Trampoline Assembly Troubleshooting Guide: BERG
Assembling a BERG trampoline is straightforward with the right tools and preparation, but like any big garden project, small hiccups can crop up. Here’s a troubleshooting guide with common issues and helpful tips to keep the process smooth.
Trampoline Assembly Troubleshooting Guide (BERG Above Ground, InGround & FlatGround)
✅ General Tips Before You Start
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Read the manual fully before beginning.
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Lay out all parts and check against the inventory list. Missing a spring or bolt? Contact Trampolines Ireland before starting.
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Two-person job: Always safer and easier with two people.
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Tools: A rubber mallet, spring pull tool (included), measuring tape, and gloves make assembly faster and safer.
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Flat surface: Assemble the frame and mat on a flat, clear surface before moving into position.
Trampoline Assembly Troubleshooting – Quick Reference Table
| Issue | Affects | Likely Cause | Fix / Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame won’t fit together | All models | Misaligned parts, debris in joints | Double-check part numbers; tap gently with rubber mallet; clear dirt from joints |
| Frame feels uneven/wobbly | All models | Uneven ground, bolts not tightened evenly | Assemble fully before tightening; ensure ground/pit edges are level |
| Springs too hard to attach | All models | Wrong order of installation | Attach springs in cross pattern (12, 6, 3, 9 o’clock); always use spring tool |
| Mat doesn’t sit evenly | All models | Uneven spring distribution | Remove and reattach springs using cross method; align mat tabs with frame holes |
| Poles won’t slot into frame | Above Ground & InGround with nets | Wrong orientation/part mismatch | Match pole numbers; check caps aren’t obstructing |
| Safety net saggy/loose | Above Ground & InGround with nets | Loose straps, incorrect attachment | Tighten straps, recheck net loops, adjust pole caps |
| Pit too shallow/uneven | InGround & FlatGround | Incorrect depth or slope | Follow BERG depth guide; ensure centre deeper than edge; compact soil properly |
| Flat/weak bounce | FlatGround | Poor airflow under mat | Leave air gap around frame; don’t overfill backfill soil |
| Trampoline sinking/shifting | InGround & FlatGround | Loose backfill soil, poor drainage | Compact backfill, add edging or gravel, check drainage |
| Ladder unstable | Above Ground | Soft/uneven ground | Place ladder feet on paving slabs or firm base |
| Trampoline shifts in play | Above Ground | Not anchored | Use BERG anchor kits to secure legs |
| Pads lifting in wind | All models | Loose ties | Re-secure elastic ties; use anchors in exposed areas |
| Water pooling in pit | InGround & FlatGround | Poor drainage or heavy clay soil | Add gravel base, consider soakaway for heavy soils |
| Cover doesn’t fit | All models | Wrong size/shape | Confirm correct cover size (round/rectangular/square); fit straps evenly |
✅ This table gives customers a fast problem-solution overview to complement the full guide.
🔧 Frame Assembly Problems
1. Frame won’t fit together smoothly
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Cause: Parts may be slightly misaligned or not fully inserted.
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Fix:
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Double-check part numbers—make sure you’re connecting the right poles.
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Use a rubber mallet to gently tap joints together.
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Ensure no dirt or burrs are blocking the connections.
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2. Frame feels uneven or wobbly
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Cause: Uneven ground or incomplete tightening.
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Fix:
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Assemble fully before tightening bolts—this allows the frame to align.
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For InGround/FlatGround, check the pit edges are level and evenly compacted.
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🌀 Spring & Mat Installation Issues
3. Springs are too hard to attach
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Cause: Wrong order of installation.
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Fix:
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Always attach springs in a cross pattern (like fitting a car wheel). Start at 12, 6, 3, and 9 o’clock positions, then fill in diagonals.
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Use the supplied spring pull tool—don’t try to do it by hand.
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4. Mat doesn’t sit evenly
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Cause: Uneven spring distribution.
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Fix:
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Remove springs and reattach using the cross method.
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Make sure the mat tabs align exactly with the frame holes.
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🛡 Safety Net Assembly Issues (Above Ground & InGround with Net)
5. Poles won’t slot into the frame
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Cause: Wrong orientation or part mismatch.
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Fix:
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Match pole numbers to frame slots.
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Ensure protective caps aren’t obstructing.
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6. Net feels loose or saggy
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Cause: Incorrect attachment height or loose straps.
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Fix:
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Check if the net loops are securely fastened to the mat or springs (model dependent).
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Re-tighten pole caps and straps for tension.
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🌱 InGround & FlatGround Specific Issues
7. Pit is too shallow or uneven
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Cause: Incorrect depth or base preparation.
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Fix:
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Re-check BERG’s depth guide (usually 75–95 cm centre depth, sloping to edge).
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Ensure drainage at the bottom (gravel layer helps prevent pooling).
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8. Poor airflow under mat (flat bounce)
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Cause: No air gap around trampoline frame.
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Fix:
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Ensure ventilation space is left between frame and soil.
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Do not backfill too tightly against pads.
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9. Trampoline sinks or shifts after rain
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Cause: Loose soil backfill.
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Fix:
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Compact soil firmly during installation.
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Consider using edging boards, gravel stabilisers, or drainage solutions.
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🟢 Above Ground Specific Issues
10. Ladder won’t stay stable
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Fix: Ensure ladder feet sit firmly on level ground—use paving slabs if soil is soft.
11. Trampoline shifts during play
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Fix: Use BERG anchor kits to secure trampoline legs, especially in exposed or windy areas.
🌧 Weather & Safety Troubleshooting
12. Pads lifting in wind
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Fix: Check elastic ties are secured under the frame. Consider anchor kits for extra stability.
13. Water pooling in pit (InGround/FlatGround)
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Fix:
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Add a gravel layer at the base for drainage.
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If your soil is heavy clay, consider a soakaway system.
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14. Cover doesn’t fit properly
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Fix: Ensure you’ve purchased the correct cover size/shape (round, rectangular, square). Elastic straps should hook under frame evenly.
⚡ Quick Safety Checks After Assembly
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Springs evenly attached and under equal tension.
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Safety net taut, entrance self-closing.
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Frame fully tightened, no gaps in joints.
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InGround/FlatGround pits stable and draining well.
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Anchor kits used in windy locations.
📞 Still Stuck?
If you run into persistent issues, Trampolines Ireland is here to help. We can:
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Provide detailed BERG assembly videos and manuals.
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Advise on pit preparation for InGround/FlatGround models.
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Connect you with professional installers for a full setup service.
✅ Takeaway:
Most trampoline assembly issues come down to alignment, spring order, and pit preparation. Take your time, follow the cross-pattern for springs, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice—we want your trampoline to be safe, secure, and bouncing beautifully.