A trampoline can be a fun but potentially dangerous addition to your backyard. While many kids may ask their parents for a trampoline especially in the current environment where a public trampoline park is out of the question, I wondered about specifications in terms of how big trampolines are, how much space they require and how much weight they can hold?
What I found is that weight limits can vary depending on the quality of the trampoline and the manufacturer since some are built better and some are designed for kids whereas others are built for adult use.
The weight limit of a trampoline is determined by the capacity rating of the springs and support rods. A 10′ round trampoline for kids may hold up to 45 lbs in weight whereas a 12′ round trampoline for adults can take 250 lbs – 300 lbs. A 14′ round trampoline may reach 350 lbs in weight capacity.
It’s important to note that depending on the quality of the trampoline, weight limits can vary wildly. It’s not uncommon for example to see one 12′ trampoline rated at 300 lbs whereas another 12′ model from a different manufacturer may go as high as 398 lbs.
It’s generally regarded that round-shaped trampolines are safer than other shapes since they tend to cause people to jump in the center away from the edges and because the round design limits how high you can jump.
A round trampoline also tends to bounce highest in the center which is also the safest place to be, away from the edges where you could touch the springs.
How much weight can a trampoline hold?
Depending on the size, design and quality of a trampoline, you’ll find various limitations in terms of the weight limit as well as whether or not it’s for kids or adult use.
Here are some popular round trampoline sizes along with expected weight limit ranges.
| Trampoline size | Weight limit capacity |
| 8′ – 10′ round (kid size) | up to 150 lbs |
| 12′ round (adult size) | up to 300 lbs |
| 14′ round (adult size) | up to 350 lbs |
| 16′ round (adult size) | up to 450 lbs |
What to look for when buying a trampoline
Look for trampolines that have references to being certified by one of several organizations and products that have various safety components that will help you feel confident that the product is high quality and will last.
Things to look for in product advertising and pictures include:
- TÜV certification: TÜV is a global Germany-based testing organization that rates and certifies a wide variety of products and components.
- ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials): The ASTM has developed standards for trampoline components, assembly and instructions as well as safety warnings that some products bear.
- UV protection: Since trampolines are left outside particularly in the summer during direct sunlight, UV rays from the sun can damage and deteriorate components. A UV-resistant mat design helps to extend the life of the trampoline and maintain safety levels.
- Galvanized steel: Frames that are made from galvanized steel are stronger and will last longer than trampolines made from regular simple steel.
- Stable trampoline poles: The stronger and more stable the poles, the more weight the trampoline can support and the better the product is able to safely support the weight and stress of people jumping on it.
- Safety net: A trampoline with a strong safety net prevents people from falling off the trampoline onto the ground which makes up a large percentage of trampoline injuries. More on that below.
- No gap mat design: Quality trampolines come with no gap at the edges for people to fall into. If there is a gap between the jumping mat and the springs that hold it into place, someone will inevitably fall into it and potentially hurt themselves.
- Round vs rectangular shape: A round trampoline is generally considered to be safer than a rectangular one. A round trampoline won’t bounce as high as a rectangular one given the design and shape and will draw jumpers back to the center away from the edges where injuries often occur. Similarly a smaller trampoline size won’t bounce as high as a bigger one.
- Trampoline cover: Other than keeping the trampoline clean and dry, a cover can also help to bear the brunt of UV rays, dirt, rain and wind when it is not in use.
Trampoline space and height requirements
How much space do you require for a trampoline in your backyard? Your trampoline manufacturer will have minimum requirements but in all likelihood you’ll need to ensure ahead of time that you have the room. Take the size of your trampoline and ensure that you have:
- At least 2′ clearance on every side of the trampoline when it is enclosed with a safety net.
- At least 8′ clearance on every side of the trampoline when it is unenclosed without a safety net.
- At least 24′ overhead clearance for uninhibited jumping ie. no overhead tree branches or other structures that you could hit your head on.
Also ensure you have enough room to set up the trampoline well away from fencing, shrubs, trees and other obstructions.
Trampoline related injuries
Trampolines can be dangerous. The nature of the activity means that your level of safety involves a combination of using a quality product, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings. Specifically, follow trampoline instructions and don’t exceed the weight limit and user numbers as the more people you have jumping at the same time, the more likely you are to hit one another and cause injury.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that trampoline injuries have tripled since 1991. They also report:
- 2/3 of trampoline-related injuries that result in a hospital visit were experienced by children aged 6 – 14.
- 11 deaths from trampolining have been reported since 1990.
- Most injuries requiring hospital visits are from people colliding with one another on the trampoline, falling on the springs or trampoline frame, tumbling or jumping off the trampoline or from doing stunts.
- Leg and foot injuries are the most common body parts affected by injuries.
What happens if you exceed the weight limit on a trampoline?
As mentioned above, many trampoline injuries are from being careless (ie. colliding with one another) or simply not following the instructions and not using common sense (ie. doing stunts). Even when you follow the instructions and are safe, injuries do occur.
Weight capacity limits exist on a trampoline for both legal and technical reasons. Legally the manufacturer wants to protect themselves against being sued if a person is injured while using the trampoline either correctly or incorrectly. In actuality, trampolines like other products have technical and physical design limits and simply aren’t meant for everyone. At a certain weight, the product may fail and cause injury.
Pay very close attention to the design and specifications of the trampoline you’re considering and ensure you purchase one that meets the usage requirements that you have. Do not exceed the state weight limits and if unsure consider a trampoline that has a higher weight limit so that it meets your needs now and in the future.
Is trampoline insurance included in my homeowners insurance?
You may be surprised to know that your homeowner’s insurance plan may not – probably won’t in fact – cover liability or injuries caused by your trampoline.
Before buying a trampoline or letting people outside your immediate family use it, contact your insurance company to ask about coverage if any that would protect you against an injury to anyone who uses it.
Your insurance broker may suggest adding the trampoline specifically to your policy, increasing your liability coverage, adding an umbrella policy or accounting for it another way. One way or the other it’s likely your insurance premiums will increase.
Attractive nuisance
Attractive Nuisance: An aspect of law in some jurisdictions that says that a homeowner can be held liable for injuries to children caused by something on the property that a child could be attracted to. Such as a pool. Or a trampoline.
This is even if the child is trespassing and doesn’t have permission to be there. This takes into account the fact that children often don’t know the difference between right and wrong and may not be aware of certain hazards like water or a trampoline. Adults are therefore required to make it more difficult for people to access these attractive nuisances by putting up a fence or locked gate, etc.
Reducing trampoline injuries and liability
- Follow manufacturer instructions and don’t exceed user limits. Better yet, only allow one person to use it at a time.
- Don’t use a trampoline without safety padding around the springs, hooks and frame.
- Only use an enclosed trampoline with safety netting with no gaps.
- Don’t leave a ladder around that a child could use to enter the trampoline on their own.
- Don’t do somersaults, tricks and other dangerous stunts.
- Don’t jump off the trampoline. As mentioned above, leg and foot injuries are most common.
- Set up the trampoline away from trees, structures and hard surfaces that you could fall on. Make sure you have enough headroom above the trampoline for bouncing.
What can I get instead of a trampoline?
If you ultimately decide against a trampoline or simply want something else, you might consider a few alternatives such as the following:
- Visit to a local indoor trampoline park that is professionally designed and insured.
- Bouncy castle that can be inflated and deflated as needed.
- Inflatable pool toys.
- Swing set.
- Slip n slide or other water-themed product for summer use.
- Bubble soccer suit.
- Powerbocking stilts.