Trampolines are a tremendous source of exercise and endless hours of fun. It is hard to find a child, or adult, that has not used a trampoline at one point or other and had a great time doing it. That being said, trampolines are pricy if you get a good model and a good brand. Since they are expensive, it is important that you do what you can to protect your investment and make sure your trampoline provides fun and exercise for your family for years to come.
The best way to store your trampoline in the winter is to take it apart including the poles, protective netting, jumping mat, spring pad, springs, and frame. Once disassembled, placing the parts in a dry location will ensure the trampoline remains in top shape for the next season. The best trampoline storage locations are in a garage, shed, or basement.
Caring for a trampoline in fair weather is simple, but taking a few minutes to learn just how to care for your trampoline during the cold winters can extend its life by years. Knowing how to properly care for your trampoline when the weather turns cold and nasty can help you prevent breakage, rusting springs, cracked padding, and damaged frames caused by snow and ice.
Can You Use a Trampoline in the Winter?
When it comes to using your trampoline in the winter, the answer is, yes. You certainly can use a trampoline in the winter and it can be a great source of exercise. However, it is not recommended to use a trampoline in the winter because it can potentially become a health concern.
Using a trampoline in the winter can be dangerous, especially in cold climates. In the cold, water on your trampoline can freeze making the trampoline super slippery. It is even possible that the water freezes and you have ice, this is a no-no in the trampoline world.
Furthermore, in snowy locations, your trampoline is most dangerous. Snow and trampolines do not mix, snow makes a trampoline extremely slippery and dangerous to use.
The only time a trampoline should be used in the winter is in warmer climate locations that are very unlikely to see snowfall. Then it doesn’t matter, you can leave the trampoline in place and it can remain in regular use.
Will Snow Ruin a Trampoline?
Snow itself will not necessarily ruin a trampoline but rather, the conditions that the snow is falling. If you live in an area where it gets very cold and stays cold and snow tends to hang around after it falls, it can ruin a trampoline. Trampolines are under constant tension from the springs and the bounce mat. When copious amounts of snowfall are not removed, it can put stress on the mat, on the frame, and on the springs.
Trampolines are not designed to have constant, heavyweight on the bounce mat. They are designed to be tough certainly, and they are designed to hold people while they are bouncing, but when not in use it is best to remove all items from your trampoline to make sure that it is not going to have to support any added or unnecessary weight. If you live in an area where it snows, and you leave the snow on your trampoline all winter, it can certainly ruin your trampoline.
It can also affect the pads that are around the frame, it can rust and warp the springs, it can cause cracks in unprotected bounce mats, and it can bend the frame if the weight gets too overly heavy. If you are not going to be using your trampoline during the winter, it is best to winterize it and make sure that you are removing snow and ice when it is safe to do so to better protect your trampoline.
What Happens if I Leave my Trampoline Out in the Winter?
Trampolines are designed to be outdoor toys, they are designed to be able to withstand weather, leaving your trampoline out all winter does not automatically mean that it is going to be ruined and never be usable again. If you do it year after year you are likely to see the trampoline only last so long.
If stored properly every winter your trampoline will last a long time, that’s why we created the storage guide below.
However, if a trampoline is left out in the winter unprotected you can begin to see rust, mildew growth, bent frames, bent poles, ripped materials, and even more. Consider storage if you want your trampoline to remain in great condition.
How to Properly Store a Trampoline in the Winter (Detailed Guide)
1. Take off and Store the Protective Net, Jump Mat, and Spring Padding
The first step to winterizing a trampoline is to take off the jump mat, spring padding, and any safety nets, then store it in your garage, shed, or in the home where it is going to remain dry, and stay somewhat warm. Though the rest of the trampoline is sturdier and can withstand winter weather with proper protection, the padding is a bit more delicate and is susceptible to dry rot, mold, and cracking if left out in extreme weather conditions.
2. Pack Away the Springs
Secondly, the springs are the essence of the trampoline, they must be properly cared for in the winter. This means proper storage in a dry location. Placing them inside your garage or shed will prevent them from rust or any other damages. If left in the damp over the winter they can begin to lose strength and potentially rust, eventually ending in failure.
Overall the springs hold the jumping mat, keeping them in good condition is critical! You can store the springs with the net, mat, and pad all in a dry area.
3. Dissasemble the Frame (If You Have Storage Space)
Now, taking apart your trampoline metal frame is always the recommended option. If you have a place you can store it to keep it dry your trampoline is guaranteed to last longer. The best places to store the frame are in your garage, shed, or basement.
However, not everyone has the space so keeping your trampoline frame pieced together is still an option for the winter. You do risk potential damages such as rust and cracks in the frame.
4. Protect the Frame if Left Outside
The most important part of protecting the frame if left outside is to make sure it is not left directly on the ground. You should not leave the metal directly on grass or soil. This can cause the metal to corrode, making your trampoline unsafe to use.
I recommend placing pieces of pressure-treated wood under each trampoline leg. This keeps direct contact from the ground making corrosion less likely. Other options are to place the trampoline on bricks, concrete blocks, tarps, or anything that can hold it off the ground. Just make whatever you use can’t rot and be a threat to your trampoline.
You can also buy a trampoline cover that you place over the entire trampoline, but the snow will likely just tear that down. You can wrap up the frame with tarp, this can keep it dry reducing chances of rust and corrosion.
5. Tie it Down
Although your trampoline no longer has the jump mat assembled, you should tie down your frame. The wind is unlikely to pick up your frame, but tieing it down can keep the frame in place and up onto your supported surface, wood, or stone. This ensures your trampoline doesn’t slide onto grass or soil being at risk for corrosion.
6. Keep an Eye on It
The last thing you need to do when winterizing your trampoline is to check it ever so often. Especially after winter storms, take the time to look at the frame to ensure it is still in good condition. Look at whether or not it has fallen off its support barrier.
Winter Trampoline FAQs
How much snow can my trampoline hold?
In theory, it can hold as much snow as equals the weight limit of the trampoline. That being said, leaving snow on your trampoline can cause added stress and strain and can cause damage. Removing it when possible is the best idea.
Can you store a trampoline on its side?
This is not an ideal storage method as it can cause damage to the frame and can cause it to be structurally unsound. If the frame is damaged while it is on its side it can become unsafe to use and can even lead to serious injury.
Can I just cover my trampoline in the winter?
Find a cover that will work for your trampoline. Trampoline covers do not protect trampolines in harsh winter climates, only mild winters that might see snow a few times a year. If you are not intending to use it during the winter months, a trampoline cover is a great option that will protect the bounce pad, the springs, and even the frame to a certain extent from direct contact with ice and snow, and unnecessary moisture. Covers are a great way to prevent sun fading of the bounce mat as well and can be used all year long.
Even if you are using a cover, you do need to periodically remove the snow and ice that has built up on the bounce mat. As we discussed earlier, this added weight can wreak havoc on your trampoline. When it is safe to do so, remove as much excess snow and ice from the bounce mat as possible. This will also keep extra moisture off of your trampoline. Using a broom or a leaf blower is the best option for removal. Shovels can cause tears and the excess heat from a snowblower can melt the bounce mat.
Trampoline anchors are also a great idea. If you do not already have them on your trampoline when it is in use, these anchors can keep your trampoline firmly rooted to the area you want it. Instead of worrying that a winter wind will blow it over, anchors can help secure your trampoline to its spot and help you be certain that it is not going to move. You want to make sure to install the anchors when it is warm and the ground is pliable enough to do so.
How long do trampolines typically last?
On average, trampolines last around three to eight years. If you are taking very good care of your trampoline, it can last longer. With normal use, and proper care they are sure to last for years and you can replace parts as they become damaged making them last even longer.
Final Thoughts
A trampoline is a great thing, with proper care and consideration it can be part of your backyard for years to come and can provide endless fun and exercise.
Read our related post “50 Items NOT To Store in Your Outdoor Shed This Winter” here.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.