Trampolines offer a fun outdoor activity the whole family can take part in. Whether you’re a kid, teen, or parent, jumping on a trampoline offers a type of enjoyment that simply can’t be found anywhere else.
Not only is it fun, but it’s a great way for your kids to exert their bundled up energy and get some exercise. Come to think of it, who wouldn’t enjoy jumping on a trampoline?
If you own a trampoline or are looking into buying one, then taking the proper precautions to ensure it stays in great condition for as long as possible is in your best interest.
Because trampolines are usually placed in the yard directly over the grass many trampoline owners (or shoppers) will naturally question the placement of a trampoline over a sprinkler head. It’s very common to wonder whether or not sprinklers will ruin a trampoline in the long run.
Before I begin discussing the topic in depth I want to give you a summarized answer:
Sprinklers simply do not damage trampolines in any substantial way especially if your trampoline spring cover is in great shape. If water is constantly bombarding the springs they may start rusting so keep that mat replaced when it starts showing significant wear and you’ll be fine.
Is It That Simple Though?…. Can a Sprinkler Eventually Ruin a Trampoline?
The answer to this, however, is not straightforward. There are several variables involved and circumstances to consider.
The Truth About Sprinklers and Trampolines
When it comes to sprinklers and trampolines, initially there isn’t much for you to worry about. In fact, most trampolines come with frames that are galvanized and ready to go. Trampoline manufacturers have taken many things into consideration in their designs and have taken measures to protect them from damage. Many come with included covers help to protect your trampoline from unnecessary wear and tear while it is not in use.
Using a sprinkler on or near your trampoline is fine to do and it’s actually recommended if you want to keep the grass under it green and growing.
The most common way people use sprinklers on their trampoline is by placing it underneath. This allows the trampoline surface to become wet without having to worry about the sprinkler getting in the way of those jumping.
The only thing you might want to consider is the water pressure.
Also, a side benefit of putting the trampoline over the sprinkler too is that the grass under the trampoline will likely thrive even though its covered up all the time!
Are Trampoline Mats Waterproof?
If you’re wondering if trampoline mats are waterproof, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know they are.
Trampoline mats are constructed with water-resistant material and are used to protect the frame from being exposed to damaging conditions. For those with extra concern about the metal frame, you’ll want to make sure it does not get direct exposure to sunlight or water. You can ensure this by making sure the trampoline mat is securely in place.
It’s important to constantly check your trampoline frame, mats, and netting on a regular basis to ensure the safety of those using it.
Make sure the mat is always secure and covering the springs so water exposure is minimized and no legs can slip through causing injury. As long as you follow this, then you should have no problems.
Is Water Bad for Trampolines?
Now that we’ve covered the deal with sprinklers and trampolines, let’s get into the argument of whether or not water is bad for trampolines in general.
To put it simply, water is not bad for trampolines.
After all, trampolines are made to withstand all sorts of outdoor weather conditions such as rain & snow.
Like we mentioned before, the key is to prevent the metal from being exposed to direct sunlight and is kept dry as much as possible. In the heat of the summer even on wet days due to rain or sprinklers a trampoline will dry out quickly but in cold wet winter days the cold damp is much harder on the equipment.
This is why we recommend people either cover the trampolines in the winter or take them down entirely.
Here’s a good video on how to take down your trampoline in the winter:
Thanks to the design and manufacturing of most trampolines, the springs and frames are made to be rust-resistant in order to deal with outdoor conditions. With trampoline mats properly secured and in place, they should not collect any water and effectively minimize the exposure of water on the frame in the first place.
The only way water can be bad for your trampoline if you are are not careful about monitoring its exposure onto the metal. If the frame & springs experience continuous exposure to water, it will cause the metal to rust prematurely, creating an unsafe environment for those who are looking for some fun.
Corroded metal will weaken over time, eventually leading to breakage, and possibly leading to injury. This is exactly what you don’t want.
Does Jumping on a Wet Trampoline Ruin It?
If you are still unsure whether it’s ok to jump on a trampoline while it’s wet, then we have the answers you are looking for.
Jumping on a wet trampoline alone won’t damage it. When a trampoline gets wet, it will still work in the way it’s supposed to. If you notice any water getting onto the frame and springs, you can simply dry it off with a towel after everyone is finished jumping.
Jumping on a wet trampoline is known to be a ton of fun. It is, however, a risk for injury if it is not approached with care since the mats become quite slippery when wet.
If your trampoline has protective netting, then jumping on it when wet can be done with caution. For trampolines without protective netting, then it is highly discouraged to jump on them while wet since there is a much higher chance of slipping and falling off.
Compared to jumping on a dry trampoline, a wet trampoline offers a more slippery experience that many find to be more fun. There are no negatives in terms of damaging the trampoline itself and as long as you are careful, you can jump on a wet trampoline without any repercussions.
For those planning on jumping on their trampoline while it’s wet often, you’ll need to take extra precaution when it comes to the integrity of the frame. This means making sure the metal stays dry as much as possible in order to prevent rusting and damage.
More Advice on How to Maintain Your Trampoline
Water isn’t the only thing that you need to worry about when taking care of your trampoline. You’ll need to consider general safety, shoes, cleaning your trampoline, and additional preventative measures to take against rust.
To help you out, we’ll guide you through the steps to making sure you get the most out of your trampoline in terms of safety, maintenance, and optimizing its longevity.
Do Shoes Ruin Trampolines?
While we are on the topic of proper care and maintenance of your trampoline, you may be wondering if wearing shoes while jumping on a trampoline will ruin it.
Just like to ordeal with sprinklers, the relationship between shoes and trampolines isn’t quite straightforward. When it comes down to it, it depends on the type of shoes you’re wearing.
Sneakers and heavy-duty built shoes cause increased friction which will, in turn, wear out the trampoline pad prematurely.
Gymnastic or ballet slippers, on the other hand, are perfectly fine to wear while jumping on a trampoline. If your trampoline has already had some encounters with shoes, you don’t need to worry. The way shoes cause wear and tear on a trampoline is by wearing them on your trampoline over and over again.
It’s recommended to jump either with bare feet or with trampoline socks.
Yes, there are socks specially made for jumping on trampolines.
They feature a non-slip design on the sole and are actually quite similar to slipper socks. This is an alternative that offers a safer, more hygienic way for kids to jump on trampolines. I
f you find trampoline socks to be unnecessary, then regular cleaning of your trampoline should be enough to keep bacteria and germs at bay.
How Often Should I Clean my Trampoline?
Trampolines that are used several times a week should be cleaned anywhere from 1-2 times per month. Cleaning your trampoline is extremely easy to do as long as you have the right tools on hand. Ideally, you would clean your trampoline on a warm sunny day for your trampoline to dry off in no time.
How to Clean a Trampoline
In order to clean your trampoline, you’ll need to gather the following things:
- Bucket
- Sponge or cleaning cloth
- Soap or mild detergent
- Towel for drying
- Water hose (optional)
Now we’ll break down the simple steps on how to clean your trampoline:
- Make sure your trampoline is free of any leaves or debris
- Use the water hose on the trampoline pad and mat. You can also use a bucket of plain water if you would like.
- Fill your bucket with warm water and the desired soap/detergent.
- Use your sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the trampoline and mats. Make sure to remove any visible dirt and don’t scrub too hard.
- Move onto cleaning the additional safety pads & the frame.
- Use clean, warm water to rinse off the excess soap. Using a hose works perfectly for this.
- Take your towel and dry off your trampoline as much as possible.
- Your trampoline is now ready for enjoyment!
How to Keep Your Trampoline from Rusting
Preventing rust from forming on your trampoline is extremely important. Like we mentioned earlier, keeping the metal frame and springs of your trampoline as dry as possible is of utmost importance. Aside from that, there are a few other ways to help prevent your trampoline frame from rusting.
Many trampoline frames are already galvanized inside and out to help prevent rust. If this is the case, then there is not much you need to worry about.
If you are unsure or know that your trampoline is not galvanized, then it is essential to implement the use of a cover when it is not in use. This will help to protect your trampoline from rainfall, snow, hail, and other harmful weather conditions.
If you know that your trampoline isn’t going to be used for a long period of time, then consider storing it somewhere indoors. This is a great way to ensure it stays dry since it will be inside rather than outside where the weather conditions are unavoidable.
Extra space in a garage, basement, or a shed can work perfectly to house your trampoline while it is not being used.
Now You Know…Let’s Get Jumping!
A trampoline by no means a small investment and should be enjoyed for as long as possible. As long as you keep all of our tips & tricks in your back pocket, you and your family will be able to enjoy your trampoline for many years to come.