Fix Common Trampoline Problems

There are millions of trampolines set up in backyards across the United States today. Kids love to jump and bounce up and down just for the fun of it. Adults enjoy the fun too, but their reason for using a trampoline is more for the exercise it provides. Trampolines are built to endure a lot of wear and tear. However, all of the jumping that kids and adults give them can cause problems that need repair. You can save time and money if you fix common trampoline problems yourself.

Fix Broken Springs
Since the springs on a trampoline provide much of the “bounce”, they take a lot of wear and tear.
The springs secure the mat (also called the jumping area) of a trampoline to its tubular metal frame. You should perform an inspection of the springs on your trampoline every time before you or your kids use it. If you find a broken spring, a spring that’s bent out of shape, or any other irregularities, you should replace the faulty spring immediately.

Before you buy a replacement spring for your trampoline, you’ll need to know how big it needs to be. You can measure the length and diameter of one of the springs. Or, you can simply take one of them with you to compare.

To fix common trampoline problems like a broken spring, slide the spring’s hook end out of the grommet in the mat. Then, unhook the spring from the other end. Reverse the process when you install the new spring on your trampoline.

Common Problems With the Mat
Trampoline mats are most often made from a resilient polypropylene mesh. This fabric mesh is perfect for use on a trampoline because it’s bouncy and durable at the same time. To help protect your mat from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, as well as from the rest of the elements, you should use a mat cover. A mat cover protects the polypropylene mesh and helps it last longer.

You can fix common trampoline problems, such as a small hole or tear in the mat, easily. As long as the hole or tear is not longer than one inch in size. Duct tape can be used to repair small holes and tears.

However, if your trampoline mat becomes damaged from the sun, or from excessive wear and tear, you may need to fix it by replacing the entire mat. The sun’s rays can actually rot the
polypropylene mesh mat. If it does, the mat will develop weak areas in it. These weak areas will ultimately turn into holes when you or your kids use the trampoline. Once that happens, the trampoline is unsafe to use.
To fix common trampoline problems like this one, you’ll then need to buy a replacement mat from the manufacturer. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to obtain a new mat. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly install it. Basically, though, you’ll need the help of your family to do this.

Have everyone stand around the diameter of the trampoline. Each person will need to unhook the springs from the mat. Once the mat is unhooked from the springs, remove it from the frame and toss it away. Then, unfold the new mat inside the metal frame of the trampoline. Attach it to the frame by hooking the springs into the grommet holes. Inspect the springs to make sure they are properly attached to the mat and the metal frame before the trampoline is used again.

Holes in the Safety Padding
The safety padding can be damaged by the Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun too. You can also use duct tape to fix common trampoline problems like this too. Or, you can simply turn the safety pad over once it gets too many holes or tears in it.

And finally, before you order a new spring or mat, for example, check your trampoline’s warranty. The part may be covered, which could save you replacement costs.