Do I Need a Trampoline Cover for Winter? (+ Helpful Tips)
You have read how good trampolines can be for your health and you now have gone out and bought one. You may want to develop your trampoline skills or you just want your kids to have some fun.
Whatever the reason you used to purchase your new trampoline doesn’t matter. What matters is that you get the most out of it and have fun doing it. One way to make sure you get the most out of your trampoline is by getting a good trampoline cover to protect it.
You may not want the extra expense but if you keep it outside, you will need a good cover. A good trampoline cover will save you money in the long run and protect your trampoline from damage.
To get all the facts on trampoline covers, and some inside info on some of the best ones on the market, just keep reading our article. It tells you what you need to know about trampoline covers
Tip #1: covering your trampoline will cut down on your cleaning chores
Trampoline Weather Covers 101
Are Trampoline Covers Necessary
You may not think so but this is a very good question. There are a lot of new trampoline owners out there who do not know how to take care of their new exercise equipment.
The quick and simple answer is yes they are necessary and here is why:
- It protects your trampoline from UV rays- These rays do harm the stitching and mat giving you costly repair bills
- It keeps the trampoline clean- Dirt and dust are kept off the mat keeping it looking good. Plus, you do not have to worry about slipping on the dirt. Learn how to clean your trampoline here >>
- It keeps the trampoline healthy- a good trampoline cover stops bird droppings and other animals from spreading bacteria and germs to your trampoline
- It keeps the trampoline dry- the springs, legs and frame are usually made of metal and moisture can cause them to rust. You also ca use the trampoline right way without taking time to dry it
- It keeps the trampoline safe- your children will be stopped from playing on the trampoline in the wrong way and in an unsupervised manner
Tip #2: to make sure your cover stays on and continues to provide you with the ultimate trampoline protection is for you to keep checking it on a regular basis. That way if anything has gone wrong, you can fix it right away
Where To Buy a Trampoline Cover
It is certain that you have invested a nice sum of money in your new trampoline. But you did not think of buying a cover at the time. Now you need to find a good cover that will protect your investment.
To get the best trampoline cover, you should look into those sporting goods or stores that deal in trampolines and their accessories. This is not the time to save a buck or two. You want a top quality trampoline cover that will last you for many years.
Most stores dealing in trampolines and their accessories should have access to high quality covers that will serve you well and save you money. We also recommend buying online at Amazon or TrampolinePartsAndSupply.com (the biggest inventory) :
Check all Amazon's trampoline weather covers here >>
Check all TrampolinePartsAndSupply's trampoline weather covers here >>
Trampoline Cover Material
You can get trampoline covers in a variety of materials. The best ones are made out of laminated PE or PVC materials. Both kinds provide your trampoline the ultimate protection from the elements.
You get rain, snow and UV ray protection when you spend the little extra to get the best material around. The key to a good cover is in how the grams of thickness you get with each material.
The higher the grams, the better the protection you will receive. But if you are on a budget and can’t afford the top of the line cover, then there is an inexpensive way to get some protection.
All you have to do is buy a nice tarp and a few tie downs and those will cover your trampoline. Your level of protection may not be as great but you stayed within your budget.
Tip #3: Real Estate salespeople always state that location is the key for a good sale. For proper protection for your trampoline, placing it in the right location will help keep it in top shape. Finding the right spot is key.
How to Cover Trampoline for Winter
The best way to cover your trampoline is too make sure you got a cover that is large enough to fold over the edges of your trampoline. This gives you the best coverage possible. How do you get that top coverage? Here are some tips:
Measure your trampoline- not just from edge to edge but go underneath and get the measurement from the edge to the springs. This should provide you with enough material to cover your trampoline
Measure the height of the trampoline to get extra protection
Buy a cover that fits your measurements- don’t go too small or you won’t get the coverage you want
Use tie downs or weighted material to stop the wind from wrecking havoc on your trampoline and its cover
Keep the snow off- use a short bristled brush to clean the snow off the trampoline
Read the manual to make sure the trampoline’s frame, springs and other parts are designed to remain outside in the winter.
One piece only- make sure the cover you buy will completely cover your trampoline without you having to add a second cover
Tip #4: Of course, you can always disassemble the trampoline and store it in your garage, shed, or basement till winter is over. This option will save you a little money each winter.
The Best Trampoline Covers
Getting an idea of what you are looking for helps you when you are talking to the salesperson. Salespeople may try to talk you into purchasing just any old cover. That is why we are reviewing 3 of the top trampoline covers. We want you to find the best and save yourself time, money and frustration:
#1. Best Trampoline Cover for 12ft: JumpKing Weather Cover
This model will handle a 12 foot trampoline with ease. Plus, it is thick enough to make sure that the sun’s UV rays do not damage the stitching, color or integrity of your trampoline. Check the price here >>
Also, this cover uses removable hooks to make sure you can attach it securely to your trampoline. The fold underneath design makes sure your edges are well protected. Its polyethylene construction works with those trampolines that have U shaped or 4 w legs.
It should work with those trampolines that have enclosures attached to them as well.
#2. Trampoline Cover for 14ft: ExacMe Round Weather Protection
Your 14 foot trampoline will not have to face the elements alone. This cover is made from waterproof PE construction materials that provide complete coverage of your mat, edge and springs. Check the price here >>
Plus, it can be used on a variety of trampoline brands as long as they do not measure larger than 14’. The S hooks make sure the cover attaches securely and helps to keep the dust off your mat. It is also thick enough to stop UV rays, snow and other harmful elements that will damage your trampoline.
#3. Trampoline Cover for 15 ft: Skywalker Weather Cover
This top quality trampoline cover should work on those trampolines that measure between 15 to 17 feet in diameter. Its vinyl coated construction material is designed to block the weather from hurting your exercise and fun investment. Check the price here >>
Also, to help securing the cover a heavy duty cord provides the tension you need to get that tight fit you want. In addition to that, the included straps with hooks make sure the cover remains in place all winter long.
If that isn’t enough protection, drains are located in different spots to help remove water and keep the rain build up to a minimum.
Tip #5: do not use shovels, rakes or other hard surfaced tools to clean your trampoline cover. These items could damage the cover and bring you replacement costs you do not want to spend.
How to Put Trampoline Cover On
The one thing about trampolines is that just about every aspect of them are easy to handle. It does not take a rocket scientist to put a trampoline cover on . They are very simple to place over your trampoline and get you the weather protection you need.
After you have measured ad purchased your cover, you take it out of its box and spread it out over your trampoline.
Make sure there are no folds or wrinkles as you lay it out.
Next you should get the hooks and straps ready.
Start from one point and attach the hooks and straps to the proper location to your trampoline frame
Go in order around your trampoline stretching out the cover to keep it tight and smooth
When you finished doing that do a double check to make sure you didn’t miss a spot or a hook
Tip #6: you may want to get a little help in putting the cover on. This makes the work go faster and helps you avoid missing any hook up spots
Can You Use a Trampoline Cover With an Enclosure
The answer to this question is a simple ‘yes, you can’. In fact many trampoline covers can be attached to your trampoline without undoing any part of your enclosure. Most of these covers will simply wrap around the poles and use Velcro closures to secure them in place.
The procedure to attach them t your trampoline is similar to attaching a cover to a trampoline that does not have an enclosure. First, spread out the cover to make sure you have everything in the right spot.
Second, wrap the first Velcro around your starting pole and move in a circular manner. Third, make sure you pull the cover over the edge of your trampoline and attach the necessary hooks and straps.
Fourth, keep doing this until until your trampoline is properly covered and protected. There should be little effort to line everything up and put them in their correct spots.
How to Make a Trampoline Cover
You may be a good handy man and you do not want to go to the expense of buying a new trampoline top cover. It really doesn’t take much to make your own top cover, you just have to have the right materials and tools.
The right cover material- you will want heavy duty materials that will block out UV rays and keep the rain and snow off.
Buy S hooks and grommets- this will help hold your cover in place
Measure your fabric to make sure it will cover your trampoline completely. Then cut the material
Measure out where your grommets will go- The more the better. Use a grommet tool to affix the grommets in their correct spots
Attach the S hooks to your grommets- hen find the right place on your trampoline and hook the S hook to the metal frame
Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the tension is just right
Trampoline Covers and Leaves
Leaves can be annoying as they find little spots to inch their way inside something you thought was protected. Then they can disintegrate and leave a big mess to clean up.
If you attach your trampoline cover correctly just about any cover will keep the leaves off your trampoline. All you have to do is make sure the cover fits snugly and there are no openings for the wind to send leaves through
Tip #7: keep it simple. You do not want to over think it or overspend on your DIY trampoline cover.
How to Keep Trampoline Cover From Holding Water on Top
Standing water on your trampoline cover can cause you a few issues. The water may seep through or move to the edges where it finds a path to your stitching and springs. Then you have repair costs you did not count on.
There are a few ways to keep standing water away from your trampoline. First, if your trampoline is large enough you can consider using a small pool cover pump. These pumps work in small amounts of water and can drain the water away from your trampoline to a safe spot. They don't cost much and work great. Check some options here >>
They also have automatic shut off features to protect the pump when there is not enough water on the cover.
Second, you can buy a cover that has built in water exits that safely drain the standing water away. Another option would be to simply put a small pole or object under the middle of the trampoline mat to make it the highest point. That way the water will flow to the edges. Just don't forget to remove it before stepping into the mat. Also pay attention to the snow amount over the mat, so the object won't rip the mat. Our last way would be to disassemble your trampoline and put it away when the weather turns bad.
Some Final Comments
Trampoline covers are essential to the upkeep and longevity of your trampoline. Getting a good one will save you money in the long run by preventing repair or replacement costs.
The key is to make sure you get the right cover that will block all the weather elements plus fits your trampoline snugly. Make sure you measure your trampoline and take into account the weather patterns of your location.
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A good trampoline cover provides more than just an ounce of protection. Its got your back where your trampoline is concerned.
Looking for a trampoline? Don't buy something you'll hate
Here is a list of our buying guides to help you find the best for your needs:
