Frequently Asked Questions
TrampolinesSwings & Climbing Frames
Sand & Water Play
General Product Information
Plum Instructional Videos
Trampolines
Which trampoline should I buy?
There are lots of factors that might influence your choice of trampoline and many different trampolines available that may suit your needs. To determine which trampoline is right for you, we recommend reading our trampoline buying guide which will help you make an informed decision.
Which size trampoline should I buy?
Choosing the right size trampoline for you will most likely involve several factors such as garden size, price and the age of the user. Plum’s trampoline range in size from 4.5ft to 14ft.
For younger children, our junior trampolines are just the right size for beginners bouncing and fit perfectly into smaller garden spaces. For the more adventurous, our larger classic trampolines are ideal for older children and adults too.
Bear in mind that it is very easy to underestimate the size of the trampoline once assembled, so a good idea is to map out the size with a hosepipe to avoid any surprises.
Read our trampoline buying guide for more information on which size trampoline to buy.
Do I need to buy accessories with my trampoline?
A trampoline alone will still be perfect for bouncing, although accessories can help enhance the experience and some can seriously help to protect the trampoline.
Trampoline anchors are essential for tying the trampoline down to help protect against the wind. Please note that trampolines should be dismantled prior to periods of high wind.
For more information, take a look at our range of trampoline accessories.
There are so many different models! What should I look for when buying a trampoline?
Buying a trampoline can be quite an investment, so it’s worth comparing all of the features to make the right choice.
Our trampoline buying guide has lots of information and help on what to look for.
What warranty period do you offer on your trampolines?
The warranty available on our trampolines varies depending on the model and where it is purchased. Please refer to the individual product page for more information.
How old do children have to be to use a trampoline?
The age that a child can bounce depends on the type of trampoline. Smaller trampolines, such as Plum’s Junior Trampolines, are specifically designed for young children to be safe whilst bouncing. They have a lower height frame and shorter springs for a more predictable, softer, bounce. Larger trampolines are mostly suitable from age 6 through to adulthood.
For more information, please refer to the individual trampoline product page.
What is the easiest way to fit my trampoline springs?
You will need to put the trampoline mat on with the springs in the mat lined up correctly with the spaces in the frame. The easiest way to do this is to start with the springs at 12 o clock, 6 o clock, 3 o clock and 9 o clock. This distributes the tension in the mat, with less effort required to pull on the springs. Then fill in the gaps, making sure the springs and frame line up.
Use the supplied spring loading tool to pull the spring taut enough to insert it into the frame. We recommend wearing protective gloves and goggles as occasionally springs may ping off.
Help! My enclosure net is too tight.
First, make sure that the door is in the right place - on our Junior and 6ft models, the spaces in the frame are not equal, so if the door is not placed over a gap in the legs the net will be too tight. Place the enclosure loosely over the end of each pole and tug down gradually as you move round the trampoline.
If the enclosure net is still very tight, don’t try to force it, as it may rip. Contact us for technical support.
Where should I position my trampoline?
The trampoline should be on a level, flat surface.
Always place your trampoline on soft grass - never position the trampoline over hard surfaces such as concrete, decking, patio or compacted earth - not only is this much more dangerous if your child should fall, the impact on the trampoline could damage it. This will invalidate your warranty.
Make sure the trampoline is placed away from obstructions such as sheds, outbuildings and trees, with a 2m safety perimeter around it. It’s important to check for hanging obstructions too such as tree branches and washing lines.
Still not sure on perfect spot? Our trampoline buying guide has more information.
How can I preserve the life of my trampoline?
A trampoline cover can help protect the trampoline safety pad and jumping mat from debris and weathering. Seen the stories on the news of trampolines flying around? anchoring your trampoline is essential for tying the trampoline down to help protect against the wind. Please note that trampolines should be dismantled prior to periods of high wind.
Aside from this, we recommend that you remove the enclosure or even dismantle the trampoline completely during adverse weather conditions.
Our buying guide has more information.
What should I do with my trampoline in the winter?
In windy conditions it is important that you move your trampoline to a sheltered area, remove the enclosure and secure it to the ground using a trampoline anchor kit.
During the winter months we advise that you dismantle your trampoline and store it in a dry place as this will prevent rust as well as damage to the frame, springs and enclosure.
Do I need to maintain my trampoline?
Most trampolines get a lot of use, so it’s important to regularly check for any signs of wear, tear and deterioration. Our quick checklist can help know what to look for:
• Holes, tears or sagging in the jumping mat
• Loose stitching or deterioration in the jumping mat
• Bent or broken frame parts
• Signs of rusting on metal parts
• Broken, damaged or missing springs
• Deterioration, holes and sagging on the enclosure net and safety pad
If you notice any of the above, stop using the trampoline until the problem is resolved. Spare parts can be purchased from our website. If your trampoline is still under its warranty, contact us to make a claim.
Are trampolines dangerous?
The dangers of trampolines have been increasingly highlighted in recent years as garden trampolines have become more popular. Trampolines can be dangerous when used incorrectly.
Reduce the risks of trampolining by purchasing a high quality trampoline and by using it correctly. Always have a responsible adult directly supervising.
For more information, see our trampoline safety guide.
Why do you say only one user at a time?
Put simply, it’s much more dangerous. Ever tried bouncing on a trampoline with another person? It’s almost impossible to control your movement.
A 2015 RoSPA study confirmed that 60% of all injuries caused from garden trampolines in the UK occur when more than one user is on the trampoline at the same time. The same study concluded that the lighter user is 5 times more likely to be injured.
I need to buy spare parts for my Plum trampoline. Do I have to use authorised spares?
It is important to only use authorised Plum spares.
There are slight differences in the materials, processes and exact sizes used by different manufacturers and trampoline brands. Using a spare part intended for a different brand may not be compatible exactly with your Plum model and could cause damage or failure to your trampoline.
Please note using non-specific Plum parts amounts to modification and will invalidate your Plum manufacturer warranty.
To find spare parts for your Plum trampoline, please visit our trampoline spare parts finder.
What tools do I need to assemble my trampoline?
Our trampolines are supplied with all the tools required for home assembly – this may include a spanner, allen key and screwdriver – as well as the spring loading tool.
Got a well-stocked garage or shed? If you have one, a socket set might help speed up the process, but it’s not necessary
If you need to dismantle the trampoline for any reason, a rubber mallet may be required to gently knock the frame pieces apart.
Swings & Climbing Frames
My poles have splits and cracks. Is this normal?
Our range of wooden round pole swing sets are made from whole tree trunks trimmed to size. These natural tree trunks are very sensitive to atmospheric changes and moisture content. Often naturally occurring splits will appear in the poles. In warm sunny weather the wood shrinks, in wet weather it expands. These physical changes cause the cracks.
The overall thickness of the poles mean that the strength of the beam is very rarely affected by these cracks.
For more information, learn about our wood. If you are still worried, please contact our technical team with photographs of the cracks and they will be happy to take a look.
There is green staining on my swing. Is this normal?
Our round pole swing sets are made from whole tree trunks which are stripped of bark, trimmed to size and pressure treated to ensure their longevity.
The green substance on the wooden pole, which can be mistaken for mould, is actually a chemical reaction between the wood sap and the chemical used in the pressure treatment.
It is completely harmless and we like to think it adds to the natural charm.
For more information, see about our wood.
How can I maintain my swing set?
Take good care of your swing set and it could last a very long time!
Round pole swings require little maintenance due to their natural properties. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the set, and wipe metal parts and swing seats and slides with a damp cloth and light detergent.
The wood on the swing set was pressure treated with a chemical on production to inhibit rot and infestation.
At the end of each season, treat the swing set with a water based stain for use on children’s play equipment to ensure longevity.
There is movement and creaking in my swing set. What should I do?
A certain amount of lateral movement is normal and not dangerous. Because the wooden poles increase in size when wet, they are intentionally not a tight fit into the brackets, particularly when dry. You may notice that the lateral movement is reduced when the wood is swollen after heavy rain, as the expansion will close the gap within the brackets.
If the movement is excessive, take the two top bolts out of the brackets at either side of the top beam; do not take the bolts out of the legs. Push both A-frame legs inwards as much as possible to tighten up the frame. Then replace the top bolts through the brackets into the top beam. This will reduce the movement and creaking of the frame, however there should always be slight movement in the frame due to the expansion and contraction of the wood.
We would advise periodic checking of the tightness of the bolts in the green brackets securing the top beam and legs. If these are tight and the legs are securely attached to the ground stakes then your play centre is safe to use.
Can I change the accessories on my round pole swing set?
The majority of accessories used on our round pole swings are attached to the swing hangers using a carabiner clip; therefore they should be easy to switch. The metal swing hangers encircle the top beam and therefore they can be moved to fit accessories when it is safe to do so.
You will need to ensure there is adequate space on the beam for the accessories that you intend to fit. Our spacing guide provides more guidance on this.
Do I need to anchor and concrete my swing set into the ground?
If your product is supplied with ground anchors, you must use these to concrete the equipment into the ground. This is to provide additional stability to the product for your child’s safety. Concreting your product into the ground is an essential part of the toy assembly and not doing so is likely to invalidate your warranty.
How much space do I need for my swing?
For individual product dimensions please refer to the webpage for the specific product.
In addition to the dimensions stated, we always recommend a two meter safety perimeter around the whole of the product.
The safety perimeter should be free from obstructions such as fences, garden furniture and buildings as well as hanging obstructions such as tree branches and washing lines.
Which swing set should I buy?
There are a number of points to consider when purchasing a swing set. It can be a big ticket item, so it's important to consider all factors before buying.
Some of the more common factors before purchasing a swing include space, material, budget, age of children, number of users and the play features.
For more advice on choosing your swing, take a look at our guide to buying your swing set.
Can I get spare parts for my swing?
If your swing set is still under its warranty, please fill out our warranty claim form to obtain replacement parts.
Some items such as swing hangers and bolts are available to purchase from us directly. Please contact us to find out more.
What warranty do I get on my swing set?
The warranty available on our swings varies depending on the model and where it is purchased. Please refer to the individual product page for more information.
How do I anchor my product in?
We get asked this a lot but it’s not as complicated as it sounds!
Why can't I get my brackets to fit?
Our round pole timber is a fabulous natural product - we pick it for its strong and durable properties. The round pole timber is very sensitive to changes in the environment and tends to absorb moisture.
Most commonly the brackets may be too tight if the wood is wet - the poles can expand quite a bit when wet - and so you may need to wait until they have dried out. Leave them outside in the sun and this shouldn’t take too long.
If you are still having trouble, please contact us for technical support.
What can I do to maintain my play centre?
Take good care of your play centre and it could last a very long time!
Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the play centre, and wipe metal parts and swing seats and slides with a damp cloth and light detergent. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from fabrics.
The wood on the swing set was pressure treated with a chemical on production to inhibit rot and infestation.
At the end of each season, treat the swing set with a water based stain for use on children’s play equipment to ensure longevity.
During the winter, remove any fabrics and store in a sheltered, dry place.
The wood on my play centre has splits. Is it safe to use?
Many Plum wooden climbing frames and swing sets are constructed using dimensional timber, sometimes referred to as square cut wood.
Dimensional wood reacts to atmospheric changes by shrinking and expanding and occasionally splits and cracks may appear in the timber. In most cases these are completely harmless and will not affect the strength or integrity of the overall play centre.
For more information, learn about our wood. If you are still worried, please contact our technical team with photographs of the cracks and they will be happy to take a look.
Can I buy replacement fabric?
We usually stock replacement fabric sets for products in our current range. Take a look at our range of replacement fabric here.
Although we try to keep replacement fabric for past products, unfortunately this isn't always possible. If you can’t see your product here, please contact us and we may be able to help.
Can I buy spare accessories?
We stock a range of accessories for those that like to mix it up!
Most of our accessories use a carabiner clip fastening and so can be replaced easily. However it is important that the accessories are spaced correctly. On our dimensional wood range of timber play centres and swings, the swing hangers are drilled through the beam and cannot be moved, which may limit the number of compatible accessories.
For more information, see our spacing guide.
What happens if I need to replace a wooden part?
If your play centre is under its warranty, please fill out our warranty claim form to obtain the replacement parts.
Some items such as swing hangers are available to purchase from us directly. Please contact us to find out more.
Can I get spare parts for my swing?
If your swing set is still under its warranty, please contact our customer service team or fill out our warranty claim form, to obtain the replacement parts.
Some items such as swing hangers and bolts are available to purchase from us directly. Please contact us to find out more.
Can I adjust the height of my swings?
If your swing set is supplied with height adjustable swings, the rope length can be adjusted from x to x cm. Please refer to the individual product page for more information.
If your swing seats are not height adjustable, height adjustable swings can be purchased from our website.
Where should I put my play centre?
When planning where to put your play centre, make sure you measure carefully and don’t forget to include the 2m safety perimeter – this must be free from obstructions such as buildings, fences, trees and washing lines.
The play centre must be placed on suitable ground such as grass or play bark and never on a hard surface.
If your play centre is supplied with ground anchors, these must be concreted in before the play centre is used. This is to ensure the stability of the toy and to ensure your child’s safety.
Please note that placing your play centre on a hard standing and not anchoring it in will invalidate your warranty.
Sand & Water Play
Why isn’t my sand pit cover a tight fit?
Safety is our first priority and all of our toys are manufactured to meet the strict regulations set down in the EN71 Toy Safety Standard. This standard has recently been revised to reduce the chance of a child getting trapped under a sand pit cover (or similar item) and suffocating. The regulation now requires that the sand pit cover is removable with a force of less than 50N which is why the cover you have been supplied is not a tight fit.
Where can I buy a replacement sand pit cover?
Some replacement covers are available to purchase directly from our website.
If you can't find a cover to fit the model of your sand pit, please contact us
Where can I buy a replacement sand pit liner?
Unfortunately our sand pit liners are not currently available to purchase online. If you require a replacement liner, please contact us.
How much sand do I need to buy to fill my sand pit?
To find out how much sand you need, please refer to the specific product page. We have included two weights; the lower to fill the sand pit half full and the higher to fill it completely.
Please note that we always recommend using washed play sand safe for use in children’s sand pits.
My sand pit has a fabric liner, but I was expecting a solid base. Why is this?
For ease of use most of our sandpits are supplied with a fabric liner base rather than a solid base. This is to ensure easier transportation around the garden, smaller storage space for winter seasons and ease of changing sand for hygiene purposes.
General Product Information
Do you offer a build service?
Currently we don't offer this, but we're working on it!
Please check back later for more information.
Can’t find the instructions you’re looking for? Get in touch.
What warranty do I get?
The warranty available on our toys varies depending on the model and where it is purchased. For specific warranty information, please refer to the individual product page.
How long will it take to build my toy?
Using our experience we've given all of our toys an approximate build time; please refer to the individual product pages to find these.
All of our construction times are approximate and are based on the assumption that the builder is reasonably competent in flat pack! We would always recommend allowing a little more time than stated.
If you are building before Christmas or a Birthday, please take into account the small possibility of complications and check that all components have been supplied with time for us to send replacements, in the unlikely event that anything is missing.
Do I need to use any tools?
We try to include all of the tools necessary to build our products, but occasionally additional equipment may be required. There are also some tools you may have in your shed or garage that will speed up the building process!
For more information please refer to our buying guides.
Can I buy Plum products for my pub or garden centre?
Unless otherwise stated, our products are tested to meet the safety standard for domestic use only. We are currently not able to supply our large play centres, swing sets and trampolines for use in public spaces or commercial settings.
Do you ship products abroad?
It may be possible for us to ship products overseas, but we would normally expect you to cover the cost of delivery. We currently have websites in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. If you would like a product shipping to another country you will need to obtain a specific quote, please contact us.
How can I be sure that your products are ethically manufactured?
Plum is committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing and takes the following steps to ensure this:
• The wood for Plum swing sets and climbing frames is sourced from European Pine or Chinese Fir.
• In both cases the wood is FSC certified.
• All factories which supply Plum Products are audited ethically and systematically to ensure conformance with Quality Assurance system requirements.
• In some cases for larger suppliers the factory is also third party audited or is registered with Sedex which is an ethical conformance programme.