Trampoline Buying Guide: 7 Step Checklist for Parents
Top 7 Things to Think Before You Buy A Trampoline
We get calls all the time from people explaining that they're new to trampolines and that they'd like to find out more. This is where we start.
The Trampoline Buyer's Checklist
- Inground or regular above ground?
- Do You have a shape in mind - round, rectangular, oval or square?
- How about a rough size? trampolines start around 5ft and run to 17x11ft,
- Do you have a brand in mind? Our most popular brands are BERG, Springfree, ETAN & EXIT,
- Do You Need a Safety Net Enclosure?
- How quickly do you need it?
- What Colour?
Although we have hundreds of trampoline options available, when we're speaking with customers on the phone a few minutes on the questions above usually quickly narrows things down to a small selection of trampoline models.
#1 Different Types of Trampoline - Inground, Above Ground & Flatground
When we ask this question, most people have a clear idea of whether they want to dig a hole in their garden or not.
If they want to sink their trampoline then we're talking about either a flatground or inground model, and if not then its going to be a regular above ground model.
What Is An Inground Trampoline?
An inground trampoline is a trampoline where the trampoline frame sits over usually what is a 3ft deep bowl-shaped hole, the purpose of the hole being to allowance jumpmat clearance when someone jumps on the trampoline.
There is normally a 6 inch step onto an inground trampoline. These trampolines are available with and without safety net enclosures.
What Are The Benefits of Inground Trampolines
Over the last few years, inground models have been incredibly popular and we would list the benefits as follows -
- they are much lower in the garden and parents often find them more aesthetically pleasing,
- there is something of a wow factor with inground trampolines because they're sunk, and you jump so high, starting from a ground-level position,
- they are particularly discreet when used without the safety net enclosure,
- because they are so close to the ground, there is a reduced risk of falling from a height when entering or exiting the trampoline,
- kids and parents love them.
What Is A Flatground Trampoline?
Flatground trampolines are specially designed models where the trampoline frame gets sunk into the ground, as opposed to inground models where the trampoline frame sits on the ground, around the hole.
Often times these models are supplied without safety net enclosures as they can be viewed as more of a sports model for older kids.
With flatground trampolines the jump mat and padding is flush with the grass or lawn, and when used with a safety net enclosure blend seamlessly into the garden.
The Benefits of Flatground Trampolines
- they look fantastic and are very popular with garden-proud homeowners,
- there is even more of a wow factor because they're so unusual,
- with no step or height to fall from they are very safe for trampoline entry and exit.
What Is An Above Ground Trampoline?
This one is what most of us are most familiar with and that is the traditional above ground or regular trampoline supplied with a safety net.
The Benefits of Above Ground with Legs Trampolines
- they're portable. If you change your mind tomorrow and you want to move the trampoline to another part of the garden or you want to move house, its easy. No holes to dig or fill in.
- they're the quickest to set up. Most regular trampolines, even the largest can be assembled within a few hours.
- you still get the fantastic same bounce with a regular trampoline with legs as you would with an inground or flatground model, provided that you are comparing similar models.
For example the bounce on a 14ft BERG Champion above ground trampoline will be equal to that on a 14ft BERG Champion Inground model.
#2 Do You Have A Trampoline Shape in Mind?
Round Trampolines
The most popular shape remains the round trampoline.
This shape is available from most trampoline manufacturers and usually ranges from 5 or 6ft to 14 feet.
Generally, round trampolines are considered to be the safest option for young kids as the way that the trampolines is sprung tends to bring trampoline jumps towards the middle of the trampoline and away from the edges when they bounce.
And although trampoline manufacturers recommend one user at a time, parents need to be careful should more than one jumper be on the trampoline at the same time as round models will bring jumpers together toward the centre of the jumpmat.
Rectangular Trampolines
Rectangular trampolines are very popular with kids who have an interest in gymnastics as the trampolines are tighter sprung and will produce a firmer and even bounce, compared to a round trampoline.
Oval Trampolines
Oval trampolines combine the benefits of both the round and the rectangular trampolines producing a firmer bouncer and more elongated jumping surface area, while at the same time bringing trampoline users away from the edges and towards the centre of the trampoline.
Square Trampolines
Square trampolines are one of the more unusual shapes of trampoline on the market, but no less popular, and the square models that we currently stock are the 11ft Square S113 model from Springfree, and the ETAN Ultraflat flatground range.
A quick chat usually narrows the preferred shape down pretty quickly.
#3 How About Trampoline Size
Trampolines come in all shapes and sizes, but to be more specific we will list the various sizes and shape options below -
Round Trampoline Sizes
Above ground round trampolines are available from 6ft to 14ft, or in centimetres from 183cm to 430cm.
Inground round trampolines are also available from 6ft to 14ft, or in centimetres from 183cm to 430cm.
Flatground round trampolines are available from 11ft to 14ft or in centimetres from 305cm to 430cm.
Rectangular Trampolines Sizes
Above ground rectangular trampolines are available from 5x7ft right up to 17x11ft, and in cm from 153 x 214 cm to 305 x 519cm.
Inground rectangular trampolines are available from 5x7ft right up to 17x11ft, and in cm from 153 x 214 cm to 305 x 519cm.
Flatground rectangular trampolines are available from 6x6ft to 16x10ft or in centimetres 198 x 198cm to 500 x 300 cm.
Oval Trampolines
Oval trampolines are very popular in the BERG ranges and come in the following sizes - 8x11ft, 15x10ft and 17x11ft.
Available in both above ground and inground trampoline types.
Square Trampolines
Square trampolines are available from Springfree in the 11ft square model and from ETAN Ulraflat 6x6ft to 12x13ft or 198 x 198cm to 366 x 414 cm.
How to Measure a Trampoline
A trampoline is measured across the diameter of the trampoline and measured from the outside to the outside.
For example a 10ft round trampoline is measured from the outside of the padding on one side, across the middle to the outside of the padding on the other side, normally producing a jumping surface area of approx 8ft as the padding will take up approx 1 foot on either side.
Uniquely Springfree Trampolines do not have padding to cover the springs because they don't have springs, so a 10ft Springfree models delivers a 10ft jumping surface area.
#4 Do You Have A Brand in Mind?
At Trampolines Ireland we only sell high-quality trampolines designed to last in excellent condition for years to come.
This produces the best outcome for our customers and helps to build a brand that they can rely on and return to.
With this focus in mind the brands that we work are -
- BERG TOYS,
- Springfree Trampolines,
- ETAN Trampolines,
- Dutch Toys/ EXIT Trampolines.
These brands are well-known as some of the world's leading trampoline companies and widely recognised for the quality of their products, including a high regards to build quality, user safety and customer satisfaction.
When you buy a trampoline from us you can be assured that both our company and the manufacturer will stand over your purchase.
#5 Do You Need A Safety Net Enclosure
Users will have a safer experience when the trampoline is fitted with a safety net. Although many trampolines particularly inground and flatground models are available without a safety net.
Using a safety may not always be appropriate, but when it is we recommend it.
And the younger that the children are that will be using the trampoline the more that we would recommend it.
Regular above ground trampolines are always supplied with a safety net enclosure and many of the inground and flatground models are available without a safety net.
#6 How Quickly Do You Need Your trampoline Delivery?
We're proud to be one of the largest trampoline suppliers in Ireland and we endeavour to deliver all over Ireland and Northern Ireland within 48 hours, and sometimes within 24 hours.
But there can be limits to this, when a particular item may suddenly sell out, so we recommend phoning us when you need something very quick.
#7 Trampoline Colour Options?
Trampolines, on the whole, are usually black with black or steel-coloured poles, and a variety of colours for the padding ranging from blue, yellow, red and pink but most commonly in black, green and grey.
Is There A Best Time of Year to Buy A Trampoline?
Late Winter/ Early Spring is the best time of year to get your trampoline as then the kids can get jumping from early Spring to late Summer.
Sometimes companies run sales in the run-up to Christmas or early January and this could be a good time to pick up a deal.
However, there have been extreme shortages and backlogs with trampoline orders over the last few years, often meaning that customers were waiting months on their order, so really any time that your local supplier has trampolines in stock is a good time to buy one.
This can prevent disappointment later.
Do I Need to Buy Any Accessories for My New Trampoline?
Popular accessories for trampolines include:
basketball hoops - the basketball hoop will fit to the trampoline safety net, so these hoops are only suitable for models with safety nets,
trampoline covers - recommended for keeping your trampoline in tip top shape when not in use, for example over the winter,
trampoline anchors - these are used to secure your trampoline to the ground so that no damage is sustained during storms or high winds. These are only required for regular above ground models,
trampoline frame nets - this is used to go around the legs of your above ground trampoline to prevent young kids or small animals from crawling around underneath your trampoline,
trampoline ladders - required for above ground trampolines to easily and safely enter and exit the trampoline.
Can I Build the Trampoline Myself?
Most trampolines are easily built within a few hours and come with very straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions.
The models that we supply are very well-designed and are designed to be built by parents.
However, when purchasing an inground trampoline it is important to understand that you will need to dig a hole, and ofetn people will have this done for them by someone with a mini-digger.
How Long Does It Take to Build A Trampoline?
Trampoline build approx 1 to 2 hours. We would allow one to two hours to build your trampoline frame, plus maybe another 30 minutes to install and fit the trampoline safety net, if you are using one.
The important thing is to take your time, to read through the instructions before you begin and once again to take your time.
We hope that this guide has been helpful for you and we look forward to assisting with any queries that you may have.
Phone 01 960 1641.