12 Trampoline Safety & Maintenance Tips

(RE/MAX Blog) - Backyard trampolines can be a great way to keep your kids active and away from their screens. Just don't let an injury end the fun. Follow these tips to help keep your young – and old – trampoline fans safe this season.

1. Put it in a safe place
Don't set up your trampoline below power lines, trees with low-hanging branches or clothes-drying lines.

2. Keep it clean
Leaves and dirt can erode the trampoline's mat and springs. Hose it down when it starts collecting yard debris, or wipe it off with a wet rag. Don't use any strong solvents to clean your trampoline as these can also erode the materials.

3. Give it a once-over more than once
Regularly check the trampoline for warped or damaged springs, damaged frames, tears or fraying in the mat and deteriorating stitching.

4. Cover the metal
Invest in shock-absorbing pads that cover the trampoline's springs, hooks and frame.

5. Avoid the asphalt
Even with a safety net or crash mats, setting your trampoline on concrete is too risky.

6. Create a safety zone
Keep at least eight feet of ground surrounding the trampoline clear.

7. Slippery when wet
Make sure the mat is dry before using after a rainstorm or morning sprinkler rotation.

8. Avoid overloading
Your trampoline's instructions will include a weight limit – do not exceed it. It could damage the equipment and increase the chance of parts breaking and causing injury.

9. Only kids 6 years and older
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises against kids younger than 6 using trampolines.

10. One at a time
More than one jumper at a time creates more tension, which means kids could lose control of how high and how far they bounce.

11. Exit strategy
Don't let kids bounce off the trampoline onto the ground. Those exciting dismounts cause lots of accidents.

12. Save your grass
Move your trampoline around your yard (using two people to avoid damaging the frame) throughout the year to avoid creating a giant circle of dead grass.

Ready to bounce on over to a new neighborhood? Start the search for your new home today.