As most trampolines will stay outside, it’s only natural to expect them to take a beating from the sun. Choose a bad-quality trampoline that hasn’t been weather-proofed, and you’ll soon find out how quickly its components can deteriorate with exposure to the sun. This is a big reason why buying a UV-resistant trampoline is important. But does the sun affect trampolines that much?
How Does The Sun Affect Trampolines?
Like many other items that “live” in the yard, trampolines can get extremely hot and potentially be damaged when exposed to direct sunlight for lengthy periods. Consider what trampolines are made of. Generally, the trampoline mat is black polypropylene material designed to withstand the sun for a while. The frame is generally made from galvanized steel, which can get extremely hot when placed in the sun, so much so that it could burn your hand when you touch it.
The main damage on a trampoline occurs on the mat, netting, or padding. Over time, the mat could lose its elasticity due to over-exposure to the sun, making it more rigid and susceptible to tearing. Due to this, you may have to replace your trampoline or repair some of its parts. However, if you notice your trampoline starting to deteriorate, we recommend addressing the issues asap to avoid the chances of it breaking while someone jumps on it.
How Long Can Trampolines Last In The Sun?
Alright, so what kind of timeline are we looking at here? Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give you an exact timeline for how long your trampoline will last when exposed to the sun. Because trampolines vary in type and quality, these figures would all be different. But we can try to give you a ballpark figure that can help you estimate a trampoline’s durability in this case.
Cheaper trampolines that use lower-quality materials and don’t prioritize UV resistance might last as long as a year if they are in direct sunlight daily.
As you would assume, premium trampolines would feature a lot more UV resistance; thus, they could last longer but would eventually have the same results. Some premium trampoline mat brands undergo 5,000 hours of extreme temperature testing to ensure they are as UV-resistant as possible. So, if you’re looking for a trampoline that can withstand exposure to the sun more often, buying a premium trampoline is the way to go.
Methods To Protect Your Trampoline From The Sun
A common issue we find with trampoline owners, regardless of the quality of their trampoline, is that they often don’t know how to effectively protect their trampolines from the sun. If you’re one of these individuals, here are some methods you can use to protect your trampoline and increase its lifespan:
● Try to find a shady spot where your trampoline can avoid direct sunlight for most of the day. This could be under a high tree or in the shadow of your house
● This one may seem a little different, but you could run your hose pipe with a sprinkler under the trampoline in order to cool it down. Water doesn’t damage your trampoline, and it could provide a fun time for the kids as they jump. Be cautious, though. This could also make the trampoline slipper,y which could cause an injury
● Cover metal parts with padding. This reduces the risk of them getting really hot and potentially getting damaged and adds an extra layer of protection for those jumping
● You could buy a sunshade that covers your trampoline, sheltering it from the sun and providing shade to those jumping. However, a sunshade will limit the height you can jump
Is It Worth Buying A Trampoline Shade?
One of the best ways to optimize not only your trampoline’s protection from harsh UV rays but your kids’, too, is to purchase a sunshade—so we’d say it’s worth it. The benefit of getting a sunshade is that if you can’t ensure that your trampoline can be placed in a nice, shaded area, at least it comes with its own. The sunshade does a brilliant job of blocking out the UV rays, which cause deterioration and damage, but another benefit is that it will keep your kids jumping in a cooler spot no matter where you put it in the yard.
Choosing your Trampoline
There are a few essential considerations when choosing a trampoline.
These include size, shape, extras like a safety net or spring pads, and whether the trampoline is UV-resistant. Vuly Play offers the best range of UV-resistant trampolines that suit your needs. Consider checking out Vuly when choosing a trampoline to find the perfect fit for your yard!
Final Thoughts
Trampolines offer endless fun to families. Unfortunately, like most items, they are susceptible to damage from the elements, particularly the sun. To avoid damaging your trampoline by the sun, purchase a UV-resistant one, keep it in a shady area, and consider getting it a cover. The better you look after your trampoline, the longer it will last you.
