Avoid pinches and bruises with a trampoline safety pad
Safety pads are a main component of a trampoline. A trampoline pad is vital to classifying a trampoline as safe. Safety pads not only provide a safe jumping experience by protecting jumpers from being pinched by springs or bruised by the frame, the pad also extends the life of trampoline springs by protecting them from the elements. Some trampoline owners believe that a pad is not an important part of a trampoline and allow jumpers to play on a trampoline without a trampoline pad; however, this belief is false. Any trampoline that does not have a pad installed should be considered a safety hazard.
When shopping for a new trampoline pad, owners should examine the price and quality of a variety of pads. The quality of a pad is important in determining the life of the pad and also the level of protection it provides. Most standard trampoline pads are 12 inches wide. These pads provide the standard level of protection. There are some trampoline safety pads that are 15 inches wide. These wider pads are attractive because they are designed to help protect the perimeter seams of the trampoline mat. The perimeter seam of a trampoline mat is more prone to UV damage, so a wider pad ultimately helps extend the life of the trampoline mat.
Trampoline owners should not purchase a safety pad that does not have at least 1-inch thick foam. Although this is a thick foam, it is necessary to ensure that pinching is always avoided. Additionally, the thicker foam allows the pad to withstand impact and maintain its shape over time. Another foam-related area that needs to be considered is the type of foam used. Trampoline owners should avoid any pad that uses open cell foam. Only closed cell foam prevents water from being absorbed. It is important that the foam does not absorb water, to avoid mold and weakening of the foam.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a safety pad is the type of material the outer cover is made of. Most pads are made up of PVC vinyl, however there are some that are made from polyethylene material. Trampoline owners should avoid purchasing trampoline pads made up of polyethylene material. Although typically less expensive than PVC vinyl pads, polyethylene is not a UV-resistant fabric, causing the pad to deteriorate quickly. PVC is a UV resistant fabric that is designed to withstand UV rays for as long as possible. The thickness of PVC vinyl is determined in terms of ounces. The higher the number of ounces, the more durable the vinyl will be. For example, 22-ounce vinyl is thicker and more durable than 18-ounce vinyl.
The security pad warranty should also be considered when purchasing a pad. A customer can usually tell how strongly a company feels about the quality of its product based on the product’s warranty. For a pad, the average warranty is 30-60 days. If a customer finds a pad with a 1-year warranty, that’s usually a sign that the company believes the pad is of very high quality. A 1 year warranty on a pad would be considered an extended warranty in the trampoline industry.
Considering all of the above factors can seem overwhelming for a simple trampoline safety pad, but just like any other purchase in life, the more informed you are as a buyer, the chances of making the best purchase possible increase greatly. You will save money by buying a good quality pad, since you won’t have to buy replacements as often. Make sure you keep your jumpers safe by having a good trampoline safety pad!