Trampolines have become a must for many families over the last few years with kids and parents enjoying endless hours of fun and exercise but with such a rise in popularity it is inevitable although rare that there is a rise in accidents. Trampoline enclosures were created as added accessory in order to prevent acquiring injuries while having fun.
I always stress the importance of having a few ground rules agreed with the kids. For example, only use the trampoline under the supervision of an adult. Only bounce in the centre of the mat and climb on and off using the ladders fitted to the frame.
But no matter how careful and conscientious you all may be the most common accident is – falling off. The only way to deal with this particular problem is to fit an enclosure or safety net.
What is a trampoline enclosure?
A trampoline enclosure or safety net is essentially a net that surrounds the trampoline and prevents you or the kids falling off the trampoline so preventing potentially serious injury.
How does a safety net work?
As stated the safety net is there to ensure that you or the kids do not fall off the trampoline. Having a safety net does not mean that you can ignore other safety measures like ensuring your trampoline is situated in a position away from trees, shrubs and other garden fixtures and fittings.
It should also be on soft ground like on long grass or sand or playground. Accidents on the equipment itself are rare; it is falling on the outer frame or the ground that causes injury.
Benefits of a Safety net
Obviously ensuring no one falls of is the primary aim so I think everyone will agree that is a great benefit. But there are also other benefits that do not spring readily to mind. Watching your kids having fun bouncing and running round the bounce mat showing no fear can be a bit of a nightmare as your stress levels soar and you are forever shouting to them to take it easy and be careful. This is no good for you and can also spoil the kids fun.
With a safety net fitted although an adult should always be present you can sit back in a chair and relax until they wear themselves out. Another plus is that you or the kids can do more on your trampoline, and providing you with the confidence to extend your expertise.
Do enclosures differ?
There are different trampoline enclosures particularly in quality. Most of the safety nets available in the mid and upper range will prevent both adults and children from falling to the ground although not all are able to prevent you from falling on to the outer rail of the frame.
The outer rail is the steel rail all around the frame to which the springs are attached. Although this part of the frame and the springs should be covered by trampoline pads it is the hardest part of the trampoline on which to fall and can be painful. It is therefore recommended you acquire safety nets that hang inside the perimeter rail so that the chance of falling onto the outer rail is much reduced.
Many of the budget nets available are not often constructed in this way indeed most of these feature the net hanging onto the vertical enclosure poles making a fall onto the outer rail inevitable, it also increases the chance of hitting the safety net metal poles.
Safety net recommendations
It is clear then that best and safest enclosures are those whose nets are held off the enclosures. While researching enclosures there were a few that stood out with one provider stating that their favourite safety net is Bazoongi Safety Net, not only for safety features but for value for money and the fact that it blends in well with gardens.
The frame of this particular net looks very much like a series of upside down “U”s, providing greater strength and in turn preventing the vertical poles from bending inwards over time. The net is held away from the outer rail and actually comes inside the padding which increases safety and at the same time protects the pads. The quality of the netting is also good and is not as rough as many others. The colour is black which will help it blend into any back yard without being too imposing.
The Jumpking Safety Net is very similar to the Bazoongi. If you are looking to spend less I found recommendations for the Proline Safety Net. The vertical poles are not joined at the top but it has most of the features of the others and is a strong enclosure with a very good quality net and is coloured green to fit in nicely with a lawn and flora.
Compatibility
There are of course many sizes and many designs but I have concentrated on 12-ft and 14-ft outdoor trampolines with standard leg construction, ie 8 vertical legs. The prices are as follows, Bazoongi 14ft from $119.50, Jumpking 12ft $115.99 on offer at amazon.com for $88.08. Proline and other from $60.00.
Happy Bouncing!