Maintaining Your Trampoline All Season Long

Don’t let laziness or loopy winter weather take down your trampoline.

It’s that time of year when you’re bound to spend much less time outside than usual. We get it. Who wants to go outside when it’s cold enough to freeze your cup of hot coffee? But just because you’re not going to spend much time outside doesn’t mean you shouldn’t maintain the items you own that live outside all year long—like your big, bouncy, backyard trampoline. Besides, spring is just around the corner, and your kids are going to be out there using that trampoline again in no time.

So what should you be doing to maintain your trampoline in the off season and all year long? Check out these tips to ensure yours stays up to safety regulations and that it lasts for years to come:

Protect Your Trampoline

JumpSport manufactures trampolines that are designed for outdoor use. That means that they’re made from quality materials, which should allow them to make it through harsh weather. And that means that you can afford to leave yours out during the winter and that the kids can use it during any rogue warm weather winter days—or even during cooler winter if they’re feeling brave.

However, we can’t promise all trampolines are made to withstand bad weather—especially those we haven’t manufactured. However, if you want to ensure that your trampoline lasts a little longer, there are some steps you can take.

Tips for Protecting Your Trampoline

Just Say No to Snow

The trampolines are meant to be left outside all year round and are weather-proofed for extreme temperatures, however, the sheer weight of the snow can exceed the overall weight limit on the trampoline.

• Recommended trampoline winter care: remove pad, jumping surface and springs until warmer weather. This would be ideal especially in areas of the country where you know you won't be jumping on the trampoline for a few months. The rest of the trampoline can remain installed if you choose.
• Use a push-broom to knock off the snow; un-tie a bungee or two and lift up the netting for an easy way to get the snow out.
• Do NOT use a shovel; this can tear or gouge your jumping surface.
• Do NOT use a snow blower if it blows hot; this could possibly burn or melt the mat fabric or PVC vinyl padding.

Anchor Your Investment

Even during a minor storm, if wind hits the underside of the trampoline surface, it can cause the trampoline to tip. Though JumpSport and AlleyOOP Sports trampolines have substantial (starting at almost 200 lbs), even the heaviest of trampolines is not exempt from tipping. Before installing anchors carefully plan and consider yard placement. Side yards where wind is considerably reduced are a great place for trampolines. If you have a tree(s) or shed within 2 feet of the frame (the recommended distance) this would also break up the wind and will help significantly.

• Recommended: Use an Anchor Kit Accessory. Long stakes cork-screw down into the ground and work in conjunction with 4 removable straps that secure the legs of your trampoline securely to the ground.
  Expert tip: Go a step further and cement the anchors in the ground by digging holes and pouring concrete, leaving only the loop at the top. The straps are removable so the trampoline can still be moved for mowing or storage, but the anchors will stay secure in the ground when you move it back.
• Sand-bags can straddle the frame of your trampoline if a storm is coming and you haven't had a chance to properly anchor the trampoline, though consider this a temporary solution until the storm blows over.
• Do NOT bury the trampoline frame. Submerging the frame or cementing takes away the ability for the frame to flex and can cause stress on integral joints.

Cover it Up

In regions where snow isn't as prevalent, consider a Weather Cover Accessory to keep debris off the surface after being blown down onto the trampoline. Though our weather cover is most beneficial in the summer to keep direct sun off the mat and pad, it can act as a barrier from pokey branches or leaves. Push brooms work well to get debris off the cover.