When to Repair Your Trampoline

Trampolines are not only a great source of amusement for children and of exercise for adults. Indeed, trampolines - and more specifically, trampoline mats - also pose a significant safety risk if they are not maintained, repaired, or replaced when necessary. If your trampoline's warranty has expired or if it never had one in the first place, and its mat has developed holes, rips, or cracks, it is a good idea to replace your trampoline. If the stitching of a trampoline mat has worn out due to the effect of the sun's UV rays, it needs to be re-sewn. This is necessary when black straps pull away from fabric, the metal hardware attached to fabric falls off, or the stitching is no longer visible and the mat is hanging towards the ground. Trampoline mats typically wear out after three to eight years of use. This range is dependent largely on the location of the trampoline and the amount of exposure to UV rays. Any trampoline mat over ten years old should be replaced - not repaired. It is possible to fix holes in the mat and re-stitch it, but this is risky in terms of safety and longevity. Your trampoline's bouncing power can be greatly reduced if some of its springs are damaged. Trampoline springs that are over-stretched, loose or have damaged hooks should be replaced.