Making a trampoline purchase can be more complicated than one first suspects. There are a variety of issues to consider. Actually making the right selection starts before you begin shopping.

Trampoline Placement
The first thing to make sure of is that you have adequate space for your new trampoline – both on the ground and in terms of overhead clearance. Trampolines are measured by the frame’s rail diameter - from the outside of one side to the outside of the other side. In addition to the trampoline diameter, there needs to be at least an additional 3 feet of clearance around the trampoline so that jumpers can safely enter and exit the trampoline. All trampoline standards bodies recommend allowing 25 feet of overheard clearance.

Even if the trampoline uses a safety net the clearance is needed so that if a jumper happens to bounce into the net, that the net will not abut any hard objects like fences or the side a house. Some trampoline makers have recommended as much as 8 feet of clearance because of the risk of the trampoline tipping over.

The trampoline should be placed on level ground whenever possible. If the trampoline is placed on a grade there should be no more than a 3 inch drop from one side to the next. For slightly steeper grades it is possible to dig out some of the topsoil in the area where the legs on the higher end will be placed. This can be no more that 6 – 8 inches deep since lowering the high end reduces the clearance under the trampoline thereby increasing the risk of “bottoming out” the trampoline

What Trampoline Is Right for Me
Consider the type of activity for which the trampoline will be used.
• You will want a trampoline which will accommodate the most vigorous use, for example, when using a basketball set or gymnastics maneuvers.
• You want to make a selection based on the expectations of your most skilled jumper who intends to frequently use the trampoline.
• Will the main user need a professional level trampoline or will it be used just for fun?
• Is it really just the children that are going to use it? Few teenagers and adults can resist the urge to 'have a quick bounce!'

In general you will want a trampoline able to accommodate the needs of the heaviest jumper.
• Weight limits given by trampoline companies on any given model are a guide only. The skill of a user can also be a factor, since the higher the bouncer jumps, the greater the loading on the springs.
• Bearing this in mind a jumper could be under the maximum recommended weight for a particular trampoline, but due to his adeptness could still manage to overload the springs. If in doubt buy a more robust model.
• Remember that trampolines last a long time, so you should consider your child’s age and how big they will be in 5 - 10 years time!
• Will adults use occasionally too?

Overall Size of the trampoline
• Bear in mind that a 14' round trampoline has 44% more jumping area than a 12' model making it suitable as your children grow
• Will it be too small for your growing children in 2 to 3 years time?
• Round trampolines are the most efficient in their use of space. A 14ft round trampoline provides 113 square feet of jumping surface while a 10 X 17 rectangular trampoline can yield as little as 100 square ft of jumping surface

Spare Parts
Always make sure that you are able to buy spare parts for your trampoline. Our experience shows that you may well need to buy the odd spring or pad after about five years (for a good quality trampoline). You need to make sure, therefore, that your trampoline manufacturer will still be around after that time.

Warranty
Trampoline warranties reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Mass market brands can come with overall warranties short as 90 days and not untypically 1 year maximum on the frame and 90 days on all other components. Also pay careful attention to the terms of warranty replacement.
• What is warranted
• Where is the product repaired or replaced
• Who is responsible for shipping arrangement and shipping costs
• What costs are covered
• What components are covered
• What is the warranty period for each component

Trampoline Springs
Be warned, there's a LOT of misinformation around! The bounciness of any trampoline is determined by its springs. Spring performance is dependent on many factors (the material the spring is made from, the diameter of the wire used, the diameter of the spring coil and the overall length of the spring) We do not see the number or length of springs alone as key factors however we would not recommend any trampoline with 5” or shorter springs or trampolines which use elastic or rubber bands instead of springs.

Trampoline Beds
Virtually all jump beds are now woven polypropylene mesh with a UV resistant coating which ensures the trampoline beds can withstand direct sunlight for extended periods. Because trampoline beds are made with fine mesh, water seeps through and falls onto the ground below. Make sure that the trampoline fabric is calendared (smoothed to a rounded edge). Cheap mats don’t go through this final step causing the mat surface to be very abrasive when jumped on.

Trampoline Pads
Two sorts of foam are used in pads and there are two popular shapes. Cheap budget trampolines tend to use wedge shaped trampoline pads which taper from around ¾ inch on the outside edge down to 1/5 of an inch on the inside edge. Trampoline pads are often the first trampoline component to wear out so buying a cheap trampoline and having to purchase replacement pads a year later could be “penny wise and pound foolish”. Better quality trampolines use flat pads throughout and vary slightly in thickness from 1 inch upwards.

We believe closed cell foam (sometimes called impact foam) 1 inch or thicker provide sufficient protection for children. Closed cell foam is specifically designed to absorb impact. A trampoline with 1 inch closed cell foam pads is likely to perform better than a trampoline using thicker traditional upholstery foam pads. We would not recommend buying a trampoline which doesn’t use closed cell foam pads.

Trampoline pads are usually covered in vinyl which can vary in thickness and quality. Higher quality trampoline models feature 20oz vinyl compared to budget trampolines which use lighter weight vinyl, or tarp like materials, or only partially cover the pad with vinyl leaving the underside covered with mesh. The trampoline pad should have a skirt which helps keep the padding positioned perfectly.

Trampoline Weather Covers
Trampoline covers are not designed to be waterproof! Most models include a hole or fine mesh in the center which allows water to escape down through the bed to the ground underneath. Trampoline covers are designed to minimize UV degradation to the trampoline bed and pads from direct sunlight and to keep leaves and bird droppings off the trampoline. Although trampoline covers are not necessary, they are a useful and inexpensive addition. Make sure that your weather cover can be used in conjunction with the trampoline safety enclosure.