Trampolines are a great way for kids and adults alike to have fun and get some exercise. But how long do trampolines last? It turns out, the lifespan of a trampoline depends on how often it is used.
For instance, if you use your trampoline every day, then you will probably have to replace it after 4 to 5 years. If you only use your trampoline once or twice a week, then it should last between 8 to 10 years. Besides how often it is used, the lifespan of a trampoline also depends largely on several other factors including the quality of its three main components.
This post will go over all those factors in depth.
The Durability of the Three Main Components of a Trampoline
All traditional trampolines are made up of three main components:
- A trampoline mat
- Springs
- Padding
The quality of those three components determines the lifespan of a trampoline. So let’s talk a bit more about them.
The Durability of the Trampoline Mat
The mat is the part of the trampoline that you jump on. It’s usually made out of woven polypropylene fabric.
While trampoline mats don’t take a lot of abuse, over time they can start to wear down. They usually last somewhere between three and five years, but that can vary depending on how often the trampoline is used.
If you have a trampoline that’s seen a lot of use, then you may want to consider replacing the mat. You can buy replacement mats online or at most sporting goods stores. Just make sure the new mat is specifically designed for the model of your trampoline.
The Durability of the Springs
Springs are what hold up the mat and keep it in place. They also help absorb some of the impacts when you jump. The more often you jump, the more wear and tear the springs will take over time.
If your trampoline has a lot of use, then you may need to replace the springs every couple of years. You can tell how worn out the springs are by how much they sag when you try to bounce on them.
The Durability of the Padding
The padding is the last line of defense against getting injured when you jump. It’s also what makes jumping on a trampoline more comfortable.
Just like the other components, the padding starts to wear down over time. How long it lasts depends on how often the trampoline is used and how rough you are with it. If you’re constantly doing flips and tricks, then the padding will wear out faster than if you just use it for recreational bouncing. Generally, though, the padding should last at least two years even with regular use.
The Qualities of a Durable Trampoline
A durable trampoline has three main qualities:
- First and foremost, a durable trampoline has high-quality springs. That’s because springs are what take the most abuse, which is why their durability matters the most.
- Secondly, it has a mat made from tough material. We recommend going with a mat made from woven polypropylene fabric because it lasts longer than all other materials as it can withstand more wear and tear.
- Third and last, it should have thick padding that should cover as much of the frame as possible. The thicker and wider the padding, the less likely you are to get injured when jumping on the trampoline.
So to sum it up, a durable trampoline has strong springs, a mat made from woven polypropylene fabric, and thick padding that ideally covers the entire frame.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Trampoline
Trampoline maintenance plays a huge role in determining how long it will last. To properly maintain your trampoline, we recommend taking the following three essential steps.
1. Keep An Eye On the Screws and Bolts
Most trampoline injuries happen when screws get loose and the springs start to fall off. To prevent that from happening, make sure you check how tight your bolts are every month or so.
If they feel wobbly at all, then tighten them up using a wrench or screwdriver — don’t use any tools with sharp edges. If tightening them doesn’t seem to do anything, try replacing the spring because it may be worn out.
You should also keep an eye on the washers since they’re responsible for making sure that your nuts stay in place while you jump high into the air. They tend to wear out quickly which is why we recommend checking how secure yours are regularly as well.
2. Keep the Trampoline Anchored Down
Even if you have a trampoline with foam pads to absorb impact, it’s still important that you keep the trampoline anchored down. Anchoring your trampoline will prevent it from moving around on windy days which can damage the bolts and washers over time.
It also makes using your trampoline more fun because jumping becomes less bumpy as there are no sudden changes in height due to how much the ground underneath impacts how high up into the air you jump.
To anchor your trampoline, we recommend buying trampoline anchors as they’re designed specifically for this purpose.
3. Keep An Eye On the Springs
The springs are the most important part of your trampoline, which is why you need to keep an eye on them. As we mentioned earlier, how worn out they are will depend on how often you jump and how rough you are with it.
If they start to sag or if they’re noticeably bent, then it’s time to replace them. You can also tell how worn out they are by how much noise they make when you bounce on them. If they sound rusty or squeaky, then that means they’re in bad shape and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
A Quick Recap
The lifespan of a trampoline depends upon multiple factors, among which the most important are how often it is used, the quality of its material, and how well it is maintained. Depending on those three factors, a trampoline can last anywhere from as little as a couple of months to as long as a decade.
