The fact that you are looking for a trampoline with enclosure
and not just any trampoline alone means you have already decided that safety for you and your family is very important. You are quite right, anyone using a trampoline needs assurance that all the precaution possible have been taken to ensure hours of fun without danger.
The Trampoline
Besides enclosures there are other aspects to deal with to ensure safety. Dealing first of all with the trampoline itself, trampolines come in various sizes so we will look at trampolines from 8ft diameter which it can be assumed is for the kids up to 15ft diameter for all the family.
The Trampoline Frame
As the trampoline will probably spend most of its time outside it is important to select one that will stand up to the harsh weather and withstand the use it will get. Many trampoline frames are manufactured using galvanised steel, but after careful research I am convinced that paying that little bit extra to ensure that it is Hot Galvanised i.e. galvanised both inside and out, and the box joints at the top of each leg are extra strong, this will ensure a long life for the frame.
The Springs and Safety pads
As the springs are the things that make the whole thing work make sure they are made of high quality fully galvanised steel.
Moving on to the safety pad, in terms of safety, it is an extremely vital piece of equipment being the section that sits over the frame and springs around the perimeter of the trampoline giving protection to anyone bouncing onto the area. The pad needs to be made of dead cell polyethylene foam and be encased all round by UV resistant re-enforced PVC.
As you can see it is a very important bit of kit which can prevent nasty injuries so choose 30 mm foam.
Trampoline enclosure or Safety net
A trampoline enclosure or safety net as it is also called is essentially a net that surrounds the trampoline and prevents you and the kids from falling off potentially preventing serious injury. Accidents on trampolines are rare, it is the falling on the outer frame or the ground that causes injury. This is why you should take care in selecting the enclosure for your trampoline.
Do enclosures differ?
The answer is yes they do particularly in quality. Most enclosures available in the mid to upper range will prevent both adults and children from falling to the ground although not all are able to prevent you falling onto the outer rail. The outer rail is the steel rail around the frame to which the springs are attached. Although this part of the frame and springs should be covered by the safety pads as mentioned earlier, it is the hardest part of the trampoline on which to fall and can be painful.
It is therefore recommended you acquire an enclosure whose nets hang inside the perimeter rail so that the chance of actually falling onto the outside rail is reduced to the minimum. Many of the budget enclosures 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 almost inevitable, and also increases the chance of a collision with the metal safety net poles themselves.
Safety net recommendation
Having concluded that the safest enclosures are those whose nets are held off the enclosure, my research came up with the following: one provider stated that their favourite is the Bazoongi Safety Net, not only for its safety features but also value for money and the fact that it blends in well with almost any back yard.
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. This model is held away from the outer rail and actually comes inside the pads which increases safety. With good quality black netting it helps to blend into any back yard.
The Jumpking Safety Net is very similar to the Bazoongi. If you are looking to spend a little less there was also a recommendation for the Proline Safety Net. The vertical poles on this are not joined together at the top but it has most of the features of the others with a good quality net green in colour that blends in nicely with a lawn and greenery in the back yard. With prices for all these starting at $60.00 up to $119.50 they are excellent value.
I hope this article has been of help whether you are considering a trampoline with enclosure included or to purchase separately.
Happy bouncing!