Sometimes you just need more bounce. No, I’m not talking about those great-smelling dryer sheets. I’m talking about your trampoline. Whether it’s brand new and not as bouncy as you’d like, or old and losing its bounciness, then this is the article for you. There are several things you can do to make your trampoline bouncier, and I’ve included six tried-and-true methods that will help you optimize your trampoline’s bounciness. Let’s jump in!
Before You Make Your Trampoline Bouncier
It’s important that you consider the possible consequences of making your trampoline bouncier. The higher you can bounce on it, the more likely someone will get hurt. Trampolines are already fairly dangerous, but when they’re extra bouncy, they can be even more dangerous. Luckily, there are a few things you can check to ensure everyone’s safety while using the trampoline.
If you don’t already have an enclosure net, then it’s a good time to get one. The taller the net, the more safety it will provide on an extra-bouncy trampoline. You can find safety nets in different sizes on Amazon. A good place to start is with an enclosure kit with poles included. Or, if you already have poles, you can purchase a replacement net. Check to make sure they’re compatible with your trampoline before you purchase!
It’s also important to have a spring pad around your trampoline when you make it bouncier. This will prevent anyone from falling into the springs and getting injured. Of course, these pads are good to have even if you don’t plan on making your trampoline bouncier. But the chances someone will fall into the springs increases as bounciness does.
You can find all three items mentioned above in the table below!
1. Play With Spring Configurations
The springs on your trampoline are the main components that provide bounce. So if you’re looking to make your trampoline bouncier, it only makes sense that you start with the springs. Simply shifting the springs can give you that added bounce you’re looking for. Here are four configurations you can use.
The V Configuration
The V spring configuration is an excellent way to add some extra bounce to your trampoline. All you need is a spring puller (or another spring) in order to rearrange the springs. Pick three springs that are next to each other and completely remove them. Set one spring aside, as you won’t be needing it. You’ll have three empty triangle rings and three empty holes on the trampoline frame.
Put the hooks of two springs in the middle triangle ring attached to the trampoline mat. Then stretch those two springs to the holes on the frame on either side of the hole directly across from the triangle ring you put the two spring hooks in. This will create an inverted V shape from your point of view. Move to the next three springs in line and repeat. You’ll notice that you don’t use every hole, nor every triangle ring, which is why you’ll have extra springs left over when you’re done.
Note: You can also do this with two springs sharing a hole on the trampoline frame instead of on the triangle rings, but this is generally more difficult, as the holes on the trampoline frame are smaller.
The W Configuration
The W configuration is similar to the V configuration, but with one major difference: You’re using all three springs. Essentially, you do the same things as the V configuration, but instead of leaving the third spring off the trampoline, you place it in the middle of the V. This means that three springs will be attached to one triangle ring on the trampoline mat, leading to three different holes on the frame.
The X Configuration
The X spring configuration is another great option that puts more tension on the springs and results in a higher bounce. The nice thing about this option is that you aren’t skipping any rings or holes, which places less stress on the trampoline mat and the frame (although it still stresses the springs).
To do this, simply pull two springs out of the rungs on the frame and then reattach them in their opposite holes. This means the springs will be crossed in an X when you’re done. Repeat all around the trampoline.
The Double X Configuration
Similar to the X configuration, you can do this by pulling four springs out of the holes on the frame, leaving them attached to the mat. Take the outside right spring and pull it across to the frame, skipping two holes instead of one. Do the same with the next spring in line, skipping two holes and attaching it to the frame. This will give you a pattern that looks like this //.
Then, pull the other two springs over the first two, skipping two holes for each respective spring. This will give you a double X pattern, as if each line of the X has two arms instead of just one.
A Warning About Spring Configurations
Play with spring configurations at your own risk. Doing any of the above can cause the springs and other pieces of the trampoline to wear down quicker or even break, especially if the trampoline is older. Make sure you place a mat over the springs if you try any of the above.
2. Stay on Top of Frame Maintenance
Believe it or not, frame maintenance is important for the bounciness of your trampoline. Besides the obvious reasons of safety and longevity, bounciness is another great reason to stay on top of frame maintenance.
Loose hardware anywhere on the trampoline will affect bounce by absorbing the force of a jump, which will disperse some of the kinetic energy that bounce generates. While it may not be much, keeping your trampoline in good working order can certainly help keep it bouncy. If you haven’t done maintenance in a while, ensure everything is tight and that the frame doesn’t move much (if at all) when someone is jumping on it. You’ll probably notice a difference.
3. Add More Springs
Another option to help make your trampoline bouncier is to add springs. Luckily, spring replacement kits are pretty cheap, and you don’t even need to add that many springs to add some bounce. You can purchase inexpensive springs and add them at regular intervals around the trampoline, doubling up the springs in some places but not others.
While putting two springs where one was before, you can add some tension and bounce to the trampoline. But keep in mind that this is likely to wear down the springs quicker than otherwise. But since springs are so cheap, this isn’t an issue for most people. Plus, it still takes a while to wear down the springs.
4. Get Heavy Duty Springs
Not all trampoline springs are created equal. So one way to add bounce to your trampoline is by getting high-performance, heavy duty springs. High tensile springs that are made from galvanized steel are the best option.
You can start with a pack of 20, placing them evenly around the trampoline, and see how it feels. If you like the bounce you’re getting, you can buy more springs and add them all around the trampoline. As an added bonus, these springs hold up better in the elements and will generally last longer, making them worth the slightly higher price tag.
5. Replace Old Springs
Replacing trampoline springs is essential for making your trampoline bouncier if the springs are showing signs of age. These signs include rust, discoloration, stretched springs, loose attachment, and visible bending or warping.
For older trampolines, replacing the springs is often all it takes to revive the trampoline’s bounce. For those that want to maximize their bounce, heavy duty springs are the way to go. But for those on a budget, regular springs will do the trick.
Making Your In-Ground Trampoline Bouncier
Not everyone has an in-ground trampoline, but those that do often have issues with bounciness. If you’ve just installed your trampoline in the ground or the middle of a deck and the trampoline seems to have lost its bounciness, this is most likely an air flow problem.
When trampolines are placed level with the ground, there’s nowhere for the air to escape when someone bounces on it. This can make the trampoline less bouncy, but it’s fairly easy to fix. Simply raise the trampoline a few inches over the ground, allowing some room for the air to escape.
In Conclusion
I hope one of these six things to make your trampoline bouncier works well for you. If you do nothing else, staying on top of maintenance can help your trampoline stay safe and bouncy. But even then, you’ll probably need to replace the springs before too long, especially if they look a little worse for wear. Otherwise, if you’re feeling daring, you can try one of the spring configurations listed above. Just remember to keep everyone safe with an enclosure net and a spring pad!