Trampolines are great for recreational and sporting activities. Using trampolines can be fun, but without adequate safety measures, users may be at risk of injuries of all kinds- minor or major. It is important to install trampoline safety pads.
Why Padding?
It has been reported that a trampoline pad reduces the risk of accidents by 50%. Hence, such pads are highly important, and all parents must check out the same before letting their children use them. Every trampoline facility in Melbourne must ensure that they have installed trampoline pads using any of the leading upholstery services Melbourne.
Typically, padding is installed at the corners of the trampoline mat. They are set up on top of trampoline springs. Hence, they serve as a buffer around the trampoline edges. They protect trampoline users from falling into the gaps between trampoline springs.
The pads facilitate softer landing and also prevent the feet from getting caught in the trampoline springs. After all, trampolines are structures made of metal that hold the trampoline jumping mat in its place. This may result in injuries if a user hits on the frames.
The rising number of trampoline injuries is alarming. This is true in the Western developed world like the UK and the USA, where trampolines are common.
The Choices
Selecting the right trampoline padding is today, quite a challenging task with the plethora of options available. As a user, one must be aware of the specifications of the pads.
For instance, there is the shape of the trampoline, which depends on the frame design of the equipment:
* Circular shape
This applies mainly to recreational trampolines. These pads are very common because such trampolines are also very common.
* Rectangular shapes
These trampolines are used mainly for sporting or working out activities. They feature a hollow corner which must not be covered with pads. Note that safety pads for rectangular trampolines are costlier than round versions.
While shopping for such pads, a major role is played by a selection of material. It is vital to examine closely every material option such that it delivers optimal performance.
Types of Material
The option of material is a key factor based on many factors. For instance, some factors may include the kind of design of the trampoline and conditions of the environment like rain, UV radiation, etc. The manufacturer may even blend two kinds of materials: one kind of material for the top and another kind for the bottom. This is mostly to improve the performance of the safety pads.
Typically, the safety pad material must have the following features:
* Outdoor trampolines must be 100% waterproof.
* Must be resistant to tears
* Must be resistant to UV radiation
* Have the capacity to absorb shock
The three major kinds of materials advised for trampoline pad are as follows:
* PVC material That Is Fibre Re-enforced
Such PVC materials are used mostly for top trampoline pads. There are composite materials with the polymer matrix and re-enforced with fibre. Fibre can be in the form of carbon or glass. The process features several methods of polymerization. It aims at enhancing the intrinsic qualities of the material. Such material has a high load-bearing capacity.
* Polyethylene
Used mostly for making the bottom of the trampoline pad. They are made synthetically and are not as strong as PVC that is fibre-enforced. They lose their structural integrity in 6 months and so are popular for outdoor trampolines.
* EPE or Expanded Polypropylene
EPE is a crucial part of safety pads for trampolines. These are made of small plastic beads. They are lightweight, recyclable, and durable. They have a high capacity to withstand shocks and are found in various thicknesses based on trampoline design.
Therefore, before buying safety pads, you need to consider aesthetic value, design, material, and durability. It is also vital to buy from reputed companies for the right product.
