Backyard trampoline: A User Guide

Who isn’t fond of trampolines? Jumping up and down on a trampoline is a childhood fantasy for many. In this modern era of a new and electronic world when kids are mostly confined within the four walls of the house, engaging in video games, television and mobile phones, getting them out in the open can sometimes become a very cumbersome job. Getting a trampoline is an easy way to achieve that as the trampoline is something that almost all kids love. It mainly consists of a rubber base suspended at a height from the ground and have a surrounding protective wall to keep it safe. The base has a certain amount of elasticity to it, owing to it being made of rubber, which allows people to gain more height than the force of the jump. Another important aspect of a trampoline is the physical exercise that can be done while using it.

The development and growth of a child are governed mainly by the physical activities during the formative years, and a trampoline tends to fulfill those requirements. A trampoline is generally placed in the outdoor backyard, judging by its usability and feasibility, although there are smaller indoor trampolines that are available now as well. Setting up an outdoor trampoline can become a little tricky, especially if you are not aware of the specifics of setting it up. Moreover, some boxes have to be ticked appropriately to make sure that the trampoline has been set up correctly outdoors. A precise guide of the things to consider while setting up a backyard trampoline are discussed below.

The space available

The first thing to consider while setting up the trampoline is to judge how much space you have in your backyard. There are different sized trampolines available in the market, choosing the correct one is crucial. Take proper measurements of your backyard keeping in mind that most trampolines extend up to 1.5 meters laterally on all sides for safety. Choose an area which is free of rogue branches, debris, trees, stones etcetera as they may turn out to be a problematic hindrance. Another vital point to be kept in mind is the slope of the land on which the trampoline is to be placed. Generally, a flat surface is recommended, though, it may always not be possible to get one.

A sloping gradient of up to 3 feet is acceptable, anything more than that can become dangerous to use. Therefore, consider this while choosing the space for setting up your trampoline. The clearance of height of the trampoline is also significant, so make sure that the trampoline conforms according to that requirement as well. Once all these points have addressed, and you have figured out how much space in your backyard you can dedicate, choose the shape and size of the trampoline. It may range from as small as 8 feet and can sometimes extend and be over 13 feet as well. You will be the best judge to know.

The primary usage of the trampoline will be by whom

Every trampoline will have a certain amount of weight that it can withstand. This depends on the type of material for the base. You should choose the trampoline based on who will use it primarily. Will it only be for kids? Or, elderly people plan to mount the trampoline? These are is some important questions to be considered. One way of doing it is to consider the Maximum User Weight of the trampoline.

This index is governed by the weight of the person on the trampoline and the height they want to achieve while jumping. The Maximum User Weight is marked on every trampoline, therefore, buy the one which will fulfill your specifications, to prevent it from becoming ‘bottomed out,’ that is to not let the bottom of the trampoline from touching the ground, which would otherwise lead to its damage.

Choose the trampoline type of preference.

Like mentioned earlier, there are multiple variations of backyard trampoline available in the market these days. The gross classification is done on the basis of its make up. The two most common types are the springed trampoline and the springless ones. As the name suggests, the springed trampolines have springs for support whereas the springless ones are the more advanced type which eliminates the usage of spring and uses composite rods instead, under the trampoline mat. All the problems associated with springs get eliminated automatically, and the trampoline feels secure. There is no chance of getting injured by these rods as well, and they are specifically designed for proper safety. Therefore, be particular of the type of trampoline you choose.

Consider the safety of the trampoline.

Since backyard trampolines are generally meant for kids, the safety aspect of it becomes critically important. Most trampolines nowadays come with stringent safety measures like the replacement of the springs with elastic rods, a frame that doesn’t jut out or cause any harm, a mat that is extremely shock-absorbent. It is not prone to any damage as such and having an enclosure of net that acts as a kind of cushion and prevents anyone from being flung out of the trampoline. When all these fundamentals are satisfied, only then you should be assured of its safety.

Consider the utility of the trampoline

Another essential thing to consider is why you have set up the trampoline in the first place. Most people will say that it not only helps in getting the necessary physical activity but also increases the social interaction with family. The latest trampolines come with sensors attached to the mat that calculates the number of calories burnt and also the movements that you do and using smart and interactive technology, come up with new challenges for the entire family, keeping the safety part of its mind. All these tech-savvy trampolines are more useful than ever.

Is it okay to keep the trampoline out throughout the year?

Dismantling and setting up a backyard trampoline can become a little cumbersome, so you should know if it will be a problem. Though the good quality trampolines can withstand a harsh environment, covering it up during winter or removing the rods when the weather becomes a little inclement, is a good practice. In the case of the Springfree ones, the composite rods are not susceptible to rust and more durable than the spring ones. Therefore, whether you should keep it out or dismantle, it depends on the quality of the trampoline and the kind of weather outside.

If after considering all the above-mentioned points, you are still contemplating buying a backyard trampoline, give it a try first. Only when you are satisfied with its utility, and you have figured out the space and the dimensions of it, get your trampoline, and you will soon realize that jumping was never so much fun before.