Trampoline Safety

The safety of a trampoline is very important. There are three aspects which should be obeyed to enhance these safety benefits.

Firstly, every trampoline owner should be using a safe trampoline in a safe environment. In this case, padding on the frame should be used to avoid injuries if a child accidently hits the frame. It is ideal that the safety pads are a contrasting colour to the mat. Safety pads are designed to completely cover the steel frame and springs of the trampoline and hence, increase the safety benefits.

You should ensure that the area around your trampoline (ideally 1m-2m wide on all sides) is free from any hazards, such as walls, play equipment or garden furniture. There is also a minimum clearance of 8m overhead from the ground level to avoid objects like clotheslines, trees and wires. It is ideal that the clearance area around your trampoline is thickly layered with soft, impact-absorbing material,e.g. pine bark, woodchips or sand. This should be regularly racked to reduce compacting.

Secondly, young children bouncing on trampolines should take care when either themselves or someone else is using the trampoline. A child should never sit on the safety pads or go under the trampoline when someone else is jumping on it, expecially infants, as they can suffer serious injuries from falls, pinching and crushing. If the trampoline is not designed for more than one person, then make sure that only one child is bouncing on the trampoline at all times. It is also important to only allow your child to learn high-risk actions, i.e. somersaults, from a highly trained professionals.

The importance of bouncing in the centre of the jumping mat and climbing off the trampoline instead of jumping off cannot be emphasised enough. Children who jump off the trampoline are putting their health in great danger, as many injuries can occur.

Lastly, trampoline owner’s must regularly check the condition their trampoline is in. You must make sure your trampoline:

* mat does not have any holes or rips

* springs are intact and securely attached at both ends

* frame is not bent

* leg braces are securely locked

If you notice that your trampoline is not in good condition, then do not use it. It is also important that your children are supervised at all times when bouncing on the trampoline, in particular children under the age of six. Therefore, with all of these safety tips in place, you and your children should be bouncing away safely on their very own safely euipped trampoline.

Trampoline, Trampolines, Trampoline Safety, Safety of Trampolines.

Vuly Trampolines are one of the most safe trampolines in Australia.

Water Trampolines in Australia

Today, different types of trampolines are everywhere, including in the water.

Water trampolines consists of a large doughnut like rubber piece, inflated with air, allowing the trampoline to float above the forgiving surface of lakes and pools.

Although water trampolines eliminate many of the conventional jumping concerns, they are not without their unique risks. Here are some guidelines we recommend that you following in using your water trampoline:

  • Never swim below a water trampoline while it is in use
  • Discover and remove all potential obstructions beneath the water trampoline
  • Be aware that currents may drag objects into the jumping area and may pose a safety hazard to jumpers
  • Use the water trampoline only in clean, clear water
  • Use the water trampoline in water that is not shallow
  • Always use the water trampoline under adult supervision

When choosing such a water trampoline for your family, make sure that it is constructed from high quality materials, such as PVC, and that the seams are are strongly manufactured. A repair kit that is easy to use should also be provided with the water trampoline when you purchase it. This will ensure that you can easily patch up any small holes that develop.

Trampoline Childhood Memories

Trampolines are inextricably linked to my childhood. Every year at Christmas, as both sides of my family would converge at my aunt’s house for our annual Christmas celebration, my cousin and I would spend all day playing games on our aunt’s trampoline. We’d jump as high as we could, fas long as we could, until we collapsed in a heap puffing and sweating from our bouncing and a belly full of Christmas turkey, pudding and custard.

At home, I had a Rebounder. Rather than for bouncing, this tiny little trampoline was used so that my Rottweiler, Tyson, could curl up on something comfortable at night and go to sleep. Talk about multi-purpose! In hindsight, we probably should have taken better care of our little trampoline, because it swiftly became unsuitable for jumping purposes after a few years of Tyson using it as a place to crash! [Edit: do not give your dog exclusive sleeping rights to your trampoline. You will never get them back].

These days, trampolines are much different than I remember as a kid. The introduction of safety mechanisms such as trampoline safety pads, trampoline safety nets, and anchor kits are far removed from my childhood trampoline set-up and emphasise just how unsafe the trampoline equipment I used back then really was.

Now, working with a company that sells trampolines (Yes, we can jump on the trampolines in our lunch break if we want to!), and having exposure to these safety mechanisms, I cannot stress enough how important it is to consider investing in such mechanisms when buying your trampoline. Sure, as a child you may remember jumping without trampoline safety nets or trampoline safety pads and may think they are unnecessary. But with such modern safety mechanisms available, why take the chance? The actual cost of these safety mechanisms is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of your family as they enjoy the fun and fitness benefits of trampolines.

So, readers – what are your best memories of your trampoline as a child? How does your childhood trampoline compare to trampolines on the market nowadays, with high quality trampoline safety nets, trampoline safety pads and trampoline mats such as Vuly trampolines?

Springless Trampolines: Are they all they’re cracked up to be?

Springless trampolines are a clever, interesting adaptation of many of the spring trampolines available on the market today. By removing the springs and steel frame, springless trampolines eliminate many of the impact areas traditionally associated with spring trampolines. But do they replace hazards with new ones that never existed in the first place?

Upon researching this idea, I came across three poignant hazards that springless trampolines can pose:

  • long term damage caused to jumper’s knees due to the twisting action caused by the surface rotating each time the user hits the mat
  • dangers posed by rods to a jumper’s hands should they place their hands in between the rods of the springless trampoline
  • dangers posed to jumpers by a user hitting the side of the springless trampoline

Justin Brock from trampolinesafety.com presents an interesting view on the Springfree trampoline model SF90E and an alternate view on the safety hazards posed by this particular design.

Justin says that because of the unique bending design in springless trampolines, the entire surface rotates each time the user hits the mat. Although the rotations seem slight many users can experience pain and discomfort in their knees. This twisting action can lead to knee pain and potential long term injuries. What do you think about this idea?

Before making the decision to purchase a springless trampoline, make sure you consider the potential health hazards associated with this design of product. Springless trampolines may indeed be like a Hydra – once you lop of one hazard, three more hazards rear an ugly head in their place.

Reduce Static Shock on Trampolines

Static Shock and Trampolines

Static shock is caused by an electrical charge built up in a person, changing them from being neutral to being negatively or positively charged. Once charged, when a person then touches something that is conducive to electricity, a static shock occurs. The cause is usually dry air and the materials that rub against each other.

It is not uncommon for people to experience static shock when jumping on a trampoline. The material of the trampoline surface is usually the culprit, if the surface is made of nylon, this a good conductor for electricity that can cause static shock.

Here are some tips to help you avoid static shock on the trampoline:

  • Go barefoot while jumping (f you prefer not to go barefoot while jumping, experiment with the soles of shoes that will reduce static shock)
  • Wear cotton clothes while jumping
  • Ground yourself with a metal object while jumping e.g. a coin, a key
  • Drink plenty of water before jumping
  • Keep the skin moisturised before jumping (particularly focusing on the jumper’s feet)

Note: Synthetic soles are usually the worst sole to wear to reduce static shock, as they are a great conductor of electricity.

You may find that some of the above suggestions work for you, and others may not. If your problems with static shock continue, speak to one of our Vuly Customer Service Representatives on 1300 667 514, who can offer you additional solutions to reduce the static shock being caused by your trampoline product.

Static Shock and Trampolines

If you have ever used a trampoline for a long period of time, you have probably also experienced the static shock that can come along with bouncing. Static shock occurs after an electrical charge is built up in the jumper, rendering him or her either negatively or positively charged.  Once the jumper get off of the trampoline and touches something (or someone!) that can conduct electricity, a static shock can occur.

Nylon trampoline jumping mats are frequently responsible for creating an electric shock.  The constant friction of the bare feet against the nylon jumping mat can occasionally create an unpleasant, albeit harmless, static shock.  Although jumping on the trampoline in bare feet will reduce the risk of static shock, it won’t eliminate the risk entirely.

Trampolines, Trampoline Static

static shock?

Okay, readers, it is your turn!  Have you ever had a static shock from a trampoline?  In your opinion, what is the best way to prevent them from occuring?  Let us know!

Toddler Trampolines

Bouncing on a trampoline is fun for the whole family, but parents need to keep their children’s ages in mind before purchasing a trampoline. Currently, trampolines are not recommended for children under 6 years old. A larger sized trampoline might sound like a good deal, but families can experience difficulty if their children are too young. To combat the difficulties that might be associated with small children on a trampoline, consider investing in a toddler trampoline.

Perfect for first-time trampoline users and jumpers aged 6 and older, toddler trampolines are fantastic for teaching basic skills and safety techniques to your six year old before allowing him or her to have access to a larger device.  By emphasizing the importance of safety and reasonable trampoline etiquette, you will prepare your child for better trampoline experiences in the future.

Additionally, toddler trampolines are an inexpensive way to test whether your child will enjoy having a larger device.  High quality trampolines in larger sizes can be several hundred dollars. Conversely, toddler trampolines are a cost-efficient way of introducing the joys of bouncing to your little one.

Has anyone ever used a toddler trampoline?  What did you think?  At what age did were your children ready for a larger trampoline?

Buying a Secondhand Trampoline? Beware!

Recently, there has been an increase on second-hand trampolines sold on the internet.  Popular buying and selling sites like eBay or Gumtree are full of trampoline listings promising a safe, reliable device for your family.  It may be easy to be persuaded, but the consumer has to consider one thing— if the trampoline is so fantastic, why is the seller not keeping it for himself?

Often, second-hand trampolines are poor quality devices that have been damaged.  The seller may or may not be aware of the extent of the damage inflicted, and trampoline damage can often be invisible to the naked eye.  A worse scenario might be that the seller is aware of the damage but is desperate to make a quick buck.

Another problem that buyers may experience is the lack of knowledge of the trampoline‘s history.  Much like a used car, the reliability and safety of a trampoline greatly depends on how it has been treated and under what conditions it has been used.  If the trampoline has been left out in the weather or mistreated, it may not be safe for your family to use.

Protect your family’s health and wellbeing—only buy high quality trampolines from a reputable trampoline institution, like Vuly Trampolines!

Trampoline Installation

The thought of installing a trampoline may seem a little daunting, but relax.  It’s actually much easier than it looks.

There are so many resources available to you when you are trying to install your trampoline. If you’re having trouble, you may not have considered all of your options.  Here are the most helpful resources you can use when trying to install your trampoline:

  1. Refer to the instruction manual.  Most trampolines feature a list of directions that can help you.  Some provide just written instructions.  Others, like Vuly Trampolines feature text and a full-color pictures to aid you in your installation process.
  2. See if there are printed directions on the box.  Sometimes, trampoline manufacturers choose to print the instructions on the box, rather than use a manual.  Carefully inspect all sides of the box to ensure that you have not missed the instructions.
  3. If available, call the customer service hotline.  Some trampoline companies, like Vuly, have customer service operators that can help you with your installation questions.  Customer service hotline numbers are usually located on the box or on the instruction manual.
  4. High-quality trampoline institutions, like Vuly, may feature an instruction video that depicts the entire installation process as it happens.  Vuly’s installation video was created by our team of engineers and is performed by a trampoline installation specialist.  Find this trampoline instructional video.

The Dangers of Cheap Trampolines Pt. 2

We’ve talked before about how cheap trampolines can endanger your family, but I feel like we should go into more detail.  To be clear, I will use the word “cheap” synonymously with the words “poor-quality”; that is, not all inexpensive trampolines are cheap, but the lower the price of the product is, the more likely that the item is not of the utmost quality.

While finding a good deal is great — and who doesn’t love that?! — some consumers can be persuaded by too-good-to-be-true prices and may be left with a hassle.

Here are just a few problems associated with poor-quality trampolines:

  • Weakened or damaged jump mats
  • Trampoline frames made of thin, bendable steel
  • Thin safety pads that offer little protection against the springs
  • Brittle or easily broken safety nets
  • Easily sun-damaged components
  • Round joins that can slip out of the frame, leading to breakage
  • Unreliable or easily broken springs

Any one of these problems can lead to heartache or disaster for your family.  Before buying a trampoline, shop around. Do your research, compare prices, and consider which trampoline is right for you and your family.