If you’ve read through any trampolines reviews, then you already know how many factors to consider when purchasing a trampoline.

You’ll want to consider how much you want to spend, the size and shape of the trampoline you desire, where you’ll be using it and many other factors concerning quality and style. Safety is yet another factor to think about.

Below, I’ve outlined the most important things to think about before making a final purchase.

Place of Use

First, think about where you will be using this trampoline. For most people, the answer will be outdoors, but keep in mind that some trampolines are made only for indoor use, and these might cost less, but they will not last if you leave them outdoors. You should never try to leave a trampoline that is meant for indoor use outdoors.

Indoor trampolines may be less expensive. For example, small or mini trampolines tend to be best for indoor use, and these are extremely affordable. If you leave them outside, they may be damaged by the elements, but indoors, they’ll last for a long time.

Some good news is that large typical trampolines will usually be fine for outdoor use or indoor use. In terrible winter weather, a standard trampoline might not fair very well, but regular wear and tear from the elements should be fine.

Shape of Trampoline

You should also keep in mind that trampolines come in a variety of sizes. For example, you can get a round, oval, rectangle or square shaped trampoline. Most of the trampolines on the market today are circular, and oval trampolines are actually quite rare.

On the other hand, rectangular trampolines tend to be prevalent, and they are usually seen as the professional varieties. Square trampolines tend to be just as rare as oval trampolines. There are also some trampolines that are octagonal.

The actual shape of the trampoline doesn’t matter, but most families and people who want trampolines for recreational use will choose circular models.

Size of Trampoline

With many pieces of outdoor equipment, bigger is better. For example, a bigger basketball hoop is arguably better than a small, short one. But with trampolines, you might not need a large space to jump on, and in this case, bigger isn’t necessarily better.

For example, if you are in the market for a kids trampoline, smaller is just fine, and it will actually be safer in the long run. Larger trampolines can make more room for injury. In addition, if your trampoline is primarily for small jumping and light exercise, you should consider a small size. You won’t need a large trampoline for your exercise.

Keep in mind that some types of trampolines only come in set sizes. For example, small exercise trampolines tend to be about 4 feet in diameter, and water trampolines tend to be around 10 to 15 feet in diameter.

Trampoline Accessories

A number of trampoline brands offer accessories for the main part of the trampoline. There are all different types of items that you can get, but most of the time, people are interested in jump pads, basketball hoops and enclosure nets.

My personal favorite accessory for trampolines is the enclosure net. Kids are often averse to this accessory because it means that they won’t be able to jump off the trampoline itself. The good news is that you won’t fall off the trampoline. Trampolines are certainly fun, but they can be dangerous too, and especially when children get rowdy, it can be difficult to keep them from jumping high and possibly falling off and hurting themselves. In addition to enclosures, you can also get basketball hoops and pads as well.

Overall Trampoline Safety

Reading various trampolines reviews will help you figure out how safe your trampoline is. In general, you should look for as many safety features as possible as you peruse different trampoline models, but keep in mind that safety has most to do with you.

In this way, make sure that you read the safety instructions for whatever model of trampoline that you have before you use it. All trampolines have some of the same basic safety instructions, but it’s important to remember that certain trampolines will have specific instructions, so read the booklet to be sure. In general, you should never exceed the weight limit, you should never have more people on the trampoline than the instruction booklet recommends, and you should not do flips or jump off the trampoline unless you are a professional or well trained.

Trampoline Weight Limit

I always recommend to customers and friends who want to buy a new trampoline that they consider how many people will typically be on the trampoline at one time, and I also suggest that they try to figure out what their combined weight would be.

I suggest this because I think it’s important to know whether or not you’re near or far from the weight limit on your trampoline. Being near the maximum weight limit or over it can be extremely dangerous and may even cause the collapse of your trampoline.

Trampoline Frame Quality

The quality of the frame that is on your trampoline is important. Some trampolines have high quality frames that will hold up to years of jumping and to harsh elements while you will notice that other frames tend to break down only after a short amount of time.

If you plan on leaving your trampoline outdoors for a long period of time, you should invest in a high quality frame for your trampoline. Additionally, if you plan on keeping your trampoline in a place where rain, snow and storms will be frequent, you might consider a higher quality to help stand the test of time.

Overall Price

The overall price of your trampoline will be another consideration that you will need to make. You should consider setting up the maximum amount of money that you want to pay before you even go shopping to avoid breaking your bank account altogether on this purchase.

Remember that some brands cost more, and certainly, if you go for the bigger and better quality, you will definitely pay more. With this being said, you’ll want the better quality if you plan on using your trampoline regularly and using it for a long time.

Warranty on Merchandise

Last but certainly not least, consider looking for a trampoline company that offers warranties. If you don’t get a free warranty, you might consider paying to have a warranty. Paying for a warranty may seem like a bad idea to many people because if you never have it use it, you’ll be wasting money.

But in many cases, it’s a good idea because if something does happen, you’re covered for all parts and pieces. Warranties are offered for a number of time durations, but I usually recommend getting one for 2, 3 or more years.