Trampoline Pads

 

 

 

Trampoline pads are one of the most important parts of a trampoline, as they prevent the user from getting injured.

Trampoline pads sit directly above the trampoline springs, protecting the user from losing their balance and also making getting onto the trampoline easier. The quality and effectiveness of trampoline pads is determined by their thickness and the material they’re made of, thicker and softer pads offering better protection.

It’s also important that you keep an eye on the condition of your trampoline pads as worn pads will significantly reduce the safety of you trampoline. Some trampoline pads can also be damaged by the weather, so it’s also important to check whether they’re fully weather resistant before you buy them.

Trampoline pads come in many different shapes, sizes, styles and quality, not to mention prices! Often taken for granted they are probably the most important safety feature of your trampoline and therefore not one to be bought on price alone.

Why are they so important? Well firstly it should be remembered that they are not there for decoration, but to minimise possible injury to children. Underneath them and fully covered by them are up to 100 galvanised steel springs under tension between the frame and the bounce mat, spaced at intervals of 4-6” (Rule of thumb – the closer they are, the better the bounce.) The problem is the gaps in between. Imagine if they were not covered and your little ones bounced off line, or tripped and fell. If they landed at the edge of the bounce mat, their legs could easily slip between the mat and frame and through the springs, with the possibility of injuring the legs, and arms.

So the mats are a vital safety component and should be kept in tip top condition and replaced as soon as cracks, splits, or insecure fastenings appear.

The gap between bounce mat and frame varies between 9 and 11” dependent upon make and frame size, but the important thing to check when making your original purchase, is that the mats are at least 1” and preferably 2” wider than the gap, plus a skirt extension of 3-4” to cover the frame and provide adequate, tie-down fastenings to keep the pads in place. (You will not easily be able to check this unless you can see a fully erected trampoline and can measure for yourself, so buy from a reputable local dealer who has proper display facilities and the option to try before you buy, to satisfy yourself that your children are well protected.

Trampoline pads construction:

What about the materials and construction? Most trampoline pads have high density closed cell foam inserts, but this can vary from soft and flimsy to firm and from around half-an-inch (12mm) to one-and-a-quarter inches (30mm) in thickness. Again, look and try before you buy, but higher levels of firmness and thickness should be chosen wherever possible. Sometimes these qualities are not found on cheaper internet or chain-store examples, but can be found on some good middle range trampolines if you take the time to do your homework and don’t just buy on price. They are definitely worth the effort, as is your child’s protection and well-being.

The pad covers can also vary considerably from very cheap and thin PVC to thick and long lasting UV protected PVC, but these can get very hot in the summer. Recently there has been a move towards a waterproofed backing on a soft touch, tough, polyester canvas textile cover which dissipates the heat better and will not crack, split or peel under exposure to extremes of weather. Segment seams should also be sewn rather than heat welded, reducing the risk of separation. These Skyhigh pads are available as replacements for most makes of trampolines and often at lower cost than the originals. Finally make sure that you have a minimum 1 year warranty on pads and make sure that your supplier keeps a stock of replacements in all sizes.