Hints & Tips on tp Trampolines
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Size
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To get an accurate idea of the surface area your trampoline will occupy, use a garden hose pipe to create a circle on your garden
- All trampoline diameters are the maximum width (i.e. a 12' trampoline is 12' across including the bed and safety pads)
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This is an approximate guide the total bounce area and total surface area (in square metres):
- 8' = 3sqm / 5sqm
- 10' = 5sqm / 7sqm
- 12' = 7sqm / 10 sqm
- 14' = 10sqm / 14 sqm
Assembly
- do not cut open your new trampoline box with a blade since you can cut straight through the soft fabric of the bed & pads
- attach the first 4 springs evenly around the trampoline (i.e. at 12 o’clock, 3, 6 & 9 o’clock) so that the bed is evenly supported and none of the springs are over stretched
- build up the remaining springs evenly (i.e. 2 & 8 o’clock, 11 & 5 o’clock etc)
- to save nasty nips & cuts, use the Spring Puller provided (or a second spring) to pull your trampoline spring towards you
Maintenance
- Avoid locating your trampoline under certain trees since the sap can ‘glue’ the bed, the aphids make a mess & leaf fall makes extra work. A cover can help to keep your trampoline in tip top condition.
- To clean your trampoline use a mild detergent, warm water & a sponge, then rinse off with plenty of fresh water.
- To increase to life of the bed, you should ensure that the users remove their shoes (socks are fine), belts & jewellery.
Safety
Static Charges
- Sometimes a static charge can build up in a person when using a trampoline, it is generally attributable to the clothes being worn by the user and also when socks are worn. The static can build up rapidly especially in dry conditions and although it will dissipate slowly through the frame, it is not usually quick enough to avoid a 'crackle' when touching the frame or another person. The static can be reduced by avoiding wearing clothes containing nylon and wool, and by not wearing socks!
Frequently asked questions:
Are budget trampolines as safe as more expensive ones? No, they are not as safe. Budget trampolines use smaller springs and usually fewer of them. In order to take the bouncers weight, these springs are tightly coiled. This creates a taut bouncing area with much less give than a trampoline that is more generously equipped with bigger springs and more of them. In addtion, longer springs mean wider frame pads that create a bigger padded area around the outside of the bed, keeping the bouncer that little bit further away from the edge of the trampoline.
Why is there such a difference in prices of the same size trampoline? The more expensive trampolines use a lot more material and much more of that material is of a higher quality. Whilst the only material that is common to most trampolines is the US made black polypropelene bed fabric, the way in which the beds are sewn, the centre marks, the type of spring anchors, the backing fabric and webbing straps vary. Tubular frames are of differing diameters, wall thicknesses and finishes. Frame pads vary enormously in width, thickness, materials used and fixing systems. Ultimately, as with almost everything, you do get what you pay for.
What's the difference between a round and rectangular trampoline? Trampolines were originally designed and built to provide training for high divers and gymnasts. Good performance was vital. Because all the springs on a rectangular trampoline work at a different rate the response is quick and powerful. You will note that trampolines in sports halls and those used for competitive trampolining are always rectangular. Round trampolines are primarily built for recreational use so safety and value rather than performance are the main design considerations. What you get with a round trampoline is a big area of trampoline for your money. What you don't get is true performance!
How long do springs last? In the same way that wear of car tyres is affected by how you drive, so the wear on trampoline springs is affected by the way you bounce. If you don't overload your trampoline and users always bounce in the central area of the bed, your springs will comfortably outlast their warranty period. Regular landings close to the edge of the bed will reduce spring life.
Can I site my trampoline on sloping ground? Yes, provided the slope is less than 1 in 7 or 15%. The uphill legs can sit in trenches and the down hill legs can be supported on timber blocks.
Can I site my trampoline on a level patio, concrete or tarmac surface? The frames are designed to sit on level grass where they will bed down slightly. On a smooth hard surface the trampoline will move around slightly with each bounce. If your trampoline is to be sited on a hard surface you may want to consider putting several sheets of Grassmat down to help reduce movement and noise.
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