If your trampoline is one of the older models that uses springs, those springs will need to be replaced occasionally. After all, the springs take most of the stress from people jumping, and when you couple that with the fact that you leave them out in the weather for a big part of every year, they will eventually start showing the wear and tear.
Knowing When to Replace Your Springs
How exactly does a trampoline work? The proper tension for jumping is created and maintained between the springs and the mat. The height of your jumps, however, are solely dependent upon the strength of the springs that hold the mat to the frame.
The American Society for Testing and Material has set standards which must be met by all springs destined for trampoline use. The wire used in the springs is put through a galvanization process prior to use. Galvanization coats the wire with a mixture of zinc and other metal alloys which makes it much stronger. After it has been galvanized, the wire is made into springs.
Each bounce on the trampoline takes a toll on the springs. Multiply this by thousands of bounces, and you'll be able to see why the springs need to be made of the strongest wire available. Since even the best wire will stretch and get weaker over time, it's a good idea for you to have a regular schedule of preventive maintenance for your springs. Every month you need to look them over to make sure they aren't rusty and still look strong.
One way to make your springs last longer is to cover the trampoline with a tarp when you aren't using it. You can also spray the metal with WD40 or a similar anti-rust product when you do your monthly inspections. You need to keep your springs in the best working condition to prevent them from snapping at a weak or rusty spot while someone is jumping.
When the time comes to replace the springs on your trampoline, you may choose to deal with the store where you purchased it or go directly to the manufacturer. Another option would be to go to one of the online stores that sells replacement springs. If you can buy either Ultra Bounce or DDI Sports springs from one of these stores, you'll know you're getting good quality.
Before shopping for new springs, though, you need to remove some of the existing springs and measure them from hook to hook. It's good to measure more than one spring, because some of them may have stretched more than others. Once you know how many inches long your springs are, you'll be able to buy replacements very easily. Although it will cost a little to replace the springs, if you save one person from an accident that way, it will be well worth it.