Your trampoline is an excellent piece of equipment that allows you and your loved ones to exercise while still having a lot of fun. However, taking care of it during winter can be quite tricky. Do you leave it out without protection, or do you cover it? The truth is that if you expose your trampoline to harsh weather elements, it will gradually deteriorate in quality. Using covers during winter is a perfect way to make your trampoline last longer and serve you better.
Are you wondering how to find the best trampoline cover for you? Before you start shopping for a trampoline cover, you need to determine the type of cover that will suit your needs. Do you need a standard trampoline cover or a cover with enclosures? What is the size of your trampoline? How severe are the weather conditions in your region? What type of trampoline do you own? Answering these questions accurately will help you find the best trampoline cover that will serve you for long.
In this post, we discuss some of the critical factors you need to consider while choosing a trampoline cover to help you make an informed decision. But first, let us find out why it is essential to cover your trampoline during winter.
Do I Need a Trampoline Cover for Winter?
The simple answer is “yes.” Although trampolines are designed to withstand harsh weather elements, you need to find a way of protecting your investment to prolong its lifespan. One way to ensure you get the most out of your bouncy toy is by getting a quality trampoline cover to protect it from rainfall, snow, and ice.
Although you may not want the extra expense, you will need an excellent cover to protect your trampoline if you keep it outside. In fact, a good cover can save you a lot of money in the long run because it protects your equipment from damage.
Here are some of the top reasons why you need a trampoline cover:
- Protects your equipment from UV rays: Strong UV rays can cause severe damage to the stitching and mat, giving you costly repair bills.
- Keeps the trampoline dry: The frames, legs, and springs of trampolines are usually made of metal. Exposing them to moisture or rainwater can cause severe rusting hence weakening the trampoline.
- It keeps the trampoline clean: The cover also does a superb job keeping off dust and dirt from the trampoline, which helps keep it looking good. Plus, you don’t have to worry about slipping on dirt or inhaling dust while jumping on it.
- Keeps the trampoline healthy: A good cover will stop bird droppings and other animals from spreading harmful bacteria onto the playing surface.
Choosing the Best Trampoline Cover
Now that you understand why it is essential to purchase a trampoline cover, let us discuss what you need to do to find the best cover that suits your unique needs.
1. What type of trampoline cover do you need?
Although trampoline covers are available in different designs, they fall into two main broad categories, namely: standard trampoline covers and covers with enclosures. Understanding the difference between the two will help you greatly when shopping.
Standard trampoline covers
The standard covers are tarp-style and fit tightly on the surface of the trampoline. They are the most common option and are less expensive than covers with enclosures. They do a pretty good job when it comes to protecting your trampoline from sunlight, rainfall, and debris.
However, these covers won’t protect you and your kids from the harsh weather conditions when you are bouncing on the trampoline.
Generally, a standard cover is a good option if you have plenty of shade in your backyard and don’t have to worry about your children getting too hot while playing.
Trampoline covers with enclosures
Most trampoline covers with enclosures feature a tent-like design and are meant to stay on top of the trampoline even when you are using it. They are a bit more expensive than standard covers but come in different models.
Unlike standard trampoline covers, they are designed to protect you and your little ones from harsh weather elements when using the trampoline.
Covers designed with enclosures are the best option if you stay in a region that experiences a hot climate and you don’t want your children to suffer from sunburnt while bouncing on the trampoline.
2. What type of trampoline do you have?
What type of trampoline have you installed in your backyard? You need to keep in mind that it is quite tricky to get trampoline covers for oval, square and springless trampolines. Therefore, if you own any of these, you may be forced to modify the available covers to suit your needs.
For example, if you have an in-ground trampoline and want to cover it, you can purchase the conventional cover usually installed on most above-ground trampolines and enlarge the holes to enable secure attachment on the hooks of the cover.
If you own a springless trampoline, consider buying a slightly larger cover than your trampoline to make it easier to attach your structure’s metal frame.
3. What is the actual measurement of your trampoline?
Getting the correct measurement of your trampoline is critical to finding the right cover. With the right measurements, you can be sure you are purchasing a cover that will fit your structure.
Trampolines come in different sizes and shapes. Some are oval while others are round. Their diameter also varies from 7ft to 16ft.
The bottom line is to take accurate measurements of your structure to help you get the right cover size. If you are not sure about your structure’s actual size or diameter, check the manufacturer’s manual. Every detail about your trampoline will be there.
If you purchase a small cover, you will be forced to overstretch it to fit your trampoline, which can cause damage. A bigger cover may not hook to the frame as required compromising the level of protection provided.
4. How severe is the weather in your area?
Each part of the world experiences a unique climatic pattern. Some places may receive heavy rainfall and snowfall during winter, while others experience minimal snowfall or none at all. Other areas experience strong winds and storms while others minimal to none.
Therefore, it is upon you to understand your area’s weather patterns and choose a cover that will suit your needs. However, if you are not sure about the weather patterns in the region where you stay, go for an all-around cover to protect your structure from all kinds of weather.
Trampoline covers ensure that your equipment is safe from leaves, dirt, debris, and snow that may pile up due to the ever-changing weather conditions.
If properly and adequately covered, your trampoline can withstand tough weather elements and maintain its original look for a long time.
5. What trampoline cover material do you prefer?
Trampoline covers are made of different materials. The best ones are usually made of PVC or laminated PE materials. Both materials are strong enough and can provide your structure with the ultimate protection from different environmental elements.
You get the best protection if you are willing to spend some extra cash. The key to a good trampoline cover is the thickness of the material. Typically, the thicker the cover, the better the protection you receive.
However, if you are on a budget and cannot afford to pay for the extra inches of thickness, you can still find a good cover that will protect your trampoline.
All you have to do is purchase a nice tarp and a few tie-downs that you will use to cover your trampoline.
6. What extra features do you need in the trampoline cover?
A standard trampoline cover will provide you with everything you need to protect your structure from destructive environmental elements. However, you can also consider a cover with some extra features to spicy up playtime.
If your kids love to play games on the trampoline other than just jumping, go for a trampoline cover that comes with storage bags on the side for kids’ toys. This way, it will be much easier to keep your backyard nice and tidy.
Some trampoline covers with enclosures feature a basketball hoop for some epic slow-motion action. They could be the perfect option if your kids are basketball fans.
Covers with enclosures but open on the sides can also help your little ones enjoy some breeze and stay cool while jumping on the trampoline.
If you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall and snowfall, you can go for a waterproof trampoline cover to provide maximum protection.
Summary
There you have it! Choosing the best trampoline cover shouldn’t be a challenge for you anymore. This guide has outlined the most critical factors you need to keep in mind before you go out shopping. We have strived to cover everything to make your work easier.
