Simple Solutions for Trampoline Net Wear and Tear
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:6 October 2025
Trampoline nets cop a fair bit of wear and tear over time, especially when kids are jumping about most days. Whether it's fraying at the stitching, a few random holes, or the whole thing starting to sag, damage to the net doesn’t take long to show. And once it does, most families start to wonder how long it’s safe to use or if a full net swap is needed.
In Perth, spring means warmer weather and more time outside. That also means your trampoline is seeing more action. A worn-out net can put a real damper on outdoor play. Making sure the net is holding up well not only keeps the trampoline safe but also saves you from bigger problems later on. Knowing what to look out for and how to deal with it early can make a big difference.
Common Causes Of Trampoline Net Damage
Spring in Perth brings out the sunshine, but it also brings longer exposure to warm winds and UV rays. These conditions can make your trampoline net wear out quicker than expected. If the net's been out all winter and hasn't had a chance to dry properly, it might be brittle or stretched, especially around the stitching or zipper areas.
Some of the most common causes of net damage include:
- UV exposure: Constant sun can break down the fibres, making the net weak
- Windy conditions: Gusts may cause strain where the net attaches to the poles
- Overuse: Regular crowding or jumping near the sides wears out the connection points
- Pets or birds: Claws and beaks may snag or tear the mesh
- Storage problems: Folding and storing carelessly causes kinks or tears before next use
If you've got younger kids who love to climb or lean against the net, that extra pressure often leads to tears near the top edge. We once heard of a Perth family whose dog regularly brushed against the net for shade, which eventually caused a hole near the bottom seam. Small, everyday moments like this can add up over time.
Checking the net early in spring is a smart way to catch faults before school holidays or birthday parties roll around. It usually doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and it helps you feel ready for a busy season of backyard play.
Inspecting Your Trampoline Net
If your net doesn’t feel as sturdy as it used to, it’s worth doing a full walk-around. A quick once-over from the kitchen window won’t always show the full picture. Set aside a bit of time and give your trampoline some proper attention.
Here’s a basic step-by-step way to check your net:
1. Walk fully around the trampoline. Stand up close and look at the netting, especially near the entry point
2. Run your hands gently along the net to feel for thinning spots or stretched fabric
3. Check each connection point where the net meets poles or padded areas
4. Look closely at the stitching, focusing on the top and bottom edges
5. Open and close the zipper slowly to make sure it’s not stuck or frayed
6. Look underneath the trampoline edge to see if the net has come loose or sagged
Pay attention to sections that might look faded or patchy. These are often first to go once kids start using it again after a break. Minor stretch marks are usually fine, but if the mesh feels brittle or you can poke a finger through, that’s a sign it’s time to act.
If you notice a tear bigger than a 20-cent coin or if the zip won’t fully close, think safety first. Even small gaps can turn into bigger hazards during regular play. Damage that’s left too long becomes harder to deal with, often leading to more repairs or even a full trampoline net replacement. Better to catch things early and sort them out before someone takes a tumble.
Simple Repair Solutions For Net Damage
Small issues on trampoline nets can sometimes be dealt with before they become big problems, but there’s a limit. Most light repairs are okay if the area hasn't stretched out too much or if the damage is away from heavily used sections like the entrance.
Here are a few safe ways to handle mild wear:
- Mesh patches: If you spot a small hole under about 5 cm, patching can be a temporary fix. These usually stick or sew onto the net securely for short-term use
- Sturdy thread for tears: A smooth tear along the seam can sometimes be stitched with thick outdoor thread. Use a curved needle and double-stitch for better hold
- Reinforcing attachment points: If clips or straps have come loose, try replacing them with cable ties. They need to be tight but not cutting into fabric. Always match the tension across the net so one side isn’t pulling harder than the other
It’s important to know when to stop patching and look at a stronger solution. If repairs start to pile up or if the material starts ripping from the patches themselves, the net’s no longer safe. A strong breeze or an off-centre jump may suddenly cause it to fail, and that’s not something you want when kids are using it daily.
When minor patch-ups aren’t holding anymore, or when the mesh has gotten slack and loose all over, it’s time to move on to something more secure.
When Should You Replace The Trampoline Net?
There’s a point where repair just prolongs the inevitable. If your trampoline net’s been stitched, patched, re-clipped, and zip-tied a few too many times, it's probably time to swap it out altogether.
Look out for these signs that replacement is the better option:
- UV fading and cracking across wide sections
- Large holes or multiple smaller ones across different areas
- Broken zip or entrance that can no longer close securely
- Loose attachments that can’t be properly tightened
- Widespread sagging, especially where kids lean or push against it
A net that’s completely lost shape or strength puts everyone using the trampoline at risk. One Perth parent told us they kept fixing a torn section again and again until one day their child accidentally rolled straight through the weakened gap. Luckily, no one was hurt, but it gave them a clear reason to replace the net instead of patching again.
Getting a fresh net means renewed safety, peace of mind, and a whole lot less worry about what might go wrong during play. It’s a smart move as spring rolls into summer and the trampoline becomes the centre of backyard games again.
Maintaining Your Net For Longer Use
Once your new net’s in place, the goal is to keep it going strong for as many seasons as possible. Regular care takes a few extra minutes here and there but makes a huge difference.
Keep your net in top shape with these tips:
- Clean the net gently with soapy water and let it dry properly
- Trim nearby branches or hedges that may brush or snag the mesh
- During high winds, secure the trampoline or move it to a sheltered area
- Always check the zip opens and closes easily before each use
- Avoid adults or pets leaning or pulling on the net excessively
If you’re expecting long stretches of rain, consider stripping off removable net parts and storing them indoors until things dry out. When the weather stays dry, keep it covered with a light roof tarp if the trampoline’s not in use for a while. These little things help lessen sun damage and tangling during storms.
When storing it through cooler months, fold the net carefully without pressing creases into one spot. Don’t stuff it deep inside a garden shed where it might get damp or snag on sharp tools. A sealed storage tub works well if space allows.
Keeping the Play Safe and Simple
It’s easy to overlook, but the net plays just as big a part in trampoline safety as the springs or frame. It’s what keeps young kids from slipping off the edge and stops flying toys from flying too far. Getting into the habit of checking it now and then is worth it.
Even the best-quality net won't last forever, especially with how much sun Perth gets each year. That’s why regular checks and knowing when to stop repairing are so helpful. They keep the whole play setup much safer.
At the end of the day, no one wants to interrupt a jumping session for an injury that could’ve been avoided. A strong, snug trampoline net gives everyone—kids and adults alike—a bit more peace while the backyard gets its usual workout. Half the battle is just staying ahead of the wear before it turns into a bigger fix. You don’t need to overthink it, but you do need to keep an eye on it.
Ensuring your trampoline is safe and ready for endless backyard fun means checking the net for wear before things get serious. If you’ve spotted damage that can’t be patched up, it might be time to consider a proper trampoline net replacement to keep your setup secure. At Jump Star Trampolines, we make it easy to find the right fit so you can kick back while the kids enjoy a worry-free bounce.
