How Important Is a Trampoline Enclosure?
AUTHOR: Bob Metcalf
Purchasing a trampoline for your family is a great investment in fun and togetherness, to say nothing of health and fitness. Everyone can use a trampoline, no matter what their age or fitness level, and there’s something so light-hearted and exhilarating about the experience of jumping and bouncing that just gets everyone in a good mood. Young and old alike can enjoy this activity together. What else can you do that so improves both your mood and your fitness level?
However, there are serious safety concerns with trampolines. Many injuries have occurred from children falling or slipping off a trampoline, sometimes with serious consequences. As much fun as trampolines are, care must be taken to ensure that safety is first. What kind of precautions can you take?
Invest in a Trampoline Enclosure
One of the best ways to add safety measures to your trampoline is by purchasing a trampoline enclosure. This is a sturdy piece of netting that goes around the whole trampoline, typically measuring 14- to 16-feet in size. Trampoline enclosures were designed to promote safety. If a child is jumping on their trampoline and suddenly loses their balance, instead of falling off onto the ground, they gently bounce into the trampoline enclosure. While there have been injuries reported involving trampoline enclosures themselves, in general they are a great feature that can offer you some peace of mind about your child’s safety.
Your initial trampoline purchase may include a trampoline enclosure. If this is not the case, you can always find one on the Internet or at your local sporting goods store. It’s best to try to find one that has been made by the same manufacturer that made your trampoline; this is a way to insure that you’ll get a proper fit. If this is not possible, then you will have to carefully measure your trampoline to make sure that the trampoline enclosure you purchase fits well.
Another thing to look at when purchasing a trampoline enclosure is the price. Many trampoline enclosures cost almost as much as the trampoline itself. But this is an item that you definitely do not want to skimp on. You get what you pay for – and a poor quality enclosure can be more dangerous than none at all. If the trampoline enclosure cannot support the weight of the persons using the trampoline, if a fall occurs, the enclosure will not be able to prevent a fall to the ground, and in fact, can actually add to the injuries.
In conclusion, the value of a trampoline enclosure is well worth the price. You definitely will enhance the experience of using a trampoline when it is properly enclosed. Happy jumping!