How to Store Trampoline in Winter?

The snowy season is almost here, and one of the problems you need to deal with is how to store trampoline in winter. Depending on what type of trampoline you have, you can move it indoors, store it inside the garage or stockroom as it is, or dismantle it before putting it away.

The winter season exposes the trampoline to the elements, which can lead to deterioration and breakage. Freezing temperatures can make the frames, springs, and jumping mats brittle enough to break with one tap.

If you fail to store your trampoline properly, you may need to have it repaired or replaced when the winter season is over. To store your trampoline properly, you need to clean it and possibly disassemble it before putting it in a safe and temperature-controlled storage area.

How to Store Trampoline in Winter

Here, we will discuss how you can begin the process of storing your trampoline step by step. You may follow it completely or skip some steps if they are unnecessary.

1. Consider the current season and forecasted dates of the first snowfall.

Store your trampoline a week or two before the temperatures drop significantly. This will give you enough time to disassemble and move your trampoline comfortably without dealing with snowfall, snow storms or freezing temperatures.

By the end of the fall, the ground is already starting to become harder. You will notice that lakes and ponds are developing sheets of ice as the temperatures drop.

Depending on where you live, you need to check the weather reports and forecasts for snow and drops in temperatures. 

Due to climate change, the time when winter begins, and ends have been inconsistent for the past few years. In this case, you’ll need to look at the forecasts daily to find out when winter will begin.

2. Check the trampoline if it needs maintenance before storage

Winter can last between three and four months. A trampoline, like any other equipment, can deteriorate when not in use. Before you store it, ensure that you perform the proper maintenance tasks to keep it in great shape once you’re ready to take it out again.

Whether it’s rust, breaks, scratches on the frames or loose safety pads, or warped jumping mats, note down all the issues that need to be addressed.

If you notice any rusty parts, add a rust remover and sand it off. Add a fresh coat of weather-proof paint to seal it. Do the same for scratches.

If the frames or springs are broken, have it fixed by a metal repair service? If you neglect to do this, the breaks may worsen during storage, especially if the trampoline accidentally gets moved around.

Lastly, check the jumping mat to see if it’s still sturdy and if the weaves are still tight. If not, it is best to replace it with a new jumping mat. You may opt to do it before storing the trampoline or before you bring it out again after winter.

3. Disassemble the trampoline if you need to

If your trampoline is too big for your storage area, disassemble the parts. If you don’t have a manual, use a notebook to write down where each part goes. Assign a code or label on the parts and store them in airtight ziplock bags. Label the bags for easy identification.

When disassembling a trampoline, start by removing the springs. Lift the safety pad and remove the springs one by one, but leave at least one spring on four sides of the trampoline. This will give allow you to remove the springs without the elastic mat snapping over to the other side.

Since all the springs are the same, you can store them without labelling each one. Just ensure that you label the box you’re storing it in for easy access.

Next, if your trampoline has a safety enclosure with poles, remove those next. Unscrew each pole one by one and set them aside. Next, remove the safety pad and its cover. Make sure the safety pad and cover are clean and dry before folding it and storing it in a box.

Next, remove the jumping mat by removing the last four springs. Ensure that you don’t rip it while doing so. Spread out the mat, fold it in half, and store it in a box. 

If your frame is weatherproof and secured on the ground with a trampoline anchor kit, you won’t need to disassemble it. If, however, you do not have an anchor kit and the frame is not winter-proof, it is best to disassemble it and store it with the rest of the parts of the trampoline.

There are many tutorials on YouTube on how to remove jumping mats from trampolines. Find the best one with good comments and reviews. Here is one example:

4. Choose the ideal storage space for the trampoline

Trampolines and their parts must be stored in a clean and dry place. This ensures that it will not get dirty or develop any rust during winter.

Because of the temperature, moisture may accumulate in some areas of the house, so it is best to store the trampoline away from areas that get moist during winter. These include areas that have non-insulated walls, like near a window, the garage door, or the shed entrance.

Not everyone has a shed or a garage for storing their trampoline, so we will discuss four options for where you can store your trampoline, whether you have the space or not.

1. Garage

Store the trampoline on a high shelf or an elevated area. You may put a box underneath it so that any ground moisture will not seep in through the storage box of the trampoline.

Place the trampoline in the farthest part of the garage and out of reach of the children. The trampoline parts are heavy and may injure someone if it falls on them.

2. Storage Shed or Room

Ensure that the storage room is well-ventilated to prevent mold and moisture from coming in during winter.

As a hack, you can place an open box of silica packets in the room or a bucket of charcoal to absorb the moisture in the air. Lastly, lock the storage room so the children can’t access the trampoline parts.

3. Outdoor Area

If you don’t have any space inside your house, you have no choice but to keep the trampoline outside. You can choose to disassemble the trampoline or not since you’re keeping it outside anyway. 

In this case, you will need to get a winter-proof cover for the trampoline or the storage boxes you’re keeping them in. Place the trampoline in an enclosed area, like the side of the house. 

Lay down the cover on the ground, place the trampoline or the trampoline storage boxes on top and cover the rest.

It’s good if your cover has a zipper, but if not, you can keep the trampoline safe by using weights like sandbags, large locks, or anchoring stakes designed to keep tarps on the ground.

4. Storage Services

It may be an additional expense, but depending on the value of your trampoline, it may be worth it to invest in a storage warehouse.

Some storage solutions allow you to store your trampoline with other items instead of renting one unit. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding space to store your trampoline for several months.

How Would You Store Your Trampoline?

We’ve covered the easy ways to store a trampoline. The easiest would be just to bring a 3’x3’ inside, wouldn’t it? However, for safety and to prolong the life of your trampoline, we recommend you store if as instructed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the trampoline be left out in winter?

Yes, but your trampoline needs to have winter-proof materials, a weather-proof cover, and a trampoline anchor kit.

How do I keep my trampoline from rusting?

You can use a rust-proof coating on the metal parts of your trampoline, like the frame and springs, or you can use rust-proof paint on the frames.

Can you roll a trampoline on its side?

Some trampoline models can be rolled on their sides. Trampolines with assembled frames, however, cannot be rolled. Their mats, safety pads, and mesh enclosures can be folded.