It’s nearly the season for spring… as well, with a pun intended, this is the time of year when people start checking for springs on their trampolines. One of the first questions we get regarding springs is “When should I replace a spring?”
The answer is to be able to identify one among the following
- It is stretched and will not return to its original position.
- If it’s broken or it is sheared away (obvious).
- Evidence of rusty, strong.
Another question we get is “How many springs should need replacing before I change them out?” The answer is one! If one spring is bent, damaged, or rusting we advise replacing it as soon as possible. You can also opt for springfree trampolines.
This is due to safety concerns (uneven spring bounces) as well as because if springs aren’t working it could cause more stress to its fellow springs or the mat itself which could cause tears. Therefore, if you’ve even one spring that is defective and isn’t worth considering replace the spring.
The most frequent question we receive on this subject is what should one look for when purchasing springs to replace their trampoline? If I’m planning to purchase a trampoline what should I be looking to find in my springs?
It is important to know that springs are important! They are the key component that creates the bounce trampolines get from. Imagine them as the “engine” of your trampoline.
Trampoline Springs:
So here are some suggestions…
1. Elastic or Metal.
Make sure that the trampoline springs are made of metal. There are backyard trampolines now using elastic bands to provide spring-free play. Have you ever observed elasticity maintain its tension level for an extended period? We haven’t either.
Our opinion is that steel will last longer and give more stability in bounce. Our advice for trampolines in backyards is to stay clear of spring-free models. There is however a possible exception.
We’ve seen plenty of trampolines with no springs which are made well and offer a steady bounce. Keep in mind that they are designed for indoor use to provide cushioning for the user, not for full-on jumping.
2. Galvanization.
In the second, make sure the springs have been galvanized. What exactly is galvanization? It’s a method that involves covering an object made of steel with a zinc-protective layer. The concept lies in the fact that zinc can be more resistant to corrosion than regular steel.
Based on the conditions such as the environment and ventilation, zinc coatings will help keep steel in good condition for a long time by preventing corrosion. If your springs don’t explicitly state that they are galvanized, then they are probably not, and you should steer clear of purchasing springs that are not galvanized.
3. The spring’s size and the number.
The size of springs matters and can make a huge difference. As a rule of thumb the more springs, plus the more springs, the greater bounce is created from the jumping. Why? It’s all about Physics. It’s a mixture of Newton’s law and Hooke’s law of Physics. Hooke’s law says that energy or force utilized to extend springs corresponds to the length of the extension.
Therefore, the more trampoline’s weight is bouncing around, the more extended the spring will be. Newton’s third law says that for each action, there’s an equivalent and opposite reaction.
Therefore, as the springs get stretched, they will eventually snap back, causing the jumping person to rebound again into the air.
A greater number of springs will allow for better bounce, while their length is what snaps them back. A shorter spring creates a rougher and more choppy bounce, while the longer springs offer an easier bounce that is preferred by many jumping.
4. Shape.
We recommend double-tapered springs. While they are more expensive than those that are not tapered, however, they perform better. Tapered compression trampoline springs offer greater stability in the lateral direction and, due to their shape, they’re more durable than straight springs.
In summary,
Here are some suggestions on trampoline springs…
- Don’t delay – if you spot a “bad” spring, replace it.
- Trampolines with springs made of steel are the most effective.
- The longer the length of the spring and the more springs there are the more bounce.
- Galvanized is more durable.
- Springs that are tapered are preferred over regular shapes.
Happy jumping!
