How to Install a Trampoline Sprinkler Without Damaging the Mat or Stitching
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:19 October 2026
Keep Kids Cooler and Your Trampoline Safer
A trampoline sprinkler is one of the easiest ways to turn a normal jump into a backyard water park. On hot Australian afternoons, a cool spray can keep kids outside, moving and happy for longer, without needing a pool. It feels great, and it takes the edge off those really hot days.
There is a catch though. Water, plastic fittings and extra weight around the net can all shorten the life of your trampoline if they are set up in the wrong spots. At Jump Star Trampolines, we want families to get the fun of a trampoline sprinkler without wrecking the mat, stitching, padding or netting. So let us walk through how to choose the right sprinkler and install it in a way that keeps your trampoline safe and lasting.
Know Your Trampoline Before Adding a Sprinkler
Before you clip on any sprinkler kit, it helps to know how your trampoline is built. Different styles change where you should and should not attach anything.
Common setups include:
- Above ground trampolines with an external safety net
- Above ground trampolines with the net attached inside the springs
- Spring models with padding over the springs
- Springless designs where the mat connects differently to the frame
- In ground trampolines that sit level with the lawn
All of these have areas that are more fragile than others. Watch out for:
- Stitching around the edge of the mat
- Seams in the safety padding that covers the springs
- Net attachment points, clips and sleeves on the poles
- Spring hooks and where the mat connects to the frame
Before installing a trampoline sprinkler, do a quick pre-check. Look for any loose stitching, worn or shiny spots on the mat, rusty springs or frame parts, and sagging or torn net panels. Water and extra movement can make existing damage worse, so anything that already looks tired should be checked or replaced first.
Choose a Trampoline Sprinkler Built for Aussie Conditions
Not all sprinklers are the same. The harsh Australian sun can be tough on plastic, rubber and cheap hose fittings, so the gear you choose really matters.
- UV stable plastics and hose that are designed to sit outdoors
- Soft, gentle spray patterns instead of hard jets
- Adjustable water flow, either at the tap or on the sprinkler head
- Fittings that match standard Australian garden hoses
UV safe materials are particularly helpful as days get longer and temperatures climb from spring into summer. Poor quality plastic can go brittle and crack, which means leaks, sharp edges and broken clips right above your kids.
Some families try a DIY setup, like looping a normal garden hose over the net and punching small holes in it. While this might work for a short time, it often:
- Pulls on the net or mat in the wrong places
- Wastes a lot of water
- Creates uneven heavy streams that make the mat very slippery
Purpose-designed trampoline sprinkler kits usually sit around the rim, spread water more evenly and attach with softer fittings. That helps keep pressure off the mat and stitching.
Attach and Route Without Damaging Mat, Net or Springs
The biggest rule is simple: never pierce the trampoline mat or stitch line, and never screw or cable tie anything through it. Any hole or cut in the mat or stitching will grow over time and can turn into a serious tear.
Safer attachment points are:
- External net poles
- Top net rails or rings
- Frame sections away from the springs
- Existing accessory brackets on the frame
Try to keep all clamps, straps and ties on hard frame parts, not on soft materials like the mat, net or padding. Good fixing options include:
- Wide, UV-rated hook and loop straps
- Soft silicone ties that stretch a little
- Padded clamps that spread pressure over a larger area
Once your sprinkler ring or hose is attached, think about hose routing. The hose should:
- Run along the outside of the frame, not across the mat
- Go down one leg that is not the main entry point
- Sit flat on the ground or be clipped neatly to avoid trips
Keep the hose clear of:
- Spring areas where it could get caught or pinched
- Enclosure joints and pole connections
- Door zips or entry flaps
- Any hinge points on foldable or portable models
A simple tip is to leave a loose drip loop near the connection point, so the hose is not pulled tight. Soft clips can hold any slack against the frame. Try to position the tap where adults can reach it easily without walking through the splash zone.
Fine-Tune Water Flow and Look After It All Season
More water is not always better. A very wet mat can get slippery, put more strain on the stitching from each landing and stay damp for longer, which can encourage mildew.
To keep things safe:
- Start with low water pressure at the tap
- Increase slowly until you get a light spray or mist across most of the mat
- Make sure kids can still see clearly and you can see them from outside the net
A gentle mist usually gives:
- Enough cooling to keep kids happy
- Better grip compared to heavy streams
- Less water pooling under the trampoline
After play, turn the sprinkler off early and let the kids jump for a few extra minutes so the mat can shed some water. Check for puddles around the legs. If water is always pooling in the same spot, you might want to move the hose or improve drainage. Giving exposed metal parts a quick wipe now and then helps discourage rust, especially in coastal areas.
To keep the system safe all season, a simple weekly check can make a big difference:
- Look for kinks, cracks or leaks in the hose
- Check that straps and clamps are still tight but not digging in
- Make sure sprinkler heads are clean, not blocked or sagging
As temperatures rise, keep an eye on fading plastics or hoses that feel stiff. Rotating hose positions slightly can spread any sun exposure, and worn parts should be swapped out before they snap. If you know a stretch of extreme heat or storms is coming, it is often best to loosen or remove the sprinkler kit so wind does not throw extra strain on the net and poles.
At Jump Star Trampolines, we design our trampolines and accessories with Australian backyards in mind, so families can enjoy cooler, safer jumping for years without cutting the life of their gear short.
Keep Your Backyard Bouncing Safely All Summer
Transform hot afternoons into cool, active fun with our easy-to-fit trampoline sprinkler designed for Aussie backyards. At Jump Star Trampolines, we build gear that keeps kids moving while giving parents confidence in quality and safety. If you have questions about sizing, setup or compatibility with your current trampoline, simply contact us and we will help you find the right fit.
