What are you supposed to do with your family’s trampoline during the winter? This is a question that many people find themselves asking, especially during their first year of owning a trampoline. Does the trampoline need to come inside during the winter? If I leave it outside will it be ruined? Are there special things that I need to know as part of my trampoline winter care?
Don’t worry, we will go over the most important things that you need to know about keeping your outdoor trampoline safe during the winter, and the things that you can do to secure it before the first snow starts to fall.
What Can I Use To Secure My Trampoline During the Winter?
The first thing that you might be wondering is if there is any equipment or tools that you can use to keep your trampoline in top condition during the winter. A trampoline is a big investment for your family and one that you don’t want to get damaged by winter weather. Here are a couple of things that you can do to keep your trampoline under control this winter.
Trampoline Covers
The first thing that you will want to do is invest in a trampoline cover for your trampoline. A trampoline cover is an easy way to prevent deterioration or damage to your trampoline from the winter elements and the weather in general. There are several different models of trampoline covers. No matter which trampoline cover model you choose there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind.
When buying a trampoline cover you want a cover that is as close to the trampoline size as possible. This is for 2 different reasons. First, by having a cover that fits tightly over the trampoline’s top, the cover is much less likely to get blown away by the wind. Second, a cover that is snug will not allow water or snow to get inside the cover and sit on top of the trampoline pad and springs all winter which could cause serious damage to your trampoline.
To get the right size of cover you should measure the size of your trampoline. For round trampolines, you will want to find the trampoline’s radius (the distance between the edge and center of the trampoline). For rectangle trampolines, you will want to measure the width and length of the trampoline.
Once you have these measurements you can find a cover that matches your trampoline’s size. Remember you want to find one that is as close to its size as possible but do not worry if you cannot find an exact match. Many trampoline covers come with additional straps which allow you to adjust the cover as needed.
Almost as important as the size of the cover is what it is made out of. You will want to find a cover that is made of high-quality materials since it will be exposed to various temperatures and weather. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall consider a cover made with PVC construction which is highly waterproof and prevents water from leaking inside. Also, consider buying a cover that has some form of UV treatment. One of the quickest ways a trampoline can break down is from the jump pad and springs being exposed to the sun.
Trampoline Anchors
Another thing to consider is buying a couple of trampoline anchors. These are especially important for those who have an above-ground trampoline but can be of use to any trampoline owner. Trampoline Anchors are small pads that can be placed over the base of the trampoline to hold it tight to the ground even in the craziest winter weather. A set of trampoline anchors will cost around a hundred dollars and is an easy way to prevent your expensive trampoline from being blown away.
Trampoline Winter Survival Tips
The final part of trampoline winter care is what you can do to extend your trampoline’s lifespan, even during the winter. An easy thing to do is keep snow from piling up on top of the trampoline. Snow that piles too high or for too long can put unnecessary pressure on the springs and can tear the jump pad in extreme situations. When you notice snow starting to pile up all you need to do is brush it off.
You may also consider bringing your trampoline inside for the winter if you have somewhere large enough to store it. If you plan on storing your trampoline over the winter make sure every component is dry and clean to prevent rust from building up while it is in storage.
However, this can be a bit of a hassle if you have to remove each of the springs to disassemble the trampoline. In that case, an easy hack is to take the easily removable pieces like the pad covering the springs, and keep those in storage. Doing this can extend the life of your more fragile trampoline pieces and help your trampoline survive the winter. With these things in mind, you should now be equipped to start taking care of your trampoline winter care.