Trampoline safety pads are essential for every trampoline owner, whether they be a child or an adult. Most trampolines for sale have safety pads with them but there are also trampoline models that do not come with the pads. In such case, you can buy an affordable safety pads which can be sold separately in sporting goods stores.
What They Are
Essentially a trampoline pad is a trampoline spring cover that is often made of polyethylene foam or vinyl. It is usually used to cover around the springs and frame. As long as they are attached in the right manner, these safety pads are great at preventing injuries that would normally come with any physical activity. Since safety pads mostly do the work of covering springs, frames and other hard trampoline surface, the jumper is properly protected from getting himself or herself hit or caught against these hard trampoline parts.
Aside from this, pads can also remind kids to keep away from the edge of the trampoline. With pads properly in place, young kids and toddlers are able to consciously keep themselves on the center of the trampoline. Not only do pads cover up hard metallic trampoline parts, they also help prevent kids from venturing and jumping too near the edge.
Trampolines should ideally have pads when you buy them. Some however only have covers. In this case, you may have to shop for a pad on your own. Some manufacturers sell pads that readily fit the models that they sell.
Measuring and Installing
Since there are different trampoline sizes, it can only be expected that pads come in different sizes. If you are buying your safety pads from another trampoline manufacturer, you might want to make sure that you are getting the pad size. You can try manually running a measuring tape from one outer edge of your trampoline to the other. Trampolines with irregular shapes should be measure point to point.
Tips to Remember
When shopping for safety pads and using them, there are important tips to remember:
Since pads come in different colors, it can be a good idea to buy those that contrast greatly with the color of the trampoline mat. This way, it is easier for young users to see the boundary of the mat and the edge of the trampoline. It makes it easier for them to stay always at the center of the trampoline mat.
Safety pads are made of sturdy and durable material. With frequent use though, you can only expect them to fray and thin or tear so you might want to regularly check if these pads are still in place, doing what theyre supposed to do. Another thing, since these pads cover trampoline springs and other small parts, it is likely that you will miss checking up on these small, crucial parts, too. Do not forget to check regularly if these small, crucial spring parts are still good and working.
You can use pads with safety nets. Trampolines with nets can provide additional protection against accidental falls from trampolines. Do make sure though to continue to keep a close watch over young users even with pads and nets in place. Remember that other kinds of accidents can happen in a trampoline despite safety equipment and precautions.
With pads on, kids enjoy the experience more and moms feel more secured knowing their kids are protected. With all these advantages and safety benefits, trampoline safety pads are definitely must-haves.