Having a trampoline in your backyard can be an effective way to keep your body fit. Yes, there are numerous benefits of using a trampoline, as it can ameliorate your cardiovascular health, improve bone density, relieve stress, and many others.
As good as it might sound, you can ruin the benefits if you don’t know how to assemble and take care of the trampoline. So, we discussed the common mistakes we make with our trampoline and some basic blunders we all make.
In this article, we will talk about the mistakes and give solutions to them, so the next time you put up a trampoline; it should be faultless.
Common Mistakes We Make With Our Trampoline
You might be thinking of putting the trampoline to good use right after the purchase. Hold on! Most people forget that it needs critical assembly and if it’s not done right, then get ready for a disaster. Here are some errors that are common among trampoline users.
- Mismanaging the Top Rails
Believe it or not, your rail installation might be faulty; therefore, most trampoline users complain about unstable rails. The rails play a crucial part in holding the tramp. Therefore, it has to be installed perfectly. Most people end up setting up the rail holes towards the top end rather than the bottom.
Solution: Always assemble the trampoline in an upside-down position. Now, it’s time to give the rail some stability on every side. When assembling, make sure the rail holes are lined up towards the ground surface. A minor lapse of concentration can give you an unstable trampoline. So, be watchful.
- Misplacing the Tube Holes
After setting the rails right, you might end up with no place to fit the screws in. This can happen when the pole tube is misplaced. Most people do not line up the perforated end on top and find themself stranded.
What to do: To settle the pole cap perfectly, you will have to ensure that the pole tube end that has ‘two holes’ is facing up. Doing so, you will have the groove to fit the screws in and attach the cap.
- Constructing the Frame Wrong
Installing the frame wrong will give you a wonky trampoline, and there is no hiding from it. Who enjoys flawed construction? No one! Yet the majority of people commit the basic mistake of putting the whole rail first and then attaching the legs. Doing so will question the structural integrity of the trampoline.
Fix: Whatever you do, the first step is to assemble the trampoline upside down. Even in the instruction manual, you will get this advice.
Now, rather than putting up the whole frame at once, do it in sections and then go for leg attachments. When the sections are done, flip the tramp to attach the main frame. Easy-peasy!
- Improper Placement of the Springs
When installing a trampoline, you must take care of every part. Most people overlook the spring placement as they think it’s just springs under the sheet.
Don’t be this ignorant, as it can cause the whole trampoline to malfunction. If the springs are not lined properly, the weight distribution of the mat will be hampered, and the flexibility and bounciness of the trampoline will be hindered.
Here is what you can do: First and foremost, read the manual carefully and see how the manufacturer recommends the spring placement. You should not be overconfident and place the springs in random order.
Always wear protective gloves to avoid injuries from the springs; they are sharp and have great tension on them. Place the jumping mat on the trampoline and make sure the stitched end is facing down.
Start with the spring that is in your 12 o’clock position. After placing the first spring, make sure to put the second one opposite to the first installation. Make sure you don’t put it next to the first spring.
After placing the second spring, move over to the third spring at 9 o’clock and the fourth one at 3 o’clock. Follow a clockwise run until you place the 16 springs in position. Follow the trampoline spring assembly diagram for better understanding.
- Not Having Enough Space Close to the Trampoline
We have seen people cramping their trampolines in confined spaces. This does more harm than good because there will be no adequate breathing space when you jump and do aerobatics. Sometimes people lay their trampoline down near a swimming pool or under a tree and end up with accidents.
Fix: Give the trampoline some breathing space. You need it too. Try to set the gear somewhere spacious, so you don’t interact with other objects when you jump. Avoid under-tree setup, and stay clear from pools and wires.
Safety should be your priority, so try to settle for a bigger space if you are serious about getting a trampoline.
- Not Having Spare Parts
A trampoline can malfunction at any time; the springs might pop, screws might break, the mat might tear, and whatnot. One of the most recurring issues is the frame getting broken. What to do in such situations?
We advise you to have spare parts in hand. This might sound overwhelming at first, but believe us, the spare parts can come in handy in fixing temporary issues on the go.
Sometimes knowing how to weld can save your day. If the poles are broken, you can join the metal bits by welding.
- Not Anchoring the Trampoline
Believe it or not, a strong wind can blow the trampoline from one place to another. Such a big unit moving without any restriction can be concerning and cause injuries. Even when the trampoline is in use, the structure tends to move. This is where trampoline anchors or sandbags can come into play.
Anchoring your trampoline will not only keep you safe but also protect the trampoline from certain damages due to weather changes.
- Trying to Do Everything on Your Own
As we said, trampoline setup is critical and time-consuming. Some things need to be put in the correct order and require decent strength. In this case, working alone can be tiresome, and sometimes, it can be impossible to set a trampoline properly.
What you must do is to get yourself some helping hands. The weight of the trampoline can be hard to bear alone, so a helping hand will suffice. Even when you are affixing the poles or frames, the helping hand can assist you to work faster and be efficient.
Conclusion
Most of us don’t even realize that our mismanagement is to blame for trampoline problems. At times, we are too careless to install the trampoline properly and might end up with a less serviceable piece.
This article highlights the top common mistakes we make with our trampoline to give you a heads-up in tackling the inaccuracies. Misplacing the rails and installing the springs improperly are among some recurring mistakes.
We urge you to be patient when dealing with a trampoline and get it installed with care and precision. Ask someone to assist you when you work on assembling trampolines. Make sure all the pieces are in position; replace and repair whenever necessary to avoid further issues. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Trampoline Rip?
Yes, trampolines can rip in certain areas. Lack of maintenance and aging can be blamed for such occurrences. If you fail to put the springs properly, the chances are that the trampoline will suffer from unwanted tension, which can eventually deform the mat.
Can Trampoline Bear Excessive Weight?
Never overshoot the trampoline beyond its maximum weight capacity. Always look for the manufacturer’s guide to know about the weight limit. We recommend you to abide by the limitation, or else, count this as one of your mistakes.
Why Is My Trampoline Not Bouncy Like Before?
With time, trampolines will deteriorate. The springs can rust and lose their tension; the mats can deform, resulting in providing less bounce or flexibility. You have to be on your toes and always maintain the trampoline regularly.
Make sure all the springs are lined properly, the mats are in good condition, and the frames are functional. Go for repair or replacement if necessary.
Last Updated on August 14, 2023
