How to Keep Trampoline From Blowing Away?
A trampoline is a sport, usually used as a toy that can provide hours of entertainment and fun for children. A common problem with trampolines is the amount of wind they can withstand before becoming unsafe.
Keeping it safe and in good condition is a matter of common sense, but there are some things you can do to ensure it stays safe and that you don’t need a repair. But everybody living in an area with high winds usually wonders How to Keep Trampoline From Blowing Away?
In this article, we will discuss the different types of wind speeds, how to monitor wind levels on a trampoline, and what precautions to take if your trampoline does not hold up against high winds.
It is highly recommended to read the complete article because we’ve covered all the relevant questions you might need to know the answer to, for the safety of both you & your trampoline.
Trampolines are supposed to provide hours of fun and entertainment for children. However, safety can be compromised with high winds because trampolines are not designed to withstand a lot of wind pressure. That being said, here are a few ways you can keep your trampoline safe from getting blown away.
How to Keep Trampoline From Blowing Away?
This is a common problem people face when considering how to keep trampolines from blowing away. Many precautions can be taken to avoid this issue.
The best practice is to tie the trampoline using a “Trampoline Tie-Down Kit”
Also, there are some techniques that you can use to ensure your trampoline does not blow away. These techniques include using stakes and ground anchors to secure the trampoline to the ground and using line weights around the perimeter of the trampoline. We will discuss these topics in detail later in this article.
You should also ensure that your trampoline is set up safely and securely after checking the weather forecast in case it gets windy.
What is a Safe Wind Speed for a Trampoline?
It is also important to find out what constitutes a “moderate” wind speed in order to stay safe while using your trampoline. In general, if the wind speed is more than 40 mph then it is considered that the trampolines may blow away or break apart because they weren’t built to withstand that kind of force.
40-50 mph is considered a high wind speed and can cause damage to your trampoline. If a storm is approaching or is already in your area, it would be best to take measures to secure the trampoline properly.
The main problem with trampolines is that they are not designed to withstand large amounts of wind pressure, which could potentially cause them to blow away or break apart. There is always a limit to how much wind a trampoline can handle, and it is recommended that you only use it in moderate winds.
Once it becomes windy outside, be mindful of how close you are to trees and other objects that might cause damage to your trampoline. If it is known that the winds will be strong, then it is recommended to pack up your trampoline before going outside.
If you haven’t used any kind of Trampoline Wind Anchor Kit, Tie Down mechanisms, Trampoline Hold Downs, or Sandbags attached to Trampoline, packing up trampoline might be your best bet. Preventing Trampoline from Blowing Away can help you prevent extra work later.
How Much Wind Can a Trampoline Withstand?
Trampolines cannot be expected to withstand large amounts of wind pressure because they are not designed for high wind speeds. This is the main problem with almost all trampolines. There is not a universal standard established that indicates how much a trampoline can stand before it collapses under the weight of an un-equilibrium force.
The wind speeds can vary and you’ve to decide accordingly if you need to take measures to keep the trampoline from blowing away. You’ll mostly be in a safe range, usually below the wind speed of 30 mph.
Wind Speeds
We’ll talk about how windspeed affects the trampolines and make them either blow away or tear apart.
Two main parts of a trampoline could succumb to heavy wind pressure: the frame and the net. While the frame is quite sturdy, the net can be ripped out of place very easily if the wind is too strong. At higher altitudes, winds tend to be stronger than those on the surface at lower altitudes. Therefore, the wind speed will be different at different altitudes.
Wind speed is measured in miles per hour, but trampolines are tested to see how much pressure they can withstand before being ripped apart in something called a “span rating”. The standard for testing trampolines is called “ASME/CAN/UL-76-1674.” The span rating depends on the type of trampoline and varies accordingly.
Trampolines with ASTM F1292 certification can be expected to hold against higher levels of winds. ASTM is an organization that is responsible for regulating and testing products to see if they are safe, such as in the case of trampolines. They have a set of guidelines that outline how much the wind pressure can be on a trampoline before it becomes unsafe.
The most popular trampoline out there, the backyard trampolines, have a span rating of 150 pounds per square foot. If a frame is not constructed properly, this might seem like a lot of pressure for it to withstand. However, the frame is actually quite sturdy and can withstand more than that in most cases.
The following method can be used to know if your trampoline will hold up against moderate winds:
Blow Away Test
You have to consider the common trampoline blow-away test when doing the calculations. The standard procedure for testing blowers involves using a weight that is twice as heavy as the trampoline and attaching it near the center of the frame. Take into consideration any other weights you may be holding on top of your body during use, such as a basketball or soccer ball.
After the trampoline is secured tightly to the ground, the weight is thrown off a tall platform above it and the trampoline is not expected to move more than one foot in any direction.
If your trampoline can pass this test, then it is considered safe for windy conditions. If you hold on to these additional weights, it will reduce how much pressure you can withstand from the wind.
The best way to ensure your trampoline does not blow away or break apart if you are playing on it in high winds is by ensuring it has ground anchors and line weights around its perimeter.
How Much Wind Will Lift a Trampoline?
Most people wonder how much wind can lift their Trampoline. Actually, this depends on the size of the trampoline, the type of material with which it is made, and other factors. A trampoline can withstand the decent wind that blows on its surface. However, if you want to test its ability to do so, you should apply a strain rate test.
How to Secure Trampoline From Wind?
You can secure your trampoline from wind by taking a few simple methods. These methods are very useful when your trampoline is exposed to high winds. It can help you prevent it from blowing away.
Prevention from a Trampoline Blowing Away:
There are many ways to anchor the trampoline. Some of them are stated below:
Frame enclosure:
The frame enclosure should be at least 2 feet square and not more than 3 feet high. It must have no openings less than 4 inches in any direction. For example, the frame must not have cables, pipes, or vents inside of the enclosure’s perimeter.
Trampoline Hold Downs:
You can Tie Down Trampoline by hold-downs which is a permanent solution. These are the permanently attached system of the straps to the frame of the trampoline.
Wind Tunnels:
The wind tunnels are used to help protect a trampoline from high winds and to make it less exposed to damage caused by high wind and are easy to set up. The wind tunnels deflect wind, which effectively stops it from affecting the trampoline’s surface, making it protected from higher winds.
Sandbags Trampoline:
This is a trampoline that commonly uses sandbags, which are filled with sand or into the trampoline to further protect them. You can also manually fill the bags themselves with sand.
Trampoline Windshields:
If you want to secure a trampoline from the high winds, you can also use Trampoline Windshields. These are a series of fabric or mesh screen that is installed on top of a trampoline and it acts as a wind blocker by deflecting wind from the trampoline.
Anchoring With Trampoline Wind Anchor Kit:
Anchoring a trampoline is a reliable method one can easily use. The method to anchor a trampoline is quite simple, and it is said to make sure it does not blow away.
How to Anchor a Trampoline?
Trampoline Wind Anchor Kit is very helpful in preventing your Trampoline from blowing away. There are different types of anchoring systems available.
The first type is the ground anchor system that attaches directly to the frame. The anchors go into the ground, securing it. This type of anchoring system is very stable and can withstand many winds without blowing away.
Trampoline Line System (also known as “Bubble Net”) is another popular anchoring system for trampolines and it works great in windy areas.
How to Secure a Trampoline to the Ground?
First, you will need to anchor the trampoline down for at least 8 feet, this much is needed because it is the height of your trampoline plus the height of an average wind gust. If yours is a bit different, feel free to do some research as well. If your trampoline is not touching the ground, make sure you have good quality trampoline netting or turf for its base.
You can also opt to put netting between the trampoline and the ground to further protect it from undesirable conditions. It can help keep it sturdy and safe while also keeping you protected from any harm that may come your way.
Securing a Trampoline in Ground Anchor System:
If you are using a ground anchor system, drill down 2-6 holes (depending on the thickness) in a circular pattern around your trampoline. You can use PVC Pipe or heavy rope to help get your anchors into the ground. This type of anchoring system works best with sandbags and everything should have been installed before any winds from happening.
Put all of your weights onto one side and tighten them up so that they are secured in place and then turn them so that they face outwards towards the wind.
Securing a Trampoline in Line Weight System:
If you are using a line weight system, they are going to be used on the bottom edge of the trampoline. These should be installed at the same height as your trampoline and you should want them to be perpendicular to it. You can place them at different angles depending on where the wind is blowing from and how strong it is.
Trampoline Anchoring Tips
Here are a few Trampoline Anchoring Tips that may help you:
- Figure out the height of the trampoline. This will help you get the best-fit anchors for your net.
- Choose the correct ground anchors and line weights that are designed for your trampoline. Make sure you buy the correct weight to get optimal performance.
- Tie the net down on top of the frame that is connected to your trampoline. The lifespan of these anchors and line weights varies, but they can last from a couple of years to an entire decade.
- Keep in mind, how often you use your trampoline will depend on how fast it wears down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are some questions that people usually ask to make sure their trampoline can withstand the wind and keep from blowing away.
Q: How Much Weight to Hold Down a Trampoline?
A: The most popular trampoline out there, the backyard trampolines, have a span rating of 150 pounds per square foot. If a frame is not constructed properly, this might seem like a lot of pressure for it to withstand. However, the frame is actually quite sturdy and can withstand more than that in most cases.
Q: Are Most Trampolines Suitable for Windy Weather?
A: This is an important question that you’ll need to consider before starting up the trampoline and letting your kids jump on it. Trampolines have different ratings in terms of wind tolerance. As a rule, 36-inch galvanized steel trampolines are not recommended for use in winds above 20 miles per hour.
12-inch galvanized steel trampolines can be used up to 30 miles per hour. Some trampoline brands that are best suited for use in windy weather include Skywalker, Viper, JumpKing, and Bazoongi Trampolines.
Q: Is it Hard Keeping Trampoline From Blowing Away?
A: It is not as hard to keep a trampoline from blowing away when used on an annual basis and instead of just once. Make sure you use your trampoline for a certain amount of days each year or else the quality will decrease pretty quickly.
It does not take one day to ruin any safety features that the netting may have, so be cautious about this. If you are going to store your trampoline over the winter months, make sure it is completely off and do not leave anything inside of it because the condensation that occurs overnight is a big factor in rust and corrosion.
Q: Are Wind Shelters for Trampolines Durable?
A: A wind shelter for trampolines is just as durable as any other wind shelter out there. It may have fewer features than some other ones on the market, but it does the job well.
