Trampoline FAQ's

Not sure which trampoline to choose? Have questions about our different safety nets? The answers to our most common product questions can be found here.

TRAMPOLINE QUESTIONS

SAFETY NET QUESTIONS

GENERAL PRODUCT QUESTIONS

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Trampoline Questions:

• What are the differences between your Soft-Bounce™ and Staged-Bounce™ trampoline models?

• How does Staged-Bounce technology work?

• What are the differences between your Staged-Bounce and PowerBounce™ trampolines?

• What is PowerBounce technology?

• What is Variable-Bounce™ technology?

What are the differences between your Soft-Bounce™ and Staged-Bounce™ trampoline models?
The primary difference between the Soft-Bounce and Staged-Bounce is in the spring and jumping mat configurations. The differences are detailed below:

14 foot Soft-Bounce:

Equipped with 80 7" Extra-Stretch™ springs.
Does not include the patented Staged-Bounce technology.
These 7" springs provide a soft, responsive bounce that younger kids love and yet our strong frame allows it to handle the deep bounce of an adult weighing up to 225 pounds.
Spring configuration is going to be best for kids around the age of 8 and younger.

14 foot Staged-Bounce:

Equipped with 96 8.5" Extra-Stretch™ High-Performance springs. Older kids will love the increased bounce performance over the Soft-Bounce.
With Staged-Bounce technology, the springs are engaged incrementally rather than all at once, to provide for a more forgiving landing without loss of bounce performance.
Our Extra-Stretch™ High-Performance 8.5" springs are longer than those found on standard backyard units, and provide an exceptional bounce that kids and adults can enjoy. Our strong frame, combined with the longer springs, allows the 14' Staged-Bounce to handle the deep bounce of an adult weighing up to 240 pounds.
Spring configuration is going to be better for kids around the age of 9 and older. Teens and adults usually prefer the feel of the Staged-Bounce trampoline.

How does Staged-Bounce technology work?
The JumpSport® Staged-Bounce trampoline uses triangular steel V-rings around the edge of the jumping mat for attaching the springs to the mat. Staged-Bounce technology alternates long and short V-rings around the mat. Half the springs are attached to the short V-Rings and engage immediately. The remaining springs are attached to the long V-Rings and engage a fraction of a second later. This provides for a more forgiving landing without loss of bounce performance.

What are the differences between your Staged-Bounce and PowerBounce™ trampolines?
The Power-Bounce trampolines include all of the innovations of the Staged-Bounce, plus additional state-of-the-art technology that further improves both shock-absorption and bounce performance. Unlike the Staged-Bounce trampolines, the adjustable Power-Bounce trampolines can be tuned for different ages, weights, and skill levels, yet it also broadens the performance spectrum so that jumpers with a wider range of weights and skill levels can safely enjoy the same setup.

What is PowerBounce technology?
Typically, the more springs you have on a trampoline, the better the bounce performance. Our PowerBounce trampolines not only add more springs, but each additional spring connects to a PowerArm™ that has 3 settings (low, medium, and high). Depending on which setting the extra spring is connected to, it will either increase or decrease the tension on the jumping surface, resulting in an increase or decrease in the bounce performance. This allows you to tailor your trampoline to a wide range of users, since you can adjust the tension based on who is using the trampoline. Heavier users may want to use the medium or high setting of the PowerArm, while younger/lighter users will probably want to use the low or medium setting.

The number of PowerArm linkages and PowerSprings varies depending on what model PowerBounce trampoline you choose:

12 foot JumpSport PowerBounce: 80 primary and 20 PowerSprings = 100 total springs
14 foot JumpSport PowerBounce: 96 primary and 32 PowerSprings = 128 total springs
14 foot AlleyOop PowerBounce: 96 primary and 48 PowerSprings = 144 total springs
14 foot AlleyOop DoubleBed PowerBounce: 112 primary and 56 PowerSprings = 168 total springs

What is Variable-Bounce™ technology?
The AlleyOop Sports® Variable-Bounce trampoline uses triangular steel V-rings around the edge of the jumping mat for attaching the springs to the mat. Variable-Bounce technology alternates long and short V-rings around the mat. Half the springs are attached to the short V-Rings and engage immediately. The remaining springs are attached to the long V-Rings and engage a fraction of a second later. This provides for a more forgiving landing without loss of bounce performance.

Safety Net Questions:

• What are the differences between your various safety enclosure models?

What are the differences between your various safety enclosure models?
The differences between models are the number of additional safety features that each higher model provides and the weight rating that each model can support:

Our 280, 380, and 480 Models are designed to fit most 10'-14' foot round trampolines.
The 480XT is made to fit most 15'-16' round trampolines.
The 780XT model fits most rectangular and square trampolines up to 14' x 16'.

All of the Safety Enclosure Systems are built around an 8 pole support system. The poles are foam padded, 1.5mm thick steel. Unlike other enclosure brands, our design wraps the net around the outside of the poles. This design provides maximum strength and maximum play space while ensuring that the net does not collapse when someone impacts it. The 6 foot high, open weave net is made from woven polypropylene - the same strong material used for the jumping surface.

The netting is secured to the poles by heavy-duty top and bottom support straps. The straps have a burst strength of over 1,500 pounds.
The bottom strap of the net is attaches to the steel V-rings around the outside edge of the jumping mat.
In addition to being sturdy, this design reduces the likelihood of jumpers landing on the springs because most of the springs are behind the net.
Weight impact rating of 200 pounds.

(The features detailed above are standard with our entry level Model 280 enclosure.)

With the Model 380 we add an extra safety suspension system along the length of each pole. Bungee suspension cords are held in place by straps wrapped candy-cane fashion, vertically along each pole.

This increases the enclosure's structural integrity and makes the netting springier.
Rather than just safely catching the jumper - as with the basic model - the extra reinforcement of this design guides the jumper back onto the jumping surface after impacting the net.
Weight impact rating of 230 pounds.

The heavy duty Model 480 has all the features already described plus the netting is 50% thicker and 70% stronger than the other models. This offers the highest level of safety available in any add-on safety net enclosure. The 480 is weight rated for a 295 pound jumper. It is recommended for use with our ProFlex Basketball accessory if you expect vigorous play. (It is also the same net used on all of our AlleyOop Sports Trampoline Systems.) The features of this model are also found on the Model 480XT. The 480XT has a longer net to fit 15-16 foot round trampolines.

General Product Questions:

• Why should I buy a trampoline and enclosure from JumpSport when I could just buy one from my local department store for less money?

• What are the differences between your JumpSport and AlleyOop Sports brands?

• How many people can be on a trampoline at the same time?

• What ages are appropriate for the trampoline and safety enclosure?

• Can children climb up the netting?

• Can the safety enclosure be locked to prevent access?

• Where can I find tips for assembling the trampoline or enclosure?

• Where can I find product manuals available for me to view online?

Why should I buy a trampoline and enclosure from JumpSport when I could just buy one from my local department store for less money?
All of our trampolines, even our entry level Soft-Bounce, are loaded with patented safety features that the competitive brands found at department stores do not have. Unlike the stiff, harsh feel of a cheap trampoline, our trampolines have a softer, more forgiving feel with great bounce performance that will keep your family jumping for hours and hours.

With trampolines, you definitely get what you pay for. Our desire is not to be the cheapest, but the best.

Most kids love for jumping on a trampoline lasts well beyond the short time a so-called bargain trampoline will last. No discount-brand trampoline has the innovative safety features, quality parts, excellent warranty, and excellent customer service that we offer. All of that equates to a superior long-term value.

What are the differences between your JumpSport and AlleyOop Sports brands?

JumpSport Features:

Trampolines and enclosures sold separately. (Here at The Doll Hospital we include the recommended safety net with each JumpSport Model we sell. We won't sell you one without it!)
Enclosure poles attach to the outside of trampoline legs with U-bolts
Black and blue color scheme
Trampolines include Standard frame pad
10 year prorated warranty on trampoline frame
1.5mm thick, 1.8" diameter, black powder coated Cold Rolled Steel frame

AlleyOop Sports Features:

All AlleyOop trampolines include our Unitized safety enclosure system
All AlleyOop systems include our strongest safety nets with the highest number of safety features available on any enclosure system
Instead of U-bolts, the Unitized design of our AlleyOop Trampoline Systems allows enclosure poles to be securely anchored with precision-fit, strong thru-bolts to the trampoline frame.
Backyard friendly forest green color scheme
AlleyOop Trampoline Systems include a thick Deluxe frame pad
Lifetime warranty on trampoline frame and safety enclosure poles
Includes longer warranty on components such as safety net, frame pad, and jumping mat
2mm thick, 1.9" diameter, forest green powder coated, pre-galvanized steel frame
AlleyOop Sports is the only product line to offer the patented DoubleBed System

How many people can be on a trampoline at the same time?
Only one person should be jumping on the trampoline at a time. Chance of injury increases when more than one person is jumping. Also, please observe the weight rating for your specific model trampoline; exceeding the weight rating, even if only 1 person is using the trampoline at a time, can fatigue and over-stretch the springs, as well as increase the possibility of "bottoming out" (when the jumper hits the ground) the trampoline which can cause serious injury to the jumper. Damage caused to the trampoline and springs as a result of exceeding the weight rating is not covered by warranty.

What ages are appropriate for the trampoline and safety enclosure?
Trampolines offer terrific, healthy activity for children and adults, both young and old. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) warn that trampolines over 20 inches tall are not recommend for children under 6 years of age. JumpSport offers full-sized trampolines 35+ inches high, and rebounders approximately 10 inches high. Even with our enclosure properly installed, we encourage families to use trampolines only with mature, responsible, and knowledgeable supervision.

Can children climb up the netting?
Do not intentionally hang from, climb, or rebound off of the safety enclosure. The enclosure is designed as a safety device.

Can the safety enclosure be locked to prevent access?
Definitely. You can weave a steel cable (like a bike lock) through the netting where the doorway overlaps, and use a padlock to secure it. This will make entry difficult and discourage anyone from trying to gain unauthorized access to the trampoline.

Where can I find tips for assembling the trampoline or enclosure?
Click here to view our list of Assembly Tips.

Where can I find product manuals available for me to view online?
Click here to see a list of our online Instruction Manuals. If you don't find what you are looking for, or if the manuals listed don't match the product you have, check out the Archived Manuals page.

Miscellaneous Questions:

• Should I take my trampoline and enclosure down for the winter?

• What should I do if I live in a windy area?

• How do I move the trampoline if I need to do yard work?

• Will my grass die under the trampoline?

• What information can you tell me about in-ground trampoline pits?

Should I take my trampoline and enclosure down for the winter?
This of course depends on where you live. Obviously, the trampoline and safety enclosure will last longer and retain their appearance if they are taken down and stored in the winter months. However, many families leave them up all winter to stay in shape, practice, and improve their performance for skiing and snowboarding.

To store the trampoline for the winter, remove the jumping surface (mat), the springs, and the frame pads (leave the rail pieces and legs attached). To store the safety enclosure, just remove the net (leave the poles attached). Assembly times will be considerably shortened from the original trampoline and enclosure installations.

What should I do if I live in a windy area?
The trampoline and enclosure should be anchored to the ground in windy areas using a trampoline Anchor Kit. During severe winds we strongly encourage removing the trampoline mat by disconnecting all of the springs, or disassembling the entire trampoline.

How do I move the trampoline if I need to do yard work?
One adult can slide the trampoline from side to side for yard work. Do this by lifting one side of the trampoline, and rotating it a few feet. Then go to the opposite side of the trampoline and lift that side and rotate it a few feet. Continue doing this until you can easily and safely tend to the yard. Two adults can perform this job more comfortably, and both people should double up on the same side of the trampoline to rotate it.

Be sure to lift the legs while you move the trampoline so that they don't drag on the ground. Before letting people use the trampoline again, check all the legs and straighten them so they are straight up and down. Do this by lifting the trampoline frame near each vertical leg piece, and gently nudge the leg in or out using your foot.

Will my grass die under the trampoline?
The trampoline mat acts as a screen to provide both shade and let some sunlight come through. In some climates, the grass will actually be greener beneath the trampoline. If needed, you can also spread some shade-loving grass seed under it.

What information can you tell me about in-ground trampoline pits?
Some families install their trampoline in a pit for easier access and because it blends into the yard better. However, surrounding the trampoline with a safety enclosure is still a necessity because without one you would need to surround the trampoline (6 feet out from the edge) with an impact absorbing ground cover that is 10" - 12" deep (12 cubic yards of ASTM approved bark chips). Of course, bark chips are not near as safe as an enclosure and do not allow for all the great games you can play.

Digging a pit for a 14' trampoline requires removal of 13 to 19 cubic yards of dirt and installing a drain to prevent collection of water. By spreading the removed dirt around the perimeter of the pit, you'll only need to remove about half as much dirt and you'll prevent rain runoff from other parts of the yard from flooding the pit.

Do NOT attempt to remove the trampoline legs or cut the legs in order to secure them in concrete or dirt. This will cause the frame of the trampoline to lose its stability and twist and contort, otherwise known as "potato-chipping". This is extremely unsafe, can ruin the trampoline, and will void your warranty.

Back to Top

*Please note that the Doll Hospital offers AlleyOOP Trampolines only for local pickup or delivery from our Southeast Michigan Location. We do not sell Trampolines online, nor do we offer dropship.