Let's be honest: trampolines clearly weren't made with winter in mind! Whether you decide to dismantle yours or leave it out until spring comes, knowing how to care for your trampoline in winter can really make the difference for your safety and its lifespan.
After all, it might not last until the warmest months if you just leave it outside and hope for the best.
Don't worry, though: these simple steps will allow you to make the most of it for many more years to come!
Figure out whether you should store your trampoline away
This is the most important thing, so be realistic. The main problem isn't actually the cold: what's secretly plotting against your trampoline is moisture and high winds.
This decision will mainly depend on the area where you live:
- If it's relatively mild and, although a bit cold, it hardly ever rains or snows, you can probably leave it outside if you follow our next tips. Who knows, you and your kids might even be able to use it every once in a while!
- If it rains and snows a lot or it'd be subject to high winds, it's much safer to just bring it in and wait for the warmer months. After all, who would want to bounce on it in that weather? The best way is to dismantle it by removing its safety net, jumping mat, springs and frame pads, whereas you can leave the poles and metal frame.
Remove the snow as soon as you can
Realistically, accidents do happen! Even if you live in a particularly mild area, it could still snow overnight at some point:
When that happens, make sure you remove the snow as soon as it's safe for you to do so;
Try and do so with a broom. Using a shovel could scratch or even tear the surface of your trampoline, and a snowblower that emits heat could seriously damage it;
Don't forget to dry it, afterwards! A buildup of moisture can lead to the growth of mildew.
Choose the right trampoline cover
The best thing you can do to care for your trampoline in winter is to invest in a good cover! Plus, that's a handy accessory to use all year round: not only it protects your trampoline from rain and snow, but also from UV rays and sunlight during the warmest months.
You can find plenty of trampolines with cover here, but start by looking for one that meets these criteria:
- Made of waterproof materials like PE (Polyethylene) or PVC (Polyvinyl chloride);
- Offering UV-ray protection;
- Featuring a drainage system to prevent a heavy buildup of water;
- Matching the shape and diameter of your trampoline.
To avoid mildew, you should still remove it every few weeks to let your trampoline 'breathe' and dry out completely.
Oh, and the previous tip about removing snow will still apply!
Use anchors to protect your trampoline from high winds
Because they go into the ground, strong anchors can prevent your trampoline from tipping or flying away in high winds;
Again, while it's a handy way of caring for your trampoline in winter, it can be useful during the rest of the year as well if you live in a windy area;
It'll also be easier to secure the anchors into the ground before it gets too cold, as the soil will get tougher during winter.
Don't forget about your trampoline during the winter months
Overall, it's important to remember that, whether you're planning on using it or not, you shouldn't forget about your trampoline if you're leaving it out during the coldest season!
Check it from time to time to see if it needs drying or, as we mentioned, if it's been snowing or it hasn't spent a few hours without cover in a while. By doing this, you'll be able to immediately realize if something is wrong and needs fixing. Otherwise, it could be too late and you'll need a brand-new trampoline;
Most importantly, check that your trampoline is safe before you use it! You most certainly don't want your kids to run straight to it on their own in winter, as it could be wet or damaged.
If you follow these easy-peasy tips on how to care for your trampoline in winter, you'll be able to bounce back on it safely as soon as spring comes… and for many more summers, obviously!
Tara Gosselin
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
