The harsh water elements associated with winter can do irreparable harm to your trampoline. Follow these tips to keep your unit safe during winter so it can serve you longer.
During winter, everyone wants to cozy up indoors with video games, movies, and other sedentary activities.
No one wants to go outside, let alone jump on a trampoline.
In fact, it can be too cold until you start wondering, can trampolines freeze?
Yes, trampolines can freeze when snow accumulates on them. And if the snow’s weight exceeds the trampoline’s weight capacity, it might damage the springs.
So, is this the time to keep your rebounder indoors and wait for the cold season to end?
Nothing could be far from the truth; winter is the right time to have fun jumping on the trampoline.
However, unless you’re using an all-weather trampoline, take care to ensure your unit isn’t destroyed in winter.
Keep reading to find out how you can do that.
Can You Use an Outdoor Trampoline in Winter?
Yes, you can jump on a trampoline in the backyard during winter.
First, it’s good for your health.
How?
Bacteria and viruses tend to accumulate indoors during winter. So outdoor play reduces the exposure to these germs that are so rampant inside. Besides, playing outside exposes you to vitamin D.
In a nutshell, playing outside is a great way to keep your family healthier than just staying inside.
This is where a garden trampoline comes in handy. Keeping it outside will encourage everyone else to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.
But safety should be a priority when using tramps in cold weather. So, if you stay near a snowy area, it’s best to winterize the trampoline.
Tips for Trampoline Winterization
What’s winterization anyways? It’s the process of keeping a rebounder safe in winter.
Its purpose is to prevent a trampoline from exposure to harsh weather elements that may damage it.
Winterizing a trampoline depends on two major factors:
- Your location
- The trampoline type you have
While some brands may boast longevity throughout the year, other models require utmost protection and proper storage so they can stay longer.
That said, here are valuable winter care tips for your jumping unit:
1. Clear All Snow from the Jumping Mat Soonest Possible
If you let snow accumulate on the pad, its weight may damage the unit.
Use a soft brush or broom to clear the snow. Avoid snow shovels, snow blowers, or sharp bristles that might damage the mat.
With a broom or brush, reach onto the jumping mat’s center and pull the entire snow toward you and through the zippered door so it gets off the trampoline.
2. Remove the Frame Pads for Indoor Storage
Snow, moisture, or rain can get to the trampoline frame pads and corrode them.
That’s why you may want to remove them and keep them inside.
Frame pads are super easy to fold, which means they won’t take up a lot of space indoors.
If removing these parts looks tedious to you, here’s what to do instead: cover them with a weather cover.
Covering the frame pads ensures moisture doesn’t get to them.
3. Remove the Enclosure Netting
Take off the trampoline net and wash off any dirt before re-installing it.
4. Secure the Unit with Trampoline Anchors
If you live in an area prone to snow and strong winds, you need to exercise extra care. Strong winds can blow the trampoline off the ground, damaging the unit or nearby property.
To prevent such damage, secure the trampoline to the ground using trampoline anchors.
And since the anchors often go into the ground, you may want to install them before cold weather arrives. That way, the ground will be soft, making it easy to embed your anchors.
5. Use a Trampoline Weather Cover When the Rebounder Isn’t in Use
Don’t forget to get a trampoline cover or weather cover for your unit as a trampoline owner.
Typically, you won’t be using the trampoline when there’s heavy snow or rain. This is when you should cover the jumping pad and the frame pads.
A word of caution: a cover might trap moisture on the trampoline surface, encouraging mold growth.
So, if you decide to use the cover, be sure to remove it often so the unit can dry out.
And if you discover any snow on the cover’s top, remove it using a broom, the same way you would if the jumping mat had snow on it.
6. Inspect the Trampoline Regularly
If you leave the trampoline outdoors during winter, it’s best to inspect it to ensure there’s no damage regularly.
Detecting the damage early makes it easier to prevent or repair more irreparable damage from arising.
So, before anyone starts jumping, take a couple of minutes to walk around the unit, noting any parts with tear and wear.
If you encounter anything that might endanger safety, address it before allowing any jumper to use the rebounder.
Frequently Asked Questions on Trampoline Winterization
Is It Safe to Jump on a Trampoline with Snow?
Not, it’s not safe to jump on an icy trampoline.
Sure, it might be fun to jump on the mat when it’s wet and slippery, but let’s be honest: that’s an accident in the making.
Besides increasing the risk of falls and injuries, the weight of snow on the jumping mat plus the jumper’s weight might exceed the unit’s weight limit, overstretching the springs.
So, if it’s covered with snow, clear the jumping pad and let it dry before any jumping starts.
Will a Trampoline Break in the Cold?
Typically, cold alone might not break your trampoline. But the springs and frame pads may be exposed to moisture when there’s snow or rain.
Over time, these parts may rust, making the trampoline susceptible to breakage.
Further, strong winds can blow away the rebounder if it’s not well anchored to the ground.
Besides, the weight of snow on a trampoline mat may exceed its weight capacity, increasing the risk of spring breakage.
Do You Need to Winterize the Trampoline?
Yes, winterization is critical, especially if you decide to leave the trampoline outside during winter.
It keeps the unit safe and clean, which increases its lifespan and makes bouncing fun.
The Bottom Line
Always take care when using a trampoline. But exercise more care during winter. Use the above tips to keep the unit in perfect working conditions in the cold weather and beyond.