Trampoline safety pad buying guide

When looking for a trampoline safety pad you should take note of the following:

• safety pads are supplied with trampolines but can start to wear over time;

• they help to keep you safe by stopping you from crashing into the metal frame or springs if you land badly;

• they are padded for shock absorption;

• they can be made of different materials such as PVC or vinyl;

• you can repurchase the original safety pad or replace it with a one-size-fits-all model.

When choosing a trampoline pad, you should keep the following factors in mind:

• the pad must be big enough to cover the edge of the jump mat, the springs and the metal frame of the trampoline;

• the elastic fixing system offers some slackto prevent the material from tearing.

• the model you go for must be thick enough (at least 21 mm) to maximise user safety;

• waterproof models will protect the springs and metal structure from the rain;

• green trampoline pads will blend in with your garden while brightly coloured pads (like those used for competitive trampolining) make it easier to identify the bounce area and boundaries.

Here are few tips to make sure you don't make the wrong choice:

• The model you choose must be suited to the size of the trampoline. In order to take accurate measurements, you should measure the diameter of the trampoline (from the edge) in two difference places.

• The width of the safety padwill depend on the length of the springs. A model measuring 30 cm in width will cover springs with a length of 17.5 cm – but it won't cover those measuring 22 cm. In this case, you will need a safety pad with a width of at least 40 cm.

• If your cover is too wide it will overlap the jump mat and smack on the surface with each bounce.

When fitting a trampoline safety pad you should make sure the model complies with BS standards. It is highly recommended to pick a safety pad with a different colour to your jump mat.