How Long Do Trampolines Last? [Know Before You Invest]

One of the first questions that people ask me when they are buying a new trampoline is how long it would last. And it always bugs me. I mean, I get it. A trampoline is a big investment. But the truth is there is no straight answer to this question. It all depends on the user and the quality of the trampoline.

Still, I’ll try to walk you through it.

How Long Do Trampolines Last?

Some trampolines can last you two years, while some can go up to 10 years without any signs of damage. I have even seen affordable models lasting for up to 5 years just because their owner was careful with how he used them. And I have seen expensive models break down after one year just because of sheer oversight.

So, as you can see, how long your trampoline will last depends largely on you. If you maintain your trampoline, limit the number of people jumping on it, and keep it away from rain and snow, your trampoline can last you a good long while. While I cannot give you an exact time frame, I can certainly make an educated guess.

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And that is exactly what I will try to do in this article. And as a bonus, I will also leave you with a couple of tips here and there to help you get the most use out of your trampoline for the longest time.

Average Life of a Trampoline

Most trampolines out there these days tend to last quite a while. Even if you go with an affordable model, you should expect it to last at least a good few years before you need to bother with replacements. And the best 12 ft trampoline should last you anywhere from 3 to 8 years easily.

This, however, depends a lot on how well you maintain your trampoline and how frequently you take care of it. A trampoline, as most people who own one should know, consists of three main components; the frame, the springs, and the jumping mat.

To help paint a clearer picture of the overall durability of average trampolines, let me break down the components and tackle each of them individually.

How Long Does the Trampoline Frame Last?

Trampoline frames can either be made from aluminum or steel. Needless to say, a steel frame will last you much longer than an aluminum frame. However, if you are shopping on a budget, you might not be able to pick up a trampoline with a steel frame.

Does that mean aluminum frames are a bad investment? Not necessarily. If you are buying a trampoline for your toddler, for instance, an aluminum-framed trampoline can be a decent option. A trampoline with an aluminum frame should be able to handle the weight of one kid jumping on it without any issues.

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If you ask me, though, I would always recommend going with steel frames if you can afford them. These frames are designed to take a beating and can also survive rain or snow without breaking a sweat. So, if you plan on leaving your trampoline out in the rain, a steel frame trampoline should be your obvious choice.

On average, if you stay within the maximum weight capacity of the trampoline, its frame should last for three years at the minimum. But going over the weight limitation of the trampoline can bring down its durability quite a bit.

You also want to make sure nobody is bumping into the frame while jumping. Not only will it hurt the person that gets bumped, but it might also damage the frame. And if the frame of your trampoline gets damaged, you need to replace the entire trampoline, which can be quite costly.

How Long Do Trampoline Springs Last?

In many cases, the springs are the first to die on a trampoline. Thankfully, replacing the springs is pretty easy and also quite affordable compared to the rest of the components. Typically, a nice set of trampoline springs should last you for at least one year.

This, however, begs the question; why exactly do springs get damaged? Well, the truth is they don’t, at least, not frequently. Unless you are doing something wrong, like going over the weight limit of the trampoline or being extremely careless with the springs, it too should last you a good long while.

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Here are a couple of reasons why your springs might be getting damaged:

1. You are not using a spring cover to protect the spring from rain and sunlight.
2. You are not checking for rust
3. You are not oiling the springs from time to time

As you can see, all of the three reasons why a trampoline spring gets damaged can be avoided if you are careful with it. Spring covers, I believe, are an essential investment for any trampoline owner. Not only does it protect the springs against the weather, but it also limits access to it, preventing accidents.

Springs do not just get rusty overnight. It is often a result of negligence on the user’s part. So, if you check for rust every now and then and apply a dash of WD-40 if you notice any rust, your spring will remain functional for a longer period. And if a couple of springs do get rusty, you can easily get a replacement set from your trampoline manufacturer.

How Long Does a Trampoline Mat Last?

Similar to the springs, a trampoline mat is also quite sensitive. So you want to treat it with care if you want to make it last for a good long while. And in the event that you need to replace your mats, make sure you are getting one from the same manufacturer that made your trampoline to avoid any compatibility issues.

Trampoline mats are extremely vulnerable to the weather. If you keep it outside all the time, the UV rays from the Sun or the occasional rainwater and snow can easily damage it. How long it will survive, though, depends entirely on the brand and how well they make their trampoline mats.

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Some brands, for instance, use high-strength synthetic materials for their jumping mat, which is extremely durable and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. If you want to get the most out of your mat, I would recommend going with this type of jumping mat.

However, going with a trampoline cover should offer decent protection against the elements. So, if you do not take apart your trampoline every day, this is a good way to keep it protected. And trampoline covers are not that expensive either, so you really have no excuse for not getting one.

One of the earliest signs of damage you will find on the trampoline mat is one or two small holes on the surface. If you notice a hole in the trampoline mat, you should patch it up immediately. That way, you will be able to get a few more months of use out of it without worries.

You also want to make sure you are limiting the number of people using the trampoline to one or two people. Some trampolines are designed to handle more people, but most backyard models can typically handle up to two persons. With more people bouncing on the mat, it starts to wear out faster.

How Long Do Mini Trampolines Last?

Mini trampolines, or rebounders, are smaller versions of trampolines that are mostly designed for workouts. They do not allow you to jump as high as a regular trampoline and can be used inside your upstairs, home, or even in the basement. Rebounders are only designed to handle the weight of a single person.

In normal conditions, a mini trampoline lasts you anywhere from three to eight years. You do not want to leave these trampolines outside, though, as they are not designed to withstand heat or cold all that well.

How Long Do Springfree Trampolines Last?

If you have been looking at different trampoline brands, the name Springfree should be pretty familiar. They are one of the leading trampoline manufacturers in the industry and have plenty of great options for you to look through. The thing that makes them unique is the massive weight capacity of their trampolines.

Another great thing about this brand is that instead of using traditional steel springs, they use composite rods to produce the elastic effect. This results in better bounce and also greater durability for the trampoline

However, these trampolines are not cheap. In fact, these are some of the most expensive trampolines out there. However, they do offer the quality to match the price, so that is not really a bad thing.

Most Springfree trampoline models last you easily up to 10 years under ideal conditions. These trampolines require pretty minimal maintenance and, because of their greater weight capacity, are not that susceptible to damage.

How Long Does a Trampoline Last in The Sun?

If you keep your trampoline out in the sun all the time without any weather cover, it will last you two to three years at best. You might be thinking that a trampoline is an outdoor toy, and sunlight should have no impact on it, right? Well, unfortunately, it is not as simple as that.

The UV rays from the sun are a common culprit in damaging the jumping mat of your trampoline. While most trampoline mats have some level of UV ray resistance, it cannot protect the mat indefinitely. So, if you keep it out in the sun all the time, it will gradually start to wear out.

However, if you use a trampoline cover or bring it under shade when the heat gets too high, you can counteract the issues of the UV rays. You will drastically increase the lifespan of the jumping mat, which will, in turn, enhance the durability of your trampoline.

How Long Do Trampolines Last Outside?

Keeping your trampoline outside all the time is not advisable. Any harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, blizzard, or tornados can wreak havoc on the trampoline.

Unfortunately, I cannot give you a straight answer here. What I can tell you, though, is that you should not test your trampoline’s durability against heavy storms and should bring it back inside if the weather gets bad. However, under clear weather, the trampoline should not face any major durability issues.

How Often Should You Replace Your Trampoline

Replacing your entire trampoline is somewhat of a rarity unless you are looking to upgrade. If only the jumping mat or the spring gets damaged, you only have to worry about replacing those components. The only scenario when you might have to worry about replacing your entire trampoline is if the frame is damaged.

As I already said, the frame is typically the strongest part of the trampoline, and it should not crack or dent if you are careful with it. A trampoline frame should last you at least a couple of years under proper maintenance. But the mat or the spring might require replacing a lot sooner than that.

You do not need to replace your trampoline if it is working well. Check the different sections of the frame and look for cracks or dents on the metal. If there are none, your trampoline is good to go. However, if you do see any issues in the trampoline frame, you need to replace it immediately.

Now That We’re Here

A trampoline, even an affordable one, is durable enough to last you a couple of years if you take care of it. So, for those planning to buy a new trampoline, my only advice is to inspect and maintain it from time to time.

I hope I could give you a general idea of the durability of an average trampoline and helped nudge you in the right direction if you are thinking of buying one for yourself. Cheers!