Bouncing from A to B, trampolines are a whole lot of fun for the entire family, and they provide years of entertainment. As the winter months approach, particularly in the UK - it is less likely that your trampoline will be seeing the same action as it was in the heat of summer.
Many families face the dilemma of leaving their trampoline out in the harsh weather or finding a suitable storage solution. Leaving a trampoline out in winter can pose a significant safety hazard and accelerate wear and tear on various components like the jump pad, frame pads, and padding.
Should I use a trampoline cover for winter?
Trampoline covers are a great method to ensure the longevity of your outdoor toy during winter. They act as a shield against snow, rain, and ice, safeguarding the frame, springs, and jump pad from damage caused by exposure to harsh elements.
These covers are specifically designed to fit rectangle, round and oval trampolines and come in various sizes to accommodate different models. If you don't have ample space to store your trampoline, then you may want to consider purchasing a good-quality weather cover.
Still on the fence about what to do with your beloved trampoline this winter? Here is our step-by-step guide to storing a trampoline.
Storing your trampoline in winter: A step-by-step guide
Like other outdoor play equipment, you'll want to make sure your trampoline lasts a long time. You can ensure its longevity by keeping spare parts in the house, not leaving the trampoline out in winter, and providing proper maintenance and care throughout the year.
Our step-by-step guide will dive into:
- Trampoline dismantling safety tips
- Preparing your trampoline for storage
- Dismantling your trampoline
Top tip: If your trampoline padding or frame pads have seen better days, consider investing in new ones before storing your trampoline for the winter. Upgrading these parts ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience when you return to playing outdoors in the spring.
Safety tips for dismantling a trampoline
First things first, you'll need to dismantle the trampoline safely - just make sure the kids are at school before you start.
Tools and materials required
Time to dust off the toolbox and grab yourself a spring puller, a power drill, and some gloves. The spring puller is vital for this task; without it, you will struggle to get the springs off, and gloves are essential for safety.
It's likely to be cold outside, so we recommend layering up with some warm clothes and a hat (and have plenty of breaks for brews).
Top tip: Before you start, take a picture of the trampoline fully assembled to reduce noodle-scratching time when you reassemble it for spring. Smart, huh?
Preparing your trampoline for storage in winter
1. Cleaning the trampoline
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the trampoline. That means removing all garden toys, any dirt and debris, leaves and, if necessary, snow from the jump pad, surface and frame.
Top tip: Make sure to start this operation on a dry day, as you won't want to be grappling with soggy rubber, springs, and apparatus in the rain.
2. Choosing the ideal storage location
To protect the trampoline in winter, you'll want to pick a dry, cool, and well-ventilated location. This will help to keep the trampoline dry and prevent mould and mildew from forming.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose an indoor storage area, such as a garage, spare room or basement, which is of course easier for smaller trampolines. This will provide the most effective weather protection. If indoor storage is not an option, look for an outdoor location with some protection, such as a covered patio or a storage shed.
Dismantling a trampoline for winter
Before you get to work, make sure you have a large area next to your workspace to lay everything out. As well as some boxes or other storage methods for all the components.
In addition, remove any accessories or attachments, such as safety nets or trampoline ladders.
When removing the safety net, pay close attention to how it is attached to the trampoline. Remove the frame pads around the jump mat and store them before proceeding to the springs, jump mat, and trampoline frame.
1. Remove the springs
This step is a bit tedious, as you'll have to remove spring by spring, so fire up a podcast or turn up your favourite radio station. Grab the aforementioned spring puller, pop your gloves on, and one by one, take to those springs.
Before stowing them away (in a separate box), applying a little grease on them is recommended so they keep their buoyancy.
2. Remove the jump pad
Once all the springs are safely in their storage box, carefully remove the trampoline jump pad from the frame. You may need to acquire a second pair of hands for this stage as it can be heavy. Try to avoid dragging the pad across the floor, as this can cause avoidable rips and tears.
Roll it, fold it, and treat it like a burrito. Fold the jump pad in half, then in half again the other way. Fold it until it's manageable, then wrap it in plastic wrap or bungee cords to keep it in place.
3. Cover or dismantle the trampoline frame
Now is the time to get that power drill out. All trampoline frames will be slightly different, whether it is a round or rectangle trampoline; however, to dismantle a frame, usually, there will be a handful of structural screws that will need to be removed. After this, you can pop out the frame using a bit of force.
If you wish to keep the frame up, then simply place a weather cover over it to prevent rust.
Leaving your trampoline out in winter
Of course, if you don't have the storage space to disassemble your trampoline for winter, then that's ok! You can protect it at all costs by investing in a trampoline cover. At Outdoor Toys, we have universal trampoline covers for 14ft trampolines, 12ft, 10ft, and 8ft trampolines.
Just make sure that, if by some miracle the UK winter brings us snowfall, then you must regularly scrape the snow off the top of the trampoline, as added weight can put undue pressure and strain on the springs if left for too long. Ensure you have safely removed and stowed any accessories, trampoline spare parts, and attachments before leaving the trampoline outside.
Jump into a world of bouncing fun with Outdoor Toys
There's no shortage of bouncing fun to be had at Outdoor Toys, from junior trampolines to ginormous 14ft trampolines for the daredevils among us; you'll find exactly what you're looking for to elevate playtime.
What's more, we've got all the essentials. From trampoline accessories such as safety nets and ladders that ensure added safety during play, to the fun stuff like the Rebo Aqua Jump Trampoline Sprinkler Water Sprayer.
With 48-hour delivery and a 0% finance option for qualifying orders, make us your one-stop shop for all your play equipment needs. For further details, please visit our delivery and PayPal credit pages.
FAQs
What are the consequences of leaving the trampoline out in winter?
Leaving your trampoline out in winter exposes it to harsh weather conditions, which could damage it. The jump pad, frame pads, and padding can deteriorate faster due to snow, rain, and ice, which could compromise overall safety. The metal frame may rust, affecting its structural integrity, while springs could weaken, impacting the trampoline's bounce.
Fortunately, a straightforward way to protect your trampoline during the colder months is by investing in a high-quality weather cover.
Can I use trampoline covers all year?
Trampoline covers are designed to shield against weather damage in all seasons. While crucial for winter, they offer year-round protection. Using covers preserves the jump pad, frame pads, and padding, preventing rust and the weakening of parts.
What is a weather cover for trampolines?
A weather cover is a protective shield for trampolines during the winter months. It prevents rust on the frame and weakening of springs, preserving the trampoline's structural integrity and safety, and is a crucial accessory to ensure the longevity and quality of your trampoline.