Trampolines Without Enclosures

Tara Gosselin Interior Design Expert

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.

Updated 16/04/2021

You jump. They jump. Everybody jumps on this huge trampoline without enclosure. In circular and square varieties available, adults and kids alike will love having fun and getting exercise, while the hours just melt away. In padded springs and exposed spring models, and with the attachments for a future optional enclosure, these huge trampolines will give you a an activity you can do with your kids.

Buying Guide

Trampolines are an excellent way to get some sun and air and have fun in the process. And it’s akin to having a gym in your backyard. For jumping on it gives you as good a full body workout as anything.

More importantly, who doesn’t like bouncing on one? Be it kids or adults, the sheer thrill of bouncing up to six feet in the air is incomparable.

But many a folk are missing out on the fun because their backyards aren’t capacious enough to accommodate a full-sized trampoline with an enclosure. Well, how about trampolines without enclosures?

The only thing missing from these old-school trampolines is the (garish) mesh enclosures that claim to keep the kids contained. Everything else is super fun, trampoline like.

If you are hemming and hawing while deciding on whether it’s worth your attention or safe enough for your kids, then here’s some help.

What types of trampolines are there?

There are three types of trampolines that are more common than others:

There’s the round one which is perfect for backyard use and features springs that are distributed evenly around the frame. This always pulls the jumpers back towards the center of the trampoline and makes them less likely to bounce into the neighbor’s yard.
There’s the rectangular one which is used by professional athletes and gymnasts. It provides users with the most bounce surface area. The spring distribution in a rectangular trampoline is not as reactive as in the circular one. This means that the user has greater control over where they land.
The oval trampoline is a hybrid between the round and the rectangular one. It offers a lot of bounce surface area and can be used by multiple bouncers at the same time. This makes it ideal for small and narrow yards.

Are trampolines without enclosures safe?

While a mesh enclosure is certainly a desirable safety feature for a trampoline, it is not mandatory at all. Instead, look for a trampoline that complies with the latest safety standards.

Check the quality of the metal frame. Galvanized iron and steel frames with a zinc coating is your best bet. It is virtually indestructible and does not get damaged even when exposed to the elements. Having said that, a UV absorbent, rust-resistant coating never hurt anybody.
Look for a heavily padded safety pad at the edge of the trampoline. This must be in a bright contrasting color to the jumping surface. It allows kids to know when they are likely to bounce off the edge.
Does the trampoline use a conventional spring-based design or is it a spring less variety that uses fiberglass rods to create the bounce? If it is spring less, then the safety pad is not necessary.
If there are heavy duty springs, then there should be no gap in between the bouncing surface and the safety padding.
Look for sturdy legs that stay put once installed. Some cheaper trampoline models need to be staked to the ground. It’s always a better bet to buy one that stays wobble-free without the need for staking.

Before you buy a trampoline without an enclosure:

Ensure that there’s at least 6-feet of horizontal clearance from objects and obstacles. Experts recommend at least 24-feet of vertical clearance. The more the merrier.
Always keep the trampoline on a soft level surface, like grass. This reduces strain on the metal frames and prevents structural damage.
Keep an eye on your kids as they bounce.