A trampoline in the garden at home offers hours of unforgettable fun, but even the best quality trampolines can wear out over time. When this happens, we’re faced with an important decision: should we restore our old, worn-out trampoline or buy a new one?
The different parts of a trampoline have different levels of durability, so over the years they can be gradually replaced after they show the first signs of wear. The most common things to look out for include worn-out jumping mats, damaged safety padding, and unstable construction elements, along with many other issues, large and small.
Here we’ll try to clear up the eternal dilemma of whether to replace the affected parts or buy a whole new trampoline when you find any damage.
Restoring an old trampoline
Before buying a new trampoline, always try to repair or replace damaged or worn parts. Important questions to ask are what is the current level of wear and tear, and how extensive is the damage?
If the damage is minor and doesn’t affect the functionality and safety of the trampoline, then it’s definitely worth repairing or replacing with spare parts. On most trampolines, you can replace the jumping mats, safety nets, and padding, while some also enable the replacement of individual parts of the structure.
Although replacing the parts of a trampoline is very simple in theory, this is often not the case in practice. But if you buy your trampoline from a trusted manufacturer, then you’ll find they also offer quality spare parts.
However, if restoring your old trampoline eventually causes more problems than it solves, then it's definitely time to say goodbye. More frequent repairs lead to ever higher costs, at which point it makes sense to get a new trampoline. You'll probably also want a new trampoline if you want to buy a model suitable for more advanced jumpers, or a trampoline with a different shape and size.
When is the right time to buy a new trampoline?
People can be ruled by their emotions, and we quickly get attached to things. This is why many users put off replacing their trampoline for too long, which can seriously compromise the safety of users.
Safety is the most important thing when using a trampoline, and when your old model no longer enables safe jumping, you should definitely start looking for a new one. Here are the warning signs that clearly indicate it’s time to buy a new trampoline:
1. Metal parts of the trampoline are rusty
Rust is one of the key indicators of the age of a trampoline and one of the first signs that it needs to be replaced. The metal structure with the springs is the most important part of the trampoline, so you should pay special attention to it.
If you spot rust early enough, you can scrub it off with a wire brush and protect the area with an anti-rust coating. However, when rust is present on a large part of the structure, its stability is weakened and this can seriously compromise the safety of users.
Tip: When looking for a new trampoline, choose one with a hot-dip galvanized steel frame, including a galvanized coating – this ensures mechanical strength and the best protection against rust.
2. The jumping mat has cracks, holes, or other signs of damage
Cracks, holes, and tears in the jumping surface are another sign of trampoline deterioration. If the holes are small, up to 1.2 cm, then it’s usually possible to repair them or just replace the lining.
However, if the damage to the jumping mat is more extensive, or if it’s constantly tearing due to poor quality, and if it shows any other signs of wear, then it’s certainly worth buying a new trampoline instead of constantly replacing the jumping mat on your old one.
Tip: When looking for a new trampoline, ensure the jumping mat is tear-resistant and UV-protected to ensure greater durability.
3. The safety net is falling apart
Safety netting is essential to prevent injuries in the event of falls. As soon as you notice that the safety net is damaged, you should replace it.
However, if you’re not completely sure about the quality of the safety net that fits on your old trampoline, then it’s worth considering upgrading the whole trampoline. Since the safety net is crucial for the safety of the users, buying a new trampoline is also the best decision in this case.
Tip: When looking for a new trampoline, make sure that the safety netting is durable and tightly woven, and that it also provides UV protection. This will make it more resistant to tearing and sun damage.
4. The springs of the trampoline are overstretched
Another sign that you may need to replace your trampoline in the future is stretched springs. The springs are the connecting element between the jumping mat and the trampoline structure, and if they start to stretch they lose their strength, which also affects the trampoline's rebound properties.
The springs are part of the trampoline that should never be ignored. If you notice they are stretching, replace them as soon as possible. However, if you find this happens a lot then this may be a sign of low-quality springs that cannot meet your jumping needs. It’s therefore best to replace your old trampoline with a new one that has better springs.
Tip: When looking for a new trampoline, choose one with an innovative spring system that provides long-lasting elasticity, quiet functioning, and greater rebound.
5. The trampoline is unstable
The stability of a trampoline is another factor that has a significant impact on the safety of users. Stability is mainly influenced by the trampoline's structure, which must be strong enough not to bend or be damaged during use.
If you notice that certain tubes in the structure are bent, then check if the individual parts of the frame can be replaced. Instability can also be caused by weak joints between parts of the structure, so check all screws and tighten them if necessary.
However, since a new frame is never cheap it’s definitely worth buying a brand-new trampoline made of better-quality materials and components if problems with the structure become more common.
Tip: When looking for a new trampoline, choose one with a strong and sturdy frame made of hot-dip galvanized steel. You’ll avoid problems with screws if you choose a trampoline with the unique AkroCLICK system by the Slovenian company Akrobat, which allows all the parts to be joined together without screws.
It’s always possible to restore an old and damaged trampoline, but this comes at an extra cost. And when this cost gets too high, it’s definitely worth investing in a new trampoline. Just remember that safety is the No. 1 priority, so choose a trampoline made of high-quality, certified materials.
