What is the difference between a circular trampoline and a rectangular one? Circular trampolines are ideal for family use as they produce a safe bounce and have enough room for multiple users. Circular trampolines are generally available in a larger size ranges and are cheaper to buy than rectangular trampolines, however be careful when buying a cheaper trampoline as they are often made from poor quality materials and not designed to last. Rectangular trampolines on the other hand are perfect if you are looking for a high performance bounce. Rectangular trampolines are used by professionals as they give the specialised bounce which is needed to perform all tricks. Although rectangular trampolines are more expensive this is due to the various spring tensions meaning stronger more durable materials must be used. Although people may see this as a downside in actual fact it means that you will get a better quality trampoline that can withstand greater maximum weights and last a lot longer. If you cannot decide between a rectangular trampoline or a circular one why not take a look at the Jumpking Oval Jumppod. This trampoline is the best of both worlds as it gives the high performance bounce of a rectangular trampoline as well as the bounce space of a circular trampoline. Do I need a trampoline cover? Firstly let's clear up the common misconception that a trampoline cover is trampoline cover is used to keep the trampoline dry, its not. As the trampoline bed is made of a very porous material when it gets wet it dries very quickly. A trampoline cover in fact as several other uses, the main reason is that trampoline covers keep your trampoline bed clean and free from leaves, tree sap and bird droppings. However, it's also great way to show that the trampoline is out of bounds and is not to be used especially for children. Finally a trampoline cover will also protect your bed from harmful UV rays which can damage and weaken your bed. Overall a trampoline cover is not an essential piece of equipment but it is definitely very handy and defiantly worth having.
If you would like to know more information of trampoline covers why not take a look at the trampoline cover blog article on our blog. It has lots of handy tips about choosing a cover and answers lots of different questions.
If you do decide to get a trampoline cover why don't you have a look at our trampoline cover measuring guide. This handy little guide will make sure you get a cover which fits your trampoline perfectly! Will a trampoline cover fit on my trampoline when I have a safety enclosure attached? This depends on what style trampoline you have. If you have a trampoline which has the netting attached to the frame under the pads then unfortunately not as the cover will not be able to attach to anything. However, if your trampoline safety net attaches via bungee cords just as our trampoline safety enclosures do, then yes you can attach a trampoline cover. How old should you be before you use a trampoline? It is very important that all children are supervised. The trampoline safety guidelines recommend that children should be over the age of 6 before they can use a full size trampoline. How can I make my trampoline safer? To help you stay safe on a trampoline Etoyszone has listed a few rules: - Always use the thickest trampoline pads available anything over 25mm is good.
- Use a trampoline safety enclosure; this will stop children from falling off the trampoline. Ensure all enclosure poles are foam padded.
- Only allow one user at a time.
- A trampoline shoe bag will remove the hazard of loose objects lying around the base of the trampoline.
- Make sure all children are supervised.
- Where possible position your trampoline on grass or play bark
- Do not bounce on the trampoline if the bed is wet.
- Do not wear jewellery when bouncing on the trampolines especially earrings or belly button piercings.
Do I need a trampoline ladder? A trampoline ladder is not really needed if the bouncers are big enough to easily climb up on to the trampoline by themselves. However, if you have younger children it's definitely worth investing in. A trampoline ladder will make sure that all children climbing up and off the trampoline do so in a safe manner and from only one access point. Another great reason is that you will no longer have to keep repeatedly lifting your child up onto the trampoline as they will now be able to safely climb up onto there own. If you are worried about children climbing up onto the trampoline when you're not looking, trampoline ladders are generally fairly easy to unhook and store away. Can I use my trampoline when it's raining? It is not advised to use a trampoline when its raining as the bed will be very slippy. If you wish to use your trampoline when its raining it might be worth investing in a trampoline tent. These can be found around the £40 - £80 mark and will allow you to be outside regardless of weather. What should I do in high winds? Trampolines can often take off in windy conditions, if you live in a windy environment there are several steps you can take: - Buy a trampoline anchor kit. These are reasonably cheap and are designed to hold your trampoline in place in windy conditions. This is probably the easiest and most reliable method.
- If possible can you position your trampoline in an enclosed area?
- Turn your trampoline upside down. This is presuming you do not have a safety enclosure attached.
- What about adding a trampoline skirt as this may stop the wind from catching from underneath your trampoline.
- How about sinking your trampoline into the ground?
If you are still unsure about what to do why don't you have a look at our trampoline wind damage article on our trampoline blog. As well as giving you some more ideas of what to do it also suggests what do if your trampoline gets damaged in the wind. How much do trampolining lessons cost? This can vary enormously depending on where you do it and if you go with a club or not. Local council facilities will charge approx £2 - £3 per session. Trampoline clubs are more expensive and generally ask that you pay an annual club fee, you may also be asked to register with BAGA which costs £14.50 per annum. Competition fees are usually around £6 - £7 per event.
Can I use my trampoline on a slope on uneven ground? Yes you can use your trampoline on a slope providing that the slope smaller than 15% or 1 in 7. However you will need to level out your trampoline by digging a trench. To do this, dig a 3inch wide trench and X deep, so that when you place your uphill trampoline legs in the trench the trampoline becomes level. Finally, support your downhill trampoline legs on timber blocks. What tools do I need to assemble my trampoline? Most trampolines do not need any tools to erect the trampoline. If tools are required it will generally be an Allen key and these are often supplied with the package. It is generally easier to assemble your trampoline if there is two or more of you. Can I use my trampoline in low temperatures? Yes, most trampolines are designed to withstand all weather conditions. If there is the risk of frost it is definitely worth covering your trampoline with a trampoline cover as frost seriously damages your trampoline pads. If you do not have a trampoline cover it may be worth taking off your trampoline pads and storing them in a garage for the winter or until it warms up. However, make sure you remember to put them back on when you do use your trampoline! Will my trampoline be waterproof? Almost all trampolines are waterproof. We do not recommend buying a trampoline if it is not waterproof. Also make sure the frame is made from galvanised steel as this will prevent rust. Can I use my trampoline in snow/ice? We do not recommend using a trampoline in ice as the bed will be very wet and slippy. Instead why don't you invest in a trampoline tent which will keep you sheltered and dry. A trampoline tent can also be used all year round from protecting you from snow to sheltering you from the hot sun in the summer. Can I sink my trampoline into the ground? Sinking a trampoline into the ground can be a great idea as it is much safer, it is less obtrusive in the garden and is easier for younger children to use. We recommend digging a pit 2 inches less than the height of the trampoline; this will allow a gap to release the trapped air that is pushed inside when jumping.
If you live in a wet area we recommend you seek advice from a builder or gardener as your soil maybe too wet. Some areas may have a high water table therefore, we recommend digging a 1ft x 1ft trench along the diameter of the trampoline and fill with pea shingle or similar. How can I prolong the life of my trampoline? There are various ways in which you can prolong the life of your trampoline. Firstly keeping your trampoline covered with a trampoline cover will stop UV rays weakening your bed and will stop frost harming your trampoline pads. Another great tip is storing your trampoline away for the winter; as trampolines are easy to disassemble this hour job can seriously increase your trampolines life. A very important point is to not exceed the maximum weights as this weakens the springs and frame. If possible tie the trampoline down with an anchor kit to prevent it getting wind damage and importantly do not place any sharp objects including keys near to the trampoline. | 
