Is It Safe to Jump on a Wet Trampoline?
Trampolines are fun for outdoor use and they are made to stand up to a lot of weather conditions. But should you jump when it is still wet?
If you and your family have been cooped up in the house during long periods of rain, the thrill of jumping on a trampoline can help get some of that energy out. Sometimes you have a pool party and a number of guests want to jump on the trampoline straight out of the pool. Is it safe?
Are Wet Trampolines More Slippery?
Your little risk takers may love the feeling of slippery jumps, but there are more risks when you jump on a wet trampoline. Trampolines tend to be very slippery when they are wet.
Most trampoline manufacturers recommend only one jumper at a time, but there is more fun when jumping with friends at the same time. The bounces are higher and the laughs are louder. However, the chances of colliding are greater. There is less traction and less control of directions. Wipeouts are fun, but not when everyone else crashes down on you.
With this said, wet trampolines can be dangerous, and you have to be careful.
If you are worried about your daredevils jumping on a wet trampoline, set some guidelines about usage. Monitor your children so that they are not knocking into each other like bowling pins. If you don’t have a safety net, strongly consider one. It can reduce the chance of your children slipping across the mat and straight off the equipment.
Does Jumping on Wet Trampolines Ruin the Trampoline?
The frame and springs are made to be rust-resistant because a trampoline is meant to be outside in rain and other weather conditions. The mat may be a little heavier if it is holding some water in between the stitches, but that will not affect the integrity of the frame.
The springs will not be affected by use when it is wet. However, if you are planning on making the trampoline wet intentionally (i.e. sprinkler spraying onto the trampoline), make sure that the spring cover is in good condition. Constant water and usage could make the springs rust sooner than the manufacturer would predict.
The mat is water resistant so that it does not collect water when the weather turns rainy. The material of a quality trampoline can handle the same amount of pressure and force whether it is wet or dry.
Keep in mind that water trampolines are available for use at resorts or lake communities. The difference between these trampolines is that bouncers can fall into the “safety” of the water and not solid ground. If your young bouncer wants to jump on a wet trampoline, make sure you establish some rules for safety, and encourage them to wear their swimsuits as they are likely to get wet themselves. When all is done, continue to maintain your trampoline for all of the jumping conditions in the near future.
