If you’ve had a trampoline in your backyard for a while, then it might be a good time to check out those springs and see how they’re holding up. Even if you put a cover on it when you’re not using it, those springs can go bad and eventually need to be replaced.
We suggest checking them out after winter is over before you begin jumping again in the warmer weather. But, if you’re concerned about them right now, we’ve got some tips to help you out.
How Long Do Trampoline Springs Last?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer on this because it depends on a variety of factors. Some of the things that affect the lifespan of your trampoline springs include:
- frequency of usage
- quality of springs
- weather elements exposure
How To Tell If Trampoline Springs Are Bad & When To Replace Them
Do trampoline springs wear out? Yes, they do and after you using your trampoline for a while they can go bad. The only way to tell if your springs are bad and need replaced is to visually inspect them. Here’s what you’re looking for:
- signs of rust
- broken or sheared off springs
- overstretched springs that don’t return to their coiled position
If you notice any of those things in any of your trampoline’s springs, then it means that they are bad. And yes, you need to replace them right away.
How Many Springs Should Be Bad Before I Replace Them?
A common misconception is that you need more than one spring to be bad before you replace any of them. Not only is this false, but it could be dangerous if you (or your kids) are jumping on a trampoline with bad springs. Plus, bad springs lead to uneven bounce when you’re using your trampoline.
As soon as you find a spring that has gone and, you need to take immediate action to get it replaced with a new one.
Another reason you want to replace those bad ones as soon as possible is that that the damaged spring will cause uneven wear on the mat, which can result in tearing. And it will cost you more to replace the mat than it will to replace a bad spring. And the longer you wait, the more stress and damage it will cause on the remaining good springs.
What To Look For When Buying Replacement Trampoline Springs
Springs matter and you need to make sure that you’re buying the good ones to replace any bad ones. With our help below, we’ll have you making the smart buying decision to ensure that your bounce stays as bouncy as possible.
Here’s what you should consider when shopping for replacements:
Do you need metal or elastic?
Though traditionally trampolines have metal spring coils, there are some newer models that are spring-free and instead use an elastic band to give you that bounce. We’re assuming that you’re here because you have one of the traditional models – and if you don’t have that style of trampoline, then we strongly encourage you to get one because you get a better, more consistent bounce from the traditional metal coil springs. Just be sure of what type of spring system yours has before you go about replacing anything.
Are they galvanized?
You’ll notice that you can buy replacement springs that are either galvanized or non-galvanized. Always choose the galvanized steel option because they will last you a long longer.
Galvanization just means that the steel coil is covered or coated with a protective zinc layer. The benefit of this coating is that the steel is less prone to corrosion when left outside in the elements.
What size and number of springs?
The most important things to remember about this is that the more springs, and the longer they are, then the better the bounce you end up with.
Shorter springs give you a rough, choppy bounce while longer springs give you a smooth bounce.
What shape do you need?
You can choose from regular shaped trampoline springs or dual tapered springs. The tapered options are probably going to have a slightly higher cost, but you should still choose them over the regular shaped ones.
The tapered springs offer a better performance because they give you more lateral stability and because of their shape, are actually stronger than straight springs.
