Springfree trampolines need regular care and maintenance to keep them in tip top bouncing condition.
For the sake of ease, this article covers the Springfree branded trampolines. These use composite fiberglass rods instead of round springs to generate a good bounce.
We’re not talking about other ‘round-spring-free’ trampolines such as leafspring trampolines (for example, Vuly).
In this guide to care and maintenance for your springfree trampoline, we’ll start with a visual maintenance checklist, then look how to clean specific parts and what you can do in winter to ensure that you and your family is getting the most out of your trampoline.
I want you to be able to shout out “Go Forth, Kids!” and feel confident that the kids are jumping on a safe and fun trampoline.
If you have a regular trampoline, check out this article on Ultimate Care and Maintenance for your Trampoline.
Maintenance Checklist For Springfree Trampolines
We’ll start by looking where to visually inspect on your springfree trampoline to see that it is ready to perform.
1. Holes, Rips Or Tears In The Springfree Mat
Look for small rips or tears in the mat. Obviously, large rips or tears will not be easy to repair, but smaller rips can be patched up.
Some very smaller, eg, tiny holes from a twig, may not need to be patched immediately, but keep a close eye on them so you can see if they are getting bigger.
If your trampoline is getting older and you have a good sized tear present, it is possible for the mat to fail. It’s definitely better to replace the mat before it fails than after.
2. Springfree Mat Is Starting To Deteriorate
Watch out for an excess of black ‘dust’ coming off the mat. This is often a sign that the UV protection is wearing off and the mat is starting to break down.
The black is literally the carbon starting to breakdown from within the mat.
You’ll see it on the kids’ hands, feet, clothes, everywhere that they come in contact with the mat.
When you see this, it is new mat time. It cannot be repaired.
3. Holes, Rips Or Tears In The Safety Net on a Springfree Trampoline
The safety net helps to stop jumpers from accidentally bouncing off the edge of the trampoline.
On Springfree Trampolines, the net connects with the very edge of the mat. When you inspect the net, be sure to check the join between the mat and the netting so that there is no gap there.
For a small hole, you may be able to stitch the net back together.
However, if the tear is too large, or frayed at the edges, you will need a replacement net.
4. Safety Net Zipper on the Springfree Trampoline
Check that the safety net zipper runs smoothly closed. If it’s not running smoothly, then the kids probably won’t close the zipper!
If it’s getting stuck easily, try rubbing some soap over the zipper teeth. This should lubricate it and make it easier to pull the zip up and down.
The easier it is to use, the more likely it is that the kids will use it.
5. Missing Rods or Disconnected Rods
Composite fiber glass rods (rather than springs) are responsible for holding the mat in place, and giving it the bounce.
Check for any missing rods which will need to be replaced.
You’ll also want to look for any disconnected rods. Sometimes these can be just popped back in with a bit of WD-40 and a. However, if the actual holder for the rod is broken, you will need to get a replacement part.
These are either the C-clip at the bottom of the rod, or the SoftEdge Mat Rod holder.
6. Cracked Or Deteriorating Rods
Look for cracks in the sheaths of the fiberglass rods, and replace as soon as you see any cracks, even before the sheaths fall apart.
When the rods on a springfree trampoline start to deteriorate, they are very dangerous.
You’ll see the casing start to chip apart, then the sheath will come away from the actual fiberglass rod underneath.
Once this UV-resistant sheath is gone, the fiberglass starts to fall apart fairly fast.
It’s incredibly dangerous as the rods splinter. This means that you can end up with glass fragments if you just try to hold it, or even worse, long splinters at eye level for toddlers and pets.
7. Bent or broken frame
A bent or broken frame on a springfree trampoline is not a good sign. It will be easy to see if it’s bent by looking at the joints. This is where the lack of alignment will cause one joint to rise up or down a little.
You might be lucky though. See if something has been caught under the frame. Sometimes, the frame is just sitting on a yard toy or a thick hose, and so is easily remedied.
If it’s something more permanent, for example, a branch fell on the trampoline, or the trampoline was carried away in a gust of wind, then you will likely need a new trampoline.
When the trampoline frame is bent or broken, it will stay permanently weakened. This is not good for peace of mind when your kids are jumping like crazy on it.
To Clean Your Springfree Trampoline
How To Clean Leaf Litter Off Your Springfree Trampoline
It’s a good idea to clean all the leaf litter and nature off your Springfree trampoline. Small twigs can bounce up as your kids are jumping, and hit them in the face. And it can hurt to land on the mess.
You’ll want to sweep the mat free of any leaves, twigs, pollen or debris.
Using a soft-bristled brush, start at the far side of the mat from the zipper and work your way in towards the center.
Pay special attention to the junction between the safety net and the trampoline mat. You might need to have a good jump yourself, or at least jiggle the edges, to get all of the debris out.
Move the pile toward the zipper entrance. You may need to use a rubber-edged dustpan now to put the debris into a garden sack for disposal.
Try not to use a metal shovel to remove the leaves, as this can accidentally go straight through the mat.
How To Clean the Mat of Your Springfree Trampoline
For your annual clean of the Springfree trampoline mat, it can be more effective to remove the safety net to ensure that you get to all of the edges.
But for a weekly clean, removing the safety net each time is a big job. You’re probably good to keep the net on, and use a pressure washer, or a good bucket of soapy water, to get the surface grime off the mat.
Before you start though, make sure you remove all of the leaf debris from the mat (see above).
Then, using a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water, soap up the trampoline mat. Use that soft bristled brush to scrub at the mat. This might be necessary if you are trying to remove any bird poop, which can bake on in the sun. You’ll also need to scrub if you want to remove algae, moss or mildew from your trampoline.
Once you’re satisfied with the mat, rinse off all the soapy suds.
And the kids are good to go!
How To Clean Snow Off Your Springfree Trampoline
It’s a good idea to get snow off your trampoline mat. Snow is much heavier than it looks, and it takes less snow than you think to damage a trampoline permanently.
I’d encourage you to read this article about winterizing your trampoline. This gives you guidance on the best steps to take to extend the life of your trampoline throughout the winter months.
Until then though, try to get the snow off quickly before it hardens (or more snow falls). Use a soft broom, not a metal shovel, to bring the snow towards the zippered entrance.
How To Take Care Of Your Tgoma In The Rain
You’ll want to take care of your tgoma and bring it inside during the winter.
Tgoma stands for “Take Gaming Outside & Make It Active”.
Whilst the manufacturer claims the controller and cables are designed to be waterproof, the battery pack isn’t. The battery pack is regarded as “weatherproof” instead.
You wouldn’t want to leave the battery pack outside in heavy rain. In fact, it’s good practice to bring it inside every time you’ve finished playing on the trampoline.
The tablet holder has a small waterproof shade for the tablet, but won’t provide good protection in heavy rain, so the tablet should be brought inside as well when not being used.
How To Winterize The Tgoma On Your Springfree Trampoline
If you have a severe winter, or expect heavy snow, it’s a good idea to bring your tgoma unit inside. Whilst they are robust, they are not indestructible.
Focusing on the battery holder first, remove the battery pack, and disconnect the cables from the controller at the back of the unit. Cut the cable ties carefully that hold the controller in place against the trampoline frame.
Once the cable ties are removed, take off the nut leaving the bolt in place and slide off the controller. Replace the nut before you lose it, and tighten.
Remove the tablet holder from the trampoline net.
Store everything inside during winter. Try to keep it all together, so you can find it easily when spring comes.
In Summary
Taking care of a Springfree trampoline is a lot like taking care of and regular trampoline. You’ll want to keep it in tiptop condition, so that it is both safe and fun to use. I do hope these tips have been useful, and you’ve been able to get the kids back out there for a good bounce.
