Trampoline Mat Safety Tips for your Family

As you and your family and friends bounce away on your new trampoline, you may notice that the mat, or bed, in the center of your trampoline is getting quite a workout, too. As you continue to use your trampoline, the mat will become worn and unsafe. After all, although it is reinforced and stitched to make it as strong as possible, a trampoline mat is simply a piece of fabric. Stitches will break and threads will become more fragile. As you notice signs of wear, you should begin researching replacement trampoline mats. One of the best places to look for a new mat is the internet. There are several excellent sites that provide information on purchasing a replacement mat.

TrampolinePartsandSupply.com is one excellent resource for people looking for replacement mats in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Here, you can find replacement mats for many trampoline brands and models, including JumpKing and Hedstrom. Looking at the available selection is as simple as visiting the site and selecting the 'mats' link on the home page. This link leads to a replacement mats page with photos and descriptions of each mat available. If you aren't sure which mat is right for your trampoline, you can find information on the page about the proper mat and spring size for your frame. The site's useful information, wide range of mat sizes and styles and competitive pricing makes it one of the best choices for people looking for replacement trampoline mats.

As you look at replacement beds for your trampoline, you may notice that some of them have a "target" stitched in the center. Having this mark in the middle of your mat is a wonderful safety option, because it helps guide jumpers to the middle of the trampoline as they bounce. Bouncing near the edges can be a bit more dangerous, but many people forget to check to see how close they are to the edge as they jump. Seeing the "target" will remind them to head for the middle of the trampoline.

Another thing to look for as you look at the available options is the mat's warranty. Sometimes, the cheapest mat is not the best deal, especially if it only has a three month warranty. Check to be sure the mat you are considering has a warranty of several years before you make your final decision. A five year warranty is ideal. Remember, a mat that falls apart when you are jumping can cause serious injury, so you don't want to look for the cheapest mat you can find.

Of course, ideally, you want to be able to use your original mat or any replacements for as long as possible. While some wear and tear is unavoidable, you can prolong the life of your mat with a few smart precautions. If you aren't going to be using the trampoline, cover the mat with a tarp or a tent to protect it from damage caused by sun, rain and drastic temperature changes. You may want to consider storing it in a shed or garage during the winter months to provide further protection. Also, make sure anyone using the mat is wearing appropriate shoes. Spiked athletic shoes can really cause some damage.

Finally, if you notice any holes in your current trampoline mat or see any tears in the stitching on the mat's edges, especially near the safety clips, please be sure to replace it immediately. If one of the holes enlarges as someone is jumping on the trampoline, he or she could become seriously injured.