Trampoline Buying Guide
- Choosing your trampoline
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Choosing a trampoline
Congratulations - you’re almost ready to bounce!
Our top ten tips to choosing the best trampoline for you.
A galvanised steel frame will guard against rust – if it’s galvanised inside and out, even better. Look for a thick gauge of steel – the weight of a trampoline will be a good indicator of this (the heavier, the better).
When it comes to springs, longest is best! Longer springs typically mean a bigger bounce. Plum trampoline springs are coated with zinc which helps to protect against rust for long-lasting play.
On larger trampolines, a welded leg and frame joint is often a weak point, so it’s a good idea to look for versions with extra reinforcements in this area such as clamps or brackets. Plum’s Tramp Klamp bracket reinforces the joint for additional strength and durability.
Trampoline enclosures are essential for safe jumping and garden trampolines that meet the European safety standard can’t be sold in the UK without one. A strong enclosure net will catch bouncers if they fall. You might want to choose a model with an enclosure that has a top rim for reinforcement – the top rim stops unsightly sagging and looseness in the net.
Lots of modern trampoline enclosure designs provide a barrier between the jumper and springs, giving extra protection for little fingers and toes. Plum’s 3G enclosures separate the jumper and springs but curve outwards to maximise bouncing space.
Safety pads cover the springs and frame parts and help to protect bouncers as well as spectators. Choose a version with thick padding and weather proofing and it’ll last longer too.
Want a long lasting trampoline? Look for words such as ‘galvanised steel’, weather protection and UV treatments - these technologies are all designed to keep your trampoline tip top for longer.
Consider the age of the users. Large ‘traditional’ trampolines aren’t suitable for little ones under six years old, as they have a bigger bounce and are required to be higher from the ground.
Plum’s Junior Trampolines are designed to help little ones to build up their jumping confidence until they’re ready for the real thing.
Don’t forget the details. Your trampoline will get lots of use - look for a trampoline that has been rigorously tested and has an after-sales service and readily available spare parts.
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- Choosing a trampoline size
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Choosing a trampoline size
Photographs can be deceiving and you will need to allow enough space for the trampoline as well as a 2m safety perimeter around the edge. It’s a good idea to map out the area of the trampoline using a hosepipe before you buy to make sure you’re happy with the size.
Consider the age of your children when looking for a trampoline. Lots of large trampolines are only suitable for older children aged six and over, due to frame height that they need. For little ones, Plum’s Junior Trampoline is a safe and secure way for children to learn to bounce until they’re ready for the real thing.
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- Positioning your Trampoline
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Positioning your Trampoline
Find the perfect spot for your trampoline before you start building as you won’t want to move it too often. Choose a flat, level spot on soft ground such as grass or bark.
Never place a trampoline on concrete or decking – it’s dangerous for children to fall on and can put more strain on the trampoline
Find a spot away from obstructions such as fences, buildings and other play equipment and free from hanging obstructions like trees and washing lines.
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- Assembling your trampoline
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Assembling your trampoline
All of Plum’s trampolines are supplied with assembly instructions developed by our in-house product team of experts.
Here are their top tips for a smooth build:
It’s tempting to rush straight in but laying all of the parts out and reading the instructions (we know..!) really will make the process faster in the long run
Have an extra pair of hands ready to help - some parts of the assembly such as building the frame and the enclosure are much easier with two
You don’t need extra tools for the assembly as we provide the allen keys and hardware but a socket set might be speed up the build
When putting on the springs, start with 12 o clock and 6 o clock intervals, then 9 o clock and 3 o clock, before filling in the gaps. This helps to distribute the tension in the springs evenly, making them easier to fit.
Struggling with the enclosure net? Check the manual closely. On some trampolines the door must be over a gap in the legs or the net won’t fit properly.
Finished assembly? Don’t forget to do a final check to make sure all bolts are tightened and knots are secure before letting the jumping commence.
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- Maintaining your Trampoline
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Maintaining your Trampoline
Look after your trampoline and it could last a very long time! Most trampolines have to withstand lots of use so it’s important that you regularly check your trampoline for signs of wear and tear to keep it in safe working order.
Every few weeks, take a look and keep an eye out for:
Holes, tears and sagging in the mat
Loose stitching or deterioration to the mat
Bent or broken frame parts
Broken, damaged or missing springs
Sharp protrusions of any kind on the frame, springs or mat
Any damaged parts will need to be replaced before the trampoline can be used again. Spare parts can be purchased on our website.
During the winter months 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. In windy conditions it is important that you move your trampoline to a sheltered area, remove the enclosure and secure the frame to the ground using a trampoline anchor kit.
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- Accessorise, Accessorise!
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Accessorise, Accessorise!
Bouncing alone is great, but a few trampoline accessories can enhance the experience and help preserve it’s life.
Trampoline ladders provide a safe method for little ones to climb on and off their trampoline. An adjustable model fits different sizes should you want to upgrade.
Putting a cover on your trampoline helps to protect the jumping mat, springs and safety pad from weathering and debris. They also keep the trampoline clean and dry.
An anchor kit is essential for securing your trampoline to the ground during high winds. In strong winds, trampolines can easily blow into the air, causing damage to buildings, cars as well as the trampoline itself. We always recommend anchoring the trampoline.
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- In Ground Trampolines
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In Ground Trampolines
With no need for an enclosure, sunken trampolines are unobtrusive and offer free, open play. Thinking of sinking a trampoline into the ground? The latest European safety standard (EN71-14) for trampolines does not permit the sinking of a regular trampoline and therefore doing so with a Plum trampoline will invalidate your warranty. It’s a good idea to choose a trampoline designed specifically for the purpose of sinking.
You will need to consider following,
- A thicker gauge steel helps to deal with the increased moisture content in the ground, to guard against rust. Plum’s In-Ground Trampolines use a 2mm thick guage of steel for rust-free protection.
- Shorter length legs allow you to rest your trampoline on a ledge above the hole - meaning less soil needs to be removed.
- A retaining wall helps to prevent dirt and soil falling back into the hole and undoing all of your hard work!
- A reputable in-ground trampoline design will have provision for proper air flow as without this jumping becomes very difficult. Plum’s In-Ground trampolines have vented safety pads to allow air flow under the trampoline.
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