About Trampoline Safety Pads

Trampoline safety pads are a great way to avoid accidents and injuries resulting from high impact falls and blows to the body from landing after a jump. Not every jump results in a proper and safe landing, and safety pads assist in providing cushioning for the fall. Most outdoor trampoline safety pads need to be changed out every one to two years due to weather damage, friction and excessive use.

Function

Trampoline safety pads are used for protecting trampoline users from injury while jumping and flipping on a trampoline. The trampoline safety pad protects body parts such as fingers and toes from getting pinched in-between the springs and hooks and provides a decorative accent while concealing the metal base. Trampoline pads can be used on trampolines that are located both indoors and outdoors.

Features

Most trampoline safety pads are made from polyethylene foam covered plastic or vinyl that provides cushion and comfort at the same time--the cover is designed to withstand repeated use as well survive a season of weather elements. When a trampoline user jumps and falls on their side or leg, the safety pad prevents landing directly on metal. Some trampoline safety pads consist of a plastic skirting that fits under the pad to provide added cushion and safety grips when climbing on and dismounting from the trampoline.

Considerations

Trampoline safety pads come in different sizes and the trampoline should be measured properly before ordering and purchasing. A round trampoline can be measured by recording the full length of the trampoline all of the way across from the outside edge to the exact opposite side. Octagon-, hexagon- and polygon-shaped trampolines should be measured from each point and then across from side to side. Having the measurements available before ordering a pad assists in customer service.

Warning

For many children who use a trampoline, the safety pad sets up a visual boundary to prevent them from nearing the edge and accidentally falling off. If the pad is not secured properly or is left loose, small children could get their head or body parts caught in the pad, and choking and injury could occur. If the trampoline pad is frayed or slipping off, fingers and body parts could be pinched or sliced in the coils.

Effects

The effects of having a trampoline safety pad attached to a trampoline decreases the odds of injury to those using the trampoline. The pad aids in preserving the metal springs, hooks and foundation of the trampoline--allowing it to last longer. Having the safety pad attached also helps reduce home insurance premiums, which oftentimes rise when a homeowner gets a trampoline.

Resources

• Trampoline Safety Pads