As one of the most popular types of outdoor play equipment found in family gardens for decades, trampolines are a favourite source of physical fun for all ages.
After all, there are so many benefits to jumping on trampolines for children and adults, including strengthening muscles with low-impact exercise while enjoying fresh air and sunlight outside.
However, when trampolines are installed for younger children, there are plenty of potential safety hazards to consider. As thrilling as bouncing on a trampoline can be, there’s always the risk of small children falling off and accidentally hurting themselves.
That’s why it’s so important for parents and guardians to be aware of trampoline safety measures, such as adding a safety net enclosure around the trampoline.
Yet, when trampolines without safety nets aren’t an uncommon sight, some trampoline owners might wonder whether a net enclosure is always necessary.
Wondering whether trampolines without nets are worth the risk? Read on to learn more about trampoline safety nets, when you should definitely use one, and where you can buy them.
Are trampolines with nets safer?
Yes. Net enclosures increase trampoline safety by providing a physical barrier around the outside of the trampoline, preventing jumpers from accidentally falling off the edge.
Trampolines often injure children when they bounce too high or lose their balance and fall from a height, either onto the ground or onto parts of the trampoline structure.
Without a safety net to catch them, kids might land heavily on hard surfaces. This can often cause cuts, bruises, and sprains, but in the worst cases, falling from a trampoline can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma.
When properly designed and installed, trampoline nets can drastically reduce the risk of these falls and injuries, making trampolines much safer for little children to use.
To keep a trampoline net safe, manufacturers use durable woven mesh material that’s strong and flexible enough to catch people and direct them back towards the centre. The net surrounds the entire edge of the jumping surface and connects securely around the bottom, leaving no gaps that children could fall through.
Safety net enclosures are typically at least 6 feet high and attached at multiple points around the perimeter with straps or clips. These mesh enclosures should also have a heavy-duty zipper for easy access, which can close up the entrance point when it isn’t in use.
With these features in place, children can explore their jumping skills with confidence, while supervising adults will have peace of mind that their little ones are protected.
Do all trampolines come with a net?
Due to the safety risks of children jumping on trampolines without nets, most manufacturers nowadays will include a safety net as standard with above-ground trampolines.
However, trampoline nets aren’t actually mandatory. It isn’t illegal to have a trampoline without a safety net, as it’s the owner’s choice to install one or not – but if you’re the parent or guardian of a young child, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s manual to ensure their safety.
On the other hand, many other trampoline designs don’t come with a net included, such as inground trampolines or small trampolines for personal exercise (rebounders).
Unlike above-ground trampolines, which use a raised frame that sits on the ground and increases the height of the jumping surface, inground trampolines embed the frame so the jumping mat stays level with the ground.
This reduces the risk of falling from a height, therefore reducing the need to add a safety net around the trampoline.
Children should always use a safety enclosure on above-ground trampolines to prevent falls. For inground trampolines, parents can use their discretion to decide whether a net is needed. Entertainment
Depending on the brand and design, some sunken trampolines are sold with safety nets, which is important if the model is meant to be used by children under the age of 12–14 years.
Otherwise, designs meant for older children or adults may not include an enclosure. So, if you want to install one out of an abundance of caution, you’ll have to shop for a safety net separately, ensuring you choose one that’s compatible with your trampoline model.
Is it safe to have a trampoline without a net?
Maybe you’re looking into buying a trampoline that comes with an enclosure, or you already have one, and you’re wondering, ‘can you take the net off a trampoline?’
The answer is: yes, you can, if you want to. When you set up a trampoline, you can choose to add the net that comes with it or leave the net off if you think the trampoline is safe enough where it is. You can also try it out with the net and remove the enclosure whenever you like.
This all depends on the safety of the trampoline installation, as the injury risks that make safety nets necessary involve falling from high up onto hard or sharp surfaces.
If you install an in-ground trampoline with no net, it stays safe as long as you cover all trampoline parts with sufficient padding, keep the surrounding area completely clear of obstacles, and soften the ground with grass or rubber mats.
However, this typically applies to more sporty trampolines designed for teenagers, who are old enough to know how to jump safely and catch themselves if they lose their balance.
For this reason, experts recommend safety nets for all above-ground trampolines and net enclosures for in-ground trampolines if children under 12–14 years old will use them.
Of course, net enclosures aren’t the only precaution that can make trampolines safer. It’s just as important to make sure the trampoline is installed securely in a safe environment and correctly maintained, and to teach children how to use a trampoline properly.
This includes helping kids learn how to control their jumps and landings, always supervising children, and not letting too many people bounce on a trampoline at the same time.
Invest in trampoline safety accessories
As you’ll have learned from reading this blog, safety nets are a crucial part of safe trampolining for children under 12–14 years old – making a trampoline enclosure an essential investment for parents or guardians of kids below this age range.
That said, you’ll also know that net enclosures play an important role in children’s trampolines, but they only keep kids safe when everyone follows the manufacturer’s guidelines for installing, using, and maintaining the specific trampoline model.
So, to ensure an enjoyable and safe trampolining experience, you should always choose a high-quality model from a reputable brand – then install it in an open area with level ground, and no trees, fences, or hazardous obstacles within 6 feet in any direction.
When you order high-quality trampolines from dependable sellers like Wicken Toys, you can trust that your chosen product will come with all the basics required to install it safely.
Plus, if you want to make this outdoor equipment even safer, you can also find a range of trampoline accessories to enhance its reliability. From anchor kits and adjustable ladders to weather covers and spare padding, getting onto the trampoline and keeping it in the best possible condition will be easier than ever with trampoline safety accessories.
With a well-designed and durable trampoline from a leading brand, professional installation, and some ground rules for using the trampoline responsibly, kids of all ages can enjoy jumping around to their heart’s content for years to come!