Setting up a trampoline can be a serious task. And so many do not bother to disassemble their trampoline during winter. But the harsh weather elements that come with the cold season can do your trampoline a lot of harm.
And so, I’d you’re planning on leaving it out this winter, you have got to prepare for ways to keep it safe. In this article, you’ll learn about winterization, winter care tips for trampoline owners and safety measures to take to ensure your trampoline last you through many winters.
What is Winterization?
Winterization is the process of keeping your trampoline safe during winter. It helps to prevent the consequences that might occur due to exposure to the harsh weather elements.
Basically, winterization helps your trampoline survive through snow, high winds, and cold. If you’re planning on leaving your trampoline out, you should also plan to winterize it.
This process shouldn’t take much time, as you’re only required to store certain parts that are prone to damage and not to disassemble the entire thing.
Is Trampoline Winter Care the Same as Winterization
Well, there’s a meeting point there. Winter care simply involves the removal of those parts that might become damaged when in contact with cold, snow, or rain. It involves taking care of your trampoline during the cold season.
So, yeah, basically, they both involve steps to keep your trampoline safe and secure during winter.
Can You Leave Your Trampoline Out During Winter?
Well, that depends on what winter looks like in your location. Some persons leave their trampoline out and do not have to bear the consequences. But if you have what I’ll like to call a fierce winter, then it’s better to disassemble it and take the parts indoor.
Nonetheless, even if things are pretty moderate in your location, it’s best to winterize your trampoline. This would normally include taking out the frame pad, cleaning accumulated snow off the jumping pad, removing the nets, and making use of a weather cover if you so wish.
Should I Disassemble My Trampoline During Winter?
Again, it’s your choice to make, although a lot of things might make that choice worth opting for.
If winter normally gets pretty intense where you are, and you have enough space in your yard, it’s advisable to disassemble your trampoline. Although that could take some time and energy, it will save you from the stress of having to look after your trampoline when the cold comes.
Vendors will normally advise you to do this in fall, which is just right before winter comes with its bag of concerns.
Trampolines are normally designed to be durable and long-lasting. Also, most of them are made of rust-resistant material. So, you might not need to bother with the extra work of pulling down all its parts if winter is normally calm in your location.
How Do You Winterize Your Trampoline?
There are four steps that will normally cover the basics of winterization. They include removing pads, removing nettings, cleaning off accumulated snow, and covering with a weather cover.
#1. Take off the frame mats or pads
This is usually the first thing to be concerned about when winterizing. This is because it can easily be ruined when it comes in contact with water.
After removing the pads, clean them thoroughly with a cleaning solution to get off any residue of tree sap or moisture and store indoors in a clean and dry place, pending when they are to be used.
#2. Remove All Netting
This is normally the next step to take. Take off the enclosure netting when winterizing your trampoline. You can as well wash off any residue before bringing it in.
#3. Remove the Jumping Pad
Next, you want to take out the jumping pad. This is necessary because excess snow can accumulate on it and cause its strings to lose shape, become slack or get ruined.
If you already have snow piling on it, just take a broom and dust it out. Make sure you don’t use a snow blower or a shovel to do this.
Most trampoline owners normally go for shovels because it gets the job done in a matter of minutes. But, doing so could damage your jump pad by roughly tearing at its surface. A snow blower is also not advisable because the heat emitted could damage the material of the jumping pad.
#4. Get a Weather Cover
A weather cover acts as some sort of covering. Truthfully, it’s a worthwhile investment as it will keep your trampoline protected winter after winter. Weather covers also keep your trampoline clean by keeping off dirt and debris.
Although, if care is not taken while using a cover, you could have a mildew problem. This is because weather covers normally trap moisture.
The brainer, when using covers, is to brush off excess snow from it and leave the trampoline to dry out before covering it again. Of course, the pros are more than whatever cons it might have, so don’t negotiate it.
#5. Dealing with Highwinds
Trampolines can really cause serious damages if they are caught up during a windstorm. And trust me, a flying trampoline is definitely a cause for alarm.
Quit wondering how. Once they are caught up, they could pose a threat to human lives as well as damage properties. You can prevent this from happening, though, by fastening them safely to the ground through anchors.
You don’t have to prepare for the storm during the storm. Anchors can be used even before winter. In fact, it’s usually advisable to secure them before winter comes, as you can easily dig in deeper without the trouble of having to sift through snow and wet floors.
This is even more necessary if you live in areas where the winter comes with vicious winds. Amazingly, they don’t cost much.
You might want to consider disassembling it all together because even if your trampoline is not caught flying in the air, strong winds and heavy rainfall can also rip and, in extreme cases, wreck your trampoline beyond repair.
Things to Note
#1. Make Sure Your Springs Are Galvanized
Galvanized springs are usually rust-resistant and can easily withstand the winter elements. Before purchasing a trampoline, make sure you go for one with galvanized springs. It will save you a whole lot of energy, as you most likely will be leaving your trampoline outside a lot.
#2. Regularly Clean Your Trampoline
Well, the reason is quite obvious. Debris and dirt is never a good sight. Also, accumulated snow can weigh heavily on your springs and cause them to become weak and slack.
#3. Don’t Use a Shovel or a Snow Blower
Using any of the aforementioned tools could lead to your trampoline being damaged, and we wouldn’t want that. Instead, use a broom or a soft bristle brush.
#4. Don’t Use Shoes on the Trampoline
Instead, opt for non-skid socks, or you could go barefoot altogether. Using shoes on your trampoline could damage it.
#5. Don’t Use the Trampoline When Water or Snow Is On It
This is a basic safety measure to keep you from getting injured. Jumping on a slippery or wet trampoline can seem like a lot of fun, but in reality, you’re just putting yourself in harm’s way. Make sure it is thoroughly dried before you get on it. Kapeesh?
Conclusion
There we have it, basic steps to follow to keep your trampoline safe and working through the seasons. The fact remains that care must ordinarily be taken when using a trampoline, but it cannot be overemphasized during winter. Planning for winter is probably the first step to ensuring your trampoline remains intact even after many years.
