How Long Will My Trampoline Last?
When you invest in a trampoline, you want it to last you and your family for many years. The longevity of your trampoline depends on the quality of the equipment and the care you put into it.
The Frame
The frame is the part of the trampoline that gives it the stability to withstand countless jumps. Because it is the most durable, it will last longer than the rest of the equipment.
In fact, you can keep the frame out year-round because it is made to stand up to rain, sleet, sun, hail, and whatever else the weather throws its way. Each trampoline manufacturer has a warranty on its product which varies from a few months to a few years. However, these warranties cover defects on workmanship and not to wear and tear. Still, if you are looking for a trampoline that will last until your youngest goes to college, you can find a warranty that will cover that.
The Mat
The part of the trampoline that will get the most wear and tear is the mat. The mat pad is the section of the trampoline that takes on all of the kinetic energy that goes into every bounce. It can be made with nylon, fabric, or a combination of materials to create a durable surface.
Warranty for mats vary between manufacturers, ranging from 90 days to 5 years. You can make sure that your trampoline mat lasts longer by taking some precautions.
- Never wear shoes on the mat
- Make sure that you have removed all sharp objects from your pockets
- Consider jumping with clothing that will not snag on the pad, i.e. jeans, exposed zippers or snaps, etc.
Springs
The springs on your trampoline are another part that can wear out sooner, rather than later. If you choose to store your trampoline during the winter, the springs are the easiest to store. They can go into a tote during the cold season, then you can oil them up and reattach them when you are ready to bounce again. They can also be protected by a safety pad or spring cover. You can even cover them with pool noodles that are cut to size over each spring.
Of the three components of the trampoline, the springs are the easiest and most affordable to replace. Some companies give a manufacturer’s warranty on the springs for the same length of time as the frame or pad. Others do not offer as much because springs see a lot of wear and tear and will stretch out over time.
Weather Can Impact How Long Your Trampoline Lasts
Weather can be another issue when it comes to your trampoline’s life span. Even though the trampoline is made to be outside, there are still weather conditions that can impact the integrity of the equipment.
In the fall, for example, wet leaves that pile up on the trampoline can get heavy and weaken the mat if left there for too long. The same is true for snow and ice in the winter.
You can make it one of your child’s chores to keep the trampoline pad clear of debris and snow or you can winterize your trampoline every year. This can be done by removing the mat and springs as well as the safety net if you have one. The frame can stay in the yard. If you don’t want to take apart your trampoline, you can just lean the whole trampoline on its side so that nothing weighs down on the mat.
A trampoline cover can also protect the trampoline from all of the weight from leaves and snow, as well as direct sunlight.
Depending on how you use and maintain your trampoline mat, it can give you a life span between three to eight years. If your trampoline is used often, the pad will wear down faster. If you have older, larger children who are the primary bouncers, they are more likely to stretch out the pad faster than lightweight, younger children. Another consideration is whether you get a trampoline that is designated as “heavy duty”. If it is made to be tough, it will last longer under conditions that wear out conventional trampolines sooner.
Maintenance
Overall, your trampoline will last according to how you use it and maintain it. When you establish rules that help the equipment maintain its integrity, you will get many more years of enjoyment. And if for any reason something happens to a part of your trampoline, you can find out how to replace those parts like the mat and the springs, so that you can keep on bouncing for even more years to come.
Still need some help? Check out our list of replacement parts to find a new part for your trampoline, or review our list of trampoline handyman for assistance fixing your trampoline or putting it together.