Signs It's Time to Replace Your Trampoline Padding
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:20 October 2025
Trampolines get a lot of love, especially from kids who can spend hours bouncing between school pickups and weekend barbies. But like anything that lives outside and gets regular use, trampolines wear down over time. While a quick look at the mat or springs might give you peace of mind, one part that often gets ignored is the padding. The pad sits around the edge and covers the frame and springs to help prevent bumps and bruises. If it starts to go bad, it's more than just an eyesore — it can be a real safety issue.
Padding plays a big role in protecting anyone using the trampoline. It cushions hard parts of the frame, stops feet slipping between exposed springs, and keeps the edges less harsh in case of a bad landing. Over time, though, that padding can crack, fade, go flat, or even develop mould. This is especially true in Perth where sun exposure is strong and the weather can be all over the place. If you're not sure whether it’s time to get a new one, here are a few telltale signs that a trampoline pad replacement should be on your to-do list.
Worn-Out Or Discoloured Padding
Perth gets a lot of sunshine each year, and while that’s great for backyard play, it's tough on trampoline padding. The foam and covering around your trampoline's edge can fade or crack because of high UV exposure. A bright, sky-blue or green pad that slowly turns a dull grey or white usually means it’s done more than its fair share of weathering.
Once that outer layer starts breaking down, the foam underneath also begins to dry out. Over time, it can shrink, shift around, or even tear. That means it’s no longer staying in place or giving the kind of protection it’s meant to provide. If you notice any of the following, it could be time for a replacement:
- The padding’s colour is extremely faded or patchy
- The surface feels brittle or dried-out when touched
- The material is flaking, peeling, or shedding pieces
- Any stitching has come undone or straps aren't holding tight
Ignore those changes for too long and it increases the risk of spring exposure or hard landings. Padding that’s deteriorated on top will often split right through when someone jumps too close to the edge.
A quick check once a week helps stay on top of any changes. Look from above and underneath, bin anything that's clearly seen better days, and keep an eye on parts that seem to be holding together but feel weaker than the rest.
Visible Tears And Cracks
Visible damage is one of the easiest ways to tell that a trampoline pad is past its prime. Tears in the top layer can start small but tend to get bigger fast, especially after a few days of sun or rain. Once water gets inside the padding, it can start to break down the foam even quicker. And if those cracks run deep enough, they expose kids to hard edges and springs.
Padding isn’t just there to cover the springs — it also balances out the bounce, especially when someone lands close to the frame. Ripped foam shifts around and ends up out of place, leaving gaps that nobody notices until they’re felt the hard way. If you’re not sure whether that visible wear is a real issue yet, try this quick check. Gently press into the padding in and around a ripped section. If there’s little to no bounce or the foam crumbles under hand pressure, it’s time to swap it out.
Some parents notice tears after storms, rough jumping, or when pets get too playful on the trampoline. If that sounds like your place, give the pad a really good look after each rough use. Avoid quick patch jobs, since tape or glue usually won’t hold up for long. Better to replace the whole pad and feel confident it’s actually doing its job.
Reduced Cushioning And Support
Even when your trampoline padding looks alright on the outside, it might already be failing on the inside. Over time, the foam inside the protective cover loses its shape and thickness. What starts out as firm and supportive padding can gradually become thin and spongy. This usually happens after a year or two of people landing on the edges, sun exposure, or just general wear.
You might notice that the pad doesn’t spring back when pressed or feels uneven in certain areas. It can start to slump or sag over the springs, especially if there’s been a lot of use recently. This lack of firmness lowers the amount of shock absorption, turning a once-safe landing zone into a risky one.
Padding that’s lost its bounce can’t protect against sudden impacts. It puts kids at risk of injuries if they land even slightly off-centre. A soft edge might not seem like a big deal, but it’s easy to catch a foot between exposed springs if that padding shifts during playtime.
Here’s how to check:
- Press down on a few spots around the padding to test evenness
- Look for flat areas that stay compressed and don’t return to shape
- Test a small jump near the edge (carefully) to see if it still provides support
If it feels like you’re landing on the frame instead of something cushioned, the foam has likely had its time. Keep in mind that soft or flattened padding tends to shift more easily as well, opening up gaps even when the top layer still looks okay.
Exposure To Elements And Mildew Build-Up
Trampolines in Perth have to deal with more than just the sun. Wind, rain, and garden watering systems all add to the moisture getting into or under the trampoline padding. If it doesn’t dry out fast enough, trapped moisture becomes the perfect spot for mildew and mould.
These growths often start underneath where the foam is blocked from sunlight and air. You might start noticing black or green patches that weren’t there before, or a stale smell when getting close to the trampoline. Even if it doesn’t look serious from the top, mould can degrade the foam inside and make it unhealthy.
Apart from being unpleasant, mildew spores can cause skin irritation or allergy issues, especially for young kids with sensitive systems. So if the padding smells damp or has weird blotches that don’t wipe off, it might be time to look closely.
To reduce the chance of mould:
- Use a protective cover when the trampoline’s not in use
- Store padding indoors during long stretches of rain or when packing down for winter
- Wipe padding regularly with a dry cloth after wet weather
- Check regularly underneath for signs of build-up
Unfortunately, once mildew gets inside the foam, it doesn’t really come out. Topical cleaning will only do so much, and damaged padding continues to soak up more water after every wet spell. The safest call is swapping it for a fresh one that hasn’t been compromised.
Keep Your Trampoline Safe And Fun
Trampoline padding does more than just soften the edges. It’s the first line of defence to help avoid cuts, pinched toes, and unexpected tumbles into the springs or frame. Knowing when to replace that padding is all part of keeping everyone safe while getting the most out of your backyard setup.
Discolouration, rips, lost bounce, and signs of mould are all red flags. Perth’s weather can wear materials out quicker than expected, especially with fluctuating heat and moisture from spring to early summer. A quick check once a month can usually catch trouble before it turns into serious damage or risk.
Lots of trampoline pads start to break down in small, sneaky ways. The outsides still look fine, but the inside’s already gone soft or soggy. That’s why it pays to keep up the habit of full-circle inspections, even if everything looks alright at first glance.
Once any of the protective layers start to go, bouncing near the edge becomes less predictable. A safe trampoline is one where every part is doing its job — not just the springs and mat, but the padding too. Replacing a worn pad doesn’t just improve safety, it brings peace of mind so you can relax while the kids enjoy the sunshine.
Keeping your trampoline in top shape ensures everyone can enjoy fun and safe bouncing. If your padding is showing signs of wear, it might be time for a trampoline pad replacement. Check out the range of durable options from Jump Star Trampolines to find the perfect fit for your backyard setup.
