Is there a way to protect trampoline in winter?

“What will happen if you live a trampoline out in the winter?” “Will snow destroy my trampoline?” These are some of the questions that we receive around this time of the year. And they make a lot of sense. Although trampolines don’t last forever, no one wants to replace them annually.

If you live in areas that receive heavy snow during winter, it only makes sense to find ways to ensure that your outdoor trampoline remains in good condition after the snow season. That’s where we come in with this trampoline winter care guide.

Can I leave my trampoline up during winter?

We are often asked what would happen if a trampoline is left out in the winter and whether it’s safe to leave it up. Well, most trampolines are engineered to withstand all elements, including snow and rain. So, if yours backyard trampoline is an all-weather trampoline, it’s okay to leave it assembled, especially if you plan to have fun on it throughout the snowy season.

However, note that there will still be some maintenance to do. For instance, depending on the amount of snow that your area receives every day, it might be necessary to brush the snow off the trampoline mat. This is crucial as the snow’s weight can easily exceed your trampoline’s limit causing the springs and the mat to stretch.

Should I disassemble my trampoline during winter?

Most all-weather trampolines are safe to leave assembled in the backyard. But it would be best if you considered the trampoline winter maintenance needs that come with this option.

Generally, if you expect your kids to use the trampoline in winter, feel free to leave it assembled, provided you’ll be clearing the snow from the mat promptly. However, if no one will be using the trampoline, the best option would be to disassemble and store it until spring. If anything, trampoline care in winter is much easier when it’s stored than when it’s left standing.

Should I cover my trampoline during winter?

Yes. While these fun tools are generally safe in snowy conditions, adding a trampoline cover for winter is an excellent way of extending the mat’s lifespan. There are a few critical aspects to have in mind when buying a cover for trampoline winter storage. First, ensure that it’s an all-weather resistant cover that will protect your investment in all types of weather even after winter.

Another important consideration when buying a trampoline winterization cover is to ensure that it will fit the trampoline nicely. Importantly, double-check whether it’s necessary to remove the net support poles first when installing the cover and how easy it is to remove it when your kids want to use the trampoline.

An important thing to point out here is that the trampoline cover is meant to protect the mat from snow, leaves, dust, and dirt. However, accumulated snow on the cover will still be an issue and will need to be removed regularly.

Also, the trampoline cover causes moisture buildup on the mat. This supports the growth of mold, causing the mat to deteriorate fast. To prevent this from happening, consider removing the cover when it’s not snowing and drying the mat occasionally.

Is it safe to jump on the trampoline during winter?

Trampolines are designed to offer tons of fun throughout the year, including in the winter. So, yes, it’s very safe to let your family enjoy some bounces on the trampoline during this winter season. However, unlike other seasons, jumping on the trampoline outside in winter requires an even higher safety level.

Importantly, please don’t allow your youngsters to climb on the mat when it’s snowing or raining. Although trampoline fun shouldn’t stop in winter, a mat covered in moisture or ice can get dangerously slippery and unsafe. That being said, always begin by removing snow, moisture, and ice from the previous storm to prevent slippages and falling. We’ve seen people jumping on the trampoline with snow on it. While it seems quite fun, it’s still very unsafe.

How to Protect Trampoline in Winter?

1. Minimize snow buildup on the mat

If you decide to leave your trampoline outside in winter, be ready to brush the snow off the mat after every heavy storm. Snow itself does not destroy your trampoline. However, when it accumulates, its weight could overly stretch the springs causing them to lose their tension. Tension is what gives the trampoline its bounce, so if the springs are overstretched, you may have to replace them after winter. Additionally, heavy snow may push the mat excessively, causing it to sag- this will lead to further loss of bounce.

2. Take off the jumping pad

It is an important step because excess snow can build up on it and cause the strings to lose shape, sag or break.

3. Remove safety net

When preparing the trampoline for winter, remove the safety net in order to avoid dirt and net breakage due to bad winter weather conditions.

4. Get a trampoline cover

The best trampoline weather cover might cost you a considerable amount of money. However, the cost will be significantly lower compared to replacing the entire mat plus the springs. An all-weather cover will protect the mat and springs from erosion due to leaves and dirt, lowering the overall maintenance costs.

5. Beware of strong winds

Wind speeds are generally higher in the winter months. In extreme conditions, it’s easy for the trampoline to move or, worse, be blown away down the street or into your neighbor’s garden.

Always ensure that the trampoline is firmly anchored to the ground using a tie-down kit to avoid accidents and unnecessary repair costs. A trampoline anchor kit consists of corkscrew-style steel stakes and heavy-duty fabric straps to hold the trampoline down and prevent it from getting airborne in gusty conditions.

Sandbags are another excellent alternative if you want a fast solution. Placing several sandbags on a light trampoline’s legs will add a significant weight, which prevents it from being blown away. Sandbags also come in handy when the trampoline position does not allow the use of anchor kits, for instance, in a patio.