Have you been using your backyard trampoline as part child-entertainment device and part personal gym? The uses and benefits of a trampoline are endless, and many have traded in their expensive gym memberships for a few hours of bouncing and stretching on the home trampoline every day. AS with all types of structures that encounter a lot of daily wear and tear, it's not unlikely that trampoline parts will have to be replaced every now and then. It's important to know how to go about choosing trampoline mats, as well as the best ways for measuring the structure to be fitted with replacement parts.

As you're probably already aware, trampolines come in many different shapes and sizes. There are mini trampolines, also referred to as rebounders, that are typically used indoors because they won't provide enough of a bounce to risk hitting your head on the ceiling. From there, you can move up to mid-sized trampolines, usually about eight to ten feet in diameter, which should be used outside, as well as full-sized trampolines which are fourteen to fifteen feet in diameter or larger. Trampolines are available in the traditional round shape, as well as square, and rectangular

When it comes to choosing trampoline mats, the most important pieces of information to have are the correct diameter of the structure, as well as your preferred mat connection method, spring size, and spring count. If you've never measured your trampoline before, you should know that round trampoline mats are sized by measuring directly across the widest part of the circle. Measure several times, from several different sides before you decide that you've got the correct measurement. It's important to remember that you should only measure from the mat edge, never include the springs in your assessment.

Figuring out a spring count isn't that difficult: simply count the number of springs that connect your trampoline mat to the frame. To determine the measurements of the springs themselves, it's important to take one completely off of the trampoline. Any stretching or bending will distort your measurement. You should measure the springs from the arc of the first hook to the arc of the other hook. Keep in mind that conventional spring sizes typically range from 4.75" - 9". The last thing you want to consider when shopping for trampoline mats is the type of connection to the spring. Many have metal hooks sewn in, but these tear easily. Some people prefer fabric bands which remove the need for springs at all.