How to maintain your trampoline to extend its longevity
Placed outside in your garden, a trampoline needs to be maintained regularly to ensure it continues to work properly and look good over time. Although trampolining is more of a good-weather activity, you will need to take different precautions depending on the season and how you use it. Here are some tips for prolonging your trampoline’s lifespan - we strongly recommend you putting them into practice.
Whatever the season, some precautions apply all year around
What to wear
Clothes are not a minor detail when it comes to trampolining. It’s better to wear loose, baggy clothing. Features such as buttons and belts, and jewellery (necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.) can damage fabric parts such as the mat, protective padding and net, if they rub against them. For the same reasons, you should not wear shoes when using a trampoline.
Watch out for pets
Pets and trampolines don’t go well together. Though they might be more than keen to have a go, our four-legged friends can damage the bounce mat with their claws.
Foreign objects
When using the trampoline, it is recommended that you empty your pockets first and avoid holding anything in your hand. Small objects increase the risk of injury, and on top of that, they may cause the bounce mat to wear more quickly, or even damage it if they bang or rub against it.
Beware of wind
Wind and humidity are your trampoline’s worst enemies. As far as possible, set up your trampoline in a spot that is sheltered from the wind. For safety reasons, and to avoid damaging the structure and mat, trampolines should not be placed under a tree. There is a risk you may injure yourself when you jump, or that branches may fall onto the trampoline. Trampolines are best used on soft ground, such as grass or soil. You can use an anchor kit on this type of ground to make your trampoline more stable when jumping and better able to withstand light to moderate wind. If you have no choice but to set up your trampoline on a hard surface (patio, concrete, etc.), be aware that the surface may damage the paint on your trampoline’s legs and weaken the steel structure.
If strong winds are forecast, we strongly recommend that you dismantle your trampoline’s safety barrier to reduce the wind surface area, and store it away safely or make sure it is firmly anchored to the ground.
How to protect your trampoline out of season
Once summer is well and truly over, you probably won’t use your trampoline as often so we recommend that you store the components away. The metallic structure and fabric components of our Spring and Springcare trampolines are better preserved in stable temperatures and relatively low humidity. It is a good idea to clean your trampoline before you dismantle it and put it away for the winter. To clean it properly, use a low-pressure water jet or wet sponge to clean the bounce mat and protective padding. Before putting it away for the winter, make sure the metallic structure and the fabric parts are dry, to prevent mould from forming. Once the parts are dry, you can dismantle the safety barrier (no need to remove the fiberglass hoop from the net). You can place the posts (with protective foam and sleeves), nets and other components on the bounce mat and put a protective cover over them. Generally speaking, we recommend that you protect the jumping area every winter, and remove any heavy elements that could damage it (snow, water, branches, soil/dust, moss, etc.).
Getting ready for the new season
When the weather starts to improve and the trampolining season is just around the corner, we advise you to carry out a few checks and some routine maintenance as follows: check the screws and bolts are properly tightened, check the condition of the bounce mat, safety net and protective padding.
The safety net is the most fragile part of a trampoline, which is why we recommend you replace it every year. Re-tighten the anchor kit strap if necessary. Now you can get back on your trampoline and let the fun begin again!
Certifications and compliance with standards
Made from high-quality materials with a galvanized steel structure, the Spring and Springcare trampolines offer excellent stability. The German certification TUV SÜD GS and French certification issued by the CRITT constitute standards in terms of quality and safety. Cornilleau trampolines also comply with the NF EN 71-14 standard.
