The Climbing Frames Trampolines Buying Guide

The main components of a trampoline are:-

The Frame

The frame thickness is generally stated using the Standard Wire Gauge or SWG measurement. The lower the SWG, the thicker the material used. All our trampolines comply with all relevant safety standards so that the thickness of the frame is more than sufficient for all aspects of safety.

Anti-rust treatment is recommended, the most common being galvanisation and zinc powder coating. Generally the galvanised steel is longer-lasting and more effective than zinc powder coated steel.

Assembly of most trampolines is generally quite straightforward – the frames slot together without needing any tools. The larger the trampoline the longer it will take to assemble, we give a rough estimate alongside each model.

The Springs

Information available on the springs of a trampoline is varied. However it is the springs on a trampoline which determine its ‘bounciness’. Spring performance is dependent on several factors, including:-

the material the spring is made from,
the diameter of the wire used,
the diameter of the spring coil, and
the overall length of the spring.

However, we assure you that all our trampolines conform to all relevant safety and quality standards and are guaranteed to provide the best bounce possible. We ensure that the optimum bounce level is achieved without being too hard nor too soft.

The number of springs on the trampoline and their thickness or length are not indicative of the trampoline’s quality alone, but we certainly do not recommend any trampoline with springs of length 6” or shorter or the use of elastic or rubber bands instead of springs.

The Spring Protection Pads

Trampoline Protection Pads The protection offered to users by pads varies depending on the pads’ shape and the material used. The pads are the first components to wear out so purchasing a lower quality pad results in having to replace them more frequently.

Wedge-shaped pads which taper from around 20mm on the outside edge to 5mm on the inside edge are of a lower quality than flat pads of about 25mm thickness.

Closed cell foam (or impact foam) is designed to absorb impact so 25mm closed cell foam pads perform better than thicker pads made from traditional upholstery foam.

The pads are covered with vinyl which can vary in thickness and quality. The pads on our trampolines have 20oz vinyl as opposed to budget trampolines, many of which use lighter weight vinyl or only partially cover the pad with vinyl leaving the underside covered with mesh. The pads are attached using duffle-coat style toggles and feature a small 50mm (2") valance or skirt which helps keep the padding positioned perfectly.

The Jump Bed

Almost all jump beds are woven polypropolene mesh with UV resistant coating which ensures they can withstand direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The mesh allows water to flow through the bed so avoiding pooling on the surface.

A Trampoline Cover

You should note that trampoline covers are not designed to be waterproof. Their purpose is to minimise exposure of the bed and the pads to UV light from the sun, and to keep leaves and other debris and dirt from the surface.

Most covers have drainage holes or mesh in the centre which allow rainwater to escape. However, during heavy rainfall, the cover should be removed to prevent the trampoline becoming a lake. In any event, the springs should not be kept under tension for extended periods of time.

The Ladders

Ladders Trampoline ladders make it easier to get up and down to and from the bed. However this also means younger children could gain access and play without your supervision.

A safety net or "fun ring"

A failsafe means of preventing falls from the trampoline and avoiding potential injuries as a result is a safety net. Whilst these may be considered an expensive extra, it is highly recommended that anyone with younger children (aged 5 or under) or disabilities affecting their ability to use a trampoline should have a safety net.

Considerations to be kept in mind when looking at trampoline components:

Level firm ground

It is important that the surface on which you will place your trampoline is level and firm, and that all the trampoline’s legs are firmly supported or the trampoline will be stressed at points of its construction where it is not designed to withstand stress. This will affect its durability and safe use – it is also more noisy! If the ground slopes more than by a few inches over the diameter of the trampoline a shallow trench should be dug in the higher ground to accommodate and support the legs on the corresponding side of the trampoline so that the bed is levelled.

Trampoline Safety:

Safety is a vital aspect in your trampoline-buying decision-making process. We take a personal interest in all our buyers’ decisions and aim to ensure every person who is likely to use a product supplied by us have a safe and trouble-free trampoline experience. All our trampolines are developed, produced and supplied with advanced technology which is constantly being revised and researched. This applies to every component and aspect of the trampoline’s design and manufacture, from the springs, the trampoline bed, the frame and outer padding. These main parts of the trampoline work together as the vital safety points as well, making sure that your child has a smooth controlled bounce.

There is more that you can do to enhance your children’s safety beyond the safety features built into the trampoline’s construction including:-

Safety nets of ‘fun rings’ “bounce arena’s” are a fail-safe method to keep your children safe and as long as the units are used in the correct manner they offer a superb level of trampoline safety. Each safety net is designed as outer cage with an overlapping door. Most trampolines do have safety nets included with the packages offered.
Set the trampoline into the ground. This is a very simple option - all you need to do is dig a hole to the same depth as the height of your trampoline (usually about 3 feet) leaving a small space around the edge to allow for frame movement and flexibility.
Trampoline padding is a big factor when considering your purchase. The outer spring cover padding is vital in the protection it offers you from the trampoline springs and from the frame. Cheaper the system worse quality the bounce pads.

When deciding to buy a trampoline your main considerations should include:

Who will use the trampoline?
Where will the trampoline be located?
How much will a trampoline cost?

Who will use the trampoline?

A 10 ft diameter round trampoline is suitable for a single larger child, or two small children, and perhaps occasional adult use. A 12ft diameter round trampoline is a good choice for a couple of children and more regular use by adults. A 14ft diameter round trampoline allows regular use by two or more children, and adults.
Generally, the maximum load or weight bearing of a trampoline increases with the diameter of the trampoline.

Where will the trampoline be located?

The space available should be checked and carefully measured before you commit yourself to buying a trampoline. It is important to bear in mind that the actual trampoline will appear much larger in the garden than a 12ft circle measured out on the ground. You should also allow a clear area of at least 3ft around the outside of the proposed trampoline to allow for sufficient safe space. Overhanging trees, shrubs, roofs and cables must be avoided. Also, be aware that most trampolines stand approximately 3ft above the ground so clearance above the trampoline bed surface must take this into account.

How much will a trampoline cost?

Quality is invariably linked directly to cost. A cheap trampoline will undoubtedly have cost less to manufacture and this will show in terms of the quality of materials, the quality of finish, any guarantee supplied, the product’s lifespan and its safety. Replacement parts on cheap Trampolines are often more expensive than the original purchase price.

A trampoline is much more than just something to bounce on and will be enjoyed as much by teenagers and adults as by smaller children. More than anything else, safety is a prime consideration. With a broad range of needs to meet, the safety and quality of a trampoline should not be compromised by making cost the primary objective.

Step 1 – choosing the shape of your trampoline

Round or rectangular trampoline?

Round trampolines are designed and supplied for the leisure market. The lift of the bounce is approximately 3ft from the bed to the bottom of the user’s foot. The bed’s design ensures that the person is bounced upward and inward, toward the middle of the bed so that the person has sufficient space between them and the edge. Round trampolines are therefore considered safer in the domestic environment than rectangular trampolines.
Rectangular trampolines are only suitable for use by single users. The bed is designed with an impetus upward and along the trampoline’s line of direction. The bounce is also higher (apart from the Alley Oop Double Bounce Power Bounce) so that rectangular trampolines are best suited to sports people or specialist users.

Round Trampolines

for general leisure use
accommodate more than one person at a time
safer – the round design ensures that all the springs are extended at the same time so that the users are bounced back towards the centre of the bed, away from the edge
great value for money - generally they are better than their rectangular counterparts

Rectangular Trampolines

Provide an awesome specialised bounce
Ideal for gymnastic use, including after-school training and skills development
Provides the ability to perform all the tricks
Some brands such as the Alley Oop 10 x 17 Variable Bounce are suitable for use in professional environments and competitions.

Step 2 - choosing the size of your trampoline:

Round Trampolines are preferred by most people because of their versatility in the domestic environment. They are available in the following sizes:

8ft Trampolines – the smallest size available, and the most economical in terms of cost and the space that they occupy. They will not take up the whole of the garden!

10ft Trampolines – slightly larger beds giving greater flexibility and space to users. They also have great bounce capacity, and with a lower frame height, are able to accommodate smaller people providing more peace of mind to those concerned parents!

12ft Trampolines – a good-sized bed, small enough for most gardens but one which can be used by more than one person at a time - including teenagers and adults.

14ft Trampoline - the largest and most popular round trampoline size available offering stability and control for up to 3 bouncers at a time.

Rectangular Trampolines are very popular for the young aspiring gymnast and sportsman, with all the technology and quality necessary for years of training use. For advice on rectangular or specialist trampolines, please contact us direct.

Step 3 - Which Trampoline Brand Is Right For You ?

We have selected the best brands in the world in order to give you a full choice of styles, quality and value. We recommend Jumpking, Jumpsport & Alley Oop Sports. This range is unbeaten in the UK, and we are certain you will find exactly what you are looking for, at incredible value. We display these Trampolines at Climbing Frames Brentwood Essex and Climbing Frames Weybridge Surrey.

Summary of Brands of Trampoline sold at Climbing Frames

Jumpking Jumpod Classic – excellent value for money, “all included” trampolines. Come with Steps, Bounce Surround, Shoe Rack & Cover.
Jumpking Jumpod Deluxe - Quality Trampolines with a slightly higher specification than the classic.
Jumpsport Trampolines – USA’s No 1 Quality Trampoline brand, 8.5” Springs, heavy duty construction these are the best at their price point.
Alley Oop Double Bounce Trampolines – The Rolls Royce of Trampolines. The Specification is unreal and everything about the is trampoline is special. Double Bounce Bed, Safest Trampoline on the Market and the Chance to add Power Bounce, Basket Ball Net and Games Pack.

There also other brands that we choose not to sell such as TP Trampolines, Supertramp. Playtime, Sky High and TrampolinesGB.

Climbing Frames is the leading independent retailer of: Play Equipment, Play Ground, Playsets, Play Structures, Play House, Kids Playground, Childrens Play Equipment, Childrens Playground, Playground Equipment and Trampolines

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