Trampoline with Enclosure: 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Safety Equipment

Did you know that more than 100,000 American kids go to the emergency room every year from using a trampoline? While I don't want to discourage you from buying a trampoline—they really can be a blast if used properly—I do want you to realize that there is a need from safety precautions. The first important safety measure is purchasing a trampoline with an enclosure.

But once you have made the decision, there are still some other things to keep in mind on purchases. Here are 5 quick tips to consider when buying a trampoline with enclosure.

1. Exposed Springs

Properly designed trampolines go to great lengths to avoid exposed springs, which people can land on and hurt themselves. This is often done by keeping the enclosure a significant distance away from the springs, so users cannot come in contact while inside, and covering the springs with thick, soft padding.

But be aware not even padding is sufficient protection as it tends to deteriorate with time and according to some critics do not offer the right protection in the first place. There are new designs now available that do not even use springs at all, relying instead on new technologies to give the trampoline more bounce without the risk.

2. Metal Poles

Many a traditional trampoline with enclosure uses metal poles to hold up the netting and form the frame of the trampoline. This can be dangerous even when padded because bodily harm can occur when colliding with the poles.

Fortunately, a trampoline with a different kind of pole can be bought that flexes away from the jumper upon impact with the net and will not even hurt them if a collision does occur. And as mentioned above, spring-less trampolines are set up with no poles at all, removing the risk entirely.

If you go with a traditional trampoline, make sure you look at it when it is set up already in the store, get a good feel for the thickness and the padding, and be sure it is secure enough that it will not shift on the pole over time.

3. Listen to directions

When setting up your trampoline with enclosure provided, take extreme pains to set it up properly. The directions are given in the manner given for a reason, and cutting corners can cause problems.

Continue following the manufacturer's safety advice once it is set up. This means enforcing a rule at your home that children may only jump one at a time. That rule right there, when followed, can completely eliminate the vast majority of injuries.

In addition, follow the guidelines given for how far the trampoline should be set up away from other objects. This typically means 15-20 feet of empty space on all sides, depending on the size of the trampoline.

4. Know Weight Restrictions

Even the best designed trampolines have weight restrictions. Take a minute to check them out and make sure you know what you are buying beforehand. Most manufacturers will offer several different models in order to accommodate people who are a little heavier.

Bigger people can typically still jump on the better models, but they should be a little more careful as they have the added risk of bottoming out and hitting the ground below. For a slightly-bigger than average adult, this is typically a non-issue, but if you are pretty bulky than do your homework. Open the manual.

5. Ask Questions

Don't be shy—a quality trampoline with enclosure can be a sizable investment for the average American family, and safety is always the most important. Ask the hard questions about the safety design of the model you are considering. If one of the safety features seems a little doubtful to you, ask for clarification.

And you can always find something good for sale in our discount trampoline store.