essential safety component that all trampolines nowadays are recommended to have, via ASTM Standards (American Standard for Testing and Materials).
Falling injuries are one of the most common types of trampoline injuries and could potentially be the most dangerous. You must have a strong net to protect against falling off the trampoline.
So, if you notice that the netting on your trampoline is beginning to tear or fray, then at the very least, you need to replace the net. You can usually find enclosure nets for under £100.
If you’re not fully confident in the net you have or are buying as a replacement, then it may be time to upgrade to a trampoline that has a net made of stronger material (like polyester.) It can’t be overstated how crucial the enclosure net is to a trampoline’s safety.
Tip: When looking for a new trampoline, make sure the netting has UV protection. That will help it sustain longer against sun-related damage.
The Trampoline Springs Are Stretching
The next sign that a trampoline replacement may be in your future is if the springs, the part that provides the bounce, starts to stretch.
If the springs of a trampoline start to stretch, it means they are losing their strength—not something you want to play with considering the springs connect the mat to the frame.
If you notice that your trampoline’s springs are stretching, replace them as soon as possible. Springs can cost £10-£20 or more per spring.
While you can always replace trampoline springs, if you’re tired of having to deal with them, then it may be time for a replacement trampoline. You may want to look into a springless trampoline if you are having reoccurring issues with the springs.
See the image below, courtesy of wikiHow, that shows what a stretched spring looks like compared to a normal one:
Check out “Springs vs. Springless” for a full comparison between the two types of trampolines!
The Trampoline Is Becoming Imbalanced
Another sign that your trampoline may need to be replaced is if it is not resting evenly on a surface.
A trampoline that is leaning or imbalanced could mean that some parts of the trampoline frame are bent or becoming weakened, potentially by rust.
An uneven trampoline is one of the stronger indicators that a replacement trampoline could be on the horizon. If the frame starts to go, the cost to replace it can be up to £500 or more.
It would likely be more cost effective to buy a better-quality trampoline for around the same price than to replace the frame on your old one.
Your Jumpers Have Outgrown the Trampoline
So far, you’ve seen how the breakdown or wearing of parts can contribute to needing a trampoline replacement.
But this next factor involves the people who are jumping on the trampoline, which in most cases, is children.
Let’s say you bought an 8 ft trampoline for your child when they were seven years old. Fast forward five years and a couple of inches later, and that 8 ft trampoline now looks tiny for a growing 12-year-old kid.
If your child has outgrown the resident trampoline, purchasing a new one is recommended for a couple of reasons:
- One, they will have more space to jump around.
- Two, they will not run the risk of bottoming out because they weigh over the trampoline’s weight limit.
That last point is crucial: Bottoming out on a trampoline means falling to the ground or on the springs, which can result in significant injury.
Tip: Make sure to consider the trampoline’s individual weight limit if purchasing a replacement trampoline and buy for the future. If you’re expecting your child to grow, and you want to buy only one trampoline for them to grow up with, purchase a big trampoline the first time.
You Are Constantly Replacing Trampoline Parts
The last major sign that a trampoline replacement may be needed is if you’re constantly having to order and change out parts for your current trampoline.
Measuring your trampoline and ordering the right parts can be tedious and time-consuming. It’s normal to have to change trampoline parts---like the safety pads, springs or net---every so often.
But if you are consistently changing out parts on your trampoline, purchasing a newer, better trampoline, would likely be the best solution. It would save on both the time and money it will take to keep replacing parts as they disintegrate.
Need a High-Quality Replacement Trampoline?
Trampolines are built to be enjoyed by both kids and adults as a fun way to get active outside.
But if you’re experiencing some of the signs of age you learned about today, it might be time to invest in a new trampoline.
As you’ve learned in this article, a trampoline that is showing signs of wear-and-tear poses a safety hazard to jumpers, which are usually kids. Not to mention, it can become an eye sore in your garden.
You don’t want to look back and regret not replacing your trampoline after something bad has already happened. With a trampoline, it’s undoubtedly better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re interested in a high-quality and safe replacement trampoline, then it’s worth looking into a Springfree Trampoline.
Our springless trampolines are the safest and longest-lasting trampolines you will find on the market. They come with industry-leading features like the FlexiNet, SoftEdge Mat, hidden frame, enclosure rods and net rods that replace the springs on a traditional trampoline.
We are confident in saying they are the best trampoline to buy. However, they are priced at a premium, so they may not be a fit for some budgets.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a Springfree Trampoline, or another model, is an adequate replacement for your current trampoline.
Check out “Which Springfree Trampoline Is Right for You?” to see all of our current models + descriptions on who would and wouldn’t be a fit for each trampoline!
