Refurbish your Trampoline

Have you got an old trampoline out back that has fallen into disrepair, and you don't know what to do with it. Perhaps you inherited one from your home's former owner, but the mat has a gaping hole in it and the springs are worn out. What are you going to do with this eyesore?

Before you let this useless piece of junk take up valuable lawn space for another summer, or spend the time disassembling it to be hauled away for scrap, you should consider refurbishing it.

Many homeowners are unaware that an old trampoline can be fixed up with a minimum investment of time and money. While it can be difficult to locate trampoline parts locally, there is an abundant supply of trampoline parts to be found online including replacement pads, springs and mats. You can even upgrade your trampoline with fun accessories such as an enclosure, shoe bags or even a tent. A cover can protect it from the elements and prevent it from becoming an eyesore once again.

If you have an old trampoline, you will probably find the frame, which is the most expensive, heaviest and most difficult part of the trampoline to assemble or disassemble need little attention and is probably in good shape despite the other decaying components attached to it.

Your trampoline's other vital components are the mat, or jumping surface, the springs and the pads, which cover the springs.

A mat for a typical 10 foot round trampoline can be replaced for less than $150 dollars. It is essential that your trampoline's mat be in good condition not only for optimum performance, but for safety reasons as well.

Your springs are probably in good condition, but if some are rusted or have been lost, they can be replaced for around $1.50 each.

A vital piece of safety equipment is the pad which covers the springs. This prevents injury should someone jump beyond the mat surface. A replacement pad should run from $100 to $200 dollars depending on the quality. I recommend purchasing the best quality pad available. This will provide not only greater durability, but greater protection as well.

Additional accessories can turn a run-of-the-mill trampoline into a "super-trampoline". These include an enclosure of netting supported by upright poles that keep jumpers from flying off the trampoline and give peace-of-mind to parents.

At trampoline tent converts a trampoline to a clubhouse, or a great spot for slumber parties.

Don't forget to purchase a cover which will protect your trampoline from sun, snow and rain when not in use.

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Phil Packer is a marketing analyst for TrampolinePartsandSupply.com, an online dealer of new trampolines as well as trampoline parts and playground equipment.