Do trampolines go bad? Yes, eventually they do. But, not very easily. If you have noticed that your trampolines are going bad very easily, or in no time, then you have been doing something wrong.
Does your trampoline have a dent, becomes less taut within a short time? Or they are not lasting as much as you expect so much that it hardly helps with your activities? That shouldn’t be happening.
Good trampolines are strong, durable and created to last for up to about 8 years. If you use your trampoline for any time less than 5years, then you should further investigate and ask questions on why it is going bad very quickly.
We’ve gathered a couple of reasons why your trampoline may be going bad and how to rectify each of them. Check them out.
1. Poor quality
Often, people buy trampolines without doing their own research about the best trampoline to buy. Did you visit a store, pick one without asking questions about the product, the manufacturer and its durability? That’s a big mistake that you should avoid subsequently.
Always do your research before going to the market. Ask questions about the various types of trampoline available before settling for one. If you will be using your trampoline for domestic purposes, ask for the best trampoline for domestic use; otherwise, pick one for commercial use.
You can make your research online about the various manufacturers of trampoline and their strengths. You can ask questions at the store, or even ask your friends for recommendations.
2. Bad setup procedure
Setting up your trampoline requires knowledge, or the ability to follow instruction. The manner in which you set up your trampoline may also affect how long it will last.
For most trampolines, there is usually a need for one or more hands to join in the setting up. Therefore, if you cannot handle it alone, try to get help from an expert or your friends who are no stranger to setting up a good trampoline.
When setting it up, ensure that all necessary parts are present. They should also be fitted properly into one another. Do not leave it unstable and call for help when you need it.
3. Lack of maintenance and care
Trampoline, like any other object, requires care and maintenance. When you leave outside in the sun for too long without protection from the various weather and winds, trampolines go bad.
Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to your trampoline if you want it to last for a very long time. Keep clean and free of debris of any kind. You can even wash with soap and water from time to time, to get rid of all that may be caught in it. Check its condition regularly so that you know when to replace those bad parts.
No, the maintenance is not time-consuming, you just shouldn’t totally neglect it without care for a very long time.
4. Poor placement
Trampolines are best placed in a very steady position. Anything otherwise, affects their ability and their durability. This is why it is advisable that you pick the steady part of your garden that does not have a slope for your trampoline. That way it is not unsteady or bent.
Do not place your trampoline under a tree, as a branch falling might cause damage. Do not place it near an open fire or a grill. If you can, get a really shady spot for your trampoline. Do not place where sharp objects might pierce it, or come in contact with it.
5. Lack of storage
Do you leave your trampoline out all winter, summer and even when you’re not using it for a very long time? Leaving your trampoline outside damages it faster and deteriorates very easily. When outside, it is exposed to every agent of the weather. Rain, sunshine, snow and wind, all affect the trampoline and its durability. They weaken the protective layer and often damage the springs.
During any of these extreme weather conditions, it is often best to store your trampoline indoors. This way you protect it.
6. Overstretched strings
Another reason why your trampolines go bad easily is that you have probably been overstretching the strings. Each trampoline has a weight they can support at once. However, when they are forced to support more than they can constantly, the strings become overstretched.
An overstretched string, of course, means that your trampolines sag faster than normal, and may become useless.
To protect your trampoline from going bad due to sagging, check for the recommended weight support when buying.
How to pick a good trampoline
When buying a trampoline, the first decision to make is picking the right one that is durable and will be able to serve the intended purpose for a long time. Here are some of the factors you should consider when picking a trampoline.
1. Consider the use.
Whether you will be using the trampoline for domestic or commercial use is an important factor. When considered, it helps you to determine the type, size and height of the trampoline to buy. A trampoline for commercial use is expected to be able to support a large weight. Many kids and adults will be using it often. Therefore it should be very durable.
Meanwhile, a domestic trampoline may be used by the kids only during the weekend or during the summer holidays.
2. Available space
The space available is another important factor that comes to play when choosing a trampoline. You should not buy a trampoline bigger than your garden or the assigned space. Rather, get a trampoline that will fit right into your garden and leave space for other activities.
3. Type of spring
While some trampolines have spring, others are springless. Therefore, when you are buying you need to know which one you will be going for. Each of them has its advantages and what makes them stand out. Do your research before picking.
4. Spare parts
A common mistake often ignored by many is the availability of spare parts for the trampoline. Ask the manufacturers or storekeeper questions about getting the trampolines spare parts.
When spare parts are available, it becomes very easy to maintain your trampoline as you can replace it easily.
5. Durability
Brands differ, therefore materials used in production are of different kinds. When buying a trampoline, ask questions on each brand’s durability and the guaranteed time available. Do not pick based on sentiments, but rather on the performing ability and standard.
How to protect trampolines
Irrespective of the type of trampoline you have, the one way to ensure that your trampolines do not go bad is by protecting them. Let’s talk about the various maintenance guides and ways to protect them.
1. Protect during winter
Winter is one of the seasons that often affect the trampoline the most. The snow build-up causes a lot of deterioration. Therefore, you should
- Dissemble your trampoline during winter if you won’t be using it at all. Place the jumping net, safety net and spring in a dry place indoors.
- Cover it up to avoid snow build-up.
- Clean the snow properly with a soft-bristle brush or broom if the trampoline is outside.
2. Protect during summer
Extreme summer conditions also do not do trampoline any good. Therefore, you should look out for rainstorms, thunderstorms or extreme summer weather conditions that will damage objects in their way. You may also have to cover your trampoline and clean it to get rid of the debris that it might have collected.
3. Get spare parts
Often, buyers make the mistake of not asking about spare parts when purchasing a trampoline. Irrespective of how good a trampoline is, it is an object, therefore will go bad sooner or later. When this happens, you will need spare parts to replace the worn-out parts.
Therefore, when you are buying trampolines, ask and research to know if the spare parts are readily available. Try not to opt for one whose spare parts cannot be purchased separately or easily. It does no good to have a bad trampoline that cannot be repaired.
4. Carry out a maintenance check
For you and your kid’s safety, carry out maintenance checks occasionally. With the check, you know when the trampoline has a fault that needs to be taken care of. You also know quickly when there is a part that needs to be repaired or replaced.
FAQS
Do trampolines expire?
Trampolines are not perishable, therefore one cannot say that they expire. However, with time, they wear off and may become dangerous for bouncing.
Do trampolines wear out?
Yes, Trampolines wear out. They often wear out as you use them and with time. The wear and tear effect affects their ability and reduces their efficiency with time.
Do trampolines dry rot?
Yes. Continuous exposure to sunlight and sun rays causes the jumping mat and other parts to dry rot. This weakens the trampoline and further shortens its life span.
Do trampolines rust?
Yes, trampolines rust. Like all metals, the metallic parts of a trampoline can go rust on exposure to rusting agents. The springs especially are known to rust easily.
Conclusion
Trampolines are not created to last forever. With time they deteriorate and there will be the need to change them. Nonetheless, it is expected that they are durable and able to last for years. To ensure their durability you have to know how to maintain them, take care of them and protect them.
When you take care of them the right way as mentioned above, you save yourself a lot of extra costs.