How to Safely Swap Out Your Trampoline Mats This Season
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:15 February 2026
Swapping out a trampoline mat might sound like a bit of a job, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. As summer winds down and the milder weather of early autumn sets in, it’s actually a pretty good time to take a closer look at your setup. After months of jumping, running around, and maybe a bit of weather wear, the mat can start showing its age. We get asked about trampoline mat replacement often this time of year, so it’s something many Perth families are already thinking ahead on.
Going into the cooler season with a fresh mat means the trampoline can stay in use year-round without worrying about safety or comfort. Below, we’ve broken down the key things to watch for and some simple steps to follow so you can feel confident when making the swap.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trampoline Mat
It’s not always obvious that a mat needs to be replaced. A quick look might not show the full condition, but a few details can give it away. If one or more of these sound familiar, it’s probably time for a change.
• The centre of the mat looks faded, stretched, or feels thinner underfoot
• There are any visible holes or worn stitching around the edge
• The bounce feels different, saggy, or uneven, even when the trampoline frame is solid
• You hear creaks or odd noises on landing that weren’t there before
As the weather cools in Perth, wind can pick up, and weaker mats tend to flex more or get tossed around, making early wear easier to notice. Even if things held up through summer, a closer check during autumn isn’t a bad idea.
Preparing Your Setup for a Safe Swap
Before getting into the actual mat change, it’s worth preparing the space and tool setup. Trampolines come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, but a few prep steps apply to most.
• Clear the area around the trampoline so you have plenty of space to move
• Make sure the ground is level and the frame isn’t bent, rusted, or uneven
• Check all the springs and return hooks to make sure none are cracked or twisted
• Have gloves, a spring tool or hook, and someone to help hold things steady if possible
Trying to swap a mat in a cramped or unstable area can make things tricky and even unsafe. By getting everything organised ahead of time, the job flows faster and gives a much better result.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove and Attach the New Mat
Even if you’ve never changed a trampoline mat before, it can be done carefully with just a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step process that works well for most standard setups.
1. Take off the safety pads that cover the springs so you can reach the edges properly
2. Unhook the springs one at a time, moving in a circle rather than all from one side
3. Set aside the old mat and bring in the new one, lining up the connectors with the spring points
4. Attach the new mat using the same process in reverse, skipping every third or fourth spring at first, then filling in the rest to keep tension balanced
5. Once the mat is fully in, reattach the pads, check all connections are tight, and test bounce slowly to check tension and safety
Taking shortcuts with spring placement is one of the fastest ways to get an uneven bounce or wear the mat out faster. Small steps, done with care, are the key to a reliable switch.
Handling Common Mistakes and Staying Safe
Even confident DIY types can run into problems during a trampoline mat replacement. It helps to know what to watch out for so you’re not caught off guard in the moment.
• Don’t pull springs too far or too fast, as over-stretching can damage the mat or your hands
• Avoid using old or damaged springs, even if they look okay at a glance
• Stop and re-check alignment often as you attach the new mat so it doesn’t pull unevenly
• If the fit looks wrong or the mat edges don’t match the spring layout, don’t force it, step back and check the sizing
Sometimes, the best move is to pause and ask for help before pushing forward with something that clearly isn’t fitting right. It can make all the difference between a safe result and an ongoing issue.
When It’s Worth Upgrading More Than Just the Mat
If your trampoline has been around a while, now might be a good time to look at the rest of the setup too. Swapping out only the mat can work if the rest is sturdy, but sometimes it makes more sense to freshen more than one part.
• Safety pads or nets that no longer stay attached or show signs of sagging should be checked
• If the frame bends when pressure is added or shows rust chips, the structure could be compromised
• Autumn in Perth gives cooler, longer afternoons that make it easier to work outside without rushing
By taking a look at everything together, you can avoid redoing the job again soon. A strong trampoline frame with a clean mat and renewed pads will hold up better for the months ahead.
Jump Star Trampolines’ replacement mats use heavy-duty UV-resistant mesh and reinforced stitching, made for Aussie sun and frequent jumping, ensuring years of safe play after installation.
Keep the Fun Going Without the Risk
Trampolines are built for regular use, and even the best setups need parts replaced from time to time. Knowing when to act is the simplest way to keep things moving safely without skipping a beat.
Doing a careful mat replacement now helps you stay a step ahead before winter sets in. It means less worry about kids jumping on worn-out spots, less time spent doing big repairs later, and a more enjoyable space right through the cooler months. A bit of planning goes a long way in keeping your backyard fun and safe all season.
A trampoline mat replacement is an easy way to restore bounce and safety to your outdoor space, especially if your trampoline’s showing wear after a busy summer. Swapping out the mat before winter helps protect your setup from windy weather and keeps every jump smooth for the kids. At Jump Star Trampolines, we offer quality replacement mats for all popular round sizes, making it simple to find the perfect fit. For expert advice or help choosing the right mat, contact us today and let us help you keep your family’s play area safe and fun year-round.
