A trampoline offers a fun and thrilling spot for kids (and adults) to get some much-needed exercise outdoors. It’s the ultimate go-to for good times during the spring, summer, and fall. But is it safe to leave it out during winter months, even if you’re not planning to actively use it?
Trampolines can be left out in winter. Although, you will need to take great care of it, especially if you live in an area with heavy snow or high winds. Items like trampoline covers and anchors can be extremely helpful.
Do you own a trampoline and are wondering whether or not you need to bring it in for wintertime? Then keep reading. Below, you will find all the information you need about winterizing your trampoline and protecting it from harsh weather conditions.
Is it OK to leave Trampoline Out in Winter?
Trampolines can be left out in winter. This is especially true if you live in an area where the winter is relatively mild, i.e., no heavy snowfall or extreme winds.
However, if you live in a climate that experiences heavy snowfall, rainfall, and/or high winds, you will need to take the proper precautions to keep your trampoline safe from extreme conditions.
That, or you can simply disassemble the trampoline and store it until it’s sunny and bright outside.
How Do You Store a Trampoline in the Winter?
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you might consider breaking down the trampoline for the winter. This is the best way to ensure that no trampoline parts end up damaged or ruined by rain, snow, wind, or other winter elements.
To store it, you will need to disassemble the trampoline. This involves:
- Take down the poles that are holding up the net by removing the bolts using a socket wrench
- Remove the safety pad and fold it up
- Unhook the springs and collect them in a box or bag for safekeeping
- Remove the net and fold it up
- Remove the jump pad and fold it up
- Take apart the frame, if desired – the frame can handle harsh weather conditions, so it is not mandatory for the upkeep of your trampoline
It’s recommended to have a storage box to stow away most (if not all) of the trampoline parts. That way, you can keep it safe in your garage or basement during the winter. It will also keep the essential pieces together, making it simpler to reassemble in the spring.
When storing the trampoline for winter, ensure it’s kept in a cool and dry place. Moisture is the enemy of certain parts of your trampoline, namely the safety pad, and net. Moisture can create mold or mildew, which will ultimately ruin your trampoline.
Here’s a link to the ORCC Trampoline We Have and recommend on Amazon as well as the highly recommended Trampoline Anchor Kit to help protect your trampoline.
Will a Trampoline Break in the Cold?
One of the biggest concerns trampoline owners have is whether or not their trampoline will break in the cold.
The good news is that, no, trampolines won’t break in the cold.
The issue with winter isn’t the frigid temperatures. Rather, it’s the elements that come along with the winter season, such as rain, snow, and winds.
Rain and snow can be detrimental simply because of the moisture and heaviness of excessive snowfall. Wind can cause the trampoline to move around, leading to potential damage. This is why winterization is critical if you’re not going to disassemble entirely.
Do Trampolines Rust in the Winter?
The other thing people worry about is rust.
Thankfully, rust isn’t an issue for trampolines, either.
Most trampolines are created using rustproof materials. So, even in the presence of moisture and cold temperatures, they won’t succumb to rusting and corrosion.
How to Winterize a Trampoline
It’s OK to leave a trampoline outside during the wintertime. However, you must winterize it correctly to keep it safe from damage. This is especially true for those living in areas with severe winter weather conditions.
Here are the top ways to winterize a trampoline.
1. Use a Trampoline Cover
A trampoline cover is one of the best ways to keep your trampoline (and all of its components) safe from the elements.
However, keep in mind that a cover can lock in moisture, which is detrimental to the well-being of your jumping product.
What should you do?
Remove the cover and let your trampoline “breathe” at least once a week.
Leave the cover off on days you know will be sunny with no rain or snow.
2. Anchor the Trampoline
If you haven’t already anchored your trampoline, nows the time to do so.
Hefty anchors are critical if you live in a windy area. They will hold your trampoline in place even if the winds get out of hand. This provides peace of mind, even if you’re away from home when the incident takes place.
3. Remove Any Snow Buildup
The jump pad on a trampoline acts almost like a sieve; rain will fall right through it onto the ground.
Snow? Well, snow is much denser and won’t glide through the jump pad in the same way, and an accumulation of heavy, wet snow is bad news for your trampoline.
That said, remove the snow from the trampoline after a bout of heavy snowfall – just as you would your car out front.
Tip: Remove snow from the trampoline cover, too.
4. If Anything, Store the Safety Pad
Most of the components of your trampoline can withstand the winter and all of the weather it brings.
However, the safety pads aren’t as robust.
If you don’t want to take apart the whole trampoline, it’s recommended to at least take the safety pad inside during severe weather. They fold up nicely and can be applied and removed in minutes.
Here’s a link to the ORCC Trampoline We Have and recommend on Amazon as well as the highly recommended Trampoline Anchor Kit to help protect your trampoline.
Go Ahead, Leave Your Trampoline Out in Winter!
The best way to keep a trampoline safe during winter is to take it apart and store it indoors. This isn’t entirely necessary, though.
With certain precautions, you can allow your trampoline to stay outside during the winter months. Use a cover, anchor it down, remove snow, and take off the safety paid during severe weather conditions.