How to Buy a Trampoline for Fun and Fitness

Jumping around on a big trampoline is so fun, and I remember my sister begging my parents to get us one when we were younger.

We had it set-up in our backyard and used it for years. We get a chilly winter with snow where I live, but weather dependent for you, trampolining is a great year-round activity.

If you are looking to entertain yourself, your kids, or your family and friends, consider owning a trampoline. A trampoline provides exercise and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. What better way to keep people busy for hours? My rabbit loved hiding out under the trampoline, 'cause it provided him with shade on those sunny days, lol!

So, how do you know what to look for when buying a trampoline? It can be overwhelming to compare and choose one suited to your needs. I've outlined the important things to look for when purchasing a trampoline. This should make your How to Buy a Trampoline search that much easier.

This page will discuss the following when buying a trampoline:

• Best Trampoline Shape
• Best Trampoline Size
• Trampoline Safety
• Trampoline Storage
• Trampoline Enclosure
• Trampoline Cover
• Trampoline Ladder

Almost the first thing to consider when looking to buy a trampoline is the shape you want.

There are round, oval, octagonal, rectangular, and square trampolines. You may think you just need to pick the shape that is the most visually appealing, or that fits your space, but actually the shape affects the bounce.

Round

• Designed to keep the jumper in the center
• Softer, slower bounce for more control
• Mainly used in backyard and home-use jumping
• Most commonly used

Octagonal

• Provides a larger jumping area, without pulling jumper into the middle
• Straight sides offer a natural orientation for the jumper

Rectangular

• Allows for a larger space to jump
• Usually purchased by those interested in gymnastics and competitive sport
• Springs are more flexible offering a higher bounce
• Designed to keep jumper in center

Square

• Construction similar to Rectangular, but bounce not as high

Oval

• Better fit for small or narrow spaces
• Seemingly separate bounce areas at ends

The second thing to consider when buying a trampoline is the size.

Recreational models, such as that which you would purchase for a backyard, can vary from a 6-foot diameter to a 16 or 17-foot diameter.

You have to ensure you have adequate space to place the trampoline. The larger the trampoline you buy, the more fun can be had with it.

Keep these safety aspects in mind:

- 24-feet minimum overhead clearance is required

- 2-feet minimum horizontal clearance around

- Must be clear of objects and possible hazards (electric power wiring, tree limbs, recreational structures, fences)

Depending on the floor surface, you may need to purchase rubber floor guards, such as if you place the trampoline indoors, on a paved patio, or on a concrete surface.

In order to prevent injuries, you will want to uphold safety precautions at all times.

From the time the trampoline is assembled, to when it's in use, to how it's maintained are all steps that need to be carefully implemented.

Please note these safety measures:

• Read and follow all Manufacturer's directions on set-up, use, and storage of trampoline
• Make sure there is enough space around and above the trampoline to use it safely
• Ensure the trampoline is dry prior to use, as it can get slippery when wet
• For optimal safety, jumpers should be supervised and jumping one at a time
• Anchors can be purchased to keep the trampoline steady in windy weather
• Jumping in severe wind not recommended, due to possible loss of control

A high quality trampoline can last up to 10-years, but as with any sporting product, maintenance can ensure its upkeep:

• Clear the trampoline bed of snow, so as not to cause the springs to stretch
• In severe wind, consider storing the frame pads inside to prevent wear
• Clean the trampoline with warm soapy water, but remove debris from trampoline first, then towel-dry
• Consider purchasing a cover for your trampoline to protect it, and to provide ready access to jumping

A trampoline and enclosure is a safety feature which is designed to keep jumpers from falling off the trampoline.

It's a must-have if you have young children, or multiple children bouncing on the trampoline.

A trampoline enclosure dramatically reduces the chance of accidents caused from falling.

Although at first it may seem expensive to purchase a trampoline with a netted enclosure, the reassurance you get knowing that kids are protected is worth the price.

Make sure your enclosure is the same size as the trampoline.

A trampoline cover is designed to keep a trampoline clean, and prolong its life by protecting it from the elements (wind, snow, rain, sun).

It is important that the cover you choose fit your trampoline. If the cover is too small, water will gradually get in which could encourage mold to grow.

A cover will keep the trampoline bed and pad clear and free of bird droppings, tree sap, creepy crawlies, and industrial fall out. The trampoline will also be ready for immediate use post rainfall.

Using a trampoline cover also gives a clear message to others that the trampoline has been put away and is not in use.

A trampoline ladder provides easier access to the trampoline for younger children, or those who struggle climbing onto the trampoline.

You will want to get a ladder with a non-slip grip, if the trampoline will be kept outdoors.

It is also important for safety that the ladder attaches onto the trampoline, rather than resting against it.

Some would recommend against having a trampoline ladder, as it could allow children to access the trampoline unsupervised.

We never had a ladder on our trampoline, so I sprained my wrist one time when I was trying to climb off. :/ So this is why I'm pro-ladder now.