How to set up a trampoline – Top Tips

Here are a few handy hints for all those that have perhaps bought a trampoline as a present for someone and are a bit daunted at the thought of putting it together as a surprise. Not everyone likes an instruction booklet and sometimes it feels like they are written in an alien language:-

  • Before you start make sure the ground is level, it’s much easier to do any necessary work before you put up the trampoline
  • Sounds daft but make sure the area you are putting it up in is big enough for the set and any required clear surrounding space. Make sure if you check measure the space with a tape you are using the right scale as it can be confusing if measurements are quoted in feet and inches or metres and centimetres. If you’ve got trees with branches sticking out over the proposed area, don’t forget to double-check the clearance height needed
  • If you buy and wrap up the set as a present at least a few days before you need to put it up, why not slip open the lid first and take out the instructions. Take a read through them at your leisure instead of under the pressure of the children wanting to use their new trampoline as soon as it’s unwrapped
  • See if you need any extra tools to complete the job before starting. Most come with any spanners/hook tools/etc you will need but, if there are any nuts needing tightening, why not charge up your cordless drill if you have one and use the appropriate bit to speed up the job
  • One person can normally put a set up on their own but it’s a lot easier and quicker with an extra pair of hands, especially while you are slotting the circular frame together
  • All makes of trampoline frames have different designs so you’ll have to refer to the instructions for certain bits. Some have welded joints and the better ones are weld free with a bracket mechanism, each unique to the manufacturer. If you’ve had a set before don’t assume a new one will go together in exactly the same way
  • Once the legs and circular frame have been assembled it’s time to put the springs on. The most common error made at this stage is to start at one point and work your way clockwise or anticlockwise around the set attaching every spring. If you do this the tension will all start to pull one way and you’ll never get the last third of the springs on. Imagine the set as a clock face – you’ll need to put one on at 12 o’clock, and one at 3, 6 and 9, making sure you have the same amount of frame holes as mat d-rings in-between each spring. Then halve the gap between each spring and put another one on. Then do the same again each time until all the springs are on. This will keep the tension even and you won’t need to be a body-builder in order to get it done.
  • You will probably have bought a safety enclosure to go with the trampoline to keep your little ones safe inside while they are playing on it. Double-check before you start if the net goes on the inside or the outside of the safety enclosure poles and if it fixes on the inside or the outside of the springs. Getting this wrong can cause overstretching of the material and possibly tearing it before it’s even been jumped on once!
  • If you really get stuck while assembling why not see if the retailer you bought it from has a phone helpline or if they can direct you to one to ask advice. A five minute call could save you a couple of hours struggling
  • Don’t throw away the tools or instructions that came with the pack just incase you move house or need to take down the trampoline and reassemble it. Tuck them away safely in the shed or garage for future use.
  • Final tip is once you’ve finished the installation and have the energy and inclination why not have a quick bounce before you let the children on under the excuse it needs testing first. You know you’ll want to have a go and it will leave you with a smile after your hard work!

Author: Bob Bounce

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