"Trampolines
for Dummies"
Background
on trampolines
Trampolines
are a fun and exciting play places for kids of all ages. When bought, installed,
and used properly, trampolines can provide years of safe and active fun
for your family and friends. Trampolines are typically fairly standard
pieces of equipment but some have a wide range of differences among brands
and models. There are a few important features and functions to consider
when finding the trampoline that's right for you and your family.
Features
and functions of trampolines
Size
and Shape- perhaps the most typical element of any trampoline are its dimensions.
Trampolines come in many shapes and sizes, circular, rectangular, and square
shapes, and start at just 3 feet wide and a few inches off the ground and
can be as large as 16 feet across and several feet off of the ground.
Net
Enclosure- To avoid accidents, the majority of trampoline manufacturers
highly recommend the purchase and use of net enclosures. These net enclosures
are installed around the trampoline to keep jumpers from falling off the
trampoline. They have a door to allow jumpers on and off the trampoline.
Frame
Pads- Frame pads are important safety features that are very highly
recommended in conjunction with net enclosures. Frame pads cover
the springs that attach the trampoline jumping surface to the metal frame
so that users do not either fall through the gaps in the springs or get
hurt or pinched by the springs.
Weight
Capacity- Trampolines have different weight capacities based on the
strength of the springs, the metal tubing, and the material that is used
as the jumping surface.
Accessories-
A few trampolines come with, or have available accessories, such as anchors,
games (basketball, games, tents, etc.), ladders, weather covers, and so
on.
NOTE:
Please make sure to follow all safety recommendations for the trampoline
that you purchase!
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How
to select the best trampoline for you.
Searching
online is by far the easiest and best way to find the right trampoline
for you. You can compare different brands and models side by side, find
the best price for the trampoline you want, and can have the trampoline
shipped right to your door. As you are doing your research online, here
are some tips to help you select the right trampoline for you and your
family:
Price-
naturally, price should be a consideration for any purchase you make, including
trampolines. All other things being the same, it usually makes sense to
go with the trampoline site that offers the lowest price. But, don't make
price your only criteria for choosing the best trampoline for you.
Selection-
there can be an extreme difference in selection among sites that sell trampolines.
Pick a site that offers a lot of information about the products they sell,
a large selection, and a site that you feel comfortable with.
Many
sites sell their own products directly, while some resell many brands and
models of trampolines and some do both. When searching trampolines online,
don't just stop on the first site and pick something- do a little bit of
browsing among sites first and take good notes so that you can compare
later.
Shipping-
unless you will be purchasing your trampoline from a retail store, you
will have to consider not just shipping cost, but shipping times. Usually,
the larger the trampoline, the longer the shipping time and the higher
the cost. However if the shipping cost gives you sticker shock initially,
don't forget that sometimes this can be offset to some degree because you
usually don't have to pay a sales tax for online purchases.
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Warranty/Service-
when comparing warranties, check for warranties of the Internet web site
and of the trampoline itself. Try to find out if there is a guarantee on
the delivery time, or a guarantee on the overall satisfaction of the site's
service, and how returns/exchanges will be processed if necessary.
To
go one step further in finding the right trampoline for you, it might pay
to ask your friends and neighbors if they have had any experience with
specific trampoline models. On top of personal referrals, you can also
find out if any of the trampoline manufacturers or models has earned the
endorsement of any legitimate, third party rating entity. Finally, you
might consider brand name as a criteria. Usually, the best-known and most
successful businesses are those that do a good job, earn repeat business
and a good reputation over time.
In
conclusion, we hope you have found the information we have put together
on this site useful. We understand that this guide was in no way exhaustive,
and that there is more to trampolines than what is included here. We suggest
that you use the information in this guide as a beginning point in your
search for the right trampoline for you.
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Buying
a Trampoline
Trampolines
provide fun and exercise for the whole family. First determine which
size and shape satisfies your needs and space constraints. Then be
sure to check out our assembly and care tips, as well as important safety
guidelines.
Shape
and Size
Assembly
and Care
Safety
Guidelines
Shape
and Size
Companies
manufacture a variety of trampoline shapes today including, round, rectangular
and square.
Size
* Round trampolines are designed to keep the jumper in the center
of the apparatus and are mainly used for backyard jumping.
* Rectangular trampolines allow for a larger space to jump and are
usually purchased by people interested in gymnastics. The springs are also
more flexible, so the jumper can enjoy a higher bounce.
* Square trampolines are constructed similarly to rectangular trampolines
but the bounce is not as high.
Recreational
round models can vary from a 6-foot diameter to a 16-foot diameter. To
make sure you have adequate space for the trampoline, follow these
tips:
* A minimum of 24 feet of overhead clearance is required.
* Horizontal clearance of at least 6 feet all around the trampoline
must be maintained from objects and possible hazards including electric
power wiring, tree limbs, recreational structures and fences.
Extra
items you may want to consider include:
* A Trampoline Enclosure-- wraps around the trampoline to provide more
safety and security.
* A Trampoline Cover--designed to protect the trampoline from sun and falling
leaves. Shows the Trampoline is "Closed" when you are away.
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Assembly
and Care
Some
assembly may be required, so if you decide to purchase a trampoline make
sure you read and follow all directions. For your safety, never change
or skip assembly directions.
A certain
amount of care is also necessary with a trampoline. Here are a few tips:
* Always make sure the trampoline is dry before using it. The trampoline
surface can get very slippery when wet.
* If wintry conditions exist in your area, be sure to remove any snow
so that it does not accumulate on the trampoline's bed. This will cause
the springs to stretch.
* If severe winds exist, you may want to remove the frame pads and store
them inside to prevent wind damage.
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Safety
Guidelines
Safety
is a very important concept when using a trampoline. Below are guidelines
all trampoline users should follow. Make sure you consider them before
your purchase:
* As stated above, make sure you have the adequate space around your trampoline
before you start jumping.
* Only one person should jump on a trampoline at a time.
* Jumpers should always be supervised.
* You should never jump on a wet trampoline bed.
* Use the trampoline only under apropriate weather conditions. Gusty winds
can cause jumpers to lose control.
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