As a primary school child, there was nothing more thrilling to me than to pour into the gym with my classmates to see the old trusty trampoline waiting for us. The thickly padded edges covering the shock absorbing spring coils played into our imaginations and left images of finger biting, skin pinching serpents. The feel of the super heavy-duty fine mesh of the tautly drawn jumping pad with the fading red X painted in the direct center of the rectangular launch pad. I can still feel the rush of gravity defying free falling in the pit of my stomach with each growing soar into the air and the inevitable plunge downward. Friendly peer competitions ensued; like who could jump the highest with the basketball hoop as the measuring guide judge, who could do the most knee drops in a row and who could stop on a quick double flex dime. Oh of course I left school those days with tiny pebbled raised skin blotches that resembled rug burn and then would excitedly give a demonstration of that day’s activity either on the sofa or my bed, much to the chagrin of my parents. Now, power trampolines are popping up everywhere as an affordable, safe, family fun backyard-based activity. I am going to take another air bounding trip so let’s jump to it.
SAFETY FIRST
Is there a recommended age for children to play on a trampoline?
As with any sport/fitness related equipment, there are suggestions of age limitations and trampolining is no different. It is highly recommended that age 6 is an appropriate time for your children to engage in a full contact with the generic trampoline. Of course, you’ll want to be there as a spotter and if warranted, hand holding jump partner until you are satisfied that a well-developed sense of balance is developed. (the kids….NOT yours. Wink wink.) Think of a combination swimming pool lifeguard/letting go of the bicycle after training wheels scenario.
Where should I set up my trampoline?
Depending on the shape and size of the structure you’ve chosen, you’re going to want to pick a location that is in constant eyesight from inside. Even if you’ve got responsible older kids/teens as chaperones, it’s good to always be able to “check in” with a clear birds-eye view. Also, look up! WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY up! Tree limbs and electrical wires? Change location. Finally, look for a level, grassy spot that provides the most shade. And if required, prune away any overhanging branches.
Try to avoid the regions that I call the “temptables”; close to a swimming pool, a second story bedroom window or even an outside deck, backyard garden shed roof or basketball hoop. Kids of all ages, and even adults will inevitably, at one point in their lives, think that somehow it would be a fabulous idea to combine a multi-jump parkour-esque challenge with a powerpad. Which brings me to add as an extra thought: trampolines are designed for body part contact only. No skateboards, cycles, or pets please. You’d be amazed……
MAINTENANCE
I live in a four-climate zone region. What can I do to help preserve my investment all year round?
2020. The year of the Corona Virus COVID19 has certainly been an eyeopener to the importance of proper cleaning and sanitizing rules and guidelines. As more quarantine restrictions are loosened, the more vigilant we MUST be to keep up with beyond par cleaning protocols.
Most units are sold with a cover to protect the skin from basic debris; leaves, small twigs, branches, excessive rains and even some light snowfall/frost patches. They are also sold separately for a nominal cost. Winter storage of the jump pad mat is HIGHLY recommended, although the legs and frame should already be factory treated and pre-galvanized and can remain outdoors during the winter if needed.
A light brooming or blast from a leaf blower in and around the underside pads, springs and topside deck and a routine washdown with a soft bristled scrub broom with a bit of soapy water to remove skin oils is also a great way to stay clean and pristine. Of course, implementing a “NO DRINKS, FOOD, FOOTWEAR ALLOWED” policy is a good stepping-stone in the right direction.
Don’t over exceed the recommended weight guideline for the make and model. There are different sizes for different age groups so check in with those instructions as well. From 8-foot toddler sizes to 16-foot power bounce models, each will come with regulatory factory standards.
Most importantly, is a routine inspection of any bolts, screws, fasteners, springs and tie down lines. Visually check for mold, thinning, patchy sun faded areas or rust signs on the support legs and address them immediately.READY, SET and POWER UP!
Go for it! There is still plenty of time left to enjoy the summer and all the benefits of fitness, fun and frivolity that tramp jumping can bring to your own backyard. As for myself? I will gladly join in, reminisce and stand sentry alongside the sofa all-the-while yearning for a familiar sense of pit-falling vicarious glee. Happy leaping!