Why Your Trampoline Net Might Be Sagging
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:2 November 2025
If your trampoline net is drooping more than it used to, it’s probably not just your imagination. Sagging nets are a common issue for many families across Perth, especially when you’ve had the trampoline for a few years. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but when the net loses its tension, safety takes a hit. A loose net can make it easier for kids to fall off or get tangled during play, which is the last thing anyone wants.
There's no single reason this happens, and it usually builds up bit by bit. Sun exposure, wear from daily use, and simple ageing of the material all play a part. Leaving it too long without dealing with it could make future repairs more expensive or even force a full replacement. Knowing what causes trampoline nets to sag and spotting the signs early can help you stay ahead of the issue and keep things safe in your backyard.
Common Causes Of Trampoline Net Sagging
A trampoline net doesn’t just stretch one day without warning. Most of the time, it starts slowly, with small changes that grow over time. The sagging usually comes from a mix of use, exposure to the elements, and how it was first put together. If you’re noticing the net isn’t holding up like it used to, there’s a good chance one of these things is the cause:
- Poor installation
Nets that aren’t set up tight from the start are much more likely to sag early. If the poles holding the net aren’t secured properly or spaced evenly, the tension won’t be distributed the way it should. Even new trampolines can have this problem if assembly instructions weren’t followed closely or parts weren’t clamped down all the way.
- Wear and tear
Perth’s sun doesn’t go easy on anything left outside. UV rays can weaken the net fibres over time, especially in the warmer months. Add to that some windy days, rainy winters, and constant use by kids, and the net's fabric begins to lose strength. The stitching and mesh take the brunt of the pressure, and they eventually lose their ability to spring back.
- Loss of elasticity
Nets rely on a certain level of bounce themselves. They’re designed to absorb movement and hold tension. Over time, the material can stiffen or overstretch, especially if it's lower quality or hasn’t been cleaned or maintained. Once it loses elasticity, the net can’t hold its shape and begins to sag inwards or hang loose between the poles.
All three of these are usually part of the picture. For example, a trampoline that was put together in winter might not seem loose at first. But as the weather heats up and the materials stretch, what looked tight in June may start to sag by November.
How To Spot Signs That a Trampoline Net Needs Replacing
It’s one thing to notice a little slack in the net, but how do you tell when it's time to move from adjusting it to fully replacing it? Some signs are clearly visible, while others sneak up over time. A close check every few weeks can help you catch the warning signs early.
Here are the main clues that the trampoline net may be due for retirement:
- The net dips more than usual between each pole
This uneven drop means the net is no longer holding its tension. It’s often most obvious after the kids have been jumping, when the net looks stretched out and doesn’t bounce back to shape.
- You can see frayed edges or small holes starting to form
These little tears grow larger over time, especially when exposed to strong sunlight or regular friction from activity inside the trampoline. Even just getting caught on a zipper or corner during use can quickly widen a weakened spot.
- The attachments are loose or coming away from the poles
Nets usually connect with elastic ties, hooks, or sleeves that wrap around the frame. If those ties look stretched out or keep slipping off, the net won’t stay in place for long. In some cases, the structure may be fine, but the connecting parts have gone soft or brittle.
- The net no longer clicks or pulls tight when doing up the zip
If the entry doesn’t fit together properly, it might be due to the overall drop of the net. A loose fit around the entrance gets riskier the more the net begins to hang.
Don’t wait for a total snap to act. Once the net has started showing two or more of these signs, it’s only a matter of time before the safety risk increases. It’s better to sort out the replacement while everything else is still in working condition, rather than patching short-term fixes weekly.
How To Prevent and Fix a Sagging Trampoline Net
If your trampoline net is starting to give way, there are a few things you can do to keep it from getting worse. Staying on top of small maintenance jobs can go a long way in keeping your net taut and safe for longer.
Here are a few practical steps to stay ahead of the sag:
- Check all attachments and connections monthly
Look at the hooks, ties, and sleeves. These small parts do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping the net up. If any are loose or stretched out, they’ll need adjusting or replacing before they become a bigger problem.
- Tighten fittings and pole connections
Sometimes the issue isn't the net itself but the frame or poles it attaches to. If support poles are leaning or wobbly, it can cause the net tension to drop. Make sure everything is firmly in place and screwed in tight.
- Use a protective cover when the trampoline isn’t in use
Especially across Perth’s warm months, UV rays do most of the damage. Using a tramp cover can help shield the net from sun exposure, leaves, and rainfall. Just make sure it fits well and doesn't create extra tension while on.
- Keep the net clean
Dust, dirt, and leaf build-up can slowly wear down fibres and stitching. Give the net a rinse now and again and let it air dry well before use.
- Follow the right steps during installation
If you're replacing a net or setting up a new one, following the installation guide fully is key. Start with a clean and level foundation. Keep the net evenly distributed around the frame, and use the same tension on all sides.
Going a step further with replacements is sometimes the right move too. When you do need a new net, make sure it's designed for your exact trampoline model. A mismatched size is likely to sag from the start or fail to attach securely, no matter how snug it looks at first.
When It’s Time to Replace the Net
Trampoline nets don’t last forever, especially not in Perth’s changing weather. The stronger the heat, the faster materials wear down. And even though regular maintenance helps, there comes a point when tightening ties is no longer enough.
One of the clearest signs that a new net is needed is the decline in safety. If the current net doesn't create a clear, upright boundary, there's a higher chance that falls could lead to injury. Gaps at the sides or rips below the zip opening might not seem serious, but they lower the net’s ability to do its job.
Aside from safety, an ongoing fix-it routine every week or two ends up costing you more time and money than simply replacing it. High-quality nets offer stronger stitching and more reliable elasticity, which means less adjusting and fewer breakages.
To make sure you get the right fit:
- Measure your trampoline frame diameter, not just the mat
- Check the height of your pole system
- Match the connection method (sleeves, hooks, etc.)
- Confirm the net suits the shape of your frame (round or rectangular)
Getting those few things right can mean years of safe use, instead of another round of patch-ups after summer ends.
Keeping Your Trampoline Safe and Enjoyable
Trampolines are a great way to keep the kids active and outdoors, especially once the warmer weather hits Perth. But when parts of the setup start to wear down, it takes away from both the fun and the peace of mind. A sagging net often signals it’s time for a closer look, whether that means a quick adjustment or a full replacement.
Staying on top of regular checks and knowing when to swap out worn parts helps your trampoline stay in top shape. It also means less chance of last-minute scrambles before guests visit or before the next birthday bash. Make those small maintenance habits part of your routine now, and it'll pay off each time the kids race out for another round of jumps.
If you're seeing signs of wear or sag in your trampoline net, trust Jump Star Trampolines to help you get back to safe and carefree bouncing. Take a look at our trampoline net replacement options to find the right fit for your setup and enjoy more peace of mind during outdoor play in Perth.
