How to Setup a Trampoline

Trampolines are not just meant for children as parents and other adults commonly use them for fun and exercise. Trampolines are excellent for getting the whole family together (or neighborhood!) for some healthy fun. If you haven’t yet purchased your trampoline, you can find our pick for the best value here. If you have a trampoline, you understand how much fun these recreational devices can be for everyone involved. Unfortunately, setup can sometimes be difficult, depending on the model. Although there are many models with different configurations, the general principles are largely the same, regardless of model. Below you will find a general guide for how to setup a trampoline without too much trouble.

If you’re interested, here you can find several fun outdoor toys for your kids to complement your trampoline.

Prepare Your Work Area

Depending on the size of the trampoline, you will need to designate an area big enough to facilitate the assembly and use of device. Ensure there is plenty of room around the edges that are free of obstruction or objects that could injure jumpers.

Make sure you have all the required materials at hand

1. Make sure everything is exactly where it should be.
2. Make sure that there is nothing missing, and if you come up short then contact whoever sold it to you and find an amicable solution.

Group the components

1. Make sure that the items that belong together are in one place. This will save you time in going back and forth with no clue of where something is.
2. Have the tools in one place and the parts in another.

Assembling the Frame

Trampoline frames come in various sizes and shapes. Circle, rectangle, or oval are the most common shapes you will find. As circle trampolines are easily the most popular shape, we will focus on frame assembly for circular models.

Lay the components out in a round shape

1. This helps with visualizing the next steps in the process and what still needs to be completed before moving on to attaching the mat and springs
2. Place the ring shape parts along the ground and fasten them together at the joints. Different designs have various locking mechanisms specific to that model. This process is usually straight-forward and quick.

Attach the legs to the frame

1. Lock the legs in place to the frame. You should attach the legs to the frame with the bottom of the legs facing upwards. You will flip the trampoline later to the correct orientation. Normally, you will need to use a screwdriver, hammer or other tools to ensure a tight and secure fit.
2. You should not exert too much pressure that could strip screws or damage the locking mechanism. If you need to use the hammer to better secure the components, cover it with a soft thick cloth to prevent dents and scratches.
3. Make sure that the screws are tightly in place and that the structure is firm with no loose joints.
4. After fastening the legs to the ring then flip the structure to face upwards. It should resemble a table without a top. In that position, shake and twist the structure to ensure that it is on level ground and there are no loose parts.

Attaching the Springs and Mat to the Frame

Now that you have the frame assembled, it is time to start attaching the springs and the mat to the frame. This can be one of the more time-consuming parts of assembling your new trampoline. Take your time and do not get frustrated if you run into problems.

Lay the mat at the center of the structure

It is recommended for two people or more to place the mat in place. This is to make it even and firm.

Begin attaching the springs to the mat

1. The mat should have some form of strap or triangle attachment in which to hook the hooked end of the springs in place
2. Attach the hooks to the mat, but not the frame.

Attach the springs to the frame

1. Pull one of the springs to the frame and attach it to the designated area in the frame (usually a simple hole)
2. It is usually best to attach two adjacent springs to the frame at a time
3. Move to the opposite side (or your helper), and do the same thing for the springs directly opposite the ones you just attached
4. A spring puller device is often included with your trampoline. These are useful in attaching the springs.
5. You may need to use your hammer/mallet here to properly secure the springs to the frame

Pull the mat tight

1. Attaching the springs will become more difficult as more are connected to the frame and the jumping mat tightens
2. Continue connecting two springs at a time, alternating sides
3. Use your helper for difficult spring attachments. If the spring puller is ineffective, you may need to use a long-handled screwdriver to help with pulling the springs to the frame

Add the spring cover

1. If your trampoline includes a padded cover for the springs, once you have attached all the springs and the mat is tight, secure the mat to the frame, following the manufacturer’s instructions
2. Ensure there are no bare parts of the springs that are peeking out from the padded cover and that it is secured tightly

The Final Touches

Some trampoline models come with a protective pad to ensure the elements do not harm the trampoline while not in use. When not in use, add the protective cover so that it encompasses the whole surface area and that you can secure it in place. The pads come with hooks or ropes to strap them in place, depending on the model and brand.

For safety purposes, enclosure nets are often included with your trampoline purchase to ensure there is no jumping outside of the boundaries. Securing the enclosure is often a tedious and deliberate process that is fully dependent on the model and brand. Use a helper to speed up the process and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly install the enclosure net. Poles are used to hold the net in place and are attached to the frame. Different models use different attachment mechanisms to securely hold the poles and net in place. Use your helper to hold the poles while you attach the poles and net to the frame.

Proper installation of the enclosure net is paramount to ensure the safety of jumpers. Take your time with this process and don’t cut corners. Refer to the manual often if you get stuck and you’ll be done before you know it!

Conclusion

Trampolines are a joy for many families as they give many hours of healthy fun and enjoyment. Properly assembling your new trampoline is important to reduce injury risk. By following the above steps and the instructions provided by the manufacturer (videos are included with the Zupapa trampoline), the process can be completed in 1-4 hours, depending on the model and various accessories. Be prepared to spend most of your time on the springs and enclosure. Take your time, don’t hurry, and take pride once you have completed the setup for your new trampoline.