Trampolines and Maintenance: How Does a Trampoline Last the Longest?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 13, 2023

Purchasing a trampoline costs a few bucks. Digging in and possibly anchoring requires hard work.

So you want it to last as long as possible and that is why I would like to tell you how you can best maintain a trampoline!

To ensure that a trampoline lasts as long as possible, here are some tips.

Place the trampoline firmly, cover it when not in use, limit the weight on the trampoline to prevent overloading, check the trampoline regularly for damage and keep the trampoline clean and dry.

I will tell you in which ways a trampoline can break down and how you can best maintain it for a long life.

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Can a trampoline break?

Yes, a trampoline can certainly break if it is not properly maintained or if there is overuse or misuse.

That is why it is important to regularly check the trampoline for damage and to repair or replace it when necessary.

It is also important to use and maintain the trampoline properly to prevent damage and extend the life of the trampoline.

A trampoline for the garden is basically weatherproof and can be left outside all year round.

A good trampoline usually lasts about 7-8 years, especially when you use a cover.

The trampoline edge will be the most subject to wear, but the springs, the jumping mat, or other parts can also wear out.

But I have good news for you! You can give your trampoline a major makeover yourself.

In any case, it is wise to carry out an inspection every year, for example when you prepare the garden for spring or summer.

You can easily put new springs on it, replace an edge, or the entire jumping mat, which has been damaged by a storm, for example.

This is often faster than assembling and anchoring a whole new trampoline.

Of course you can also buy a new trampoline, but if the frame is still perfectly fine ... then rather go for a makeover.

Also read: When can a child jump with two legs? Age stages and practice tips

How do you maintain a trampoline?

To ensure that a trampoline remains in good condition and lasts as long as possible, it is important to carry out regular maintenance.

Here are the steps you can follow to properly maintain a trampoline:

• Clean the trampoline regularly: Remove dirt, leaves, branches and other debris from the trampoline to prevent it from getting damaged or dirty. Use a soft brush or cloth for this and avoid abrasive materials that could damage the trampoline.
• Check the springs: Regularly check the springs for cracks or stretching. If springs are damaged, replace them as soon as possible to prevent the trampoline from becoming unstable.
• Check the jumping mat: Check the jumping mat for cracks, holes or other damage. If there are problems with the mat, please replace it as soon as possible to avoid accidents.
• Check the safety pads: Check the safety pads for cracks or wear. If the safety pads are damaged, replace them to prevent people from getting hurt.
• Inspect the frame: Regularly check the frame of the trampoline for cracks or rust. If there are any problems, fix them as soon as possible to prevent the trampoline from becoming unsafe.
• Move the trampoline if necessary: ​​If the trampoline is left in the same place for a long time, this can damage the grass and the surface. It may therefore be necessary to move the trampoline regularly.

By following these simple steps you can extend the life of your trampoline and ensure the safety of users.

Ways a trampoline breaks down

Also the best trampoline (like some of these reputable brands we reviewed) is exposed to clumsy jumps, harsh weather conditions and accidents; there are several factors that can cause a trampoline to break.

Here are some common ways a trampoline can break:

• Cracks in the frame: If the trampoline frame has to support too much weight or if the frame is exposed to the elements, it can crack or break.
• Worn or rusted springs: If the trampoline springs are overused or stressed, they can stretch or break. Rust can cause cracks in the spring, which in turn can contain moisture.
• Damaged jumping mat: When jumping on the mat with shoes, a stone under the sole can often cause a crack. If the jumping mat is damaged by tears or holes, it can no longer be used safely.
• Broken safety pads: If the safety pads become worn or damaged, they can no longer protect against injuries in the event of a fall.
• Scorch marks in the jumping mat: A trampoline jumping mat is often made of synthetic material. A spark from the BBQ can quickly cause a hole in it. Always place the BBQ at a great distance from the trampoline.
• Damage due to weather conditions: think of blowing away during a violent storm or heavy tree branches falling on the jumping mat. Blowing away does not happen so quickly when the trampoline is well anchored, but never say never… Clay soil holds the anchor better than sandy soil. 
• The safety net blowing to pieces: the trampoline is better off without a net in strong gusts of wind.

Also read: Are trampolines actually safe?

Do you have to take out insurance for a trampoline?

Damage to your trampoline due to weather conditions or careless handling is logically not covered by the warranty. 

Sometimes the insurance wants to cover, but for that it is necessary to view the policy, or to contact them; do not simply assume that the damage will be compensated. 

You can take out insurance for garden equipment with some insurers, which can be very worthwhile with an expensive trampoline.

Do you have to cover a trampoline?

In the fall and winter in most cases, the answer is YES!

A cover protects the trampoline against sun rays, rain, snow, hail, leaves and dirt. 

The trampoline will last for years in this way. The rain naturally drains through the drainage holes, if they are kept clean.

Snow or ice often cannot drain away and puts a lot of weight on the trampoline, even if it is covered.

So you will still have to clear snow and ice. After all, you don't want the springs to stretch too much.

The cover also does not protect against very strong wind!

Your trampoline is even more likely to fly away with a cover, sometimes even if it is anchored to the ground.

Trampoline in winter

Can a trampoline freeze? Unfortunately, that is the case

What fun to jump on your trampoline with snow! The snow dances around with every jump… but there is a big BUT. 

Jumping when it is freezing will damage the springs and jumping mat; the springs have to stretch when frozen and that causes cracks in the jumping mat.

The cover edge can also crack if it is frozen.

If possible, dismantle the trampoline before winter.

This extends the lifespan enormously and the kids will probably jump on it less.

If you want to follow this tip, make sure that the edge is clean and the jumping mat is dry before storage. 

If it's too much work for you, make sure you have a protective cover that also neatly covers the springs and edge.

Your trampoline is thus better protected against radiation from the sun, or moisture from rain and snow.

Trampoline and rain

In case of heavy rainfall, as well as heavy snowfall, a large weight can be placed on the trampoline. 

Remove the fallout, otherwise the feathers will suffer and stretch too much.

When stretched, cracks appear, in which moisture collects again. 

Things will rust and the springs will become unsafe.

A cover offers an excellent solution against stretching and rusting of the springs.

Most trampoline covers are provided with a piece of mesh, which is also called a drainage hole. 

The rainwater drains away very easily, but regularly check whether the drainage holes are not clogged by leaves and dirt! 

Also read: these are the 25 best rain games | For indoors & outdoors in the rain!

Tips to make a trampoline last a long time

The better the quality, the longer the trampoline goes with you. But he must be well maintained, both during jumping and afterwards.

Below are a few tips to make sure you can enjoy it for as long as possible:

To ensure that a trampoline lasts as long as possible, here are some tips:

• Place the trampoline on a flat surface and make sure it is properly anchored to prevent movement and wear.
• Cover the trampoline when not in use to prevent dirt and weather from damaging the trampoline.
• Limit the weight on the trampoline to avoid overloading. Instruct children about safe jumping and don't let too many people jump on the trampoline.
• Do not bring pets or toys on the trampoline. This can cause damage to the jumping mat.
• Check the trampoline regularly for damage, such as torn safety pads or a worn jumping mat. Repair or replace damaged parts immediately to prevent further damage.
• Keep the trampoline clean and dry. Remove dirt, branches or leaves from the surface to prevent premature wear of the trampoline.

By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your trampoline and enjoy it for longer.

Nice! I have listed the best trampoline games & tricks for you here

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.