Trampoline Buying FAQs
Which Trampoline?
Good quality trampolines are made from the following quality materials. Cheaper trampolines are made from lesser quality materials. You can always call us on 01.64.38.63.60. for any help in choosing the right trampoline.
- 14 Gauge GALVANIZED metal
- Foam thickness - 30mm deep
- Foam Covering - .6mm
- Foam covering should also be UV ray resistant
PLEASE NOTE: 14 Gauge is thicker than 16 Gauge
Circular or Rectangle Trampoline?
Circular trampolines are designed for fun and tend to be safer as there is a tendency to jump in the centre of the mat and therefore there is a good distance between the jumper and the edge of the trampoline. Another factor is the size and shape of your garden, smaller gardens lend themselves to a 3m or 3.6m circular or rectangular shape trampoline as they take up less space. Remember you can always sink your trampoline down to ground level, which will increase the safety. If your children are thinking of becoming gymnasts, then a rectangular trampoline is better suited to gaining more height in order to do summersaults etc.
What age should my children be before getting them a trampoline?
The safety guidelines recommend no children under 6 years should use a full size trampoline. Adult supervision is essential.
Does the protective weather cover fit on the trampoline with a safety enclosure
The protective weather cover is not designed to be use with a safety enclosure, however the cover can be strapped to the top of the safety enclosure to act as an umbrella to provide shade on hot days.
What else might I need for my new trampoline?
Safety enclosures, trampoline tents and bungie kits are useful additions to your trampoline.
Will my grass still grow under my new trampoline?
Yes - in fact grass tends to grow greener and faster under the trampoline as the mat still allows some sunlight through. When mowing your lawn, simple drag your trampoline out of the way.
Can we use our trampoline when it is wet?
Avoid using your trampoline when it is wet as it will be slippery. To speed the drying time you can use an old towel mop up excess water.
Can we sink our trampoline into the ground?
Yes, this is an excellent option, as it will increase the safety and make your trampoline less visible. The distance between the mat and the bottom of the hole needs to be at least 3 feet. If your water table is high you will need to provide drainage. Also be sure to use the legs as they provide necessary support to the circular frame. For more information please contact us.
Can we use our trampoline in low temperatures?
Our trampolines have been designed to be used all year round, however avoid using if covered in snow or ice.
Is there anything I can do to make my Trampoline last longer?
Yes- Keep it covered. A shady position will help, as the sun over time will cause the PVC to deteriorate.
Are the trampolines waterproof?
Yes - all trampolines are waterproof.
Do we need any special tools or equipment to set up the trampolines?
No - none of our trampolines need any special tools, they can be "up and running" in a matter of minutes. The inflatable trampoline comes with its own reversible, approved electric pump.
Won't my children grow tired of trampolining and stop using their trampolines after a few months?
Because trampolining gets all the body's systems working after just a few bounces it makes you feel good. Users experience a sort of high whilst bouncing. As well a being terrific exercise the feeling of well-being draws people back to the trampoline day after day, week after week and year after year. Your trampoline will still be popular with your family in 10 years time as it's big enough.
Some people think that trampolining is dangerous, is it?
No more than any other activity involving unrestrained movement. It is important to differentiate between the sport of trampolining where individuals are pushed to the limit of their skills and recreational trampolining where such pressures do not generally exist. Trampolining is certainly much safer than many 'accepted' activities such as horse riding, bicycle riding and swimming.
Will I be able to get replacement parts for my trampoline?
Yes. For Outdoors are committed to looking after your trampoline needs for generations to come. We know that your trampoline is going to be very popular and will get an enormous amount of use. Eventually springs will stretch or break, beds will need re stitching or replacing (watch out for bonfire spark damage). It may not happen for 10 years, but when you need us, we plan to be there for you. We carry thousands of springs, beds and pads of all shapes and sizes and can even have on-off shapes and sizes made to measure.
Do you supply a ladder to help smaller children get onto their trampoline?
No. The area around the trampoline should be kept clear of solid objects so that anyone falling or bouncing off lands on the grass. To help the little ones we recommend a lightweight one-piece plastic chair with its back placed against the edge of the trampoline frame (available from your local supermarket or DIY store at a very reasonable cost).
How can I sit my trampoline on sloping or uneven ground?
Provided that the slop is no greater than 15% or 1 in 7, it is possible to level your trampoline by digging a 8cm wide trench into which the uphill leg base is dropped. The downhill leg base is then supported on timber blocks. We can supply notched treated timber blocks for this purpose at a nominal cost if you are unable to source your own.
What to do in high winds?
In the event of high winds or gale force warnings you must either turn you trampoline upside down or remove the jumping mat.
My Daughter is a member of the local trampoline club. Is it safe for her to practise her moves on our trampoline at home?
You should ask her trampoline coach. He will probably let your daughter know which moves he is happy for her to do at home. Bear in mind that the garden trampolining environment is very different to that at the trampolining club. At home in the garden there is no one pushing you to achieve higher standards, and there is no one there to 'catch' you. Being responsible for your own safety does generally concentrate the mind and make for safer trampolining.
Will my trampoline need a cover?
Although we supply a cover with some of our trampolines, they are not really needed. However, you may consider a cover for one or more of the following reasons:
- To keep the bed and pads clear and free from bird droppings, tree sap, creepy crawlies and industrial fall out
- To keep the bed dry and ready for immediate use even on a damp day or immediately after rainfall
- To give a clear message when necessary to family, friends and others that the trampoline has been 'put away' and is 'not in use'
- To prolong the life of the bed and pads by protecting them from the ongoing effects of UV radiation
The History of the Trampoline
A circus trapeze artist named Du Trampolin is credited for the development of the first trampoline. He realized that trampolines could be used as a safe landing device for trapeze artists and as well as a fun form of self-propulsion.
There are two Olympic routines required for the trampoline. The compulsory routine (depending on age and skill level of your children) can include jumping up and down, hopping on one foot and creative arm and leg movements in the air. The voluntary routine can be an exhibition of your child's greatest efforts. Scoring should be based on creativity, difficulty and enthusiasm. And please keep in mind these trampoline safety tips. Children should not be allowed on the trampoline without adult supervision. Allow only one person at a time on the trampoline. Keep other objects (toys, lawn furniture and swing sets) away from the surrounding area of the trampoline. No child under the age of 6 should be allowed on a full-size trampoline.