Signs Your Trampoline Spring Coils Are Wearing Out
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:13 October 2025
With spring kicking off in Perth, it’s prime time for cleaning up the backyard and getting the trampoline ready for action. Whether your kids use it for casual jumping or full-on flips, it's easy to forget how much stress those springs go through. Every bounce pulls, stretches, and snaps the coils, and over time, that wear starts to show.
Trampoline maintenance isn’t usually the first thing on anyone’s weekend to-do list, but keeping the spring coils in good shape plays a big role in making sure the fun stays safe. Springs are what keep the mat tight and the bounce smooth. When they wear out, the whole setup can feel uneven or risky. Here's how you can spot when the springs might need attention.
Identifying Signs Of Wear And Tear In Spring Coils
Visual inspection is where things should start. Springs are under constant pressure, and even a few faulty ones can throw off the whole feel of the trampoline. Set aside a bit of time every few weeks to walk around the edge and take a proper look. Use a torch if needed to see any damage hiding in the shadow of the frame.
Look for:
- Rust: Any orange or brown spots mean the metal’s beginning to corrode. Perth doesn’t get much rain, but early-morning dew can still take a toll
- Gaps: Springs should sit tight against both the mat and frame. If you can see space at the ends or notice they’re sitting unevenly, something’s off
- Bends or warping: Coils that are no longer tightly wound or appear stretched flat instead of round are losing their tension and bounce
Another easy way to pick up problems is by paying attention to sound. Any weird creaks, twangs, or popping noises during a bounce usually aren't a good sign. Springs in good condition stretch and return quietly. A snap or odd vibration when someone lands could be one or more springs nearing the end of their life.
Sometimes damage won’t be easy to spot if you’re just looking straight on. Run your hand carefully along a few of the springs, when no one’s using the trampoline, and feel for any coils that seem uneven or loose. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably time for a closer check.
Physical Changes And Performance Issues
If the trampoline bounce has started to feel off, it might be the springs. A laggy bounce, where it takes more effort to get any height, usually means the coils are stretched or some springs aren't giving enough push. You might also notice the jumper being pulled more to one side, which often points to uneven tension because some springs are giving out faster than others.
What this looks like in action:
- Jumping near the middle sends the person off to one side
- One area of the mat feels duller or closer to the frame
- Multiple jumps feel more like sinking than springing back up
Also keep an eye out for elongated coils. Springs that look longer than the others are starting to lose their structure. They won’t snap back properly after each jump, which affects the overall performance of the mat. Over time, this puts extra strain on the good springs, which makes them wear out faster too.
One Perth dad shared how his teenage daughter landed off-balance after noticing the bounce was slightly delayed on one side. A check the next morning showed that four springs had stretched past normal length, and a few others were half-pulled from their frame hooks. The mat itself was still fine, but the bounce had taken a serious hit. Replacing those worn springs restored the trampoline’s balance and helped prevent worse damage.
Make it a habit to check the springs after high-use weekends or if the trampoline’s gone unused for a while. Seasons in Perth can mean long dry spells followed by a sudden shift in weather, and metal reacts to both extremes. Keeping tabs on how the trampoline feels underfoot can tell you more than you might expect.
Testing And Simple Maintenance Checks
You don’t have to wait for something to go wrong to check on your trampoline springs. While most problems creep in slowly, a few light checks can give you peace of mind and help you catch early wear.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Pick a time when no one’s used the trampoline yet, usually early morning works well
2. Grab a spring one at a time and pull it gently back and forth while it's still attached. It should feel firm and snap back fast
3. If it sags, moves too easily, or doesn’t return to place quickly, that’s a sign it's on the way out
4. Check for noisy or uneven tension between nearby springs. If one feels looser than the rest, the others are likely compensating
5. If any spring feels sharp or jagged, move on and don’t test it. That’s unsafe and best left to a professional
As for general care, Perth's warm conditions are great for trampolines but can be harsh on metal. Add some quick checks to your outdoor routine every few weeks, especially after windy days or long bursts of use. Wiping off dirt and moisture, brushing away leaves caught in the spring line, and doing the once-over inspection stops things from settling in and causing issues later.
For those using covers, take them off now and then to let moisture evaporate fully. Trapped humidity beneath covers can actually make rust worse. Keep the space underneath clear so airflow does the rest, especially after Perth’s rare rainy patches.
What To Do When Springs Are Worn Out
Once you've spotted faulty springs, the next step is knowing what not to do. It might seem quicker or cheaper to patch them up or try shifting working springs around, but that can make problems worse. Springs aren’t meant to work solo. They rely on equal tension to keep the mat flat and safe.
Mismatched springs or odd fixes increase stress on the good ones. Over time, this can lead to:
- Frame warping from uneven load
- Damaged mat stitching, as strain pulls against anchor points
- Jumpers being thrown off-centre during landings
- A higher chance of full spring snapping mid-use
For safety’s sake, faulty springs should be replaced as a set or in matched pairs by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. It’s the best way to keep the trampoline balancing out right and handling weight evenly.
Using a trampoline with one or two bad springs might feel okay at first, but it’s a short path to bigger problems. Even the quiet creaks or small dips in bounce can snowball. It’s smarter to pause use altogether if you know something’s up. That quick break can save the mat, the frame, and definitely reduce injury risk.
Ensuring Long-Term Care For Spring Durability
The sun in Perth is no joke. It’s strong, especially in October, and while it keeps the skies clear, it’s rough on outdoor gear. Your trampoline's springs deal with daily heat followed by cool nights, which speeds up metal fatigue. Throw in wind-blown sand or salt if you're near the coast, and it adds up fast.
There are a few simple ways to hold off spring issues for longer:
- Store the trampoline under shade when possible. Nearby trees, shade sails, or patio roofing all help limit sun exposure
- Rotate the trampoline every few months so the same edge doesn’t always face the sun
- Brush off loose grit or dirt from the springs. Even fine dust can wear down metal surfaces when baked into the coils
- Use weather-rated covers during rain or when storms are expected. Just remember to remove them regularly so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath
If your trampoline sits on grass, keep that patch trimmed low. It helps stop dew from building up under the frame and allows airflow to reach the springs. For anyone with artificial turf, give the area a sweep now and then to push out any trapped moisture or insects that could speed up wear.
Professional servicing once a year, especially right before heavy spring use kicks in, makes a big difference. It's a good time to replace springs in batches and get a proper look at how the whole system is holding up while it’s still early in the season.
Tips For Trouble-Free Bounce All Season
Springs might seem like just another part of the trampoline setup, but they carry the force of every jump. When they're working properly, the bounce feels light, even, and fun. When they start to go, you’ll know it by the sound, feel, and sudden shift in bounce quality.
Making spring checks a habit is one of the easiest ways to keep the fun going. You don’t need a full toolkit or a lot of time. Just being aware of what healthy springs look and feel like puts you in a good position to stop damage before it spreads.
With a little upkeep, you make sure weekend bouncing, backyard hangouts, or school holiday flips happen safely and without surprise breakages. Perth’s spring weather gives plenty of sunny afternoons worth enjoying, and with well-maintained springs, that trampoline will stay a safe and steady part of it all.
For ultimate peace of mind with your trampoline setup, give your springs the attention they deserve. At Jump Star Trampolines, we know keeping springs in top shape brings better safety and bounce time. Learn how to properly care for your trampoline springs with the right parts and practical advice. Keep the fun going for your family with the right care and support.
